Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
After 32 years of researching and documenting local railway history, you’d think I would have grown weary of public lectures—but the thrill of sharing these stories with future generations never gets old! 🚂
In this video, I describe my experiences presenting local history over the years, in particular the opportunities I had this spring to talk about my latest railway projects to fellow history buffs and model railroaders. I was incredibly excited (and admittedly a bit nervous!) to share the stage at a few fantastic local events: ● May 1st: Focussing on the Graham Subdivision at the Transportation Museum of Thunder Bay fundraiser. ● May 22nd: A double-header at the NMRA Thousand Lakes Region Convention! First, a combined deep dive into the Graham and Kinghorn Subdivisions, followed by an evening presentation on the Gunflint and Lake Superior Railroad (and my book on the subject).
As an educator, preserving the past is only half the job; sharing it is where the magic happens. Thank you to everyone who attended!
Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
This episode, the tenth in sub-series on the former Kinghorn Subdivision and Part 1 of 2, takes us to Pass Lake, Ontario and one of the most recognizable structures on the line. The Pass Lake-Blende River area has some unique geography and that influenced the route and construction of the Canadian Northern Railway. Forced by the Canadian Pacific Railway and the ridges of the Sibley Peninsula to hug the shore of Lake Superior and then through a narrow gap known as “The Pass,” the rail line had to cross the wide Blende River Valley. The result was a massive, 2258-foot long, 130-foot high steel viaduct, which remains the largest in central Canada. Our ride takes us from the site of Pass Lake Station west to the viaduct, including through a stretch where the rails remain in place.
Extra Credit is video series that examines topics related to history in the Thunder Bay District and exploring that history.
This episode, the ninth in sub-series on the former Kinghorn Subdivision, takes us north of Nipigon to the communities of Macdiarmid/Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, ON and the tunnel located nearby. The Macdiarmid or Jumbo’s Cove Tunnel was built circa 1911-1912 and is the longest rail tunnel in this part of the country and one of the longest tunnels in eastern Canada. With its unique concrete work and its length, it is certainly quite the place to visit.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 83-87.3) at Macdiarmid/Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, ON. Features the grade as it passes alongside the communities with rock cuts, signage, crossings, culverts and the approaches to the Macdiarmid Tunnel. There are also beautiful views of Pijitawabik Bay of Lake Nipigon.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 83-87.3) near Macdiarmid/Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, ON. Features the grade between Farlinger (MP 34.9) and Macdiarmid Stations (MP 36.6) with a milepost marker, rock cuts, including a massive 1000-foot long, 50+foot high cut and beautiful views of Pijitawabik Bay of Lake Nipigon.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 83-87.3) at Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, ON. Features the grade between Fairloch (MP 33.6) and Farlinger Stations (MP 34.9) with rock cuts, cuttings, milepost markers and the spur/station at Farlinger.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 83-87.3) at Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, ON. Features the grade at Fairloch Station (MP 33.6), with the remains of the siding, milepost marker and section house.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 75.4-79.3) south of Beardmore, ON. Features the grade as it passes through an ancient flood plain with cuttings, large embankments, milepost markers and signage plus the remnants of a massive 1999 forest fire.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 75.4-79.3) south of Beardmore, ON. Features the grade as it passes through an ancient flood plain with cuttings, milepost markers and an old concrete culvert plus the remnants of a massive 1999 forest fire.
Video of the former Canadian Northern Railway/CN-Kinghorn (Dorion) Subdivision (MP 75.4-79.3) south of Beardmore, ON. Features the grade as it passes through an ancient flood plain with cuttings, milepost markers and old flag stops plus the remnants of a massive 1999 forest fire.
Poverty, Agony, Distress & Want! 