Click on each image for a closer look!

Cochrane is home to the Cochrane Railway and Pioneer Museum, located right next to the station.  Unfortunately, the museum’s two cabooses were destroyed in an arson attack last August.  The display currently consists of three former CN coaches, some damaged track equipment and #137: a 2-8-0 locomotive built by the Canadian Locomotive Company in 1913 for the Canadian Northern.  It was sad to see the museum in such a poor state.  To date, no suspects have been apprehended in relation to the arson.

Cochrane is a compact town with plenty of accommodation choices near the station.  From the platform, you can watch yard operations and the comings and goings at the shops.  For the most part, train movements are concentrated in the early morning and the evening.  I found the ONR crews to be friendly and helpful towards railfans.

In March, the Ontario Government announced plans to sell the railway and to cancel the ‘Northlander.’  This move has proved controversial, with “Ontario Northland NOT For Sale” signs posted throughout the community and on the trains. 

While the ONR’s future is currently uncertain, Cochrane is worth the trip and gives a great taste of how Ontario Northland operates.

#5: The Cochrane Station and the Station Inn.  (photo taken with permission)
#6: GP38-2 #1805, one of the few locomotives to still carry the classic ONR “Chevron” livery.
#7: GP38-2 #1802 arrives at Cochrane with the ‘Northlander’ from Toronto.
#8: The “Not for sale” signs are everywhere in town.

Click here to the read the first posting in this series.

Posting and pictures by Thomas Blampied