In early 1977, Ontario Northland acquired four retired Trans-Europe Express trainsets with the aim of boosting ridership between Ontario's "near north" region and the province’s capital, Toronto. The TEE Werkspoor locomotives, however, were not reliable, resulting in them being retired in 1980. To power these trains, Ontario Northland modified some FP7s with Head-End Power compatible with these trainsets. The trains ran in this configuration until 1992, at which time the TEE coaches were retired.
This train, the Northlander, would operate over Canadian National between Toronto Union Station and Cochrane, Ontario. The new Northlander's daytime schedules complemented the overnight Northland, jointly operated by CN (VIA Rail Canada after March 1978) and Ontario Northland.
Unfortunately, Northlander service was discontinued in 2012.
Northlander train 121 is about two miles out of Toronto Union Station, heading for Cochrane, Ontario, with ONT FP7 1985 for power.
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada – December 30, 1980) John C. Eull photograph, Craig Walker collection
