Canadian National’s 4-8-4 Northerns
CN 6218, a Class U2g, 4-8-4 ‘Northern’-type steam locomotive, currently sits on display in Fort Erie, Ontario. The massive steel driving wheels of CN 6218 once thundered across Ontario, pulling trains consisting of passenger or freight traffic. This iron horse now sits dormant, still withholding her beauty and the ability to capture the fascination of anyone who pays her a visit. Steam no longer flows through her veins but this locomotive has no shortage of life left in her. She has made a lasting impression on everyone who has worked on her, everyone who has ridden a train pulled by her, and everyone who has ever stood track side, mesmerized, as the gigantic steel beast roared past leaving plumes of white smoke and smiles on children’s faces.
These three photos are dedicated to the memory of Robert ‘Bob’ Palmer, of Woodstock, Ontario. Bob’s love of the railway (and specifically Canadian National steam locomotives) was very evident and he was always eager to share a story with anyone. Perhaps the only person capable of rivaling the stories and tales that CN 6218 could tell would be Bob. Bob’s memory will never cease to exist in the minds of those who knew him, just as the memories of CN 6218 will stay with everyone who was fortunate enough to watch her soar across Canada in clouds of white smoke and wisps of steam.
