Grand Trunk Western Locomotives on the Canadian National Railway in Baton Rouge

Photos and Story by Ken Hulseu

One of the great things about working in Baton Rouge is watching all the different types of locomotives in operation on the Canadian National. I have to tip my hat off to the CN for not repainting all of their locomotives in their signature colors like all other railroads. I love to drive by the CN engine facilities near downtown because I never know what I'm going to see in the yard. 

It's kinda like playing railroad roulette.

Canadian National Railway (Railroad Color History) Hardcover - $26.99 @ Amazon.com

In my time working in the Louisiana capitol, I have seen locomotives from the old Illinois Central, The Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway, and The Grand Trunk Western. The Illinois Central power is right at home in Baton Rouge because the CN is operating on their old trackage, which they acquired via merger in 1999. Likewise, 'The Jay' became part of the CN system in 2007. It's the sheer volume of Grand Trunk locomotives in the area that I find most fascinating.

Sometimes I feel like I am located just off the banks of Lake Michigan instead of the Mississippi River.

It is not uncommon to spot local CN trains with an entire consist of Grand Trunk power. Likewise, a vast majority of switching duties are handled by these units as well.

This series of photographs illustrates this quite well. For local railfans, these scenes will be seen all too often, but for enthusiasts across the country and around the globe, these should be a real treat.









Check Out: Uncover the Story Behind Abandoned Locomotive #400 in Long Leaf, Louisiana | Ken Hulsey Photographer

Railroading in the South - Trains Up and Down the Pelican State | Ken Hulsey Photographer

Chasing Shadows of the Past: A Railroad Adventure with Kansas City Southern's Vintage F-Series Locomotives

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