Via Rail LRC running for the first time in over a decade

[DrewG]

The Toronto Railway Heritage Centre launched a campaign in 2010 called "save the LRC". It received an incredible amount of support and not long after, purchased LRC #6917 from Via Rail. On Sept 10th 2014, 13 years after it retired, it came back to life.

The LRC (Light, Rapid, Comfortable) was Canada's attempt at High speed rail following the unsuccessful " Turbo" train. built by bombardier between 1980-1984, the LRC was designed to travel between Toronto and Montreal at speed up to 125mph. Because of slow moving freight trains, signalling problems and slow track speeds the LRC was limited to 100mph. The LRC's stayed in service until 2000-2001 with most being scrapped. Although I never got to see the LRC's I'm happy to see the LRC, a huge part of Canadian rail history come back to life.

Here is a video of it running again. http://youtu.be/q-zYWX7TeaI

[Chacal]

Brings back memories...
I'm confused as to why it was so difficult starting her up after 13 years (see other videos in the series). That's not a long time for a diesel. She was probably poorly maintained before going into mothballs.

Ironically, LRC coaches are being refurbished and put back into service by VIA, replacing Renaissance cars.

[philmoberg]

I can't tell you how delighted this news makes me! This is a truly significant part of Canadian railway history that I was sure would be missed because it's still too contemporary. Hearty congratulations to one and all who saw this one through!