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April 24, 1902 Per Diem freight car rates are formally set for the first time. Experiments date back to 1888, and general use started in the 1890's. These rates allow car owners to be paid rent while their cars are on foreign roads.
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April 24, 1932 The Detroit, Toledo & Ironton ends passenger service between Detroit and Springfield OH.
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April 24, 1955 Canadian Pacific debuts its new train "The Canadian" and Canadian National debuts its new "Super Continental", claimed as the first streamliners in Canada. Both trains will carry some heavyweight equipment.
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April 24, 1962 Grand Trunk Western paints its first locomotive in the "wet noodle" scheme recently adopted by parent Canadian National.
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April 25, 1960 Canadian National operates its last steam locomotive in regular service, 4-8-2 #6043, on train #76 from The Pas to Winnipeg.
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April 25, 1976 Canadian National issues a timetable calling its passenger service "VIA". Turbotrains are the first to carry the new name.
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April 25, 2011 Canadian National issues a Press Release naming Microsoft founder Bill Gates as its largest single shareholder, owning just over 10% of the company.
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April 26, 1875 The Prince Edward Island Railway opens between Royalty Junction and Georgetown.
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April 26, 1926 First run of the Boston to Montreal "Ambassador", routed Boston & Maine/Central of Vermont/Canadian National.
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April 26, 1946 The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy “Advance Flyer” is struck from behind by the “Exposition Flyer”, which stopped to check its running gear. The “Exposition Flyer” had been traveling at 85 mph and was only able to reduce its speed to 60 mph at the point of collision. Forty-seven people are killed in the accident and 125 injured. The ICC rules after the crash that trains traveling over 79 mph in the United States must have “an automatic cab signal, automatic train stop or automatic train control system”. Because these items are considered too expensive by most railroads, train speeds are reduced to comply with the order.
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Mark Tomlonson
