Take an Alberta Break Grain Cars

These Alberta Government grain cars have been roaming the rails for forty+ years and approaching retirement, but a select number have found a new home on the Battle River Railway. While looking worn out, and graffiti covered, they’re still serviceable and help alleviate car shortages on the line.

That they’re still in use, in spite of looking like scrap yard fodder, is a testament to the overbuilt nature of railway infrastructure. While awaiting loads, they can be seen parked on various sidings up and down the arrow straight Battle River line. The railway has something like a hundred and twenty five presently but we understand they may get more. Or perhaps they already did so. Grain makes up the majority of what they haul, so it’s important cars be available.

The Provincial Government commissioned the building of a thousand of these in the early ’80s, and originally leased them to Canada’s two major railways at close to a 50/50 split. Present day many are now parked awaiting an unknown fate, a number were lost in wrecks, but several hundred (including Battle River’s) remain in service.

They’re emblazoned with a big Alberta logo, the slogan “Take an Alberta Break” and the name of select towns within the province. It’s always interesting to keep a tally of places you recognize and it’s good luck to catch one passing through a namesake community. It happened to us once in Crossfield Alberta.

In addition to Alberta, both the Saskatchewan and National Governments sponsored the building of similar cars in that same era. Hauling grain does not pay well and with the major railways reluctant to invest in new fleets, the provinces and feds had to step up.

The Team visited the railway long ago: A Day with the Battle River Railway.

From the same card dump…
Jumpingpound Mountain East Ridge.
Miquelon Lake Park Big Loop.
The Family Homestead.

Short Subjects: Reports that are brief in nature. Think silly little snippets, vignettes and things of that sort. You’ll be in and out in no time.

To reach out or to say hi, go here: contact us!

Date of adventure: October, 2021.
Location: Rosalind, AB.

Take an Alberta Break Grain Cars on the Battle River Railway.

They have found a second life here.