Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo’s first diesel locomotives were four EMD NW2 switchers received in early 1948; No. 54 works at Aberdeen Yard, Hamilton, in 1950.
Len Saltmarsh
Steam locomotives 4-6-4 No. 501 and 2-8-4 No. 201
Kings of Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo’s steam roster, 4-6-4 No. 501 (left) and 2-8-4 No. 201 rest in the Hamilton roundhouse in the early 1950s, not long before their displacement by diesels.Frank Foster collection
0-6-0 steam locomotive No. 45
The Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo name barely fits on the tender of 0-6-0 No. 45, seen at Aberdeen Yard, Hamilton, in October 1938.R.G. Leitch
2-8-4 steam locomotive No. 201
Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo’s last new steam locomotives were also its biggest: 2-8-4 freight hogs 201 and 202, built by Montreal Locomotive Works in 1928. They were copies of a Chicago & North Western design. Berkshire 201 stands at Hamilton in August 1953.Harold K. Vollrath collection
Gas-electric motor car No. 301 and GP7 diesel locomotive No. 71
Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo’s first piece of internal-combustion motive power and its first road diesel stand together at Hamilton in August 1952. Gas-electric motor car 301 was built by Canadian Car & Foundry (under license from Electro-Motive) in 1927. GP7 71 (built 1950) was one of the first two locomotives produced by the General Motors Diesel Division plant at London, Ont.Jim Neubauer
GP7 diesel locomotive No. 72
Brand-new GP7 No. 72 works at Aberdeen Yard, Hamilton, in 1950. Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo’s colors were maroon and cream.Len Saltmarsh
4-6-2 steam locomotive No. 15
The last engines built to Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo’s own design were 4-6-2s 15 and 16, supplied by Montreal in late 1923. Pacific 15 is at the Hamilton roundhouse in August 1938.R.G. Leitch
4-6-4 steam locomotive No. 501
The final steam power to join the Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo roster was a pair of ex-New York Central J-1 Hudsons, which arrived in early 1948. Hudson 501 (ex-NYC 5311) departs Buffalo on Oct. 26, 1952.Louis A. Marre collection
Classic Trains editors are celebrating the heritage, history, and lore of famed (and infamous) railroads. In July 2020, we celebrate the Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo.
Please enjoy a collection of locomotive images located in the David P. Morgan Library archives at Kalmbach Media that include the TH&B’s iconic locomotives and classic scenic photos.
