2025 in Review
As the year comes to a close, it’s worth reflecting on just how much the VHA has accomplished over the past twelve months.
The Canadian’s 70th Anniversary
The VIA Historical Association was pleased to participate in VIA Rail’s event in Vancouver, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the “Canadian” train.
Readying for the Move
Earlier this month, VHA members Chris Fox, Brian Craus and Christopher Greenlaw worked on our Cafe-Bar-Lounge (CBL) 2514 and baggage car 9636.
VIA Historical Association Heritage Train Makes First Official Appearance
The non-profit VIA Historical Association (VHA) unveiled the first phase of its fully operable heritage train today, during a ceremony at VIA Rail Canada’s Toronto Maintenance Centre (TMC) celebrating that facility’s 40th anniversary.
Happy Birthday to the TMC
The VHA was pleased to participate in VIA Rail’s observation of the 40th anniversary of the Toronto Maintenance Centre. When VIA Rail was first formed, it performed maintenance in Toronto’s downtown area. VIA moved its maintenance to Mimico Yard in
Rail Day 2025
The VIA Historical Association was pleased to participate in Rail Day 2025, an annual event hosted by TRACCS.
6539 Is On The Move
Our FP9A locomotive, ex VIA 6539, is being moved from the Ontario Southland Railway (OSR) shops in Salford, Ontario to join the rest of our fleet in Toronto. The locomotive was winterized by the OSR, then wrapped in the shops
The Dayniters Join the Fleet
The VIA Historical Association’s two Dayniter cars and their baggage car have joined the rest of the fleet in Toronto. Dayniters 5700 and 5714 and baggage car 9604 spent a week in transit and arrived in Toronto on November 29.
VIA 6539 is Fully Painted
The VIA Historical Association’s ex VIA Rail locomotive, #6539, was released from the paint shop in time for Halloween – no trick! This FP9A locomotive was repainted into the traditional VIA blue and yellow. This beautiful paint work was generously
6539 Painting Progress
Ex VIA 6539 is being painted into the classic blue and gold scheme. Here are a few progress photos sent by the painter, Bob Merriam.