Quebec North Shore & Labrador Railway - SD40s and SD40-2s in the Canadian Wilderness

In this video, C. Vision Productions explores the wilds of eastern Canada, as videographer Dan Hadley takes us on a tour of the Quebec North Shore & Labrador Railway. We’ll cover the QNS&L from Sept-Îles, Quebec, all the way to Labrador City, via Ross Bay Junction. Along the way, we’ll see trains operating through some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Canada, as the route follows the Moisie, Nipissis, and Wacouno Rivers on its way north from Sept-Îles. In addition to ground shots, this program features a cab ride aboard one of QNS&L’s passenger trains, powered by SD40-2 234. Also included are behind-the-scenes views of the loading and unloading of QNS&L ore trains at Carol Lake and Sept-Îles, respectively. Adding to the variety, the Arnaud Railway and Wabush Lake Railway are both seen in action, utilizing a small fleet of mighty MLW RS-18s. At the time of production, the Quebec North Shore & Labrador’s road locomotive fleet was made up entirely of SD40s and SD40-2s, providing the power for ore trains, passenger trains, general freight trains, and work trains. The sights and sounds of these classic locomotives powering through the pristine wilderness of Quebec and Labrador will not soon be forgotten.
En français:
Dans cette vidéo, C. Vision Productions explore la nature sauvage de l'est du Canada, alors que le vidéaste Dan Hadley nous emmène visiter le Chemin de Fer Québec North Shore & Labrador. Nous couvrirons le QNS&L de Sept-Îles, Québec, jusqu'à Labrador City, via Ross Bay Junction. En cours de route, nous verrons des trains circuler à travers certains des plus beaux paysages de tout le Canada, alors que l'itinéraire suit les rivières Moisie, Nipissis et Wacouno en direction du nord de Sept-Îles. En plus des prises de vue au sol, ce programme comprend un trajet en taxi à bord de l'un des trains de passagers de QNS&L, alimentés par SD40-2 234. Sont également inclus des vues des coulisses du chargement et du déchargement des trains de minerai QNS&L à Carol Lake et Sept-Îles, respectivement. En plus de la variété, le Chemin de Fer Arnaud et le Wabush Lake Railway sont tous deux vus en action, utilisant une petite flotte de puissants MLW RS-18. Au moment de la production, la flotte de locomotives routières de Québec North Shore & Labrador était entièrement composée de SD40 et SD40-2, fournissant la puissance pour les trains d'exploitation, les trains de voyageurs, les trains de marchandises générales et les trains de travail. Les vues et les sons de ces locomotives classiques qui traversent la nature sauvage immaculée du Québec et du Labrador ne seront pas oubliés de sitôt.
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[@JeremyRails]

I studied at CEGEP in Sept-Îles. I loved my time there. I did an internship for QNS&L and SFFPN (formerly Arnaud Railway). The track is really beautiful and well-maintained. I truly miss my time there.

[@CVisionProductions1]

We’re happy to hear that you enjoyed your time in Sept-Îles. What a beautiful place to live and learn. And yes, the railway lines in this area appear to be maintained to a very high standard, which is great to see. Thank you for watching and commenting, Jeremy.

[@mjrodriguez8670]

The scenery in this part of Quebec is brilliant!

[@CVisionProductions1]

It truly is, MJ. The pristine wilderness along this route is absolutely splendid. Thank you for checking out the video.

[@metalheadrailfan]

Now this is the good stuff: long haul trains with classic motive power.

[@Brandinos-trains0719]

@@metalheadrailfan Agree

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for appreciating this video! It’s always nice to get feedback like this. As you can probably tell, this is the type of content that we enjoy sharing. Thanks again!

[@azrailfan2717]

Fantastic footage as always 😎. Not only are the trains are my favorite part but also the part at 10:27 with the railway dispatcher belting out train orders in French. Very cool 😎

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you for the kind words! And yes, we thought it was quite interesting to hear that conversation in French. As far as we know, all RTCs that control train movements in Quebec are required to be bilingual.

[@totenkopf6580]

I knew Roger Wall very well:D great video lads

[@CVisionProductions1]

We were hoping that someone who knew these gentlemen would leave a comment. Thank you. It was a joy to watch Mr. Wall run that engine. His decades of experience were clearly evident. Again, thank you for watching and commenting.

[@rimodeler7963]

Excellent video and great coverage of the QNS&L. Thank you! Mike

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you kindly, Mike! And you’re very welcome. We’re happy to hear that you enjoyed the video.

[@Railfan6675]

Awesome video. I’ve been to Quebec and Labrador and seen these. Very unique part of Canada to watch trains.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much!!! It certainly is some beautiful country. We’re glad that you were able to experience it! We appreciate the comment.

[@AlikStansberry]

37:27 a horn setup on the back of an ore train like that!? First time I’ve seen something like this. Not to mention a middle remote control unit arrangement, which I might’ve seen something like that used by the MMA. It’s a joy seeing those spectacular views in the Canadian wilderness and hearing those K5Hs, which often remind me of BCOL. And to learn more about certain railways as always. I’m glad QNS&L is still with us today.

[@CVisionProductions1]

We appreciate the comment, Alik. That Carol Lake operation was pretty neat - all remote control. It must be a bit strange to hear horns sounding constantly from multiple trains. As for the K5Hs and K5Ls, we absolutely agree that they were some of the best horns ever produced. If only more were still in use today… Thanks again!

[@Sunset4Semaphores]

3:03 nice caboose catch!!!❤❤❤

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you!!! It looked pretty darn good! We appreciate the comment.

[@paulcastillo1310]

Great video on qnsl

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much, Paul!!! We appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.

[@paulcastillo1310]

@CVisionProductions1 your welcome

[@TOPWOP999]

Awesome vid

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much!!! We appreciate you checking out the video.

[@Brandinos-trains0719]

I love the sounds of a 645 prime mover at notch-8

[@CVisionProductions1]

We do too! There isn’t much that can top it in the railroad world. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@25mfd]

cool vid... the CNW acquired a small block of geep 9s from QNSL back in the very early 80s

[@CVisionProductions1]

Ah, yes. We seem to remember that. Many of QNS&L’s retired locomotives ended up in service elsewhere. There seemed to be quite a few gray SD40-2s roaming around in lease fleets during the 2000s… Thank you very much for the comment. We’re glad that you enjoyed the video.

[@alexschmollinger6576]

Me and my Brother Went to Montreal Quebec Canada last Summer And Got lots of CN and CPKC Quebec Canada 🇨🇦 has all kinds of Cool 😎 Operating Railroads including the Quebec North Shore & Labrador Railway in Quebec & Labrador Canada 🇨🇦 Quebec French is hard to Speak and the Railroads in Quebec Speak in Quebec French Awesome Footage of the Quebec North Shore & Labrador Railway ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you so much, Alex!!! We’re glad that you were able to visit Quebec. It certainly is a beautiful place.

[@skylershummingbird1667]

Seeing the QNS&L footage makes me optimistic for more footage of QCM Alcos & MLWs. :)

[@CVisionProductions1]

We have that! It’s only a matter of time before the footage gets edited and uploaded. Hopefully we can sneak it in during 2025. Thank you for your interest in our videos.

[@boweandrew3]

Great video

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, Andrew!!! We’re glad that you enjoyed it.

[@Maine_Railfan]

Awesome video, I visited back in September and loved every minute of it. Are you guys going to release the Cartier footage someday?

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much!!! And yes, that is the plan. We reviewed the Cartier footage while putting together this QNS&L video. Mr. Hadley visited both railroads around the same time, so the scenes are mixed together on the raw tapes. All of Dan’s Maine footage is in line to be used as well, just as an FYI. We appreciate the comment.

[@bobsanders2353]

Old 2nd GEN DIESELS VERY GOOD VIDEO, Sure reminds me of the old Algoma Central!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, Bob!!! The QNS&L roster wasn’t very diverse, but we certainly can appreciate it today! SD40-2s are always in style… And we agree, QNS&L and ACR were quite similar. Thanks again!

[@randallvos]

Did Dan also work for Pentrex? Noticed that a lot of this footage is also in the Pentrex video of the same railroads.........

[@azrailfan2717]

You are correct 😎

[@colinmulder6806]

YES. YES he did.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Looks like two of our friends gave you your answer, and they are both correct. Mr. Hadley did work for Pentrex. He retained the rights to his raw footage, which is why you are able to see it here. We edit all of these videos from his original tapes. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@colinmulder6806]

@@CVisionProductions1 I left you something on your Marias Pass video.

[@CVisionProductions1]

@colinmulder6806 Thank you, Colin! We’ll take a look. We didn’t get a notification for a new comment on that video, so that’s a bad sign… If you replied to someone else’s comment, then that could be why.

[@Sunset4Semaphores]

Choo choo❤❤❤🎉🎉

[@CVisionProductions1]

There’s plenty of that in this video! Thanks again.

[@raditioadinugroho8492]

Very, very interesting video. I enjoyed it a lot 👍 I don't see any air reservoir on those SD40-2. Does all QNS&L SD40-2 has the same extra large fuel tank like the one on Erie-Lackawanna's SD45-2? 🤔

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much!!! And to answer your question: Yes. As far as we know, all of QNS&L’s SD40-2s had those larger fuel tanks. The air reservoirs were housed inside the carbodies of those units. As a note, the first group of QNS&L SD40s had the standard arrangement. We appreciate the comment.

[@palco22]

Over 400 km of nothing, .... but I guess somebody has to do it. I would love to ride this train !

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! Lots of beautiful country up that way, but quite empty. Maybe that’s a good thing? And yes, you could ride this line today. As far as we know, passenger service is still being provided between Sept-Îles and Schefferville, although it is no longer operated by the QNS&L. Tshiuetin Rail Transportation looks to be the current passenger operator. Thank you for the comment.

[@DocStoner]

This Is Doc And Karen Stoner From Dallas Texas And We Just Celebrated Are 65th Wedding Anniversary

[@CVisionProductions1]

Congratulations to you both!!! Thank you for checking out the video.

[@RogerDiotte]

Very good, what a little POWERHOUSE railway this ONCE was!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you, Roger! And yes, the QNS&L put on a fantastic show for Mr. Hadley during his visit. A group of skilled railroaders can be thanked for that. We appreciate the comment.

[@JMD422]

magnifique vidéo, merci!!!

[@CVisionProductions1]

Merci, mon ami!!!

[@SaberToothLawnTigers]

What year was this filmed?

[@CVisionProductions1]

The raw tapes from Mr. Hadley’s collection were not dated, but this footage appears to be from 1993. Thank you for checking out the video.

[@centredoorplugsthornton4112]

Note mix of Southern Railway cars with ex CP and ex CN on the passenger service.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes! Good eye. QNS&L’s fleet of passenger cars was quite diverse. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@cameron.s.9368]

I think this line is mostly gevos now:/ i think they sold off their SD70's and SD40's but i could be wrong.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Things have really changed on the QNS&L over the past 30 years. It’s always sad to see the older power go, but we suppose that’s progress. Thank you for the comment, Cameron.

[@ScuzzLightyear]

They still maintain a contingent of SD40-2’s, freshly rebuilt and new paint to boot. Though they’re not usually used on mainline ore trains anymore, they’re used in just about every other capacity from yard switching, mixed freight and fuel trains headed north. The only power you won’t see anymore are Wabush Lake RS-18’s. They were sold off years ago as that mine (now Tacora Resources) contracts directly with QNS&L for their ore haulage needs. The RS-18’s were showing their age and becoming unserviceable as MLW/Alco folded in the 1980’s, and parts were hard to source. The locomotives were bought new in the early 1960’s and were original to the project. Some still survive today, running on short line railways in Manitoba. Carol Lake (IOC) just acquired all-new electric locomotives to replace their old fleet for their automatic train operation. Rail traffic has increased since this video was filmed as Schefferville has since re-started mining operations (Tata steel), a completely new mine in Québec (Bloom Lake) opened up, and yet another mine (Kami) is in the process of being constructed, servicing 5 iron mines in total. They need all the motive power they can get.

[@cameron.s.9368]

@@ScuzzLightyear excellent news! Also did some research, seems they still have a few SD70ACe's kicking around too

[@Maine_Railfan]

They have some AC44 variants as well as SD70ACe’s as others have stated they have a bunch of SD40-3’s plus a few GP38’s. They are power short right now so they are leasing two ONR SD40-2’s.

[@totenkopf6580]

We still have dash 9s, SD70's, AC4400CW, and new AC4400C6Ms :) our SD40-3s were rebuilt in recent years by NRE.. totally ruined and old trustworthy locomotive. Even the paint is crap..

[@DocStoner]

My Wife Just Yelled At Me It’s Actually 70th Wedding Anniversary

[@CVisionProductions1]

Ha! Well, that’s even more impressive!!! Thanks again, and congrats.

[@DocStoner]

@ Who Would Of Thought We Would Be Married For 70 Years

[@jeanclementstgelais3226]

A old video, very old

[@CVisionProductions1]

Yes, the footage itself is over 30 years old. The video you see here was just edited and released in December of 2024. We’re grateful that the original tapes that this video was sourced from were well cared for. Thank you for watching.

[@hodgsontoaylen]

Never seen a hogger wearing a suit. And in Northern Quebec at that.

[@CVisionProductions1]

We took note of that as well. It was clear that these men took pride in their work. The videographer was in good hands during that trip. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@SkyhawkACE123]

H I G H Q U A L I T Y C O N T E N T

[@CVisionProductions1]

Thank you very much for the high quality comment! It caught our eye with the way you typed it out. We appreciate your creativity.