The VIA Historical Association (VHA) unveiled the first phase of its heritage train during a ceremony at VIA Rail Canada’s Toronto Maintenance Centre, celebrating the facility’s 40th anniversary. 

VHA is presently building an early 1980s-era long-distance train that they hope will be ready to celebrate VIA’s 50th anniversary in 2028. The train will be a mix of former Canadian National cars in VIA blue and yellow, which VHA is restoring, and stainless steel former Canadian Pacific cars, which are still in service. The first phase of the heritage train included FP9A 6539, baggage car 9604 and Dayniter coaches 5700 and 5714. VHA has acquired additional cars, and those are currently being restored. 

During the event on June 25, the 6539 and train were posed alongside modern VIA equipment. The heritage train is not presently accessible to the public, but that is expected to change as the anniversary nears. —Justin Franz