I retired from CN in December of 1965, but went back for about 4 summers to save for college costs. In 1970 they sent me to Valora on the Graham Sub between Conmee (Kashabowie Sub) and Superior Jct. just east of Sioux Lookout for a grain rush. Usually onlty 3 or 4 trains per week operated on this sub, but this was up to 3 or 4 trains per day for a time. They needed train order operators at a couple of points to manage these trains. I was set up in Valora, which had been closed as an agency for a few years at this time.

The train order signal was re-activated (notification via train order), the station was set up as an order office and I got my very own bunk car. Standard procedure for me usually was leave all boards on red, that way I never missed a train. Especially useful at night when it was necessary for open train order offices at night to high-ball all trains.

Note my trusty 64 VW.

Another picture of the station set-up and a peek inside at my working office. Regular train-phone, a newer typewriter !! (had used only old black Underwoods until this time). You can see about 3 train orders hanging on the wall. To the right beside the window was the train-phone lightning protection box., right beside the levers for the train order boards You can see the newly hired operator sitting in the chair.

This was "my" bunk car. Man, the conditions we had in those days. There was no electricity, running water or sewer at this location. It was some distance from the Trans-Canada if memory serves me correct. Notice the luxurious living conditions. No wonder I still go camping with my motorcycle all over North America.

I also worked at Graham one winter and have a couple of stories just on the Graham Sub, that for another time.

The rather poor picture below was taken in July 1971 in front of the Fort Frances station. Looks to be about 7 matched RS-18s (???) from the DWP.