The Ocean by Via Rail - 24 hours in a sleeper train across Canada
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Date: 2024-01-09
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Comments and reviews: 35
train
The vehicle design uses the British Railways Mk4 bodyshell, first introduced in the late 1980's. As such it was to the British Rail Loading Gauge, so only 9ft wide, 13ft high & 75ft long, which is smaller than any other European stock & therefore looks even smaller alongside North American rolling stock. The bogies however do not appear to have BR type airbag suspension, so must be a special design originally for use in Europe. The couplings are also NON standard for BR, & appear to be a type of Schaffenburg coupler intended for permanently coupled rakes of coaches. In other words they could only be uncoupled in a workshop.
It also appears that certain alterations were made to these vehicles for use in North America, including alterations to the corridor connections, making them wider, & possible further changes to the couplings. Interiors are also of a design modified probably for VIA Canada. As North American stock does not conform to UIC standards for Europe, Coupling height is lower in Europe, and North America hasn't used buffers since around the 1880's, meaning the later would have to have been removed and alternative arrangements made. No buffers, would require some sort of coupling incorporating a buffing system!
One last problem is that BR designs ALL needed high platforms. So these coaches had to have some sort of folding out step system added. Probably another reason these vehicles only have doors at one end of the vehicles!
Weird seeing BR sized stock in North America!
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The vehicle design uses the British Railways Mk4 bodyshell, first introduced in the late 1980's. As such it was to the British Rail Loading Gauge, so only 9ft wide, 13ft high & 75ft long, which is smaller than any other European stock & therefore looks even smaller alongside North American rolling stock. The bogies however do not appear to have BR type airbag suspension, so must be a special design originally for use in Europe. The couplings are also NON standard for BR, & appear to be a type of Schaffenburg coupler intended for permanently coupled rakes of coaches. In other words they could only be uncoupled in a workshop.
It also appears that certain alterations were made to these vehicles for use in North America, including alterations to the corridor connections, making them wider, & possible further changes to the couplings. Interiors are also of a design modified probably for VIA Canada. As North American stock does not conform to UIC standards for Europe, Coupling height is lower in Europe, and North America hasn't used buffers since around the 1880's, meaning the later would have to have been removed and alternative arrangements made. No buffers, would require some sort of coupling incorporating a buffing system!
One last problem is that BR designs ALL needed high platforms. So these coaches had to have some sort of folding out step system added. Probably another reason these vehicles only have doors at one end of the vehicles!
Weird seeing BR sized stock in North America!
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-jcur3118
I remember a long distance trip from Vancouver to Montreal. It was the Super Canadian -Car-Go-Rail- their then version of the auto train. It was 1967 for world's fair in Montreal. Spectacular and so much fun. We had 2 former Milwaukee Road Pullman Standard Super Domes which ran from one end of the Canadian Rockies to the other. Switched on the train just to the west of the Rockies and taken off at Jasper. My car was a combination of full bedrooms and roomettes, the latter being mine. What was so unique about this room was that the bed was like a drawer and pulled out. It was very comfy but you had to use the toilet down the hall at night instead of the one in your room. The views were spectacular Everyone should take the Vancouver to Toronto train through the Rockies. It's gorgeous and the food is out standing. The old Budd and Pullman cars have been kept in pristine condition. This particular trip we took was long before VIA rail, Canadian National.
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I remember a long distance trip from Vancouver to Montreal. It was the Super Canadian -Car-Go-Rail- their then version of the auto train. It was 1967 for world's fair in Montreal. Spectacular and so much fun. We had 2 former Milwaukee Road Pullman Standard Super Domes which ran from one end of the Canadian Rockies to the other. Switched on the train just to the west of the Rockies and taken off at Jasper. My car was a combination of full bedrooms and roomettes, the latter being mine. What was so unique about this room was that the bed was like a drawer and pulled out. It was very comfy but you had to use the toilet down the hall at night instead of the one in your room. The views were spectacular Everyone should take the Vancouver to Toronto train through the Rockies. It's gorgeous and the food is out standing. The old Budd and Pullman cars have been kept in pristine condition. This particular trip we took was long before VIA rail, Canadian National.
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-Whitbypoppers
The Budd fleet was purchased in the fifties for the Canadian from the Budd company of Philadelphia, reportedly the largest single order of rolling stock the company ever received with many full-train equivalents providing daily service on a route that took five days. Coaches built inside and out of stainless steel last a long time. Over time, as the number of overnight trains was reduced (the Canadian used to run 4 or 5 trains a week, VIA found itself with an increasing number of old-but-well-build wagons for the number of trains to use them on. Eventually, they got rid of their older-looking sheet-metal cars and distributed the Budd fleet around the country.
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The Budd fleet was purchased in the fifties for the Canadian from the Budd company of Philadelphia, reportedly the largest single order of rolling stock the company ever received with many full-train equivalents providing daily service on a route that took five days. Coaches built inside and out of stainless steel last a long time. Over time, as the number of overnight trains was reduced (the Canadian used to run 4 or 5 trains a week, VIA found itself with an increasing number of old-but-well-build wagons for the number of trains to use them on. Eventually, they got rid of their older-looking sheet-metal cars and distributed the Budd fleet around the country.
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-dima76
OK, i'm giving an answer off the top of my head, without reading ANY of the comments below whatsoever, strictly upon having lived in Canada for over 30 years: they type of car that had all the flags and coats of arms, etc. in it, - would most likely be called a -HERITAGE CAR- or something along those lines. I also like the idea of it: ) Sort of a museum on a right track: )
If i understand correctly, the idea is to give passengers an opportunity to learn something relevant/cool, as they settle down their baggage. rather than just have WALLS: )
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OK, i'm giving an answer off the top of my head, without reading ANY of the comments below whatsoever, strictly upon having lived in Canada for over 30 years: they type of car that had all the flags and coats of arms, etc. in it, - would most likely be called a -HERITAGE CAR- or something along those lines. I also like the idea of it: ) Sort of a museum on a right track: )
If i understand correctly, the idea is to give passengers an opportunity to learn something relevant/cool, as they settle down their baggage. rather than just have WALLS: )
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-user-sb9hj4sg3j
I wish that our Thai govt, the Transportation and Avaition department should challenge the American and Canada Govt that ourThai Govt also having the train under the sea tube from Andaman that is Phuket province to gulf of Bangal passing to direct lines Machilee patnam otherwise direct to Waltair or visakha patnam middle south of India, This is the greatest venture Project between Govt of India and our Thai Govt. Ok sir This is my future planing only. Thanking you so much the readers of this column.
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I wish that our Thai govt, the Transportation and Avaition department should challenge the American and Canada Govt that ourThai Govt also having the train under the sea tube from Andaman that is Phuket province to gulf of Bangal passing to direct lines Machilee patnam otherwise direct to Waltair or visakha patnam middle south of India, This is the greatest venture Project between Govt of India and our Thai Govt. Ok sir This is my future planing only. Thanking you so much the readers of this column.
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-richardkayler9445
Nice informative video. Good to hear you had a fun trip. The stainless steel passenger cars you saw prior to boarding are not Budd cars although they look similar to Budd cars. Those stainless steel passenger cars were originally built for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1950s and the train they were used on was called the Canadian. The interiors have been upgraded over the years but the stainless steel exterior is still the same as it was when they were built.
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Nice informative video. Good to hear you had a fun trip. The stainless steel passenger cars you saw prior to boarding are not Budd cars although they look similar to Budd cars. Those stainless steel passenger cars were originally built for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1950s and the train they were used on was called the Canadian. The interiors have been upgraded over the years but the stainless steel exterior is still the same as it was when they were built.
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-terryjeisman7550
I had the misfortune to travel on the ocean from Montreal to Halifax last week. It was one of the worst train trips I have ever made. The train was delayed leaving Montreal, the cabin was not as advertised in that there was no shower in the ensuite unit, I have seen bookshelves wider then the bed provided and room felt extremely claustrophobic. The meals were so so to say the least and to cap it off it was 8 hours late getting into Halifax!
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I had the misfortune to travel on the ocean from Montreal to Halifax last week. It was one of the worst train trips I have ever made. The train was delayed leaving Montreal, the cabin was not as advertised in that there was no shower in the ensuite unit, I have seen bookshelves wider then the bed provided and room felt extremely claustrophobic. The meals were so so to say the least and to cap it off it was 8 hours late getting into Halifax!
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-trainboy1979
Great video! Couple comments, there was a 6400 (I have pics of it) but was wrecked. Moncton station, they back out to get a -clear- signal. Though I think another signal was installed so they could just keep going out of the station. If they don't get a signal, then they have to proceed at restricted speed until they hit the next signal. Sackville is not in NS, but in NB. So your sunset video is in NB a well (minor detail. love your videos!
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Great video! Couple comments, there was a 6400 (I have pics of it) but was wrecked. Moncton station, they back out to get a -clear- signal. Though I think another signal was installed so they could just keep going out of the station. If they don't get a signal, then they have to proceed at restricted speed until they hit the next signal. Sackville is not in NS, but in NB. So your sunset video is in NB a well (minor detail. love your videos!
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-scrambaba
I prefer the Budd cars, more classic and elegant and the stainless steel is amazing! The Renaissance lounge car was a disappointment. At one time there were 2 trains from Montreal to Halifax. One called the Atlantic and the other was the Ocean. The Atlantic went through Quebec into the US and then crossed back into southern New Brunswick, through the amazing port city of St. John. I wish they had kept that route.
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I prefer the Budd cars, more classic and elegant and the stainless steel is amazing! The Renaissance lounge car was a disappointment. At one time there were 2 trains from Montreal to Halifax. One called the Atlantic and the other was the Ocean. The Atlantic went through Quebec into the US and then crossed back into southern New Brunswick, through the amazing port city of St. John. I wish they had kept that route.
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-gregorysims3697
I enjoy your videos very much. Montreal and Halifax are two of my favorite Canadian cities. I used the business class VIA service between Quebec City and Montreal several years ago. The food and service were fantastic. I would enjoy seeing a review of one of the Prestiege cars on a VIA train. And it would be great for you to do a comparison of the train between Toronto and Vancouver.
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I enjoy your videos very much. Montreal and Halifax are two of my favorite Canadian cities. I used the business class VIA service between Quebec City and Montreal several years ago. The food and service were fantastic. I would enjoy seeing a review of one of the Prestiege cars on a VIA train. And it would be great for you to do a comparison of the train between Toronto and Vancouver.
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-diannebdee
Hate to have to tell you, but here in Canada we call our -states- Provinces. So you're going from the Province of Quebec, to the Province of New Brunswick. And as a Canadian, I'm very proud of our customer service. We are very friendly to what we call our guests. We hosted the planes that were forced to land due to 9/11 and accomodated them to try to get them home to The United States.
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Hate to have to tell you, but here in Canada we call our -states- Provinces. So you're going from the Province of Quebec, to the Province of New Brunswick. And as a Canadian, I'm very proud of our customer service. We are very friendly to what we call our guests. We hosted the planes that were forced to land due to 9/11 and accomodated them to try to get them home to The United States.
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-yuyuanwang2924
Hey. The one you says about the Chateau Sleeping Car. You are right. It is most popular in -The Canadian- But recently as far as I knows. Some of -The Ocean- They added some more extra sleeping cars. But it just depends on the specific departure. Some of them have Chateau Cars added. Some of them don't Just the -Renaissance sleeping car-. Hope that helps
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Hey. The one you says about the Chateau Sleeping Car. You are right. It is most popular in -The Canadian- But recently as far as I knows. Some of -The Ocean- They added some more extra sleeping cars. But it just depends on the specific departure. Some of them have Chateau Cars added. Some of them don't Just the -Renaissance sleeping car-. Hope that helps
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-Eleina1951
For some reason the corridors on these trains remind me of Flying Scotsman's tender corridor. Narrow. Not easy to negotiate. But very handy for the purpose they serve. Ps I've done some long distance train travel here in Australia but it's nice to be able to experience a journey that I'll never be able to take in person. Thanks for posting this online.
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For some reason the corridors on these trains remind me of Flying Scotsman's tender corridor. Narrow. Not easy to negotiate. But very handy for the purpose they serve. Ps I've done some long distance train travel here in Australia but it's nice to be able to experience a journey that I'll never be able to take in person. Thanks for posting this online.
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train
The Ocean service by VIA rail is not the only train service in North America using ex-European rolling stock. For example, the Cascades service in North West U. S, Vancouver B. C. - Seattle WA - Eugene OR, uses Spanish TALGO rolling stock. Furthermore, the Ontario Northland (Cochrane to Moosonee in Canada/ON) used trainsets from the Trans Europe Express.
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The Ocean service by VIA rail is not the only train service in North America using ex-European rolling stock. For example, the Cascades service in North West U. S, Vancouver B. C. - Seattle WA - Eugene OR, uses Spanish TALGO rolling stock. Furthermore, the Ontario Northland (Cochrane to Moosonee in Canada/ON) used trainsets from the Trans Europe Express.
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-JanKishkon
Thank you for your video of this fantastic journey. I plan to take The Ocean next spring. This past spring I took The Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver (4 days and 4 nights) and I recommend it to everybody! Canada is glorious!
Just a small observation: here in Canada, they're not called 'states', they are 'provinces'. A minor technicality.
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Thank you for your video of this fantastic journey. I plan to take The Ocean next spring. This past spring I took The Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver (4 days and 4 nights) and I recommend it to everybody! Canada is glorious!
Just a small observation: here in Canada, they're not called 'states', they are 'provinces'. A minor technicality.
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-TheFauve4ever
We did the ocean train Montreal to Halifax and back. It was delightful! We booked the highest class. Sleeper cabin with private shower and toilet. 6 meals each person round trip in the dinning car wine included. We had wine tasting in the saloon panoramic car on both trips and a complementary fruit bowl. I will do it again anytime.
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We did the ocean train Montreal to Halifax and back. It was delightful! We booked the highest class. Sleeper cabin with private shower and toilet. 6 meals each person round trip in the dinning car wine included. We had wine tasting in the saloon panoramic car on both trips and a complementary fruit bowl. I will do it again anytime.
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-MrJayehawk
I haven't been on a train since I was six years old and would love to do a trip like this!
I'm not a fan of crowds or being jammed in like on a plane and I really liked how much empty room there seemed to be. I'm not sure how they can stay in business with so few passengers, but being on a trip like this would suit me just fine!
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I haven't been on a train since I was six years old and would love to do a trip like this!
I'm not a fan of crowds or being jammed in like on a plane and I really liked how much empty room there seemed to be. I'm not sure how they can stay in business with so few passengers, but being on a trip like this would suit me just fine!
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-robmausser
Fun fact: You'll notice that the old Via livery was blue and yellow, and the new one is more of a teal and yellow. This was done as a refresh to not only modernize the look, but it was intentionally done to closer match the colour of the renaissance cars, which were an inspiration for the green colour.
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Fun fact: You'll notice that the old Via livery was blue and yellow, and the new one is more of a teal and yellow. This was done as a refresh to not only modernize the look, but it was intentionally done to closer match the colour of the renaissance cars, which were an inspiration for the green colour.
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-MrRobertcarnell
Great video. I took The Ocean 10 years ago to Moncton and back. On the way there I was in a room like yours. On the way back I was in one of the roomettes. Guess they had overbooked so I got a discount on the way back. But I liked trying it out. Didn't know the history being all the cars.
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Great video. I took The Ocean 10 years ago to Moncton and back. On the way there I was in a room like yours. On the way back I was in one of the roomettes. Guess they had overbooked so I got a discount on the way back. But I liked trying it out. Didn't know the history being all the cars.
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train
Its a good video so far - but they aren't called states in Canada but they are better than that, and are clearly called Provinces. Also you are only crossing the border between the Provinces. I had to stop the video and bring this up as you have said notated this twice now. Now back to the video.
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Its a good video so far - but they aren't called states in Canada but they are better than that, and are clearly called Provinces. Also you are only crossing the border between the Provinces. I had to stop the video and bring this up as you have said notated this twice now. Now back to the video.
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train
My wife and I took the VIA Ocean this past spring (2022) from Montreal to Halifax (return) and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The views were great and the service was very good. Meals were good too. The staff were very good as well. Book a cabin. We will be going again next year!
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My wife and I took the VIA Ocean this past spring (2022) from Montreal to Halifax (return) and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The views were great and the service was very good. Meals were good too. The staff were very good as well. Book a cabin. We will be going again next year!
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-anthonyglee1710
Looks a great product and obviously for Canada, stunning scenery. I had no idea about the British Metro-Cammell Mk 4 coaches being sold to Canada. That must-ve cost the British taxpayer a fair whack, so it seems like Canada got a good deal!
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Looks a great product and obviously for Canada, stunning scenery. I had no idea about the British Metro-Cammell Mk 4 coaches being sold to Canada. That must-ve cost the British taxpayer a fair whack, so it seems like Canada got a good deal!
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-PeterNGloor
I rode this train when it was still all Budd equipment. Very nostalgic, including the open-section sleeping accomodation. I also rode in a Roomette. I also rode the Atlantic when it still ran, in a Roomette, westbound. Unforgettable.
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I rode this train when it was still all Budd equipment. Very nostalgic, including the open-section sleeping accomodation. I also rode in a Roomette. I also rode the Atlantic when it still ran, in a Roomette, westbound. Unforgettable.
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train
The first booze is now included in meals for only sleeper passengers but it also comes with unlimited drinks but for extra booze, you gonna pay. The park lounge car for sleeper passengers has been restored recently. Just heads up.
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The first booze is now included in meals for only sleeper passengers but it also comes with unlimited drinks but for extra booze, you gonna pay. The park lounge car for sleeper passengers has been restored recently. Just heads up.
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-bernhardwall6876
Other than that entry way, what else is there that would help someone with a special mobility need enjoy this train. The hallways in the sleeper cars look barely wide enough for normal people to walk through.
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Other than that entry way, what else is there that would help someone with a special mobility need enjoy this train. The hallways in the sleeper cars look barely wide enough for normal people to walk through.
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-AK. __
Great video, thank you! Is it possible to get a -deal- somewhere, not to pay such astronomical price? Or if the sleeping car not fully occupied, is it possible to buy kinda discounted ticket from a crew or conductor?
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Great video, thank you! Is it possible to get a -deal- somewhere, not to pay such astronomical price? Or if the sleeping car not fully occupied, is it possible to buy kinda discounted ticket from a crew or conductor?
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-BoardroomBuddha
I took the VIA train from Gaspe to Montreal in the 1970s that went around the entire Gaspe penninsula. It was amazing. although we had no sleeper cars. Only armchairs that barely reclined.
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I took the VIA train from Gaspe to Montreal in the 1970s that went around the entire Gaspe penninsula. It was amazing. although we had no sleeper cars. Only armchairs that barely reclined.
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-LS-Moto
Train having a 2, 5 hour delay
-Via Rail: - Apologizes for the delay and makes it up with a treat from a local place
-Deutsche Bahn: - We are delayed and you can go f--- yourself
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Train having a 2, 5 hour delay
-Via Rail: - Apologizes for the delay and makes it up with a treat from a local place
-Deutsche Bahn: - We are delayed and you can go f--- yourself
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-bad1788
The Hep Sleepers are in service when ticket sales warranted, lately on 14 they've been busted with all rooms, roomettes and berths filled. One is also typically the crew car.
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The Hep Sleepers are in service when ticket sales warranted, lately on 14 they've been busted with all rooms, roomettes and berths filled. One is also typically the crew car.
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-siphonsnob
I am taking the Ocean from Halifax to Montreal next week in the Renaissance sleeper. Your video was a wonderful introduction, I hope it goes as smoothly as your trip.
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I am taking the Ocean from Halifax to Montreal next week in the Renaissance sleeper. Your video was a wonderful introduction, I hope it goes as smoothly as your trip.
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-wlsantn
Late: Brings back fond memories of the CN Ocean and Scotian which I rode in the 1970's. What a change! Thanks! The sleeper for the staff original from the 1954 Canadian,
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Late: Brings back fond memories of the CN Ocean and Scotian which I rode in the 1970's. What a change! Thanks! The sleeper for the staff original from the 1954 Canadian,
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-murraymaxwell637
Yes that was a Roomette that you were not sure of. I personally have slept in that accommodation. As well as the lower berth at the other end of the car.
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Yes that was a Roomette that you were not sure of. I personally have slept in that accommodation. As well as the lower berth at the other end of the car.
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-mikehurrell66
I enjoyed your descriptive narration. Well done! Unfortunately they do not have the dome car/lounge, currently, and I was planning a trip this summer.
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I enjoyed your descriptive narration. Well done! Unfortunately they do not have the dome car/lounge, currently, and I was planning a trip this summer.
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-andrewelie8687
Note: Ottawa's rail service uses the BR (Baureihe) 646, and, calls it as such. That is another piece of European rolling stock on Canadian rails.
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Note: Ottawa's rail service uses the BR (Baureihe) 646, and, calls it as such. That is another piece of European rolling stock on Canadian rails.
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-PawIncYouTube
By the way, it-s probably called a provincial boundary, just to give you a heads up because a state line refers to the United States, not Canada.
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By the way, it-s probably called a provincial boundary, just to give you a heads up because a state line refers to the United States, not Canada.
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