The Sartigan- Shiny MLW's and Shortline Action in Southeastern Quebec -1/6/25

On January 6, 2025, I decided to spend the day on a fast-growing and vibrant shortline in southeast Quebec-- the Chemin De Fer Sartigan. Utilizing a roster of MLW locomotives, this shortline operates on the Valee Sub of the former Quebec Central, resurrecting it from the ground and building up a customer base over the past decade and a half. On this day, we found the pair of sharply painted M420's 2047 and 2044 being fired up for the day, departing around 9 a.m. as light power for the industrial park at St. Lambert-de-Lauzon. Picking up a train of empty cars from the industrial park at St. Lambert, they continued to the interchange at CN's Joffre Yard to swap cars and return back south. Within the industrial park at St. Lambert, the railroad services LogiBel Transload Terminal, which receives steel loads, hoppers, and centerbeams, as well as ComAgro, an agricultural terminal. The crew would work these industries for a few hours before continuing south towards Scott, where they would switch Alexandre Cote lumberyard and subsequently end their day. Sharp power and a shortline feel really encapsulate the fast growing Sartigan, which recently purchased their first six axle M636 unit for future use on the line to Thetford Mines, which is currently being resurrected for freight service through the construction of a brand new bridge at Valee Junction. I hope you enjoy this chase of the Sartigan!