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Canadian National Timetables (August, 1952)

Published: May 2, 2026

By: Adam Burns

The information included here highlights the CN's complete timetables in the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways."  At this time the CN was at its operational peak in terms of size and scope, operating a system of 24,273 miles, which included numerous secondary agricultural branches throughout all of the provinces, and even widely served Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.  It was a fascinating railroad at this time and also reached into parts of the U.S. by controlling systems like the Central Vermont and Grand Trunk Western.

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