Montreal - Some people claimed it was almost a day of mourning as CP Rail's Canadian left Windsor Station for the last time.

  Rail enthusiasts and the curious came 28 Oct 1978 to see the stainless steel train close another chapter in railroading history.

  On hand for a brief ceremony was Louis Fortin, superintendent, Montreal Division.

  Mr. Fortin praised the employees who had devoted many years with CP Rail passenger services. Afterwards, special certificates were presented to the onboard personnel as a tribute to their years of loyal service.

  A large number of passengers boarded the train to travel only a few stations, determined to ride the last Canadian.

  At 12:05 the stationmaster gave the engineman the green light and then, with bell ringing and two short blasts of the horn, the train slowly pulled away.

  As the familiar tail sign "CP Rail, The Canadian", slowly disappeared, some people mingled around the platforms realizing that after 23 years The Canadian, as it was known, would be no more.