The Rexall Train

R.L.Kennedy

Another visitor to Fez City was "The Rexall Train" which visited Toronto in 1936 as part of its 29,000 mile tour of the U.S. and Canada. This specially painted blue and white 12 car (9 for displays) train was hauled by New York Central 2873 a streamlined 4-8-2 (converted to oil for ease of re-fueling). This very unique train was operated by United Drug Company to show off its wares nationwide. Rexall drug stores once blanketed Canada and the United States.

My grandfather was called to watch the engine overnight at Fez City. The next morning, the NYC travelling engineer told my grandfather that this was the first time he had slept the night through as usually the oil fire went out and the coal-trained firemen in the northeast couldn't get it lit again! Due to being laid off by the C.P.R. during the Great Depression, my grandfather had sought work in the U.S. where he gained oil firing experience.

The Fez City Story.