Russel Brothers Limited OWEN SOUND, ONTARIO Steelcraft Boat Builders
 |  |
|
The Réjean Boisvert Collection
Yves Cloutier procured and scanned this collection of photos from
Réjean Boisvert, who works at the museum at Grand Piles, Qc.
YC notes: The Henry Sorgius and the Rapide-Blanc operated on the La Trenche Reservoir. The Amisk, the La Trenche, The Flamand,
The Coucoucache and The Rapide-des-Coeurs were operation on the Rapide-Blanc reservoir. There is only 14 mile road between Rapide-Blanc and La Trenche. I guess that on the River, only 7 miles separate the two dams.
Nil Bouchard 1947
Arrival at Grandes Piles, Qc. on Nov. 10, 1989, of the Nil Bouchard
(soon to be renamed Jos Denoncourt).1024 pixels wide RB PHOTO 1673 pixels wide | |
Rapide Blanc 1951
Boom Jumping: The front of the boat almost completly out of the water after hitting a 42 in. piece of boom. Notice the water coming on the back of the boat....Picture taken at La Trenche Qc., in 1973.
We had also to jump on occasion 4 piece booms (56 in. wide)..... It's recommended to hit square and to push the throttle to the max after the hit if you don't want to get stuck.
1024 pixels wide RB PHOTO 2619 pixels wide | |
La Trenche 1950
When repairs were needed, the crane would just lift the stern!884 pixels wide RB PHOTO | |
The Life of the Rapide des Coeurs
on the St-Maurice River
Notes by Yves Cloutier, photos from Rejean Boisvert
The Rapide des Coeurs with it's first cabin in 1948 The Coucoucache is behind, both tugs were converted and remotorised at the same time in 1952 and in the late 70's.
CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS:
From the Archives of the CN...
1952, after a new cabin, engine ( 4 cylinder Cummins) and transmission were installed by my father Roger Cloutier.
Last pict, the Rapide des Coeurs with new windows, and a noisy but compact Cummins V8. Seen here cleaning the River at Shawinigan. When the V8 was instaled, the boat got a nickname "Le ravageur du St-Maurice" The V8 Sound was very different from the 6 of all the other boat in service on the Rapide-Blanc Reservoir. Rapide des Coeurs was a bit shorter and less stable than the other boats based at Rapide-Blanc he spent 44 years on the reservoir. After being remotorised the boat was often moved where it's services were needed and was used at Grande Piles and Shawinigan.
Rapide des Coeurs last moment on the St-Maurice on oct 21 1998 after 64 years of service on the River. I think the STMRD had it's money's worth with this one and the Coucoucache. Still pulling itself on the flatbed truck . Destination Québec the new and current owner, le Groupe Océan. Notice the hull... no more logs to keep it clean!
|
| |
| Réjean Boisvert fixing the propellor guard on La Trenche, 1957. |
For more Russel exhibits visit Owen Sound Marine & Rail Museum 1165 1st Ave West, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K8
(519) 371-3333  http://marinerail.com |
|
|
