Stressfull? Hardly... After a cold winter, cutting rail the steel will expand (pull); now with the mild temperatures we destress the track (contract). With no hydraulic pullers available, we make our cuts (2.5 inches) and put the snake out, and with within minutes the rail begins to come together. That's nothing to stress about!
For the most part, this section of CN is very isolated, and as an employee I am able to gain access. CN's Bala, Ruel, Soo, Caramat, Allanwater, and Redditt Subs are all featured.