WCRA NEWS APRIL 2011
THOMAS --- LEADER OF
THE TRACK TOUR 2011 (June 4, 5 and June11,12) TICKETS NOW ON SALE WCRA News, Page 2 GENERAL MEETING NOTICE
The March General Meeting of the WCRA will be held on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 1930 hours at Rainbow Creek Station in Burnaby.
Entertainment will be a DVD America by Rail—Route of the Southwest Chief .
ON THE COVER
Ready for the guests! With the railcar Alberta gleaming as the backdrop, the view to the mountains through the windows, the candles lit, and the tables set—the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre awaits the arrival of the guests for the WCRA’s 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, February 18. The setting set the stage, and the evening was a smash hit. See page 13 for more details. (Russ Grycan photo)
APRIL CALENDAR
• West Coast Railway Heritage Park open daily 1000 through 1700k • Saturday, March 26—Collection Committee meets, Hastings office, 1100 hours • Saturday, April 2—Sea to Sky Travel Fair, 1000—1800, admission free—details at http://seatoskytravelfair.com • Wednesday, April 6 —Deadline for items to be included in the May 2011 WCRA News • Saturday, April 9—Squamish Winter Farmer’s Market, CN Roundhouse, 1000—1500 hours, free admission to Roundhouse during the event • Saturday, April 16—Squamish Lions Garage Sale, CN Roundhouse, 1000—1500 • Tuesday, April 19—Tours Committee meets. Details thru Matt at 604-524-1011 • Tuesday, April 26—WCRA General Meeting, 1930 hours, Rainbow Creek Station in Burnaby • Saturday, April 30—Locomotive 4069 “Show and Shine”, Service Building at the MP 2 shops, please let us know you are coming at 604-898-9336, lunch provided.
The West Coast Railway Association is an historical group dedicated to the preservation of British Columbia railway history. Membership is open to all people with an interest in railways past and present. We are a non-profit British Columbia society, registered as a Canadian charity. Membership prices are as follows, HST is added to all fees: Individual $50.00, Family $60.00. E Members (electronic newsletter only) are $35 individual and $45 family. (Outside Canada, please remit US $) Other categories are: - Junior Member (age 18 and under ) $ 25 - Sustaining Member $100 (tax receipt) plus membership type regular fee - Life Membership $700 individual life / $1,200 family life All memberships include the monthly newsletter, Heritage Park admission (except Special Events), mini rail rides and discounts on food and merchandise. The Association holds a monthly meeting on the last Tuesday of the month at 1930 hours in Burnaby at Rainbow Creek Station in Confederation Park. Apply through www.wcra.org or mail to WCRA, PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2. WCRA News, Page 3 EDITORIAL
REFLECTIONS
Friday February 18 was a very impactful night, as WCRA held its 50th Anniversary Gala in the spectacular surroundings of the new CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre. A full report on this event can be found elsewhere in this newsletter, but for this writer the evening was more than an event, it was the realization of a vision of just what our Association can, and has, accomplished. It is hard to describe in written words just how I felt that night, but to say it was a special evening would be the understatement of my life.
As I first rounded the pilot of Royal Hudson #2860 the scene was a visual feast for the eyes— see the cover photo for an idea of just how it looked. I found myself thinking throughout the evening about many steps the WCRA had taken over years, along the journey to 2011…. • Imagine the vision of our founders fifty years ago, coming up with an organization dedicated to the preservation, exhibition and operations of our railway heritage. Were it not for their foresight, would we even exist today? • It all started with a collection, and as you looked around the Grand Hall what did we see but several incredible preserved pieces of our history—Royal Hudson 2860, business car Alberta , Colonist car 2514, Business car British Columbia and PGE Troop sleeper 722 • A recollection to a critical time in the 1980’s, when we were at a crossroads and unsure of how to get our collection together, to build it a home, and a memory of some of our key members who had the courage to stand up and say we had to do something—people like Bill Watson, the late Grant Ferguson and others, who had a vision for our future. Now, here we were standing in it! • The power of a well designed master plan—the work done for us in the period 1989 to 1993 by Commonwealth Historic Resource Management, the plan that we continue to build to this day as the Heritage Park, and that works well for us almost 20 years later • The new board structure, implemented in 2001 with the support of our membership; a willingness to do something very different and a recognition that new and additional resources were needed if we were to realize our dream • The draw of what we have built—the audience a wonderful collections of community leaders, businesses, WCRA members, board members and friends, a recognition of the broad base of support that we have been able to create and that bodes well for a long and successful future • And lastly, the tremendous new facility we have built, where we can host an event as good as anyone anywhere, with fine food, great music, comfortable environment and one that wow’s everyone who enters—and who gets immersed in our railway heritage when they come. That is what we are all about.
Being there was an emotional experience and one of great satisfaction. Our vision is sound, and has moved forward to being realized and understood. WCRA News, Page 4
The ultimate role of leadership is the creation of long term sustainability—a big word, but a proper description of what we are after. We have invested much in collecting, preserving, educating, exhibiting and telling the story of the role of the railways in creating the communities and economies unique to Western Canada. Our job is to ensure that this story, through our work and all our activities, carries on for future generations. It is to see that our investment is not wasted and that it goes on and continues to get stronger ands stronger. I believe that we now have the team of people, the caliber of facility, the strength in operations and the breadth of collection to ensure that happens.
And so the time is also right for me to make a change, and as most of you already know I will retire as WCRA’s President & CEO effective June 30, 2011. I want to assure you all that I will continue as an active member and participant in the organization, but it is time for succession to take place. I want to thank all of you for your incredible support and I look forward to our continued working together for many years yet to come. Don ASSOCIATION NEWS
FROM THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING • Meeting called to order at 19:35 by Chair Doug Hackett . • Recording Secretary Jeremy Davy • A quorum was declared with 40 members and no guests present. • Approval of Agenda moved by Colin Dathan , seconded by Karl Anderson ; Carried • Minutes of 2010 Annual General Meeting were adopted and approved.
REPORTS
Doug Hackett for Board Chair Ron Anderson who was unable to be present noted that the Board of Directors met 4 times during the year in order to carry out the association business. The Chair wished to thank all the Directors who were retiring this year for their contribution to the Association.
President and CEO —Don Evans started by introducing those Directors present. He briefly recapped the history of the West Coast Railway Association starting with the Hi-Ballers 50 years ago. The Hi-Ballers were incorporated as a Society May 17, 1961. Several of those original founders, including Keith Anderson, Hugh Little and Martin Jergens , are still WCRA members.
The significance of the vision of the Hi-Ballers was brought to all who attended the Gala held in the CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre last Friday surrounded by our most prized possessions; Royal Hudson 2860, Business Cars British Columbia and Alberta and others. WCRA News, Page 5 Don continued with the key milestones in the past 50 years – • Acquiring a lease on of the property in Squamish in 1990 • Developing a Long Range (25 year) Master Development Plan with the assistance of Commonwealth Heritage Resource Management. • Revising the Board Structure from a Management Board to a Governance Board in 2001
Don noted that he has advised the Board that he will be retiring as President and CEO effective June 30 th 2011. Don stressed he will not be leaving WCRA, just transitioning from a Staff Role back to one of a Volunteer.
In closing, Don thanked everyone for their support over the years saying he looked forward to continuing to work with them in future.
Strategic Plan —Don Evans
The strategic plan for 2011 is a continuation of the five year 2008 to 2012 plan. A new five year plan will be developed in 2012. In 2011 we will continue with current projects, but with no new projects unless they are self-funding. Each area of the plan segments has specific objectives for 2011 and will have staff assignments/oversight to ensure completion and delivery of results. With the completion of the CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre, we will implement a new Corporate Membership program, and initiate a plan to grow regular Memberships 25% by 2011 .
Board of Directors —Don Evans
A full slate of 15 Directors was presented as recommended by the board of directors. Approval by the membership - Moved, Russ Grycan , Seconded Karl Anderson , Carried.
2010 Financials —Don Evans for Miriam Irving, General Manager Finance
• 2010 was the most challenging year that we have had as a society. • This year financial reporting was changed from cash basis to accrual basis. This will change how the statements appear in some ways.
Approval of 2010 Financial Statements as presented - Moved, Alan Milligan , Second, Keith Anderson , Carried.
2011 Budget —Don Evans for Miriam Irving
• Fundamental basis of the 2011 budget is break even from operations • Operating projected - Revenue $2,491,131, Expenses $1,663,510, Contribution $827,621;
Approval of 2011 budget - Moved, Ray Seredin , Second, Karl Anderson , Carried. WCRA News, Page 6 Special Banking Resolution —Don Evans
The Board’s Finance Committee recommended that Association consider changing its banking arrangements. Negotiations are currently underway with VanCity Credit Union. • Restructuring the borrowing from a term loan to a “Mortgage-Like” 15 yr term. This also reduces the interest rate from the current 8.0% to prime plus 1.85%; • We will be able to pay off outstanding amounts to suppliers and finish the Roundhouse;
A resolution was presented to proceed with this and was approved unanimously.
Association Operations —Colin Dathan
• Association meetings – eleven were held at Rainbow Creek Station, plus one, the Annual Dinner, which was held at Cheers in North Vancouver; • The Newsletter - continues its high standard thanks to Editor Don Evans . Thanks also Jeremy Davy and Donna Simon for its timely distribution. • Archives - Trevor Mills assembled displays for the Roundhouse and other venues in addition to providing information & documentation for various activities at the Heritage Park; Trevor & Don Lawrence continued processing the backlog of acquisitions; Bill Marchant and Bob Hunter continue cataloguing books, magazines and publications received; Digital scanning of the Wilkie collection continues while in Victoria Michael Wilkie has been scanning black & white images in a collaborative effort. Books surplus to Association needs have been sold at train shows generating revenue for the Archives. • Membership – increased 11% this year surpassing 600 memberships for the first time, finally reaching a high of 612 while continuing to follow our established seasonal pattern; • Fixed base MiniRail was extremely busy in 2010 participating in 5 Major Park events; • Portable MiniRail - set up at 6 events, The decline in operations this year is possibly due to lowered disposable income for possible organizers. • Events - The Association participated in 5 events from Squamish to Chilliwack to Victoria during 2010. Thanks to the Tours Committee and helpers for their assisting; • 374 Pavilion – Discounting Feb 2010 Olympic visitors (approx 25,000) 22,700 visitors passed through the Pavilion a gain of 11% over 2009.We had nearly daily custodian coverage during the year. A Summer Student was hired for 16 weeks, June thru August. A Grant Application has been submitted for 2011 • Thanks - to Jeremy Davy, Dave Emmington; Bob Hunter and Bill Johnston who contributed to this report.. In addition, all of WCRA’s volunteers were acknowledged.
Collection —Ron Anstey
Operating Collection Projects WCRA News, Page 7
• Car #8 Alberta (WCXX008) - Restoration work completed. Car released for Exhibit and Operation; • Operating Consist – WCXX598 - Henry Pickering was leased to Rocky Mountaineer. General Maintenance including replacement of one wheelset;; • Royal Hudson 2860 - Continued as the major project of the year. Heritage (Exhibit) Collection Projects • PGE Baggage Car No 722 - Released for exhibit in the Roundhouse. This superlative restoration is a self-funded volunteer imitative. • CPR S-3 No 6503 – Volunteers under the direction of Greg Robertshaw are providing ongoing maintenance and upgrading, making this one of the finest restorations in the collection; • CN Bunk Car #65940 – Personally funded by volunteer Chris Forget with re- sheathing & re-roofing of the car; Special Events • Louis Vuitton Event • Polar Express. Other Collection Items • Steam Locomotive #16 – De-accessioned and sold to Mid-Mountain Excavating of Kelowna.
Capital Projects —Don Evans Don summarized the activities as “We built a Roundhouse and opened it”. No new capital projects for 2011, focus will be on roundhouse completion as donated funds allow.
Heritage Park —Dave Thomson Attendance—Was down through most of early 2010 due construction for much of the year, with a notable increase starting in the fall as the roundhouse came on board. Park was sustained in 2010 by special events. Special Events • 4 Weddings in the CN Conference Centre and Roundhouse • 8 Park Events involving public participation; • 7 Other events involving private or limited public participation. Key Area Focus Capitalizing on “Low Hanging Fruit” – Generating Revenue without additional costs. Retail stock was evaluated and merchandising displays were changed. Secure merchandise storage was established to control shrinkage. Utilizing Current Resources – Under utilized areas and items in storage were evaluated and as necessary fixed up and put to use in areas where there was a need helping to reduce rental costs and in some cases generate revenue. The CMO and Collections crew were instrumental with this. Log Books – the 14 plinths were brought in and positioned around the area adjoining the Eagle Viewing Tower. Next phase scheduled for Spring 2011 will see the 28 “Pages” WCRA News, Page 8
telling the Story of Logging in BC installed in the plinths and the area landscaped. Park Tours – The flow of the self-guided tours was reconfigured. Additional Souvenir Guides were acquired at below cost. German language signage being implemented for this key guest segment. 2 new Carshop Exhibits were added. Inexpensive colored wrist bands were implemented to control revenue leakage. Staffing – Staff set goals being established with reviews scheduled every qtr. This concept seems to be being embraced by the staff. Will establish and fill a Community Outreach position designed to increase revenue and control costs of our school programs & outreach to local businesses. Special Events – FrightFest attracted 1,054 visitors compared to 600 last year, 45% of whom were from the Lower Mainland. Excellent Volunteer, Staff and Community Support - especially from schools.
Tours —Mattias Christianson
2010 was another tough year for the Tours Department and for Tourism as a whole. 300 passengers were carried this year, 268 of them on Royal Hudson trips. All but one of the Group tours ran a profit with that one at breakeven. Independent travel helps the bottom line bringing in commissions. A reinvention plan for tours work is planned for 2011.
Work in Progress • Updating & Cleaning Databases • Finding new marketing avenues • Negotiating and contracting with suppliers • Developing a plan to market Tours at the 374 Pavilion • Plans to attend Tourism conferences/exhibitions this year Special thanks to the tour committee members for their suggestions, support, volunteer guiding, and trade show participation.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 20:15. Prior to closing the Chair thanked Don Evans for contribution to WCRA as President& CEO.
AGM DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE
At the Annual General Meeting a number of key documents were approved as presented. While space precludes us presenting them in these pages, any member may have a copy on request. These include the 2011 Strategic Plan, the 2010 Financial statements, the 2011 Budget and the 2011 List of Directors with contact info. You can request any of these with an e mail to [email protected] or by calling the office at 604-681-4403.
WCRA News, Page 9 WCRA’S 2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We welcome a full slate of 15 for WCRA’s 2011 Board of Directors, as approved at the Annual General Meeting. (Officers underlined followed with board committees)
WCRA Elected Directors Colin Dathan Director Operations Committee Jeremy Davy Board Secretary ; Operations Committee Martin Jergens Director Bill Johnston Director Operations Committee Craig McDowall Treasurer ; Finance Committee
Sea to Sky Directors Ron Anderson Director Governance/HR Committee Douglas Chiasson Director Governance/HR Committee Doug Hackett Vice Chair ; Audit Committee Don Patrick Director Audit Committee
Vancouver Area Directors Ken Doiron Director Bob Griffiths Director Governance/HR Committee Hugh Little Director Governance/HR Committee Finance Committee Paul Martin Director Finance Committee Bob Philip Board Chair Marian Robson Director Audit Committee
WCRA TRIVIA #267 - by Ryan Cruickshank
What is a Sinuiji locomotive? (for answers see page 31) MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Memberships dated 02/28/2011 have now expired, and if your membership expired 12/31/2010, this will be your last issue. Please check the label on your newsletter and renew today. Remember that renewals are being accepted for memberships with the E–Newsletter—check page 2 for current membership rates. Is your email address current???? It is particularly important that those of you who have registered for access to the Members Only area keep your email address current in the Server.
Each time a new issue is posted the Server sends a notice to the email address you supplied when you requested access. If you have changed your email address, or think the one we have is out of date because you do not receive notices, please send your current email address to Jeremy at [email protected] and the server will be updated as required. (J.D.) WCRA News, Page 10 NEW MEMBERS The West Coast Railway Association welcomes aboard the following new members: • Barb Cavanah and family of Squamish, • Ari Cayabyab and family of Squamish, • Kris Duncan and family of Squamish, • Douglas Dunn and family of Coquitlam, • James Feight of Grayslake IL USA, • Bruce Fitz-Earle and family of North Vancouver, • Todd Greene and family of Edmonton, Alberta • Dan & Came Griffin and family of Squamish, • Carson Hamm and family of Whistler, • Judy Horth and family of Squamish, • Patricia Jones and family of Squamish, • Mr & Mrs Kitchen and family of Garibaldi Highlands, • Shamms March and family of Garibaldi Highlands, • Brenda Martin and family of North Vancouver, • Rochelle Matheson and family of Garibaldi Highlands, • Mervyn Monger and family of West Vancouver, • Laura Scully & Louis Joncas and family of Mont-Tramblant, QC, • Andrew & Maya Spence and family of North Vancouver, • Eric Straver and family of North Vancouver, • Jason Wood and family of Squamish, (J.D.) MEMBER NEWS
Our best wishes to Jim McGraw (former member and friend of WCRA) who is undergoing some significant surgery at the moment. (S.S.)
Also, a very late report on the passing of long time member of WCRA Philip Pool and our condolences to his father (and member) Donovan Pool. Phil passed away March 15, 2010 in the Okanagan and will be missed by us all. (M.C.)
A major loss to the railway heritage world in this region has occurred with the passing of Lance Camp on February 23, 2011. Lance had a teaching career for many years until his retirement in 1999, but is best known to us for his outstanding railway photography. He also had other passions including hiking and music, and his extensive collections are to be shared for the enjoyment of future generations.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 2 at 2:00PM at the Chan Centre at UBC. (D.M.) WCRA News, Page 11 COLLECTION
CMO’S REPORT
Russ Grycan , our Chief Mechanical Officer, attended a day long “Confined Space” course put on by The BC Safety Authority. This involves understanding and practicing the proper work procedures when deciding to work in a defined Confined Space – think smoke box; boiler and fire box on 2860 as examples. Procedures that are to be followed are a must if we are going to place ourselves or inspectors in a position of entering the areas in question. A test was given and passed.
We had more (and more!) snow to fight during the month. And we were all cleaned up by the time the 2 nd Farmers market rolled around – although it rained all day – making the Roundhouse a successful venue again! And then there was more snow, and more snow, and so the month went right into early March.
Thanks go to Dave Thethi for his work at keeping the locos from freezing by adding and removing water on a regular basis during some below zero evenings.
We are looking forward to Spring!!! (R.G.)
LOCOMOTIVE NEWS
A couple of repairs to our operating units are underway…..PGE RSC-3 #561 will get a replacement electrical component which has now been received. This will allow #561 to return to service. CPR S-3 #6503 will have a seal kit installed on its number six cylinder liner to stop a water leak.
CN SHOVEL OPERATOR’S BUNK CAR
The window and door frames made by member Bill Parks of Georgia last year have now been primed and installed. The side doors had to be rebuilt by our own Randy Lucas and we managed to salvage the opening windows in the doors. The screen windows are the next step for the doors. Randy also made the window sashes and these are now being primed. All new glass was ordered as the old glass was different thicknesses and all the new sashes are the same size. The old glass will be kept for spares. Supplies have been purchased to make all the new window screens.
The roof is now completely stripped of old wood. Some new pieces of roof support had to be installed as we put on the 1st layer of plywood. Bill Marchant has been a great help on the roof and two of Donna's Troopers Don and Tom also helped with the removal of old wood from the roof and the addition of the first plywood layer. Rick Taylor has helped along the WCRA News, Page 12 way with the removal of siding and putting in new supports for one rotted window. Randy made us a 17’ clamp to use on the siding as some of the boards are not quite straight. And I can’t miss Barbara Stover who has been a great help in installing the siding and forever coming up behind us cleaning up our messes. (C.F.) (photo, Russ Grycan)
BUD BUTTERWORTH TROOP SLEEPER PGE 714
Over in the MP 2 shop, the troop sleeper Bud Butterworth is getting the 2 nd coat of paint – looking very good! Exterior will be complete mid March. It should be back in the exhibit car lineup soon. The volunteer crew continues their dedicated work, and Donna notes thanks: • To "The Boys" John Jellis, Roy Crowston, Tom Bruvall, Lloyd Newman, Don Lawrence for the great work they are doing on the Bud Butterworth Car (Troop Sleeper 714) It should be back in the park for display in a month or so. To Dave Thethi, Russ Grycan, and Tomo’o Oshikawa for moving us in and out the service building when needed to paint etc. To High Impact Sign & Designs for some lettering and numbers. • To Judy Crowston, Loretta Jellis, Susan Bruvall, Karen Moodie, Audrey Rhodes , for the yummy treats they supply us with on our work days on the 714. (D.F.) WCRA News, Page 13
BRITISH COLUMBIA’S MARKER LIGHTS TURNED ON
Thanks to Tomo’o Oshikawa for the completing the installation of the marker lights on the business car British Columbia . These illuminated lights now crown off the open platform of this historic car, which is displayed in the roundhouse.
COLONIST CAR 2514
There is a plan in place to finalize the interior work on the Colonist Car. Bob Hunter, Trevor Mills and Randy Lucas will be working the project which will see some berth sections added
4069 “SHOW & SHINE” APRIL 30
We are very excited that the day of April 30th we are going to have a Show and Shine for the FP7A #4069 in the service building. It will be warm and protected. We are going to have lunch for those who wish to come out and volunteer to make this beautiful engine gleam. Mark it on your calendar's as we have a lot of fun and it is great to get to know our volunteers from the city. Call the park if you are interested . (D.F.)
THANKS FOR DONATIONS
Thanks go to: • W. Allan Douglas Yuill for the donation of railroad material pertaining to Western Canada (Photos and documents), much of it of equipment in Alberta and other locations • Robert Pakrul for a framed notice of discontinuation of the Great Northern “International” train in 1960 due loss of mail contract and low ridership • Dave Lamb for the donation of a collection or railroad collector plates
WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK Home of the Royal Hudson
WCRA’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA WOW’S ALL THOSE PRESENT
It was a fabulous start to the 50th anniversary year of the WCRA. February 18 set a new milestone for our organization as our first WCRA Gala was held in the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre. The event was enjoyed by more than 120 guests—members, suppliers, WCRA News, Page 14 supporters, friends and more, to celebrate the start of this momentous year in grand style.
The weather even cooperated (after a threat of snow) and the road was in great shape to the relief of many. Member John Day operated a motor coach from Vancouver to help some get there, which was very much appreciated.
On arrival, the guests were greeted at the door and received a glass of champagne. The roundhouse sparkled as dusk set in and the venue came alive with evening ambiance (cover photo) thanks to the wonderful decorating by A Priceless Event . The bar was open and Dave Thomson handled the bar duties, with the assistance of Margo Dent and Hanna from the WCRHP staff. Guests mingled and enjoyed the open exhibits, including Royal Hudson #2860 with engineer John Jellis , the newly completed business car Alberta , Colonist car 2514, and Business car British Columbia . Hosting the cars, in period outfits, were Donna Fourchalk, Karen Moodie, Lloyd & Lorraine Black and Barbara Stover.
At 1900 hours, MC Don Evans seated the crowd for a short program and then dinner. Don gave a very brief outline of the start of the West Coast Railway Association back in 1961 and acknowledged two of the founding members who were present at the event, Keith Anderson and Martin Jergens . Speakers then offered their thoughts and congratulations— MP John Weston, MLA Joan McIntyre and Squamish councilor Rob Kirkham . Don then presented the WCRA’s 2010 Corporate Support ward to Amy Fast of Cardinal Concrete .
Now it was time for a great dinner, served to the tables by G Van Catering’s Gregg Van Hierden and staff. We started with a wonderful soup followed by a main course of chicken with all the trimmings and dessert. The food was outstanding and all enjoyed it.
At 8:30PM, MC Don welcomed the live entertainment to the stage, introducing “Piano Man”, a Moon Coin Productions presentation, Their first set was a great rendition of the music of Billy Joel, and the band soon had almost everyone on their feet dancing to the excellent songs. Thankfully, the setup crew had left enough room in the centre of the 17 round tables that were set for dinner to accommodate the dancers!
After enjoying the first set of entertainment, the cast retired to their “Green Room” in PGE Troop Sleeper #722 to change and prepare for their second set. While this went on, Don presided over a short live auction. The auction was very successful as several items were purchased—A dinner for six on the British Columbia donated by Don Evans , a Max Jacquiard limited edition print Lake Louise Station donated by Henry Rees / Max Jacquiard , a pair of great tickets to the Vancouver Canucks first playoff game donated by Craig McDowall , a beautiful framed photo of the Royal Hudson at dusk in Vancouver in December 2010 by Russ Grycan , and a Run a Locomotive session donated by the West Coast Railway Heritage Park . The auction raised $5,300! WCRA News, Page 15
Then it was time for more entertainment, this time it was the music of Elton John. The roundhouse rocked, the guests were on their feet dancing, and several encores were requested before the evening drew to a close at around 2215k. (photo, Russ Grycan) As the crowd departed, everyone reported having a fun and most enjoyable evening. Our sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in making this event the success sit was.
HIGH CLIMBING
A mere 57 hours after a very successful 50th Gala event on Friday night, students from Global Mountain Solutions took part in a week long school in the CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre. They are learning the skills required to work in high places. The High Rigging School used the beams and rafters of the building to secure their ropes. Just another example of the creative uses that our new facility can be put to while all the time introducing people to our railway heritage. (R.G.
CRAVE—Dining for Dignity—A NEW EVENT FOR SQUAMISH
The first annual CRAVE event, a fundraiser for the Squamish Helping Hands Society, WCRA News, Page 16 was held at the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre on Saturday evening March 5, 2011.
Evening attendance was just under 200 (187). Twelve local chefs offered up a sample of their signature dishes while BC wine representatives paired specific wines with each delectable dish. Guests paid $100 to enjoy an evening of all you can eat and drink from some of the Sea To Sky Corridor's finest culinary wizards. Local musicians and artists also participated in the night sharing their talents as people enjoyed fine wine, food, and good friends all while helping a worthy community cause, raising funds for the Squamish Helping Hands Society.
The Roundhouse was once again transformed, this time into a evening street scene with antique street lamps, streets signs, lit bushes and pretty trees. Couples 'strolled' amongst the artifacts enjoying the music, wine and delicious food.
I received nothing but praise from everyone who attended on the beautiful venue and unique setting. The event wrapped up at around 1:45am. (D.T.)
SQUAMISH NATION EXHIBIT CLOSES, RAILWAY CHINA EXHIBIT OPENS
For those that missed the opportunity to enjoy our First Nation's exhibit that has been on display in the Roundhouse John Hardie Mitchell Gallery since November 1st, that exhibit closed at the end of February. The gallery now has a new exhibit installed, a fabulous railway china display by Paul & Mary Roy . This exhibit features some very rare examples of china from several railways and needs to be seen by everyone. (D.T.)
PHILIP POOL REMEMBERED WITH TABLE DONATION
Thanks to the response for the donation of round tables for use in the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre. A special one was donated this past month, by member Donovan Pool in memory of his son the late Philip Pool . Phil, a long time member of WCRA, passed away from cancer on March 15, 2010 and is missed by us all. Also donating two tables this past month is member Jim Saunders . Thanks.
RUN A LOCOMOTIVE
An exciting new guest experience is coming to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park this spring. Run A Locomotive is an exciting new opportunity for members and guests to get in the engineer’s chair of one of our operating diesel locomotives and operate it on the WCRA’s trackage in Squamish. Advance reservations will be required as an operating crew needs to be called for this service and, naturally, all moving operations are under the full supervision of one of our qualified engineer / conductor crews. WCRA News, Page 17
The two hour session will cost $250 for operation of RSC-3 #561 or S-3 #6503, we will also offer FP7A #4069 but with a $50 premium as a third operating crew member will be along to assist with rearward visibility. Fees are to be paid in advance.
The two hour session will then be scheduled for an agreed on time with a meet time set up to start at the MP 2 tracks (locomotive shop) and will consist of: • Orientation of trackage, radios, hand signals etc. • Locomotive walk around and safety inspection • Locomotive cab orientation and controls • Observation in the cab as locomotive engineer moves the unit forward and backwards • The guest then takes the seat for 60 minutes of operation that will include coupling to freight cars in the MP 2 yard, and single locomotive operation to the turntable, a turntable spin around, mainline for photo pose at the Mac Norris Station , and return to the MP 2 yard to end the session • Certificate presentation
We are taking bookings now to start this program off, call the Heritage Park at 604-898-9336 and speak with Russ Grycan to make your booking. (R.G.)
BOOK A FABULOUS GOURMET EVENING OUT— DINNER ON THE 1890 CAR BRITISH COLUMBIA
The West Coast Railway Heritage Park introduces a fabulous new private gourmet dinner experience, dinner for a private party of four to six aboard the beautiful 1890 built railcar British Columbia.
Here is a unique opportunity to hold a very special private evening with friends or guests in a most unique setting, aboard the beautiful vintage railcar in its now spectacular and comfortable setting in the new roundhouse building. Each event, scheduled for a mutually agreeable date and time, will be hosted personally by one of our senior team volunteers— President Don Evans , Heritage Park GM Dave Thomson or Chief Mechanical Officer Russ Grycan. The cost is $100 per person, inclusive of wine, catered gourmet meal, and personal service, minimum group size of four and maximum of 6 for now (we will add the car Alberta soon and we will then be able to accommodate groups to 12 in size). Your private evening consists of: • Welcome with wine and appetizers in the observation lounge • A custom tour of some of the Heritage Park facilities (based on your requests) • Dining Room service with fresh salad and gourmet main course served on clothed table with monogrammed china and crystal settings. Choice of wines or non alcoholic beverages to accompany • Dessert and coffee served in the observation lounge WCRA News, Page 18
Call the Heritage Park now at 604-898-9336 to book an evening for this very special event. We promise an unforgettable experience, and you will help raise funds for the Heritage Park at the
same time. We look forward to hosting you.
VOLUNTEER THANKS
A thank you to Barb Stover for creating a sketch of the Brightbill House for thank you cards that we have already printed up. These cards will be sent to people who have donated items, volunteered for different functions etc.
Thank you to John Jellis, Lloyd and Lorraine Black, Karen Moodie, Barb Stover for volunteering in costume for the Gala Night Feb.18th - we had a great time.
Thank you to Paul and Mary Roy for their amazing Railway Dish collection that everyone can now view in the Round House in the John Hardie Mitchell Gallery .
To Irena Erdos, Audrey Rhodes, Lloyd and Lorraine Black, John Jellis , for volunteering at the Squamish Winter Farmer's Markets. (D.F.)
VISITOR GROWTH
The West Coast Railway Heritage Park is setting new visitor number records, thanks to the new CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre and its provision of a great new climate controlled exhibit and event space. Visitor stats show a total of 1,765 guests in January 2001 (vs. 336 last January) and now 1,697 in February 2011 (vs. 767 last year). So, the first two months this year have seen a total of 3,462 compared to just 1,103 last year.
A recent guest comment—from Todd Milton of Canberra, Australia, “great museum—the Hudson is massive!” (D.T.)
ROTARY CLUB OF SQUAMISH TO BUILD NEW PICNIC AREA
The Rotary Club of Squamish will help the West Coast Railway Heritage Park with a new project in 2011, The club has approved funds to construct a picnic site and viewpoint atop the earth berm just north of the Mac Norris Station and the Kids Kaboose.
The project will clear the brush from the south end of the berm, and build a pathway up the south face to the top where a picnic site will be established atop this area. The site will also be a new viewing area over the Howard Lyttle Park , the Mac Norris Station and the mini rail area. This small elevation gain of approximately 12 feet in elevation above the surface level affords a very different view perspective of the Heritage Park and some of its activity areas. (D.T.) WCRA News, Page 19
SEA TO SKY TRAVEL FAIR APRIL 2
Comer out to the Sea to Sky Travel Fair on Saturday, April 2 at the new CN Roundhouse &
Conference Centre. Hours are 1000 through 1800 and admission to the roundhouse and the fair is free. The event organizers provide the following details:
The Sea to Sky Travel Fair will be rolling out the red carpet to show off the wonderful world of travel at the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre in Squamish B.C. The event was conceived by local travel agent and Tourism Squamish board director Christine Elliot as a great way to fuse all that is best about tourism in our area. She saw this as a great way to get local tour operators connected with larger inbound companies and offer them all a setting to collaborate in that the general public would enjoy as well.
“Being in the travel business I’ve seen first hand the difficulty of small tour operators getting their name out there, and when doing travel bookings most tours are booked prior to the trip, so it can be limiting for tourist, and operator alike. I see this a chance for everybody big and small to get together under one roof and get to network, while showing the locals what we have to offer.” Says Elliot.
Her partner on this unique project is equally excited about the opportunity for our area. Eric Armour local BIA president, business owner, and event organizer had this to say about the event. “I’m really excited for this first time event. I see it as a great way for local tour operators to start packaging themselves and build the tourism infrastructure in our area, while offering locals a first hand look at all of the great out of area tours available as well. Be it a destination wedding, or a wine tour in the south of France it will all be here for business and consumer alike!”
FUNDRAISING
Major Funding Received • Donation of Expenses $3,828 • CIBC Ambassador Donation $500 • Roundhouse donation $800 • Endowment Interest $12,840 • Gala Auction $5,300 • Telus Dollars for Doers $500
Month Total $23,768 Year to date Total: $635,410 (General purposes $145,250—Roundhouse $489,800)
Other Significant Activities • 50 th Anniversary Gala and Auction WCRA News, Page 20
WEST COAST RAIL TOURS
TOURS FOR 2011 ANNOUNCED
The Tours Committee continues to meet one week prior to the monthly
general meetings. To keep informed of upcoming tours and special excursions submit your e-mail address at www.westcoastrailtours.com . That way you will get up-to-the-minute news on special deals and new trips.
A major brochure and information mail-out was completed in January. A big and special thank you to these volunteers for stuffing envelopes for the tours mail-out: Keith & Vera Anderson, Dave & Arlone Emmington, Joe & Marietta Fischer, Bill & Sylvia Johnston, Martin & Pauline Jergens, John & Fay Lighthall and Jim & Elizabeth Saunders.
The tours committee is also going on the road in February and March, with a series of presentations about our tours at locations in both Victoria and Metro Vancouver. These will cover service clubs and seniors centres as first targets.
Meantime, don’t forget WCR Tours as can book your independent travel at any time—we meet the best prices and your bookings result in commissions to the WCRA. Here are our planned organized tours for 2011. (M.C.)
2011 GUIDED EXCURSIONS
NATIONAL TRAIN DAY IN SEATTLE 3 or 4 Days Friday, May 6 4-Day Tour $589 (Adt) $559 (Snr) – NO HST 3-Day Tour $439 (Adt) $419 (Snr) – NO HST This is a great opportunity to visit the Emerald City and for rail fans to see some steam and diesel trains in action along with other railway displays. You will depart Vancouver by Amtrak in the afternoon and transfer to a hotel in Seattle for two nights. Two-day admission to Train Days exhibits is included. You may also visit street fairs, the tug boat race or take a tour of the city. On the third day you return in the afternoon by train to Vancouver or by ferry to Victoria. Victoria travelers will enjoy the city on their own before returning to Vancouver at their leisure.
TOTEMS OF HAIDA GWAI: 7 or 10 Days SOLD OUT! Tuesday, May 24 OR Friday, May 27
Take a journey to Haida Gwaii (formerly Queen Charlotte Islands) and experience First Nations culture. Start by sleeping comfortably in your private cabin on VIA Rail’s “Canadian” WCRA News, Page 21
en route to Jasper in the heart of the Rockies. Spend a free day here. An optional day tour is available. Then VIA Rail’s “Skeena” takes you across central British Columbia to Prince
Rupert for a free day. A BC Ferry then sails overnight to Haida Gwaii. Once on these remote islands you will experience museum visits, native dances, feasts and many other sights. Return
trip is by air direct to Vancouver. (Travelers on the 7-day option will join the group in Prince George arriving there by air.)
OKANAGAN WINE, TRAIN & CASINO 4 Days Thursday, June 16 4-Day Tour $819 (Adult) $789 (Senior) Take a ride on a steam train, experience wine tasting and stay at a casino, all in the Okanagan region. Depart Vancouver by motorcoach, making stops at Agassiz museum, Hell’s Gate Airtram and Spence’s Bridge before an overnight in Logan Lake. Going south, a stop will be made at the Quilchena Ranch before arriving in Penticton for 2 nights. Next day’s highlight is a ride on the Kettle Valley Steam train followed by a wine tasting experience. Your evening is free. On your way back to Vancouver, stops are made at the Osoyoos Desert Model Railway and another winery for lunch.
PLANES, TRAINS & GLASSTOP COACHES 2 Days Thursday, June 23 2-Day Tour $369 (Classic) $469 (Dome) Highlights: Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, West Coast Railway Heritage Park, Rocky Mountaineer’s Whistler Sea to Sky Climb, Peak 2 Peak Gondola, Howe Sound Flightseeing. Pick-ups in the lower mainland will take you to the Rocky Mountaineer train in North Vancouver for the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb. This journey will take you on a unique train ride with gorgeous scenery. In Whistler a lunch is included in the village. After lunch we will go for a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. A short walk will then take us to the Skwxú7mesh Ĺiĺwat7úl (Squamish Lil’wat) Cultural Centre where we will experience a guided tour. Next day, after breakfast (included) a vintage glasstop bus will transfer you to Squamish where you will experience an exhilarating flightseeing tour of the Howe Sound area. A visit to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park and lunch is next on the agenda. The coach will then take you back to Vancouver.
CARIBOO TO DISCOVERY COAST 7 Days Wednesday, June 29 7-Day Tour $1,370 (Adt) $1,300 (Snr) Explore Whistler, Chilcotin, Barkerville, Bella Coola & the Discovery Coast. Start by traveling the scenic Sea-to-Sky highway and the Duffey Lake Road to Lillooet. You visit Hat Creek Ranch before going to Quesnel and on to Barkerville. Return to Williams Lake and experience its famous Stampede. Next day your motorcoach will traverse the wild Chilcotin Plateau and with a little luck you may see grizzly bears. Get familiar with the First WCRA News, Page 22
Nations and Norwegian cultures in the Bella Coola area. BC Ferries’ Discovery Coast passage service will take you to Port Hardy for the night. On the final day a stop at Telegraph Cove
will be made before returning.
OKANAGAN GOLF & WINE TASTING 5 Days Wednesday, July 6 5-Day Tour $1,249 (Adult & Senior) Golf enthusiasts are offered a great opportunity to play on some of the finest courses in the Okanagan. A comfortable motorcoach takes you through the Fraser Valley before arriving in Salmon Arm for wine tasting and hotel for the night. We will play the Salmon Arm Golf & CC and then move on to Vernon and Predator Ridge. If time allows we will visit a winery along the way. The last stop is Kelowna where we will play Gallagher Canyon and have some free time to explore this “small city that offers the world”. Another stop is made at a winery before returning to Vancouver.
RAILS & MINES OF HOWE SOUND 2 Days Monday, July 11 2-Day Tour $299 (Adult) $289 (Senior) Highlights: Britannia Mine Museum, Howe Sound Flightseeing, West Coast Railway Heritage Park, Tour departs from Victoria & Vancouver. The day starts in Victoria with pick ups in designated locations before crossing Georgia Strait by ferry. After pick up in downtown Vancouver we cross the Lion’s Gate Bridge to the North Shore for lunch. At beautiful and quaint Britannia Beach we will stop and visit the mining museum. The evening includes a dinner in Squamish and overnight in a comfortable hotel. After breakfast next morning (included) you will be transferred to Squamish airport where you will experience an exhilarating flightseeing tour of the Howe Sound area, including the majestic Stawamus Chief. A visit to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park with a mini rail ride and lunch is next on the agenda. The coach will end this trip by taking you back to Vancouver for drop offs and then on to Victoria for those who started there.
RAILS OF NORTHERN OREGON 4 Days Thursday, July 7 (note new date) 4-Day Tour $849 (Adult) $819 (Senior) – NO HST Portland, Oregon, The City of Roses as it is also known, provides an ideal destination for this brand new tour. Board Amtrak’s Cascades morning train from Vancouver direct to Portland and transfer to your hotel upon arrival. The second day includes visits to the Old Town, Chinatown, Washington Park and Pittock Mansion. Enjoy a scenic full-day tour including Timberline Lodge, Columbia Gorge, Hood River, Bonneville Dam, and Multnomah Falls followed by a Mystery Murder Dinner on Mt. Hood Railway’s vintage train. Your last morning is free for some shopping or relaxing before returning to Vancouver on Amtrak’s Cascade service. WCRA News, Page 23
WHITE PASS & YUKON STEAM SPECTACULAR 5 Days Thursday, July 2 1
5-Day Tour $1,599 (Adult) $1,549 (Senior) Note: FLIGHTS are INCLUDED in the PRICE
Steam & Vintage Diesel trains in one trip; what more can you ask for? Fly to Whitehorse and go on a tour of the area before check-in at your hotel. Next day an early morning coach takes you to Skagway for a noon departure of the Fraser Meadows Steam train, which goes beyond the White Pass Summit to Fraser, BC. You have a free day in Skagway to enjoy the trolley or an optional day tour. Next, the Yukon Adventure awaits you, a train ride to Carcross with a stop for lunch in Bennett. A motorcoach transfers you back to Whitehorse. On your last day a few tours/trips to museums, etc. may be included, then return to Vancouver by air.
VANCOUVER ISLAND MALAHAT CIRCLE 2 Days Tuesday, August 16 (also available unguided Daily, except Saturday) 2-Day Tour $249 (Adult) $219 (Senior) Highlights: Charming Qualicum Beach, E & N Railway’s Malahat Dayliner, Victoria. Depart from Vancouver aboard Pacific Coach Lines’ scheduled services to Victoria. The next morning we enjoy breakfast in the hotel restaurant. At 7:30 AM we transfer you to the VIA Rail station to board the “Malahat Dayliner” for an 8:00 AM departure to Qualicum Beach. Enjoy this quaint town with its interesting beaches and restaurants. After lunch (on your own) board the train at 2:15 PM and get off at Nanaimo at 3:10 PM. A waiting taxi takes you to Nanaimo’s bus depot for the 4:30 PM departure of Greyhound’s scheduled service to Vancouver. Arrive in Vancouver at 7:30 PM.
VANCOUVER ISLAND’S WEST COAST 5 Days Wednesday, August 24 5-Day Tour $949 (Adult) $899 (Senior)
Steam train, Budd car and ferries are all included in this trip. Travel to Victoria for a welcome dinner and overnight. Next morning ride VIA Rail’s Malahat Dayliner north to Qualicum Beach where you transfer to a motorcoach taking us to Port Alberni. Next day we sail on the coastal supply vessel “Frances Barkley” to Ucluelet for the night. We then tour the Tofino area and the Pacific Rim National Park before going east to Port Alberni. Next morning the steam train will pick you up right at your hotel and take you to the steam-operated McLean Mill before a return to Nanaimo and home.
LAKE WHATCOM & AGASSIZ RAILWAYS 1 Day Tuesday, August 30 Day Tour $159 (Adult) $149 (Senior) Highlights: 10-12 Hour Day Tour, Agassiz Railway Museum, Lake Whatcom Railway. A motorcoach will pick you up at designated locations throughout the lower mainland and then WCRA News, Page 24
take you to the Agassiz Station Museum for a visit and some snacks. Continuing you will go back to Abbotsford and cross the US Border in Sumas. Lunch is included before arriving in
Wickersham, WA where you will board the train for the 1.5 hour journey. The passenger coaches are from early 20th century. Upon returning there will be time to visit the museum,
which includes wooden freight cars from the Great Northern Railway. There is also a 100 year old handcar available for rides. Before returning to Vancouver, a stop will be made for dinner.
PORTLAND ON AMTRAK CASCADES—any time year round Are you in the mood for some US shopping (or just a delightful visit to the great city of Portland)? Why not take advantage of the strong Canadian Dollar? Travel to one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world by rail, the most comfortable method of transportation. Departures from Vancouver every day at 6:40 am, arriving in Portland at 2:55 pm. The return train departs Portland at 2:50 pm, returning to Vancouver at 10:50 pm. Round trip rail tickets are as low as $110 (Seniors $93.50 ). We will also book your hotel in the downtown area starting at around $100 /night. You decide how many nights you want to stay.
All Aboard with West Coast Rail Tours—call us at 604-524-1011 0r toll free at 1-800-722- 1233, or check us out at [email protected]
West Coast Rail Tours --- The “Rail” Way To Go
LOCOMOTIVE 374 PAVILION
February was a strong month for visits with just over 1,614 guests dropping in to visit our heritage locomotive. In addition another estimated 3,000 people dropped by on the evenings of February 11 th and 12 th for the Illuminate Yaletown event making our month total 4,614. WE were closed only two days in the month due bad weather.
Illuminate Yaletown is a community event in which the 374 pavilion participated, there were projections, interesting illuminations and “lighted throwies) (see rear cover photo)
Volunteers are still needed to fill the occasional hole in the custodian schedule and also for backup when there may be an unexpected need for help. Please call Bill at 604-522-9068 or e- mail him at [email protected] if interested. Free underground parking and coffee vouchers are provided along with our sincere appreciation. Weekends are especially busy so if you can spare a Saturday, especially March 26 th or any in April or May let us know.
It is not too early to mark the date Sunday May 22 nd in your calendar. That is the day the locomotive will celebrate the 124 th anniversary of its arrival pulling the first passenger train into Vancouver. We will also celebrate WCRA’s 50th. Because of construction work on the turntable plaza we will be unable to pull it out, but we will have a party nevertheless. (B.J.) WCRA News, Page 25
FEATURE ARTICLES
FROM WCRA NEWS - MARCH 1974
- by Craig McDowall WCRA News
The next meeting of the WCRA will be held at 8 PM on March 26th at the CNR Servo Centre on Terminal Avenue. On the agenda will be #598 (open observation car) and a presentation and discussion of ideas for activities for the upcoming year. Please contact Roger Burrows or Fritz Lehmann (MCM note: anyone know of Fritz's whereabouts . . . a very interesting fellow) prior to the meeting. All members are encouraged to tune in to CBC TV this Sunday evening for The National Dream which will show some of the construction. The locomotive used is ex CPR 4-4-0 #136 now owned by Ontario Rail Association. Entertainment will be a movie from the White Pass & Yukon which won awards titled "Brave New North".
BCR A survey by the Council of Forest Industries has determined that the BC Railway lost about $1.7 million in potential business from industry partners due to boxcar shortages. The survey showed that eight forest companies would have produced and shipped more had the boxcars been available. Some of this was covered by trucks but nowhere near what was required by rail capacity. Lumber shipments have increased by 40% in the past two years, so to alleviate this dramatic increase and shortage of cars, BC Rail will begin construction of their own cars in it's new-to-be built $5 million car building plant in Squamish. Currently, the railway is buying cars to increase capacity. New locomotives (M-420's) are also being ordered to increase the power roster.
On the Dease Lake Extension, track was completed on the first 161 miles by year end. Completion is expected by mid 1976.
Track upgrades continued during the past year, with 74 miles of mainline were upgraded, seven trestles replaced by concrete bridges and 40 miles of track on the Dawson Creek sub was relaid with heavier rail.
CP An eastbound empty coal train derailed south of Spences Bridge on Sunday, March 16th when the locomotives (SD40's) hit a slide on the tracks and derailed. Two crewmen from Kamloops were killed in the lead unit as it went down a 100 foot embankment to the highway below. The two crewmen were the engineer and head end brakeman. The track was blocked for 24 hours as the locomotives had to be partially dismantled before being re-railed by two cranes. This derailment has drawn the attention to rail safety conditions on both rail lines in the Fraser Canyon. Union leaders and MP Mark Rose have noted in the past that there are very few slide fences and electric monitors that actuate signals in the event of a slide. CP Rail crews want WCRA News, Page 26
canyon lights installed on all road units used in the canyon. The CTC recently ordered CPR and CNR to improve track conditions throughout their systems and to shorten trains and slow
trains in mountainous areas in an effort to reduce derailments which are now three times higher per ton mile than in 1959.
CN CN is negotiating for the purchase of a number of diesels from General Electric. Specifically U30B, U33C or U36C are being examined to power unit coal trains in the west. If confirmed, it would be the first Canadian order for second generation GE power and the first order for any GE power since the early fifties, when a few 70 tonners were bought. Construction would be likely be done in GE's Scarborough shops from US components.
MLW Montreal Locomotive Works has signed a contract with the Cuban Government for the sale of thirty 2400 HP locomotives, most likely M-420's. Since MLW is 52% American owned (by Studebaker-Worthington), the sale was jeopardized by the American law against the 'sale to un -friendly nations' by US corporations and their subsidiaries. The $15 million contract is with the Cuban government for the Railway of Cuba. Delivery is to begin in summer 1975.
WP & Y This information is timely since we will be showing the film "Brave New North" at this month's meeting. The White Pass & Yukon Railway operates passenger trains from May 1st to August 31st each summer. Two passenger trains (surprisingly called #1 & #2) operate on the two day round trip. The fare is $24 each way in parlour cars and includes an "all you can eat" meal at the Bennett Section House at Lake Bennett. For roughly double that fare, you can take your automobile with you on the train. The trains depart Skagway at 10:00 and arrive at Whitehorse at 17.00 after an early afternoon stop in Bennett. The train departs Whitehorse the next morning at 08:15 and arrives back in Skagway at 06:30.
RAILWAY NEWS
UNION PACIFIC LOCO ON AMTRAK CASCADES
Some Amtrak Cascades trains have been powered by Union Pacific SD70M #3981 on several occasions in March. The unit was seen arriving on the evening train March 6 and then southbound the next morning, it was also seen arriving on the inbound train March 9, departing in the evening and again on March 10 inbound AM—outbound PM. The loco (nee Southern Pacific 9807) was with the Mount Adams consist on March 9 with cab car 90278 on the other end. (C.D., J.M.) WCRA News, Page 27
POWDER RIVER COAL TO PRINCE RUPERT
January saw rumours of Powder River Basin coal being shipped north across to the border for
CP to take to East Edmonton, thence by CN to Ridley and indeed CN created two new train schedules to accommodate such a routing: C 72151 westbound and C 72051 eastbound. So far nothing has moved on that routing, but Feb. 18 saw the first train depart Thornton on an even more surprising route, under schedule C72251. CN sent four units (8955-2313-2260- 2692) south on Feb.12 on the BNSF to pick up the train at Auburn , WA. (J.M.)
Friday Feb 18 saw the first train load of Wyoming coal pass trough the Vancouver BC area on its way to Prince Rupert BC for transload to ocean ships. Much has been speculated and written lately on the start up of these shipments and ultimately these loads may cross in to Canada from Sweetgrass Montana, run over CP to Edmonton and CN west to Prince Rupert. For now they will use a BNSF, CN routing that is much longer. It is interesting to note trains from/to Vancouver use a directional running agreement which sees all eastbounds use CP for 157 miles from Mission to near Ashcroft with westbounds using CN. However, this new coal train (running as CN train 722) ran against the current of traffic and used CN all the way causing some trouble for dispatchers and crews because CN ripped out every other siding on the entire directional running route back in 2000/2001.
Power for this train (from Auburn, WA) was three CN units up front and one on the rear. Leading was very new SD70M-2 #8955 followed by ES44DC #2313 and #2260. Rear DPU unit was Dash 9-44CW #2692. The second loaded train is due through the Vancouver BC area on Mon Feb 21. We'll see if it is allowed onto CP for directional running or if it has to run ACOT as well. (K.P.)
MOTIVE POWER NOTES
CN's first ex BNSF C40-8W (CN 2141 ) to be painted in CN colours was enroute to MacMillan Yard on #392 on December 30. CN 2141 rolled through Brampton on the Halton subdivision at around 14:00. (TJ)…..CN has bought 40 additional ex-BNSF, nee-ATSF C40-8Ws, and the proposed renumbering for these is: BNSF 801-853 (odd numbers only) will become CN 2162- 2188 . BNSF 854-864 are to become CN 2189-2199 , and BNSF 865 and 866 will be renumbered to CN 2098 and 2099 . These are in addition to the 27 C40-8Ws purchased last year from BNSF, originally ATSF 800-852 (even numbers only), which have become CN 2135 to 2161 . Of these, 2141, 2144 and 2151 have been repainted into CN livery. (TJ)
All 35 of the ex-UP, nee-CNW C40-8s are in CN livery. These are numbered CN 2100-2134. Of these, CN 2107, 2112, 2113, 2115, 2124 and 2128 have the 15-year artwork. The final one to be completed in mid February was 2109 at the CN shop at Centralia, Illinois. CN 2128 , WCRA News, Page 28
which suffered fire damage in November, was moved from Winnipeg to Chicago on January 8, 2011.
The following is a summary of CN’s distributed power unit (DPU) plan for 443 selected units
in their fleet: • BCOL C44-9W 4645-4654 , (10 modified to CN standard 2009/10) • CN C44-9W 2200-2205 (6) • CN ES44DC 2220-2344 (125) • CN C44-9W 2523-2538 (16 - retrofitted 2006) • CN C44-9W 2653-2666 and 2668-2727 (74 - retrofitted 2009/10) • CN SD70M-2 8000-8024, 8800-8964 (190) • IC SD70 1000-1005, 1007-1012 , and 1015 (13 upgraded 2010). The retrofitting work on these is being done by Quality Rail Service, Inc. at Madison, Illinois.
LUMBER CARS ON THE MOVE
A long string of centre beam lumber cars moved out of their long time storage at Vancouver's Glen Yard (along Clark St.) on March 5. The very long train was observed climbing out of the cut ay Renfrew St. behind a pair of big CN units. (R.P.)
MOTIVE POWER NOTES
JLCX SD40-2 5720 (nee CP 5720) has been sent to the SRY for dismantling preparation and then it is to be scrapped at CN Langley yard. J&L Consulting will send the other ex-CP units from CP-Coquitlam to the SRY as available shop space opens up. On arrival, each will have their condition evaluated to determine whether they will be repaired, or scrapped. Others are still enroute too. As of December 18, seven more remain stored at Moose Jaw, SK: SD40-2s 5611 , 5683 , 5684 , 5696 , 5709 , 5805 , and 5830 . J&L Consulting said that the GP9u’s are more in demand than the SD40-2s, but it can be expensive to get them in running condition and fully compliant. Therefore, depending on their ROI, some geeps m ay end up being scrapped as well. (TJ)
ROYAL CANADIAN PACIFIC
The Royal Canadian Pacific luxury passenger train is scheduled to make three trips in 2011. Two will be six day / five night circle tours from Calgary routing through Crowsnest and Kicking Horse passes (fare $8,200 / person). Departures from Calgary are on July 24 and August 10. The other will be the Royal Pacific Express , departing Calgary July 1 for Vancouver, and scheduled to coincide with the 125th anniversary of the arrival of the first train at Port Moody, BC July 4, 1886. Fare is $5,300 / person for this one. (SDHSE) WCRA News, Page 29
SILVER LEAF SERVICE TO DEBUT
Rocky Mountaineer will debut a new level of service on some of its First Passage to the West trips (Vancouver—Banff / Calgary) in 2011. The service will feature one of its single level dome coaches which were built for the Whistler Mountaineer run. Silver Leaf will be a redeployment of one of the two single level glass topped cars on a few selected runs of the Banff trip—departures from Vancouver May 13, June 3, August 26 and September 30 and returns from Calgary / Banff May 15, June5, August 28 and October 2. While the Silver Leaf car is on these trips, the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb train will have only a single Glacier Dome in its consist. Silver Leaf service will feature an intermediate level of service between the traditional Red Leaf and Gold Leaf offerings.
KAMLOOPS TO GET A SHOP BUILDING
Rocky Mountaineer will build a new building for its shop forces in Kamloops this year. The building will be a run-through style and will significantly upgrade facilities for operations and maintenance forces.
SILVER BULLET EXPRESS
VIA is planning to run a special train for Molson's Silver Bullet Express contest. It is to operate between Edmonton and Kamloops with stops in Jasper and Blue River from April 15 - 17, and will carry about 120 passengers and 13 service staff on a consist of 5 baggage cars (turned into "experiential" cars), 1 skyline, 6 sleepers, 1 dining car, 1 panorama car, and 1 dome observation car. (J.M.)
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER UNITS ON VIA #1
VIA’s Train 001-01 picked up two RMR units at Kamloops on Mar. 4 and arrived Vancouver Mar. 5 with VIA 6416-RMRX 8011/8018-VIA 6440 and 10 cars. (J.M.) OTHER NEWS DOWNTOWN HISTORIC TRAMS The two restored BC Electric trams that have operated on the line will remain in the barn until at least July due construction along the right of way. It would really be nice to see them put to use again even just connecting the Canada Line’s Olympic Station to Granville Island as the demonstration cars from Brussels did during the Olympics. Hopefully things will be able to get back on track this year. WCRA News, Page 30 STATIONS WEBSITE Check out www.yourrailwaypictures.com/trainstations for access to a great set of station photos from across Canada. (J.M.)
3716 TO GET A NAME? Word has it that the ex CPR 2-8-0#3716, which has been beautifully restored to operation at Summerland by the Kettle Valley Stream Railway, will get a new name. Train enthusiasts will have an opportunity to give it a name this fall when it will be featured on the TV show “Name This”, a series on History Television. Known there as “the 3716”, the lomcotive carried the name Port Coquitlam when it was operated by the Province of British Columbia, reflecting the name of the community to which it had been donated by CPR when it was retired from its CPR career.
LONG TRAINS The Financial Post had a feature article titled “How Long Can Trains Go?”. The article was quite comprehensive and looked at issues around the ever growing length of freight trains in Canada. Access it at www.financialpost.com/news/long+trains/4348592/story.html
PORT OF VANCOUVER TO GROW CONTAINER CAPACITY Port Metro Vancouver has launched a long term container capacity improvement plan to boost handling capacity for future growth. Container traffic is expected to grow double over the next 10 to 15 years and even tripled by 2030, thus many improvements and changes will be needed. The port facility receiving the most infrastructure attention for growth will be DeltaPort at Roberts Bank.
WCRA News, Page 31
CREDIT LINES ISSN 1204-072X Vol. 50 Issue 4 Editor Don Evans
Distribution Jeremy Davy & Donna Simon
Contributors: M.C. Mattias Christianson C.D. Corwin Doeksen) J.D. Jeremy Davy C.F. Chris Forget D.F. Donna Fourchalk R.G. Russ Grycan B. J. Bill Johnston D.M. Dave Manzer J.M. Jim McPherson R.P. Ron Pajala K.P. Ken Perry S.S. Susan Steen D.T. Dave Thomson
SDHSE Sandhouse TJ Tempo Jr.
Send contributions to the WCRA PO Box, direct to the editor at #28 - 2133 St. Georges Ave., North Vancouver, B.C. V7L 3K5, on the Internet to < [email protected]> , phone news to (604)988-3435(res) or fax to (604) 986-7660. Check us out on the Internet at < www.wcra.org>
Contact us: Tours 604-524-1011 / 800-722-1233 Heritage Park 604-898-9336 Office 604-681-4403 CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre 604-898-1082
BACK COVER
Top—Guests enjoy a scrumptious dinner at the WCRA’s 50th Anniversary gala in the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre on the evening of Friday, February 18, 2011. (Russ Grycan photo)
Lower—the Locomotive 374 Pavilion makes a stunning sight during the annual Illuminate Yaletown event. The Pavilion hosted 3,000 visitors on the two evenings of the community event. (George Game photo)
TRIVIA ANSWER
The Sinuiji Locomotive is a North Korean Football (Soccer) club started in 1956 out of the city of Sinuiji that plays in the DPR Korea league.
Published monthly by West Coast Railway Association ISSN 1204-072X PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2 Vol. 50 Issue 4 www.wcra.org http://twitter.com/WCRailway Canada Post, Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40007853