October 2015

WCRA NEWS OCTOBER 2015

Squamish—North Van. Rail Excursions Oct. 10 & 11! Fundraising Gala Nov. 5 Polar Express is coming! WCRA News, Page 2

GENERAL MEETING

The General Meeting of the WCRA will be held on Tuesday, September 29 at 1930 hours at Rainbow Creek Station, Willingdon at Penzance in Burnaby.

Entertainment will be a vintage slideshow by Ryan Cruickshank of miscellaneous (never shown at the WCRA) railway scenes dating back to the 1950's from around the Pacific Northwest—plus, if time holds out, some never-before-seen-in-public aviation photos from 1958-1959.

ON THE COVER

Pretty as a postcard! The CP Ladies PGA business train heads towards Vancouver on CN tracks just west of Hope, BC in this photo by Corwin Doeksen . What could possibly beat an A-B-A set of F units hauling a 15 car train at speed on a sunny August 16, 2015!

OCTOBER CALENDAR

• West Coast Railway Heritage Park open daily 1000 through 1600k—Mini rail in operation daily. • October 1—Okanagn Wine and Steam tour departs • Friday, October 9—Deadline for items for the November 2015 WCRA News • Monday, October 26 to Friday, October 30—Mystery of the Magic Pumpkin at the Heritage Park, Train departs at 11AM daily. (see page 11) • Tuesday, October 27—WCRA General Meeting at Rainbow Creek Station, 1930 hours

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, Please note that GST must be added to all fees: Senior $50 ($52.50), Individual $55 (57.75), Family $65 (68.25) E Members (electronic newsletter only) are $35 ($36.75) Senior, $40 ($42.00) individual and $50 ($52.50) family. Other categories are: - Junior Member (age 18 and under ) $ 30 ($31.50) - Sustaining Member $100 (tax receipt) plus membership type regular fee - Life Membership $700 ($735) individual life / $1,200 ($1,260) 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

A BUSY FALL AHEAD

It doesn’t take long after Labour Day for things to leap into high gear. That is certainly the case for WCRA, as we prepare for a series of special events and activities that will keep us going right to the end of the year.

We hope that you will find something for everyone in the family, and that you will join us: • On board the streamliner excursion train October 10 and 11 as we re-create the classic North Vancouver to Squamish excursion • At the Heritage Park October 26 through 30 for Pumpkin Train—a fun event designed for the young family set • At the Roundhouse Community Centre in Vancouver’s Yaletown on Thursday, November 5 for our second annual gala fundraiser • At the Heritage Park on any one of four weekends from end November and into December for the spectacular Polar Express event

No matter which you choose, or how many, you can be assured that you will be supporting our core goal of Preserving British Columbia's Railway Heritage. Thank you for everything that you do in helping us with this cause. Don

ASSOCIATION NEWS

FROM THE AUGUST GENERAL MEETING

Chair Bill Johnston called the meeting to order with 29 members and guests present. Jeremy Davy was the Recording Secretary. • Gord Bell reporting for Ken Tanner started off talking about the Fall Plans for the year, noting: • The November Gala in Yaletown. Improvements will be made based on what was learned last year. Tickets should be on sale soon. • Plans are under way for what will be two excursions this fall. Tickets are on sale now and posters are currently being distributed. • Polar Express is planned to run 4 weekends this year. Changes are planned to bring newness to the event this year. • Gord Bell then turned to the Heritage Park, noting we were experiencing a slower than anticipated summer, probably due to the presence of the Sea-to-Sky Gondola. Several strong events helped the operation afloat. July YTD visits were 32,448 compared to 26,046 in 2012. A fundraiser is underway to extend the platform at Mac Norris Station WCRA News, Page 4 making it easier to board consists of more than 2 coaches. • Gord Bell read the operations/collection report from Robert MacBeth … - Trevor Mills is doing a great job of getting the rolling stock up to standard and is keeping Robert very busy. - The truck swap between the 3 “F units” is complete and 6520 & 4069 now each have matching sets. Engine room cleanup is being done while the units are shopped making it easier to spot future leaks. - Operating Trainset - exterior work on 5569 is complete and unit is back on display. Decals will be applied as soon as received. 3218 is now in the Carshop and Randy & Kyle are working hard to get its cosmetic work completed in time for it to join the Fall Excursion consist. Alberta’s plumbing work is finished – 99% road ready. Henry Pickering was sidelined briefly for repair to a cracked side bearing. Brake portions from all operational coaches have been sent for recertification so they can be used on the fall excursions. Once electrical work is completed, coach Porteau will be added to the consist. • Don Evans provided a fundraising report, noting the recent launch of the Royal Hudson fundraiser as well as some other initiatives underway. • Bill Johnston provided a tours report • George Game commented on a very busy summer at the Locomotive 374 Pavilion • Jeremy Davy noted the upcoming mini rail special sites including CN Family Day September 13 and the Vancouver Train Expo in November at the PNE Forum • The calendar was reviewed from the newsletter • Ryan Cruickshank had a Show & Tell with some past promotions for both BCSME and Western Rails (1980’s), a Z scale “Rail Plane”, and a Wolverine Supply (Pittsburgh) locomotive #34 and coach made of stamped metal with wooden wheels (1960’s) • Bill Marchant provided a Trackside Report • Guests were welcomed • Entertainment was a slide show by Bob Hunter of vintage slides principally of CN on Vancouver Island (from the Wilkie collection and Bob’s own collection)

WCRA TRIVIA #322 - By Ryan Cruickshank

What significance is the address "11344 Edbrooke", as spoken by the Conductor (Tom Hanks) in the 2004 movie The Polar Express . (Answers on page 26) MEMBER NEWS

Our condolences go out to Bonnie & George Game on the passing on of Bonnie’s mother, Christine, on August 27th.

PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP

If your newsletter label says 8/31/2015 your membership has expired, if it says 05/31/2015 this is your last issue of WCRA News. WCRA News, Page 5 NEW MEMBERS

We welcome to membership: • Ben & Debbie Bakk and family of Squamish; • Melanie Bedore and family of Garibaldi Highlands; • Nicola Bickerton and family of Brackendale; • Steve Bordt of Langley; • Danette Boucher and family of Squamish; • Greg & Barb Fensome and family of Abbotsford; • Colin Finlay of Dorchester, ON; • Frances Foran and family of Gibsons; • Jessamy Freese and family of Brackendale; • Terry & Stacy Grant and family of Langley; • Louisa Harrison and family of Squamish; • Andy Hutchings and family of North Vancouver; • Eva Larsson and family of Squamish; • Elizabeth MacLean and family of Port Moody; • Jason McKinnon and family of North Vancouver; • Gary Ridout and family of Delta; • Darren Roberts and family of Garibaldi Highlands; • Dana Rykova and family of Langley; • Michael Sharp and family of Brackendale; • Michael Sinclair and family of West Kelowna; • Tanya Slater and family of Brackendale; • Mark Yang and family of Langley.

We welcome back to membership…. • Dan & Erin Hirai and family of Langley; • James & Shannon Morris and family of Squamish; • Rachel Richards & Trevor Hutchins and family of Squamish; • Connie Spear and family of Vancouver. (J.D.)

CPR DRAKE STREET STORIES SOUGHT

Did you ever work at the CPR Drake Street facilities or know anyone who did? Writer and researcher Mark Wilson (who covered WCRA well in his years with The Province) sends this note…..”I am seeking to interview Drake Street veterans who are willing to talk about their work experiences as part of a study of the industrial and commercial impacts of the facility on Vancouver. In its early days Drake Street must have represented a major source of industrial technique that would only later be overtaken by shipbuilding. Its greatest legacy gifts were developable land and, of course, the Dunsmuir Tunnel.” If you can help, please let Mark know at [email protected] or contact your editor ay 604-988-3435 and I will pass the information along. WCRA News, Page 6 SLIDE PROJECTOR SOUGHT

WCRA is looking for a Kodak 35 mm Carousel slide projector for the archives. Ours has disappeared and we need a replacement—the archives holds many treasures in photographic collections, many still in 35 mm slide format. If you can help please let Bob Hunter or Bill Marchant know. (R.H.)

VANCOUVER TRAIN EXPO

Vancouver Train Expo 2015 - the rebranded and relocated TRAINS2015 - is being held this year at the PNE in the Forum Building, 2901 East Hastings on November 7 th & 8 th . The public show hours are from 10am to 4pm each day.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – at the Show, WCRA will be providing the MiniRail and will also have a booth where we will be promoting the Association and its activities (Park-374-Tours), as well as selling surplus books and artifacts as a fundraiser. We need assistance with set-up of the booth on Friday Nov 6 th (Time TBD) and staffing it on Nov 7 th and 8 th during the show. If you have time you can donate on any or all of the days please let Jeremy Davy know your availability by email [email protected] or by phone 604.484.2791. (J.D.) COLLECTION

BCER 960 UPDATE

Progress sometimes seems even more frustratingly slow in the summer months on our 60 ton beauty, what with the volunteer crew having other life commitments... to family, health, part time real jobs, and much deserved vacation time et al, et al.

Our focus though, continues to be the rear deck where at time of writing we still anticipate the vintage batteries will be finally serviced and proven to hold a good charge. Once this is finalized, Bob Gordon will be crafting replacements for the many rotted pieces of the battery carrying cribbing. Bob advises that he spent a day continuing the needle gunning and wire wheeling of the rear hood through its multiple layers of paint and rust to bare steel. We are sure to prime all bare steel. I plan to finish the rear hood top and underside in the coming weeks. Before heading off on his three week camping trip, Bob also vetted the final art work of the decals now going into production.

Roy (at Roman Metal N.Van) and myself lugged all 960's remaining hood side panels into the shop lot and sorted the rusted mess out to get a better idea what goes with what... Fabrication of rear, then front panels, will be worked into production as time permits between Roy's shop priorities. WCRA News, Page 7

After Roman, Heather and I made track for the Portland NMRA convention, but not before an overnighter side visit to the YVTR, ( www.yakimavalleytrolleys.org ) in 'wild fire' smoky, Yakima Washington.

Ed Neel, a board member and active volunteer, connected with us as planned and provided a wonderfully informative tour of the classic trolley facilities including vintage and current AC to DC power equipment. Their superb little operating trolleys are up and running on weekends, this day it was a restored 4 wheel Birney taking visitors for rides into parts of old town.

Naturally, the focus of the visit for myself was the 298, a 1922 GE 50 ton steeple cab where both Ed and his son Scott have taken on putting this freight hauler back into operation again. Like all volunteer museum organizations the knowledge and expertise base can come and go, as was the case with 298, so the Neel's took this on with virtually no legacy expertise re

steeple cabs. Despite # 3 traction motor previously been dropped out and laying in the service pit, the locomotive is fully intact and looks to be in great condition, having been kept dry undercover. After long dedicated attention to tracing all the wiring around and testing same, WCRA News, Page 8 they figured pretty much what worked what. They hung a 'stinger-hook' and its trailing 600 volt extension power cord attached to its long wooden placement pole, (their car barn /shop has no overhead wiring). Ed and Scott were pleased to have moved the unit some 18 inches and then back again, so the task is now to overhaul the #3 motor and re install. (As a note, this purely GE unit (per its builders plate) does have many frame, body work and braking components similar to our ALCO / GE 960, but all electrics, trucks, compressor arrangement plus controls are quite different). Much thanks to Ed Neel for spending the afternoon with us and letting me clamber around everything, plus involving us in the end of day fun switch back and 'shopping' of the Birney.

So until next month where I will report on the rear hood, its deck components status, the steel fabrication, and hopefully some good news re delivery of brake valve parts plus the possible production of the cab wood flooring. (M. McG.)

PGE #2 UPDATE

Sept. 1—It has now been two months since we had "little Sparky" out of the shed and over to the Royal Hudson's birthday party. That birthday weekend caught us right in the middle of some problems that we were having with the finishing paint job. John and Roy had done a couple of test spots on the side of our cab that had failed and the party date was fast approaching. We wanted to get our little engine as smart as possible, the rebuilt headlight and number plate were ready for installation when Roy and John tried a new approach and moved to the front of the boiler, with the needle guns working flat out, the smoke stack, top of the smoke-box and the front smoke-box door and ring were taken down to bare metal, wire- brushed smooth and given a coat of red oxide filler-primer. The next morning a coat of black gloss that was a great success, with the smoke-box door installed, the number plate applied and the headlight in place she was ready to go to the party just as the yard engine came to get her on that Friday evening....

Following this time of panic and learning it was realized that covering over the coats of paint that had been applied over the past many years was not going to work, (we have no way of knowing what types of paints make up this one eight-of-an-inch thick blanket but we did know that some of it rejected today's modern paints that we are using). We now knew the whole locomotive was going to have to be totally stripped down to the base metal and a fresh start for this to be a successful job, just like the front of the boiler was done two month ago....

Next week John is planning to move the engine back a little to permit the final needle-gun cleaning behind the rods and other inaccessible area's (photo page 9) and hopefully start the paint job and Roy has worked on the test area's that failed on the cab, removed all the old paint and started undercoating.... The rest of the crew has been picking and cleaning plus repairing many broken and damaged items on the little #2...... Remember that Historic Preservation Projects are never Fast, Easy or Cheap. (M.L.) WCRA News, Page 9

CMO UPDATE

Our Chief Mechanical Officer Robert MacBeth sends this update…..

Our new Manager of Rolling Stock - Trevor Mills has been doing a great job getting our rolling stock up to standard – keeping me very busy!

CN FP9A #6520 received a truck change to rectify our thin wheel problem, Working out the last remaining bugs with the cooling system, testing is currently going on. The engine compartment is being cleaned of old oily rags and the engine block cleaned so any leaks are easy to spot. Number 3 Traction Motor Blower was inspected to insure its not leaking into the traction motors and resealed. Next step is to begin with the cosmetic restoration.

CP FP7A #4069 Received a truck swap as well so now has a matching set with common gearing. In addition, the Number 3 traction motor blower was resealed to stop leaking into the traction motor.

CN Coach 5569 is completed on the outside work and now back on display—Looks great, just awaiting the lettering to be applied (Photo, page 10 by Don Evans)

CN Coach 3218 is in the carshop, Randy and Kyle are working hard its cosmetic work to be completed and on the fall excursion in October. It will be a matching car to #5569 in the CN green, black and gold scheme. WCRA News, Page 10

The Henry Pickering open car was taken off the Rocky Mountaineer briefly because of a cracked side bearing - repairs were made the next day and the car was back on the train the same week, missing only one trip. Thanks to David Walmsley for his help with this repair.

Business car Alberta is operationally ready, plumbing has been repaired. Underbody of the car has also been repaired and undercoated to protect it. A new battery box liner has also been installed and protective cover over the Air Conditioning system.

CPR MLW S3 #6503 – was used recently for a wedding, the bride was brought into the station on the Alberta and everything went off very well.

WORK PARTY FOR PGE 561

A work party was held in August 14 for PGE RSC-3 #561 to start bringing her back to her former glory. Projects included servicing the handbrake, re mounting the twin sealed beam headlight, clean up of oil and dirt that had accumulated over the years, clean up minor rust and perform paint touch ups and more. The spare traction motor and wheelset was also serviced. Helping were Richard Courage, Trevor Mills, Greg Robertshaw, Kyle Harris and Adam Lelacheur. The original restoration of this unit goes way back to 1987—88—before we had a West Coast Railway Heritage Park! (T.M.) WCRA News, Page 11 WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK Home of the Royal Hudson

POLAR EXPRESS TICKETS ON SALE

Polar Express 2015 is now selling—at either www.wcra,org on line or by phone at 604-229- 1103. This is a very popular event and always sells out quickly…...it may seem far off, but December will creep up quickly on us.

Polar Express trains will operate four weekends this year—November 28 / 29, December 5 / 6, December 12 / 13 and December 19 / 20. Trains depart at 1000, 1200, 1400 and 1600 with extra 1800 trains on Saturdays. Prices are unchanged from 2014. New for 2015 will be the use of the business car Alberta as a super class car for groups—watch for future details. (K.T.)

GARDEN RAILWAY STEAM LOCO SOUGHT

The G Scale trains which run on the Garden Railway at Windmill Flats are always a great highlight for guests who ride the West Coast Mini Rail trains and stop to watch the garden railway in operation. The G Scale is looked after by the West Coast Model Railroaders and one question often asked is if there is a steam locomotive. All agree that this would be a great addition, and a “steam engine project has been established to purchase a suitable G scale steam loco. Donations made to WCRA and noted “Steam Engine Project” will be tax receiptable and will be put towards such an acquisition. If you would like more info or are interested in helping with the model railroads at the Heritage Park please leave your name and number at the gift shop (604-898-9336) and we will get back to you. (B.S.)

MYSTERY OF THE MAGIC PUMPKIN

Come and join us October 26 – 30 th for The Mystery of the Magic Pumpkin . This event is geared toward children from PK to grade 5 and includes a short train ride to the magic pumpkin patch where children choose a pumpkin and then take it through a series of stations to get it carved and find out why their pumpkin is magic. Other activities include mini rail rides, crafts and games. The train leaves daily at 11am and the entire adventure last for two hours. Book in advance through the WCRA website or call the gift shop for more details. This event is a huge hit and many of the rides sell out so don’t delay Book now! (G.B.)

CONGRATULATIONS TO MONIQUE….

Congratulations to our very own Monique Napier , long time member and our volunteer Professional Photographer (you can see her photos are used in our Facebook page and the website)….she biked over 200 km last weekend (August 29—30) with over 2,000 cyclists WCRA News WCRA News, Page 12 from Vancouver to Seattle for the Ride to Conquer Cancer!!! She put in 15 hours of saddle time as they cycled through mountains, moments of sunshine, torrential rain, and against a wind storm.

She writes; “We were blown away, drenched, sweated, struggled, laughed and at the end, as expected I had a few tears of joy. I met some pretty amazing people along the way..I rode by myself for most of the way which I quite enjoyed but there were moments when I needed someone to ride beside me and there was always someone there when I needed. I got three flat tires, a couple setbacks where my body needed to rest..but they were good opportunities for me to take a break;) I rode with a yellow flag attached to my bike along with all the other survivors of cancer. I felt so supported by all the other riders as they passed me...haha.. (I rarely passed anyone). What an epic and memorable journey. It was truly a ride, not a race. I thought of all of you and those who have lost someone to this disease during the ride and this pushed me through to the finish line. Thanks so much for all those that made donations towards my ride.”..

The WCRA had a part in this by donating the tea room one day and Raised a $1,000 to help Monique make this event. With some of our great volunteers at the park.

Congratulations Monique!! (R.MacB)

SHUTTLEWAGON SOLD

The Heritage Park has sold its large Shuttlewagon unit, generating some needed cash and eliminating a duplication (the more recently received Trackmobile is more suited to our needs and fits on the turntable with a railcar). The unit was thoroughly cleaned up, well serviced and newly painted which helped it fetch a good price through a US dealer. Thanks to Gordon Bell and all who contributed and helped with this project. (R MacB.)

TRACK PROJECT TO GET UNDERWAY

A significant upgrade project for our operating tracks will get underway this fall, and will see many ties replaced as well as switches aligned and surfaced. Thanks to PNR Railworks who will perform the work for us and make a major improvement to our tracks.

HERITAGE PARK GUEST VISITS

Our visitor count to the Heritage Park is running up slightly over year to date 2014, with 34,702 guests counted to end August (compared to 33,739 in 2014). Our goal is to grow Polar Express significantly this year, so our year end numbers should stand well to exceed 2014. Our two summer months were a bit soft on account of not having any summer events at the Park for July / August 2015. (S. L.) WCRA News, Page 13 ROYAL HUDSON 2860

ROYAL HUDSON FUNDRAISER UNDERWAY

Following the 75th birthday event for the Royal Hudson, the next stage of fundraising was launched with an e blast and a direct mail piece. Thank you to all who have contributed to date, we are off to a good start with a bit over $5,000—but we need more.

Several have asked what needs to be done. The first work to be done is the planning work, and the development of a full rebuild plan for the locomotive over what is expected to be as long as ten years of work. With that completed to everyone’s satisfaction, we will get underway starting with the recertification of the boiler—which has to be done before anything else can be undertaken.

When we undertook the care and restoration of this icon of British Columbia railway history, we knew that it would be a multi year—multi phase project. The first piece, which we estimate to be about 1/3 of the total project, was the rebuild of the boiler. Now we need to move on with other phases, especially the mechanical rebuild which is expected to be the next priority. But before we start, we will do a next phase full assessment and develop the plan that will be followed.

Please support this fundraiser as we work towards getting this classic locomotive contining on track to a long and successful future.

FUNDRAISING

PLANNED GIVING—REMEMBER WCRA IN YOUR WILL

Have you considered a gift to the WCRA in your will? This is an easy way to make sure that organizations you love and wish to have ongoing success are looked after in the future. It also generates a major tax savings for your estate and takes just a few minutes to put in place.

Simply put, Planned Giving is about planning for a future gift to WCRA. The ability to make such a gift is based solely on the assets that you have available to be directed to someone or some organization when the time comes. You can only choose to leave your estate (value) to three places—to others (eg. family), to charity (such as WCRA or others you support), or to the government. The choice is yours to make!

WCRA has a Planned Giving package that we would be happy to send out or discuss at your request, as well as access to independent advisors if you wish to discuss this with someone. WCRA News, Page 14

Don Evans has the info and will be happy to send it to you. Call Don at 604-988-3435.

A very special thanks to several members who have now advised us of their plans to leave a future gift. Thank you for making your choice and letting us know of your legacy wishes.

FUNDRAISING—WE CAN’T DO WHAT WE DO WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT

Current Fundraisers and where we are…... • FP9A #6520 —thanks to your support, we have made 6520 operational, equipped it with horns and bell, have now changed out the rear truck thus fixing the thin rear wheel set, and are installing new brake valves in preparation for certification. Ahead, the cosmetic part—much body work and a new paint job. This next phase of this major collection project now in preparation stages. Thanks to the support to date we now have our second F unit operational. • Paul D. Roy Mini Rail Shop —Site preparation is complete and the containers are now on site. We are underway and additional work has been done to prepare the site. Now it is time to lay the track in to the facility and then to construct the sheathing that will make this look like a building. Budget $25,000—have raised $18,500 to date. We are working now on a date that would see the Roy family present, including Paul, for a dedication ceremony. Your gift now will help us get there and have our new facility ready before winter. • Northern Summit —on line fundraiser, needs more support before work can commence • Roundhouse Paving —we raised about 2/3 of funds needed, still need another $4,500 to complete—on hold for now pending further funding.

FUNDRAISING UPDATE

Major Funding Received • Telus Matching Donation $7,600 • Sun Life Donation $ 500 • General Donations $1,000 • 374 Pavilion Donations $ 900 • Royal Hudson Donations $4,485 • Seats for Life - Coach 5549 $1,000

Month Total $15,485 Year to Date Total $229,146 • General Fund $211,547 • CN 6520 Fund $5,664 • Royal Hudson Fund $9,205 • Northern Summit $2,550

WCRA News, Page 15 FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE MEETING

The WCRA’s Fundraising Committee met on August 24 and the following activities are in progress: • The hiring of a new Director of Development is underway. This professional role will become our fundraising lead going forward and will be based in the Vancouver area. Interviewing is set to get underway around October 1. • The establishment of a new senior advisory group (perhaps to be called Patrons of the WCRA) will be a focus going forward. This group will guide our major fundraising and donor stewardship into the future as we continue to grow and build forward. • November 5 Gala—this major fundraising event will be held Thursday, November 5 at the Roundhouse Community centre in Vancouver’s Yaletown. Please Mark the Date !

It is time for a major renewal in our fundraising efforts and the Fundraising Committee will guide these forward. We cannot preserve British Columbia’s railway heritage without the support of those passionate about this cause and supportive of our efforts.

374 PAVILION

Our Visitor Count for the month of August was 5,886 - 866 more than last August. Our Year To Date Visitor Count is 3,588 higher than last year. Orrin Webber has stepped in to take over Colin Dathan’s Mondays. Thanks Orrin! Evan Wickens has returned from a break and is enjoying volunteering during the summer months at the Pavilion. Hopefully he will stay and can help out with our volunteer shortage.

This brings us to the usual plea for volunteers. We could use some help on Mondays and Wednesdays. Hours are 10 to 4 in the Summer, 11 to 3 in the Winter. Free parking is available at the Roundhouse and the Canada Line station (Yaletown/Roundhouse) is right across the street. One or two days a month would be a great help. You will meet and greet visitors from around the world. Many are Train Fans! You can also help our Railway Heritage Park and Tour Office by promoting them, and their events with the visitors and locals. Come on down and see for yourself. You will not be working alone until you feel comfortable doing so. Call George @ 778-875-3573 for more information.

The 374 Cowcatcher Repair Update—Still one last bolt. We keep putting more penetrating oil on it, hoping that it will loosen up. Very frustrating!

The Locomotive 374 Pavilion Summer Hours are 10 - 4 every day except holidays. We are on the corner of Davie St and Pacific Blvd. Please drop in for a visit with our Volunteers and to learn a little history. Hope your had a good summer…..(G.G.)

WCRA News, Page 16

SPECIAL VISITORS

A couple of visitors to the Locomotive 374 Pavilion on August 23 turned out to be a rare husband and wife team of locomotive engineers—on Southern Pacific and Amtrak in San

Francisco. They write to Craig…..

Dear Mr. McDowall,

My wife, Dana, and I met you at the museum in Yaletown. We are the two retired locomotive engineers from California. We enjoyed visiting the Museum and talking with you. Our trip to Jasper in the VIA Canadian was great and our Rocky Mountaineer trip from Jasper to North Vancouver via Quesnel and Whistler was fantastic.

We would like to see a copy of the Newsletter you put out with the photo you took of us at the Museum. I have included a couple of photos of my wife and I. Her photo was taken in the late 1970s (below) and my photo was taken on the day I retired, Jan. 6, 2006.

We hope to visit the RR museum in Squamish if and when we return to BC. Thanks again for the DVD of the 4449 and the Royal Hudson. I included a photo I took at the Yaletown Museum. Yours truly, Greg Welker

WCRA News, Page 17

WEST COAST RAIL TOURS

ANNOUNCING—THE CLASSIC SQUAMISH EXCURSION— OCTOBER 10 & 11 only

The classic North Vancouver to Squamish rail excursion is back, but with a couple of twists and just for two days in October. The trips will depart North Vancouver at 10:00 each day and travel the classic coastal route along Howe Sound to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park’s Mac Norris Station . Guests will then be treated to a nice buffet lunch in the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre, and have time to explore the Heritage Park before re-boarding the train for the return trip to North Vancouver, arriving around 1630k.

Consist will be all classic streamliner—FP7A 4069 / FP9A 6520 on the point, followed by power car WCXX 9622 McDonald Creek , two coach class coaches, open observation car WCXX 598 Henry Pickering , two first class coaches, and business car Alberta on the rear of the train. The open observation car will be available to all guests on the train. All pricing includes train travel and lunch at the Heritage Park: • Coach Class $149 (reserved coach seating) • First Class $199 (reserved seats with tables, snack and beverage service included in both directions) • Business Car Class (24 seats only per trip, lounge and dining room easy chair seating, open platform, full catering service including beer and wine)

As we go to press, sales are open via West Coast Rail Tours or on line at www.wcra.org

TOURS COMMITTEE 2016

Interested in train travel? Join the West Coast Rails Tours Committee. We hold quarterly meetings to discuss the tours schedule. New ideas are encouraged. Contact Jennifer at the Tours office.

Fulfill you train travel bucket list on a unique rail journey with West Coast Rail Tours. Many adventures await you for the fall!

Okanagan Wine Festival & Kettle Valley Steam Railway Tour This fall is the perfect time to visit the Okanagan and celebrate the Wine Festival with gourmet wine, great food, unique events and art in a breathtaking setting. Visit the Osoyoos Desert Model Railway and ride the Kettle Valley Steam Railway. Visit Burrowing Owl, Tinhorn Creek, Hester Creek, Gehringer Brothers Estate and Red Rooster wineries. Overnight in Osoyoos, Penticton and Harrison Hot Springs. October 1-5, 5 days from $1,095

WCRA News, Page 18

WCRA News, Page 19

Bavarian Christmas Festivities of Leavenworth (includes outlet shopping and the Warm

Beach Theatre) Head south and enjoy duty free and outlet shopping at Seattle Premium Outlets or your luck a Tulalip Resort Casino. Watch the carolers at Warm Beach Camp and tour the Aplets and

Cotlets factory in Cashmere. Experience and old-fashioned sleigh ride and the Bavarian town of Leavenworth and it’s Christmas festivities. December 3-6, 4 days from $795

Victoria and Chemainus – Theatre, Gardens and Christmas Light Tour Journey to Victoria and enjoy a city tour including the Christmas Lights of Butchart Gardens. Head over the Malahat and through the Cowichan Valley to Chemainus for a festival theatre production of “Elf”. Drive through the annual Festival of light displays in Ladysmith and visit the Nanaimo gaming centre. December 15-17, 3 days from $695

All of our tours include tax, home pick-up and drop-off, all accommodation, transportation (including rail, coach and airfare) and most meals. Check our website www.westcoastrailtours.com or call Jennifer at the Tours office West Coast Rail Tours, 604-524-1011, 1-800-722-1233, [email protected]

West Coast Rail Tours is a also a fully licensed travel agency - we can book any kind of travel to suit your needs including vacation packages, flights, coach and cruise. (J. Mi.)

FEATURE ARTICLES

FROM THE STEAM CHEST - August 1975 - By Craig McDowall BC Provincial Museum The Museum Train, powered by ex CPR #3716, has almost completed its first tour. Open to the public for viewing in Burnaby on July 1st, it has since travelled north up to Fort St. John and back on the British Columbia Railway. The train arrived in North Vancouver on August 17th and will be transferred to Vancouver and opened for display at the CNR station from August 20th to 24th. Viewing times are from 10 AM to 1 PM, 2 PM to 6 PM and 7 PM to 8:30 daily.

2-6-2 #1077 will be ready for use on the Museum Train when it visits Nanaimo and other Vancouver Island cities later in the month. #1077 will be used on the island due to its lighter weight which was mandated due to the condition of the mainline on the island.

British Columbia Electric Railway BCER's interurbans #1220, 1231 and 1235 were returned to Canada on August 3rd. Arriving WCRA News, Page 20

by Foss Tug & Barge from Seattle, they were unloaded at the BCR's North Vancouver barge slip. The interurbans were mounted on flatcars.

The three interurbans were sold in the late fifties to Trolleyland, south of Olympia WA, after the Marpole - Steveston service was discontented in February 1958. That ended the BCER

interurban era. The cars have been acquired by the BC Provincial Museum and two of them will see service on some yet to be determined line. #1231 has been shipped to Ottawa for display at the Museum of Science and Technology. Cost of re-acquiring the three cars was reported to be $15,000. #1220 & 1235 were still in the BCR North Vancouver yards as of August 19th.

B.C. Steamship Corp. The BC crown-owned BCSC has purchased Canadian National's cruise vessel 'Prince George'. The BCSC paid $230,000 plus 28 acres of Crown Land near the CN rail yards in Prince George. The BCSC will operate the ship on coastal runs.

BCR All M420B's are now in service on the railway. The 'lightning stripe' paint scheme has been applied to these units. This paint scheme was dropped on the M420's and M630's. The M420B's are known as RCL's (remote control locomotive) units and are for use in mid-train operation. These are 'cabless' locomotives but still retain a full complement of running lights (red. white and green).

M420B unit #684 was featured in a ceremony in North Vancouver on August 12th. This unit was the 100th MLW diesel locomotive delivered to the PGE/BCR and the occasion was combined with a demonstration of how a RCL functions. BCR VP Mac Norris, sitting in the cab of a regular locomotive, operated the 684 by means of radio control.

Canadian Pacific Railway Baldwins #7068, 7073 (DS-4-4-1000's) and #8001, 8002, 8003 & 8004 (DRS-4-4 1000's) and Fairbanks Morse #4053, 4104 and 4105 (C-Liners) were reported scrapped at Ogden Yard in Calgary in July. However, Baldwin #8000(!!) and FM #4065 are being saved for preservation and should be in Eastern Canada by now. Baldwin #8010 is still in storage at Ogden and may have been set aside for the BC Provincial Museum which has been interested in preserving one of these 'typically served in BC' diesel locomotives.

Parks Canada has given CPR permission to study the possibility of double tracking a section of their mainline between Lake Louise AB and Stephen BC.

BC Transport Minister Bob Strachan has asked federal Transport Minister Jean Marchand to force CP Rail into maintaining adequate rail service on Vancouver Island. CP abandoned its Parksville to Port Alberni section on July 1st. Trestles on this 44 mile long section needed WCRA News, Page 21 repairs costing an estimated $1.7 million and CPR did not feel like this expense was warranted compared to expected revenue generated in the future.

Burlington Northern NW5 991 arrived in Vancouver at the end of July to join three others already in service.

On order are 200 woodchip cars from FMC Rail and Marine Equipment in Portland, OR. Costing $5,000,000 they will join a fleet of 2,000 already serving Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Western Montana.

RAILWAY NEWS

A SUNDAY RUSH IN SAN DIEGO

Your editor happened to be in San Diego on the Labour Day weekend, and stopped by the Santa Fe Depot downtown on Sunday, September 7 to find: • A standby F59PHI #457 in shiny new paint • 1730—a BNSF power set of four GE ES44DC units trundled through northbound, all in the 7700 series including units #7700 and #7777 • 1745—departure northbound of Coaster commuter train with F59PH #2105 and five Bombardier bi level cars • At the platform, some remaining cars from a Del Mar race special from Los Angeles of F59PHI #450 / Surfliner Bus class car / Superliner diner lounge 37000 / Surfliner coach

Observed earlier in the afternoon was a northbound train of Cascades cab car, seven Horizon coaches, Amfleet café car, GE Genesis loco pushing, and private sleeper Union Pacific “Pacific Sands” on the rear.

CASCADES HAPPENINGS

A short watching of the Amtrak Cascades in and out of Vancouver shows the amazing diversity in both motive power and Talgo equipment that shows up….. • Aug 26—train 517 had GE B32-8WH #509 and Mt Adams trainset with no cab car • Aug 26—train 516 had F59PHI #467, Mt Hood trainset and cab car 90252 • Aug 27—train 517 had GE #510 and Mt Adams trainset with no cab car • Aug 27—train 516 had GE Genesis #137 and Mt Bachelor series 8 trainset • Aug 28—train 517 had GE #510 and Mt Adams trainset with no cab car WCRA News, Page 22

• Aug 28—train 516 had GE Genesis #815, Mt Olympus trainset and cab car 90340 • Aug 29—train 517 had GE #510 and Mt Adams trainset with no cab car (again) • Aug 29—train 516 had F59PHI #468 with Mt Rainier trainset and cab car 90250 • Aug 30—train 517 had F59PHI #469 with Mt Jefferson Series 8 Talgo trainset • Aug 30—train 526 had F59PHI #467 with Mt Hood trainset and cab car 90252 (J.M.)

LONG TRAIN

How is this for a long train—CN 112 from Kamloops eastbound on September 4 departed with a length of 11,918 feet (more than two miles long!) - but then added some cars at Red Pass to arrive at Jasper with a total of 209 cars, and a length of 13,703 feet! Motive Power was CN 8838 / CN 5689 / BCOL 4653. (J.M.)

BUSINESS CAR TRAIN LED BY TWO NEW GE’S

CN operated a business car train from North Vancouver to Edmonton via Whistler and Prince George, departing North Vancouver on the morning of Tuesday, September 8th. The train consisted of two new GE ES44TC units 3012—3013 (Tier 4 emissions compliant) and six cars, all painted in the CN olive green scheme. The locomotives arrived west into Thornton on Sunday, September 6 on train 301.

Five passenger cars arrived on the head end of train 111 0f August 31, and consisted of: • BCOL 1710 Generator car • IC 800653 Theatre car • CN 99 American Spirit dome car • CN 1059 Tawaw • IC 800413 Great Lakes • The sixth car’s identity not known at this point

The train made a great sight as it headed north and was captured by several photographers.

GE ES44TC LOCOS MAKE AN APPEARANCE

Several of CN’s new ES44TC locomotives' have made an appearance in the west, the first seems to be #3002, which arrived into DeltaPort on August 22nd. The photos following are from Christian Vazazz who captured the train as it curved towards the causeway. The new locomotives, numbered in the 3000 series, are the most environmentally friendly currently produced, and meet US EPA Tier 4 emissions standards – enlarged radiator area is the easiest spotting feature. Others locally include 3012 and 3013 on the business train (see above). WCRA News, Page 23 WCRA News, Page 24

CN is receiving an order for 39 of these units which will be numbered 3000 to 3038.

DEMOS REPAINTED

Among recent repaints on CN are two of the three EMD demonstrator units—#8101 and 8102 have been repainted CN at Centralia. These units (and 8103) arrived and were placed in service still in their EMD blue scheme. (TJ)

WITH APOLOGIES TO CP

A correction and apology to CP for our item that ran last issue about VIA’s Canadian re routing to CP tracks east of Winnipeg…...a note from CP’s Andy Cummings assures us that this is not the case and the Canadian is continuing on its present CN routing.

CP SEEKS STEAM ENGINEER

CP has posted a job for a steam engineer and heritage train manager. The position will be located in Calgary, and responsible for the CPR 2816 Empress as well as the fleet of F units and business cars. The position was posted on the CP website in late August. (T.M.)

LPGA TRAIN

The consist of CP’s business car train that came west for the LPGA tournament follows: • Locomotives CP 4107 / 1900 / 4106 • Railcars CP 95, CP 101, CP 73, CP 71, CP 84, CP 79, CP 82, CP 77, CP 103, CP 78, CP 85, CP 74, CP 70 (all classic CPR Tuscan red) and then CP 2 and CP 1 (recently acquired form CN amd painted CP red with white stripe on letterboard) (J.M.)

REMOTE CONTROLLED SWITCHING RETURNS TO PORT COQUITLAM

CP has returned remote control switching to the Port Coquitlam yard after an absence of seven years. A number of ex SOO line locomotives have been equipped at CAD Industries in Quebec. GP38-2 units 4401, 4404 and 4423 were seen at the yard in late July, they are equipped with flashing yellow beacons to indicate remote operation. (SDHSE)

In other motive power news, CP’s last GP7, CP 1683, left the roster on May 20, and only one GP9u remains—that being 8249 which is leased to Gardiner Dam Terminal in Sask. WCRA News, Page 25

OTHER NEWS

TEXAS STATE RAILROAD GETS FORMER VIA FP9’S

The Texas State Railroad has acquired former VIA FP9A’s #6302 and 6308 (nee CN 6533 and 6521). The units will not replace the steam locomotives on the tourist line, but will be used for the expanding freight operations there and may also power some special passenger trains. The railroad is operated by Iowa Pacific Holdings. (TJ)

RARE END CAB SWITCHER PASSES THROUGH

A very rare end cab switcher locomotive passed through Vancouver this spring….CANX 7100, owned by former CN subsidiary CANAC, had been leased for many years to Altasteel in Edmonton. It was shipped through Thornton in May and then turned over to BNSF on its way to new owner Western Rail in Airway heights, WA. The unit is an SW1200RS but with the hood and components from a GP9, thus becoming an SW1200RM. Eight of these conversions were done by CN in 1985 and 1987. (SDHSE)

GMD-1 LEASED

Ex SRY GMD-1 #1202 has been leased to Viterra’s Pacific Terminal by J & L Consulting. #1202 is the last of the five GMD-1 units that SRY owned. #1204 went to Airway Heights in Washington, #1201 and 1203 were sold to a US locomotive dealer last spring, and 1205 was scrapped. So ends the GMD-1 era on SRY—these unique Canadian units are getting quite rare now so catch them while you can. (SDHSE) WCRA News, Page 26

CREDIT LINES ISSN 1204-072 Vol. 55 Issue 10 Editor Don Evans Distribution Jeremy Davy & Donna Simon

Contributors: G. B. Gordon Bell J.D. Jeremy Davy G. G. George Game R.H. Robert Hunter M.L. Mike Lloyd S.L. Sebastien Lagors J.M. Jim McPherson J. Mi. Jennifer Mitchell T.M. Trevor Mills R. MacB. Robert MacBeth M.McG. Mike McGaw B.S. Barbara Stover K.T. Ken Tanner 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 www.wcra.org BACK COVER

MP2 Shops then and now—top photo shows activity in the MP 2 Shops back in the BC Rail days with RS-18 #622, GF6C #6002, a CRS-20 conversion in progress, SD40-2 #759 and another SD40-2.(Mike Lloyd photo) Bottom photo recently on August 22, 2015 with WCRA projects underway PGE RSC-3 #561, BCER electric #960, CN FP9A #6520 and Algoma Central (Nee CPR) FP7A #1404. (Richard Courage photo) WCRA is most fortunate to be able to lease this amazing facility in which to do our preservation and maintenance work.

TRIVIA ANSWER

"11344 Edbrooke" is the real address of director Robert Zemeckis' childhood home in the Roseland neighbor- hood of Chicago's south side. Also in the film a close examination of the ticket numbers reveals that they all contain the number "1225". Steam locomotive Pere Marquette 1225 (Lima N-1 class 2-8-4 10/1941 s/n 7839) was used as the model for the Polar Express engine, 12-25 also refers to the date of Christmas. When PM 1225 was retired from active service it was donated and displayed at Michigan State University from 1957 - 1983. Author Chris Van Allsburg is a graduate of the University of Michigan, the Hero boy has a University of Michigan pennant on the wall behind his bed. Lastly the visuals for the North Pole City are based on the architecture of the Pullman plant which is also in Chicago's Roseland District. The clock tower that Santa ex- its from is based on the Pullman factory clock tower and many of the other buildings are also from Pullman's unique architecture.

CANADIAN COUNCIL FOR RAILWAY HERITAGE

WCRA News acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia WCRA News, Page 27

Published monthly by West Coast Railway Association ISSN 1204-072X PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2 Vol. 55 Issue 10 www.wcra.org Canada Post, Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40007853