WCRA NEWS

JANUARY 2013

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

CHRISTMAS MUSIC IN THE ROUNDHOUSE DEC. 21 WCRA News, Page 2 GENERAL MEETING NOTICE

The General Meeting of the West Coast Railway Association will be held on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 1930 hours at Rainbow Creek Station, Willingdon and Penzance in Burnaby. Entertainment will be 'BRANCHLINES IN TRANSITION' by Rail Innovations, about 5 different branches in , and some tough operating winter conditions.

ON THE COVER

Almost there! WCXX FP9A #6520 (nee CN 6520 / VIA 6520 / WSJR 6520) travels through Burnaby in the consist of a CN freight on November 13 in a transfer run from Thornton yard to North Vancouver. In North Van it will then join train 546 for Squamish, and will be delivered to the Heritage Park shop tracks on November 15. In the locomotive cab of the CN power is our own Ryan Cruickshank! (Ken Storey photo)

DECEMBER / JANUARY CALENDAR

• West Coast Railway Heritage Park open daily 1000 through 1600k • Tuesday, December 18—Canadian Pacific Holiday Train arrives Port Moody • Friday, December 21—Christmas Music in the Roundhouse, 1800 to 2100, free admission • Sunday, December 16—Winter Christmas Market, CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre, 1000 to 1500 hours • Tuesday, December 25—Merry Christmas—Heritage Park closed • Tuesday, January 1—Happy New Year—Heritage Park closed • Sunday, January 6—Winter Market, CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre, 1000—1500k • Thursday, January 10—Tours Committee meets, 1630k at Hastings office • Saturday, January 12—Deadline for items for the February 2013 WCRA news • Sunday, January 20—Winter Market, CN Roundhouse & Conference centre, 1000—1500k • Tuesday, January 29—WCRA General meeting, 1930k, Rainbow Creek Station • Wednesday January 23—Squamish Chamber of Commerce “Mayor’s Lunch”, CN Rdhse.

The West Coast Railway Association is an historical group dedicated to the preservation of 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 HST must be added to all fees: Senior $50 ($56), Individual $55 (61.60), Family $65 (72.80) E Members (electronic newsletter only) are $35 ($39.20) Senior, $40 ($44.80) individual and $50 ($33.60) family. Other categories are: - Junior Member (age 18 and under ) $ 30 ($33.60) - Sustaining Member $100 (tax receipt) plus membership type regular fee - Life Membership $700 ($784) individual life / $1,200 ($1,344) 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

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THANKS

As we prepare this issue of WCRA News, it is early morning and we are in Squamish for day 1 of our Polar Express event. It seems hard to believe that we are writing the first issue for 2013, but the holiday season and year end are upon us.

Another year has gone and passed, and with it another set of exciting times and growth for WCRA—but also another year with some ongoing challenges. However, significant progress has been made and we are on our way forward and looking ahead to an exciting 2013. Plans are now being put in place and will be reviewed with the board this month, then shared with all members.

I want to send my sincere appreciation to all who have helped in any way over the past year. Without any of you—be you staff, volunteer, supplier, funder or supporter—we would not be where we are today without you. Thank you for your contribution and support.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Don ASSOCIATION NEWS

FROM THE NOVEMBER GENERAL MEETING

The November meeting was the WCRA’s annual Dinner and Awards night, held at Cheers Restaurant in North Vancouver. President Don Evans presided over the event, with 70 members and guests present. It was a delightful time, with good food and fun together. Ryan Cruickshank related a recent story where he found himself in the cab on a CN transfer freight from Thornton to Lynn Creek (see cover photo), immediately behind his three unit motive power set was FP9A WCXX 6520. Don then let everyone know that both the coach and FP9A locomotive had arrived safely in Squamish.

Members of the WCRA board present and senior staff were introduced, then Jennifer Mitchell looked after calling up the tables to dinner. It was also good to see some of our members from Vancouver Island here—Colin Smith (past chair) was recognized and Jack and Bev Wallace also made it over.

After dinner, the awards ceremony took place with the winners this year as follows. The winners received a framed plaque with a 2012 photo of the Heritage Park taken by Russ Grycan, framing and plaques made up as always by Paul Ohannesian .

WCRA News, Page 4 CORPORATE SUPPORT AWARD

Winner – Nesters Market Squamish

This year’s winner is an organization that has grown in the Sea to Sky Corridor. They have supported the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in many ways over the years, by helping provide things that make our special occasions special. They also are the supplier of the pumpkins that get carved by the schoolchildren for our FrightFest event. Our Corporate Support award for 2012 goes to Nesters Market - Squamish. Sean Bailey from Nesters was not able to attend, but he will be presented when he rides the Polar Express!

Past winners: G Van Catering, Cardinal Concrete / Coast Aggregates, Southern Railway of BC, BCR Properties, BNSF Railway, All Pro Services Ltd., Continental Power Services, Duro Construction Ltd., Mountain Retreat Hotel & Suites, Canadian National, Canada Post Corporation, Rocky Mountaineer Railtours, Tim Horton’s Squamish, Howe Sound Inn & Brewing Co., BC Tel Education, Dairyworld Foods, BC Rail, Amix Salvage, Canada Place Corporation.

MEDIA AWARD

Winner – Rob MacBeth

This year’s media award winner has contributed in a big way in bringing our organization into today's Social Media world. Thanks to his efforts, both Day Out With Thomas and Polar Express also got off to a fast start, and we have a whole legion of new followers of our work and our activities. He can also often be found helping out as a conductor or engineer working with our BCIT classes or other railway operations! Our winner this year is Rob Macbeth .

Past Winners: Malcolm Parry, The Chief, Marke Andrews - Vancouver Sun, SNAP Sea to Sky, Cable 10’s “My Squamish”, Vivian Moreau, The Province (Damian Inwood), Soul Image Communications, Art Jones & Co., BC-CTV, Squamish Chief, Global TV News, Seniors Scene, www.wcra.org, Squamish Chief, Bill Hughes, Squamish Chief, Mountain FM, Eleanor Godley.

BEST CONTRIBUTION TO THE NEWSLETTER

Winner – Russ Grycan

This year’s winner has made a great contribution to our newsletter, with photos running in virtually every issue we publish. His work is of consistent high quality and is enjoyed by you as the photos bring many of our writings to life in pictures. You will also recognize him as our Chief Mechanical Officer - Russ Grycan is this year's award winner for contribution to the newsletter. WCRA News, Page 5

Past Winners: Craig McDowall, John Day, Patricia Treadwell, Jim McPherson, Bill Johnston, Craig McDowall, Grant Ferguson, Dave Emmington, Jim McPherson, Richard & Margaret Harvey, Paul Ohanessian, Allan B. Peden, Bill Yeats, Win Oliver, Art Hamilton, Randy Rand, Bill Yeats, Ryan Cruickshank, Patrick Hind

VOLUNTEER AWARD

Winner – Barbara Stover

Our 2012 Volunteer Award goes to someone who has become one of those lead volunteers, one who turns up and helps out regardless the occasion or venue. She can be found at most anything we do at the Heritage Park, whether it be hostessing at an event, cleaning and preparing for something coming up (I noted her last week inside our recently arrived coach - still on the flatcar - cleaning the interior up!) She is also a talented artist and has painted the backdrops on the model layout in the Skeena River and more. Our Volunteer award this year goes to Barbara Stover .

Past Winners: Jim Saunders, Howie Tichauer, John Jellis, John & Fay Lighthall, Jeremy Davy and Donna Simon, Chris Forget, Irena Erdos, Kevin Smith, Joe Kerr, Ken Mason, Glen Wideman, Percy Fairhurst, Nick Monkhouse, Dusty Rhodes, Devon Generous, Paul & Mary Roy (twice), Bill & Dorothy Lahr, Marcie Phillips

MOST SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO RAIL PRESERVATION

Winner: Chris Forget

Our award this year goes to a volunteer who does the extraordinary in many scales, as we preserve our collection on a progressive basis. The project being recognized as our 2012 preservation winner is the preservation of the CN Shovel Operators bunk car 65940 and the gentleman who persevered through an extensive rebuild of this wood treasure - Chris Forget.

Past Winners: Randy Lucas, Robert Hunter, Chris Forget, Dave Emmington, The Troop Sleeper gang, The 6503 team of Greg Robertshaw, Michael Batten & Richard Courage, Peter Cox, Richard Courage, Bob Spencer, Paul Ohanessian, Fred Dannells, Ron Anstey, Kevin Pruden, Dave Simpson & Judy Lunn, Barbara Brown & Bruce Mackay, Devon Generous, Gerry & Jo Black, Ron Anstey, Ken Paget.

SPECIAL AWARD - COMMUNITY SUPPORT

This group specializes in Community Support as a matter of course, but WCRA is very pleased to have them involved with our efforts. The Lions Club of Squamish is this year’s WCRA News, Page 6 special award winner for their many projects and work with us over this and past years. Their clubhouse - the coach Lions Club - has undergone a major rework and repaint this year. They can be found helping us with parking for our major events, or cooking hamburgers or pancakes when needed. And they are about to undertake a rebuild of the children's train that will return to the playground area in 2013.

Following the awards, there were draws with some great prizes for the raffle—thanks particularly to Martin Jergens and Bill Johnston for these…...then there were also many door prize draws. Thanks to all who donated including CN, CPR, Bill Johnston, Martin Jergens and others. Over half those in attendance took home a prize!

The evening closed with thanks to Jennifer Mitchell for organizing the event this year, and to everyone for coming.

MEMBER NEWS

Our best wishes to Martin Jergens this month as he deals with some medical issues. Our thoughts are with you.

NEW MEMBERS

The West Coast Railway Association welcomes aboard the following new members: • Sean Beddows of Surrey, • Brandy James and family of Squamish, • Lorne Knapp and family of Langley, • Jodie Marshall and family of Squamish, • Andrew & Anna Mayo and family of Squamish, • Richard Smith of White Rock, • Chung-Chen Sun and family of Squamish, • Christian Vazazz of Coquitlam • Clay & Dianna Watson and family of Brackendale, • Mary Louise Zadraldz and family of Whistler, We welcome back to membership: • Kevin McJannet and family of Squamish, • Frank St Armand and family of Garibaldi Highlands (J.D.)

WCRA TRIVIA #288 - by Ryan Cruickshank

I was a lobbyist/lawyer for the Illinois Central Railroad and my likeness appears on the American five dollar bill, who am I? (find answer on page 31) WCRA News, Page 7 LANCE CAMP COLLECTION FOR SALE

Dave Manzer writes…..I have finally had the time to go through each of the 81 items in Lance Camp’s Collection of CPR Steam Era blueprints & drawings and they are now offered for sale. My instructions from the Estate are quite clear; put Lance’s collection of drawings out on the market and we will see what level of offers we get.

Some drawings were very similar and if I could not be certain I erred on the side of deeming multiples as duplicates. The capital letter D after the drawing number indicates that although it may have some unique information it is deemed or counted as duplicate drawing. Example: 50 D indicates that this item was counted as a duplicate to the better copy 42 which is deemed to be the drawing for counting and value setting purposes. Drawing numbers have no significance to them, they reflect the order that they were pulled from the box and processed. I unrolled the first drawing that was closest to me recorded its condition and some information from the drawing and then assigned it #1.

Of the 81 unique items (80 different numbers used as well as 17a) I have counted it as 65 unique drawings and 16 duplicates. I have discounted or ignored items 17, 30, 31, 58, & 17a. This leaves 60 items to base the value of the collection upon although the purchaser will likely be able to recover a portion of the costs by selling some of the 16 duplicates unless they decide that they contain additional information even though they appear to be duplicates.

The Estate also has the triangular number boards and the steam dome from CPR 5334 which is to be donated to a museum along with copies of three drawings.

The Estate won’t necessarily take the highest offer nor are we committing to take any offers if there are none that the Estate considers high enough. The collection is being offered as a collection and there is no intent, at this time, to sell it off piece by piece.

The drawings can be viewed by arrangement with Dave Manzer 604-946-8972 or [email protected]

Shipping outside the Lower Mainland (Vancouver, BC) will be at the buyer’s cost and could be quite expensive. The drawings currently occupy a 2’x2’x3.5’ box.

PS I also have a copy of Omer Lavallée’s CPR Steam Locomotives Deluxe Chief of Motive Power (Collector’s) Edition in its red velvet slip cover box with red velvet hard cover asking $600.00 but best offer will likely take this rare book. This edition is printed on 25% heavier paper stock than the regular edition that many of us are already familiar with. It is a hand autographed by Omer Lavallée, with Lance W. Camp imprinted in gold type right on the front cover of the book and it is inscribed to Lance on a bookplate in the front of the book. It is copy # 27 of 250. WCRA News, Page 8 NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTORS

Nominations for two positions on the WCRA board will be taken at the December General meeting—these are to replace Hugh Little (who competed three full terms) and Martin Jergens. If you have questions about being on the board, please talk to Don Evans or Bill Johnston who will be happy to outline Director responsibilities and how the board operates.

SQUAMISH HERITAGE AND CULTURE FESTIVAL

The first ever Squamish Heritage and Culture Festival was held at Quest University on November 23 and 24, 2012. The event was organized by the Squamish Historical Society and was well attended. Trevor Mills had a display on railways of Squamish (supported with some PGE photo boards put together by Bob Hunter ) and did a presentation talk using many of his father’s slides. It was very well received. Don Evans also participated in a workshop with Grade ten students on Squamish past, present and future.

COLLECTION

CABOOSE PGE 1817 DEDICATED

PGE Caboose 1817 was officially reopened Nov. 24th 2012. Henry Reimer (who funded the project) was there to cut the ribbon (photo left). "The Boys" John Jellis, Roy Crowston, Tom Bruvall, Don Lawrence, & Lloyd Black, were at work once again to bring back this piece of our past and now a part of history. Built in 1914 as a stock car No.503 it was rebuilt in 1955 as a caboose in the PGE car shop in Squamish. Thirty cabooses were built, numbered from 1811 to 1840 in these shops.

Work done in this last restoration:

There were six sheets of the marine plywood on the outside rotting, which were replaced with marine plywood once again. Door frames, windows frames also rotting on the inside, were WCRA News, Page 9

replaced. The outside was completely repainted, plus the center catwalk which hadn't been in place for years is now back up. (photo, Don Evans)

The 1817 has had two face lifts since the first rebuild in the late 1980’s in preparation for its display at the Transportation Museum in Cloverdale. In Oct. 2001 there was a second one to keep its appearance good. The original displays have been kept the same inside and have cleaned it up once again to adorn our collection. (D.F.)

DINING SET DONATED

Paul and Mary Roy have donated a beautiful hundred year old Oak Dining Room Table and Chairs that seats 8 to 10. It is now displayed in the and used for lucky customers that want to have the ultimate experience in dining. There is a matching Buffet and Sideboard that is on display in the Education Room in the Mac Norris Station. Lovely old Cups and Saucers adorn the displays. In the summer months Jeanene Nelson, our Volunteer Coordinator, hosts Tea, Scones and fancy fresh fruit Tarts. Don't miss this amazing experience next year. Again thank you Paul and Mary for this wonderful addition to our collection of heritage items. (D.F.)

COACH WCXX 5569 ARRIVES

As you read last month, coach WCXX 5569 started its journey west from Toronto aboard flat car CN 40219 and its trip west was uneventful. The car departed North Vancouver on train

WCRA News, Page 10

546 of November 15 and arrived Squamish a couple of hours later. The coach on flat car made for an interesting load in a train consist as seen in the back cover shot by Ken Storey west of Ashcroft. As we go to press, the coach remains on the flat car in Squamish awaiting a crane to unload it. This has been delayed due the crane being called away to work on a rockslide in the Fraser Canyon (see page 28). Hopefully that work will be done soon and we can get the coach unloaded. Initial inspection shows it to be in good shape, a good interior cleaning is needed.

FP9A 6520 ARRIVES

WCRA’s FP9A #6520 also made the journey west from Toronto in November, travelling dead as the trailing unit on several freight consists. As with any move, she was spotted along the way, including this shot in the frozen cold WCRA News, Page 11 west of Winnipeg by Felix Lesiuk . The photographer notes that the sight of an F unit was not what he was expecting when he set up for the photo!

The unit made stops at CN’s Symington (Winnipeg) and Edmonton diesel shops along the way, before arriving at Thornton shop in Surrey. The unit then headed to Squamish via North Vancouver (front cover photo and rear cover). WCXX 6520 arrived Squamish on train L 54651 24 behind CN 2558-5668-2422 at 0123 this Saturday morning November 24. (J.M.) (photo November 24, Don Evans)

On arrival, inspection shows a few missing parts (horns, bell, reverser) all of which were missing before departing west, and she is in need of a good shopping and going over.

Finally all of our collection is on one place and we thank CN for their cooperation with these moves to the west.

OPERATIONS REPORT

On a personal note, my thanks to those who supported my name for the recent award. The surprise award was very much appreciated.

On the mechanical side for November, our crews spent much of their time getting the various coaches ready for the Polar Express. The last coach had the HEP cable replaced and protected. An effort was made to find and seal leaks in our coaches.

While we received our FP9 locomotive 6520 and the coach, we were not able to quickly unload the coach due to one of our heavy lift crane contacts not being available. He was very busy helping out CN when called out. (R.G.) WCRA News, Page 12 BCIT PRACTICUM HELD

Another BCIT Practicum was held at our site the week of November 19 to 23. Once again, students were put through their paces by a crew of experienced railroaders. Thanks to Roy Crowston, John Jellis, Mark Liggins and Rob MacBeth for their help. (photo, Russ G.)

THANKS

• To Doug Kibble for another great donation of RR books : Steam along the Boundary by Turner/Wilkie; Canadian Railway Guide for 1952; Some Classic Trains, Dublin; The Great Northern Railway, by Wood, (1964 issue 1), MLW Locomotive Manual, plus lots of RR timetables and brochures and photo books, all in mint condition. Some are duplicates of our archives, some are for sale to members, proceeds to BCER960 • To Terry Miller for the donation of a brakeman’s lantern

FUNDRAISING

November was another busy month in the fundraising area with several successes in the form of both grants and new donations.

WCRA News, Page 13 Major Funding Received • General Donations $7,600 • Direct Mail $500 • Electric Vehicle Charger grant $4,000 • Squamish Community Enhancement Grant $15,000 • Endowment Interest $13,500 • In Memoriam donation $300 • Shares donation $5,075 • Debenture Interest Donations $3,000 • Roundhouse Chairs $200 • Donation of Expenses $580

Month Total $ 49,755 Year to date Total: $450,712 General Funds $332,155 2860 pump / HEP cables $9,970 Roundhouse Funds $101,967 Endowment Fund $20,000 Other Significant Activities • Attended Squamish Council in support of grant • Spoke at Squamish Cultural and Heritage Festival • Made update presentation to Squamish Council • Released Direct Mail Fundraiser • Hosted former Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan at the Heritage Park with Henry Ewert

Of particular note were two grants for the Heritage Park (District of Squamish $15k for security infrastructure) and the Roundhouse ($4k from the Fraser Basin Council for an electric vehicle charger). Thanks also to member Jack Wallace for a donation of shares (great tax savings with this method as capital gains are not taxable when donated).

WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK Home of the Royal Hudson

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED

The Eagle has finally landed in a new spot. You will find it when you begin your climb up the Eagle Watch Tower. It is now mounted displaying how large these Birds of Prey truly are. Bill Mason and family can't thank John Jellis, Roy Crowston , Randy Lucas and Don Lawrence enough for all the work they have done to get this display restored and in this place. (D.F.) (photo, Russ Grycan) WCRA News, Page 14

Also, down at the Mason Station/ Eagle Watch Tower a huge and grateful thank you to Roy Crowston and John Jellis for repairing a leak in the Mason Station roof. We are going to get it painted and put new displays in it over the next little while. (D.F.)

GREAT VOLUNTEERS

What an amazing day at the park November 5th. We had over 20 volunteers working on different projects. Some worked on the Royal Hudson 2860 and polished her up. More worked at Mason Station and the Eagle Watch tower. Others helped with clean up of our Frightfest Event. We have a few new volunteers as well, one was working on the Mini rail Caboose 1817 and another has spruced up our entrance gardens and barrels. We really couldn't do it without them! (J.N.)

FLAGS REPLACED

Thank you to Jeremy Davy for getting the worn out flags off the poles at the front of the WCRHP. We now have new flags up and they look great. (D.F.)

DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH APPROVES GRANT FOR SECURITY

Thanks to the District of Squamish for approval of our Community Enhancement Grant request in the amount of $15,000 at Council meeting on Tuesday, November 20. The grant will allow us to install a main power feed to the north end of the Heritage Park site where we can then install cameras and lights in an effort to deter future copper thefts. As our readers will recall, there have been three such break ins and thefts in 2012—at a very significant cost to WCRA.

SETTING UP FOR POLAR EXPRESS

Monday November 26th was a very busy day getting ready for the Polar Express. The Winter Farmer's Market was the day before and so Monday morning our volunteers sprang into action to get the Roundhouse ready. There were 25 Christmas trees to get cut and into their stands, the mini rail track was getting laid down, the staging for Santa and Mrs. Claus was being set up and tubs and tubs of decorations were brought over from MP2 to transform the Roundhouse into the North Pole.

There were a few more volunteers than the regular Monday group which is known for taking on special projects throughout the year. A special thanks to Donna Fourchalk as she also made and brought in lunch for all that were there, a fantastic soup, sandwiches and muffins. This is also a regular thing that Donna does faithfully every Monday for the group that works together. This particular day was Tom Bruvall, Roy Crowston, John Jellis, WCRA News, Page 15

Lloyd Black, Henry Reimer, Howie Tichauer, Tom Barss, Barbara Stover, Karen Moodie and Jeremy Davy. Thank you so much. (J.N.)

In addition, another large group had a set up work party—photo here by Russ Grycan as they take a well deserved lunch break…..

The consist was also assembled— Russ Grycan reports….The 2012 version of the Polar Express was assembled today. Power is FP9A 4069 facing north, with power car WCXX 9622 McDonald Creek , coaches WCXX 5596 Paul D Roy , 5652 Capilano , WCXX 3223, WCXX 3218 Bill & Dorothy Lahr (first class), RDC-2 BC 33 (first class) ,and the BCOL 1859 Caboose. WCRA News, Page 16

The locomotive and power car were fuelled; power was applied to the coaches; air hoses were coupled and brakes tested in advance of the first trip at 1000 hours on Dec.1, 2012. The Polar

Express will carry many happy travelers on their journey to the North Pole to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Thanks to everyone who helped in the preparation of our coaches and our power. (R.G.)

SOCIAL MEDIA AT WORK

Just a little info on what has been happening on our Social Media Accounts. As of right now we have 576 Followers on Twitter and 448 likes on FaceBook. (Keep in mind our FB Likes do not include company's or organizations) that’s just the way FaceBook does it. Our page was a little silent for awhile, but found out since last week FaceBook had done changes on a lot of fan pages and all the other organizations and companies have not been seeing our news feeds, including us. I was not able to see and updates on ones we like, but that was fixed today. (it was a FaceBook glitch and thousands of pages went out for a bit)

Lots of Shares for the Santa's workshop week from pages with lots of people following them (around 20,000). Also the Squamish Adventure Centre and Squamish Chamber have been making posts for people to buy tickets to Polar and actually posting the Polar Video that is on the new website! So the video is getting lots of exposure, this is great as this is getting people interested and checking out pages and websites with new pictures and videos and being interactive!! So this is a great step! (R. MacB.)

Jeanene Nelson adds….. FaceBook is a popular free social networking website that allows registered users to create profiles, upload photos and video, send messages and keep in touch. It was this time last year that one of our volunteers began a page for the Heritage Park. It began very slowly and the goal was to hit 25 likes so that we would be able to 'level up' so that we would be more easily found. Eventually Robert MacBeth got more and people interested in the page and then started seeing people liking it as they had visited or heard of the page (other than his cat and my imaginary friend...HA that was an exciting day when we saw a like from someone we didn't even know!!!)

What is interesting about FaceBook is that it isn't necessarily how many likes we have, it has more to do with the fact that the volunteer is 'liking' other businesses and posting our messages out on their pages. So he or she takes an event (for example Polar Express) and then looks to see what other pages in the area may be interested in this event and then posts our poster to them. This way he can reach thousands of people. Then we hope that the page he or she posts on 'shares' with others. Just yesterday Tourism BC shared our Polar Express event and they have 20 000 followers. The person then also will promote other businesses on our page and those will usually return the favour. WCRA News, Page 17

The reason that using FaceBook is so successful is that people who are on FaceBook will check their newsfeeds numerous times a day and many have their phones set up so they are

alerted every time something is posted on the pages they like. They then will share with their friends and so on and so on. It is a powerful tool and we have seen fantastic success as over

50,000 people were reached with one post alone last month—virtually free advertising.

It has taken patience and Rob has given this FaceBook and Twitter project hours upon hours of attention while educating himself on different techniques. So if you have a chance to like the West Coast Railway Heritage Park at www.facebook.com/wcrhp and watch it grow. He has more plans and it is a great way to keep up to date on the things happening at the park.

WEST COAST MODEL RAILROADERS

We had a group from the November TRAINS 2012 show come up to visit on Monday Nov 12 on a layout tour, lots of interest was shown in the progress of the layout. We also had a drop in visit from Sally Magee, General Manager and Keith Magee , a director of the Kamloops Heritage Railway. Our treasurer Barbara Stover greeted them and gave Keith his new Walthers catalog.

The garden railway is now shut down for the season and we will be doing some maintenance on our rolling stock. There is still about 12 lots left for rental if anyone is interested. The choosing of lots will start again in the spring when we can see the lots.

Just a reminder that the Patricia Anne layout will be closed in January for its annual cleaning and maintenance. We will also be adding more lights this year. Also for the first time the Bent Spike will be closed in February for the addition of more wiring under the table.

Any questions about or for the West Coast Model Railroaders can now be sent to E-Mail address " [email protected] ". (C.F.)

CHAIRS DONATIONS CONTINUE

The fundraiser to purchase chairs continues as we are still working towards a total of 250 conference chairs. The latest donor of $200 is John Day —thanks John! WCRA News, Page 18

CHRISTMAS MUSIC IN THE ROUNDHOUSE—DECEMBER 21

Come out and join us for a Christmas Music Evening at the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre. This is a free admission community event and everyone is invited. The grand piano

will be given a workout with your favourite Christmas tunes. Snacks and beverages will be available. We look forward to seeing everyone between the hours of 1800k and 2100k.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER GRANT APPROVED

The CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre is getting a new “green” fixture, as we install an electric vehicle charging station. Funded in large part by a grant from the Fraser Basin Council, the new charger will allow electric vehicles to charge up while owners enjoy the Heritage Park for either a tour or just a coffee stop en route Whistler. This will be the first charging station in Squamish and is part of the new Sea to Sky Electric Highway. A great fit for our environmentally friendly roundhouse building—geo-thermal heating and cooling and now a charging stop for electric vehicles.

WEST COAST RAIL TOURS

TOURS COMMITTEE UPDATE

Stay tuned for an upcoming list of 2013 tours. Next Tours Committee meeting to be held on Thurs. Jan. 10 th at 4:30 pm at the Burnaby Tours office. West Coast Rail Tours encourages your feedback. Feel free to contact [email protected] if you are interested on joining the Committee or have some ideas on upcoming tours.

The committee will meet every second month now through the winter to develop plans for another great year of travel. Meanwhile, don’t forget that West Coast Rail Tours is a certified IATA travel agent for booking any of your travel needs including all rail, hotels, bus and major airlines. Commissions realized benefit the preservation of our railway heritage. (J. Mi.)

WINTER “TOTEM CIRCLE” 4-DAY TOUR NEW TOUR!

Fly from Vancouver to Prince George, “Skeena” train to Prince Rupert, Inside Passage Overnight Cruise on “Northern” Class Ship to Port Hardy and return flight (or charter) to Vancouver. Departs December 16 th , 30 th and January 13, 20, 2013

$550 seniors, $600 adults $650 single accommodation (per person sharing hotel accommodation, does not include tax)

WCRA News, Page 19

This is a self-directed tour with full details, tickets and vouchers supplied .

Detailed Itinerary: Day 1 – Sunday – PRINCE GEORGE

Depart YVR on a morning (8:30 am) or afternoon (3:30 pm) WestJet flight to Prince George. Flying time is just over one hour. Take taxi or shuttle bus to the Ramada hotel downtown for a restful night. Day 2 - Monday - PRINCE RUPERT After an early breakfast (on your own) you can walk or take a cab to the VIA Rail station for 7:30 am to board the 8:30 am westbound train to Prince Rupert. The rest of the day is spent on VIA Rail’s hidden jewel, “the Skeena” with comfortable dome car and snack / bar facilities. Arrival in Prince Rupert is scheduled for 8:25 pm where you transfer to your hotel, the Highliner Plaza. Day 3 - Tuesday - INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE Enjoy a Canadian breakfast buffet (included) and spend the day exploring Prince Rupert before making your way to the ferry terminal for 4:30 pm for a 6:30 pm overnight sailing aboard the Southern bound Inside Passage cruise. If you paid extra for an overnight cabin you can settle in for the night after a delicious dinner in the dining room. Day 4 - Wednesday - PORT HARDY Arrival in Port Hardy’s Bear Cove at 1:30 pm. Once off the ship you transfer to Port Hardy Airport by shuttle or taxi for the 3:40 pm Pacific Coastal Airlines flight back to Vancouver to arrive at 3:45 pm. If you don’t like flying we can arrange hotel accommodation prior to a Greyhound departure the following morning to Vancouver.

To book call toll-free: 1-800-722-1233 or locally: (604) 524-1011 or email [email protected]

Included: Airfare, rail, ferry and hotels.

Not included: Tax transfers (to/from hotels), gratuities, cabin on overnight ferry (add $95), meals, Upgraded hotels (add $50 to $80 depending on your choice)

We can quote you many variations and add-ons that will include any or all of the above basic exclusions.

WHY FLY? Add two train journeys and travel via Jasper on “The Canadian” Leave on the Friday evening prior to the dates above from Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station for the 18½ hour overnight trip to Jasper with your choice of on board sleeping accommodation. Stay Saturday night in Jasper in a comfortable hotel across the street from the station and depart Sunday at 12:45 PM for the 7½ hour trip to Prince George joining the itinerary on Day 2 above. Enquire about pricing for this option. WCRA News, Page 20

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. Return train departs Portland at 2:50 pm, returning to Vancouver at 10:50 pm. Round trip rail tickets start at $110 (Seniors $93.50 ). We also book your hotel in the downtown area starting at $100 /night. You decide how many nights you want to stay.

BOOK WITH US

We can also customize any kind of travel you like including: ♦ Amtrak: Vancouver to Seattle return - from $108/person Vancouver to Portland return - from $104/person ♦ Rocky Mountaineer for 2013: ⇒ B.C. - Kamloops, Quesnel ⇒ Alberta- Banff, , Jasper, Lake Louise ⇒ And NOW Seattle, Washington

West Coast Rail Tours --- The “Rail” Way To Go

FEATURE ARTICLES

ARM / TRAIN 2012 ANNUAL CONFERENCE -

Story and photos By Don Evans

Your editor always looks forward to attending the annual conference of the Association of Railway Museums (ARM), an organization that West Coast Railway Association belongs to. WCRA is also a member of the Tourist Railway Association (TRAIN) - as we have both a railway museum as well as operating trains. The big event at this annual conference was the merger of the two organizations to become the new Association of Tourist Railroads and Railway Museums. This is a good move for the industry of heritage railway preservation, and a move that your editor has had a part in creating.

The joint convention of ARM and TRAIN took place this year in Montreal, and both your editor and GM Ken Tanner would be at this historic conference to represent WCRA. As always, the chance to mingle with many members from tourist railways and railway museums was a great opportunity to learn and exchange ideas. WCRA News, Page 21

Monday, November 5 The Orford Express

We were off on an early start for a trip to , QC aboard the Orford Express dinner

train. We travelled by motor coach to Bromont, with snow flurries along the way. After a Tim Horton's stop, we headed for the tracks of the Montreal, Maine and Railway, and

pulled into a gravel lot to await the train, which was deadheading from Sherbrooke. This is the former CPR mainline route east of Montreal to the Maritimes that is now operated by the shortline MMA.

Soon a horn was heard in the distance, and from the south came a most unusual consist - FL9 #484 (ex New Haven) / M420TR 26 (only one of two ever built) / RDC 1 6125 Thompson (ex VIA 6125 ) / Dome Sherbrooke / and RDC 1 6121 (ex VIA 6121). This is the Orford Express's entire roster, and made for quite a sight. Our group boarded the dome Sherbrooke and settled in. The interiors of all three cars were done up very elegantly with dark wood paneling and table seating, The RDC's were MU'd to the locomotives and, although complete, had their drive shafts disconnected and were used as coaches as well as a cab control car for the southbound trip.

Our ride would be from Bromont, QC to Sherbrooke, an extra ride as the train normally operates from Sherbrooke to the Eastman bridge and return . The scenery was quite nice, and the occasional snow flurries and snow capped hills made for a nice experience. Great meal, very nice accommodations, live singer on board - a very classy act. Cross the major bridge at WCRA News, Page 22

Eastman, then a lakeside rest stop at Madog and on to Sherbrooke rounded out the four hour trip. We then returned to Montreal by Motor Coach.

Tuesday, November 6 Ottawa Excursion

Up early, two Montreal transit buses at 0530 to Central Station, where we board VIA train 51 for Ottawa. Consist is F40PH-2 #6433 and four LRC coaches, our group fills coach 4 and the rear part of coach 3. We depart OT at 0620. Our LRC coach is quite tired, several fogged windows, and worn upholstery. Train 51 is first Montreal to Ottawa, then on to Toronto. We head west at a good clip, observing the morning rush into Montreal with AMT commuter trains on the adjacent CPR tracks. The VIA Conductor now takes tickets by scanning the barcode. Arrive Ottawa 15 minutes late at 0840.

Our transportation around Ottawa is an OC Transpo New Flyer articulated bus for the day with a volunteer driver! First stop is the National Museum of Science and Technology, where we visit the railway gallery with its steam locomotive exhibits of CN 6400, CPR 3100, CPR 2858, a CPR D-10 and more. Then we move outside to the Bytown Railway Society and have time for a good chat good chat with Earl Roberts . Bytown is operating their ex Central Vermont steam crane ……quite a sight to see it in action. WCRA News, Page 23

They are also running a short passenger train, consisting of GE centre cab #10 Duncan Du Fresne and shorty wood business car Thurso & Nation Railway #27. We also got to visit the

museum's "warehouse", including a tour of the former Governor General cars, CPR 1201 and much more. Also there was the late Duncan Du Fresne's widow, she was a real delight and very

much involved with the history he put so much into—a most enjoyable conversation.

From there we travelled to ride on the O Train, a diesel multiple unit operation that serves Carleton University. I had ridden this before; our group was treated to a round trip the length of the line. The faces of the regulars were priceless as they boarded to find more than 100 of us on "their" train. After that we travel to an OC Transpo shop where Ottawa streetcar 696 is being restored - or rather, rebuilt new for the most part.

We then return to the Ottawa train station by the busway, and are escorted to board VIA train 36 to Montreal - a GE P42 locomotive with three LRC cars. This time we have a newly refurbished coach - very nice and great windows. We sprint to Montreal, arrived on time at 1800. The evening is spent at a meet and greet with conference attendees and vendors as we rekindle friendships and prepare for an interesting week.

Wednesday, November 7 Conference Kicks Off The conference activities start off Wednesday morning. The high value at these events is the WCRA News, Page 24 calibre of the speakers - industry professionals as well as specialists from other heritage railway establishments, and this year's conference doesn't disappoint. Among the notables this year are Barry Lord of Lord Cultural Resources and Helen Ashby from he National Railway Museum in York, UK. To end a good day, we are treated to a walking tour of CPR's famous Windsor Station and then have dinner at that location in one of several restaurants.

Thursday, November 8 ARM and TRAIN Vote to Merge

Another good day at the conference, the highlight is the vote to merge the ARM and TRAIN organizations together to form the new Association of Tourist Railroads and Railway Museums. This culminates two years of work that your editor has been having with the boards of the two organizations, and I make the presentation to the members assembled. With quorums of both present, the vote is held and passes with more than 70 in favour and only one against. ATRRM is born and will have a much stronger voice for railway preservation as we join forces together.

Another good day of learning, then we head to Old Montreal for dinner and a private screening of Rocky Mountain Express , the great IMAX film featuring CPR Hudson #2816. Filmmaker is there to share some stories on the making of the film.

Friday, November 9 Visit to ExpoRail

Our day today is spent at the - or Exporail - as it is now branded. We get there by AMT commuter rail, riding in some of the new Bombardier double deck cars with both AMT and leased GO locomotives for power. The ride is nice and takes about 30 minutes to Delson, where it is a short two blocks walk to the front gate of the museum.

Seminars are presented on site on various topics with live demonstrations. This is a great museum and they put on a great show for us. In addition to their tremendous Angus building, outside there are many other things to see and do. The John Molson replica is steamed up and operating. We ride open streetcar #3 in spite of the cool temperatures. (Photos, page 25) CN GE 70 ton locomotive and coach provide conventional train rides, and the mini rail is going as well. I could wander around the exhibits all day, but we must leave and head to the AMT train platform. There are no inbound trains at this time - as with West Coast Express all trains are outbound. However, AMT accommodates our group as we board an outbound for the remaining two stops southbound, then ride it back non stop (normally a deadhead move) to WCRA News, Page 25 WCRA News, Page 26

Montreal. Again we get strange look as the waiting passengers there see their normally empty train arrive with over 150 aboard! Rail Events hosts a nice evening reception for us in Old

Montreal to cap the day.

Saturday, November 10 Closing Day

The final day of the conference starts with a series of seminars once again in the morning, including one presented by this writer on "Overcoming Challenges". After lunch, ARM holds its final board meeting and the new transition board for ATRRM convenes to prepare for a start at heading the new organization. Then we head back to Exporail for another look around (I stay inside the Angus Pavilion this time) and the closing banquet. The banquet is very good and there is a great crowd.

Here, TRAIN holds its final official meeting and honours your editor with their Cook-Freeman -O'Brien Award in recognition of the work done to facilitate the merger of TRAIN and ARM. A great presentation was made by Tom Price, who has just retired from the CPR where he held many senior positions for over 35 years. He shows an entertaining show of "when things don't go right".

We return to the hotel by motorcoach, and it's over for another year. Next year's conference will be in warmer climes, as the Orange Empire Railway Museum in California will be the host.

VICTORIA & SIDNEY RAILWAY

MCM note: we are doing a bit of a departure in this month's installment. Going to do a little history lesson on the Victoria & Sidney Railway which operated in the greater Victoria area. This was first published in the Nov. 1960 issue of the Steam Chest by Gavin Murray .

The Victoria & Sidney Railway was incorporated in April,1892 by an act of the Legislative Assembly of the BC Government. The company was authorized to build a line from the city of Victoria to the town site of Sidney in North Saanich. And to also build telephone and telegraph lines along the same route, together with wharves, docks and buildings sufficient to adequately service the growing business along the line.

The route of the line was under controversy for some time as it was intended originally to use what is now Shelbourne Ave in Victoria and to proceed via the west side of Mt. Douglas, then known as Cedar Hill, then inland to approximately Saanichton and on to Sidney. But they built the Victoria station near Hillside Ave and the route actually ran to Royal Oak, along the western shores of Beaver and Elk Lakes to Sidney.

Before describing the route and the railway, a little background on how the company was WCRA News, Page 27

financed. To provide funds for the construction of the railway, 5% first mortgage bonds dated September 1892 maturing in 1917 were issued for a total of $300,000. The payment of interest

was guaranteed by the Province of BC and the City of Victoria. However, the company was unable to pay the interest as it became due and the government were obligated to pay and in

fact ended up paying interest from 1893 to 1913! The government launched a suit and a commitment was taken by the Vancouver, Victoria and Eastern Railway and this company, controlled by Great Northern Railway, made partial reimbursement to both guarantors. However the bonds became due in 1917 and the Victoria and Sidney Railway didn't have the funds to redeem the bonds. A receiver was appointed but the sale of the assets only met 20% of the face value of the bonds.

Now to the history of the operation of the railroad it self. Construction was started in 1893 and was completed in 1894. The first train ran on May 11, 1894 and the line was officially opened on June 2 nd . The line was 15.97 miles in length- standard gauge track. The first engine was a little Mogul (“One Spot”) from the Canadian Locomotive Co in Kingston ON.

Trains left Victoria daily at 7AM and 4PM except Saturdays and Sundays when the afternoon train departed at 2 PM. The railway carried freight and passengers and was the chief means of transportation between Victoria and the North Saanich peninsula. The train was locally known as the “Cordwood Special” as she would stop at Royal Oak for refueling and wooding up. There was a slight grade there and it wasn't unusual to wait ten minutes to see the train “slip grunt and groan” in her efforts to climb the hill. Men who knew this delay combined with the slow start would allow them enough time to drop in for a 'cold one' at the Royal Oak Hotel and then run through the fields to trackside and climb aboard before the train gathered any real speed.

The company was taken over in 1901 by the Victoria Terminal Railway, which operated a ferry service to the mainland and connected with the Vancouver, Victoria and Eastern Rly (controlled by Great Northern) at Port Guichon (near Ladner) on the mainland. This company built 1.25 miles of line in Victoria to its dock and another 15 miles on the mainland between Port Guichon and Cloverdale .

The company also acquired and operated the steamer 'Victoria' and the barge 'Sidney' between Port Guichon and Sidney.

Over the years the V & S acquired more locomotives. One was called “Old Deuce” and was a 4-4-0 but didn't prove to be very satisfactory and was cut up in the early 1900's. The “3 Spot” was another 4-4-0 bought from the Victoria Lumber and Mfg. Co around 1900. The next loco was the “4 Spot” on loan from the Great Northern but for whatever reason was returned and replaced by another GN 4-4-0 #290 which ran for many years and later ran on a number of specials out of Vancouver prior to her being scrapped in the late 1920's. The railway replaced the short passenger trains with #2301, a GN gas car, originally from the Buffalo, Rochester & WCRA News, Page 28

Pittsburg Railway. It was brought to the island in 1913 and had a Hall Scott V-8 engine as power. It was returned to GN in 1919 and then sold to the PGE and renumbered #104 and was

scrapped in Squamish in 1952.

th The last train over the V & S was run on April 30 , 1919. Portions of the old trackage south of Sidney were purchased by the Canadian National Railways and operated serving the Sidney Mills Lumber Co until 1934.

RAILWAY NEWS

MOTIVE POWER NOTES

CN is purchasing 43 SD60's built as “Oakway” units and leased for some years to BNSF. They were stenciled GMTX and all will be rebuilt and painted by CN. The 5427 was on the Lulu Island job Nov. 12. CN also is purchasing 41 UP Dash 8-40 CW units to be renumbered 2000 to 2041. These units were originally C&NW units. Finally CN is ordering 34 new ES44AC's No’s 2800 to 2834. Also 29 GMD SD70Macs also AC's to be numbered 8100 to 8129. (T.M.)

The first four of CN's new ES44AC locos left Toronto Friday (Nov. 23 on three trains heading to the west (2801, 2802, 2803, and 2804). (J.M.)

BCOL 4601 had its fuel tank punctured at Squamish when a rail broke under it on the spur leading to Squamish Terminals.

MAJOR SLIDE HITS

On November 25, CN had a serious rock slide at Jackass Mountain Mile 109.3 Ashcroft Sub. Rocks raining down the size of houses. CN says that at the moment it is too dangerous to send scaling crews in as the whole mountain is sliding. That region I know well and along the CN tracks it is almost vertical in places, probably one of the worst places for a slide. Thank the good Lord there was not a train involved. Normally there are up to 50 train movements day through that area. CP RTC's are going nuts and every siding right down to the double track at Ruby Creek is full of trains both CN and CP and right back east of Kamloops. (Patrick Hind via Trevor Mills) - photo page 29 by Ken Storey WCRA News, Page 29

Amazingly, the line was reopened just three days later. (T.M., M.C.M.)

LONG TRAINS Coal trains in excess of 200 cars are now rolling to Ridley Terminal at Prince Rupert…. Noted November 14 was train 767 with CN 8878 / 5655 pulling and CN 5655 / 2304 pushing—in between were 224 cars with total tonnage of 32,399! (J.M.)

MOTIVE POWER NOTES

On the CP under Fred Green they were going to rebuild 500 SD40-2's, and this will continue it appears. Currently 20 SD40-2's are at Mayfield, Kentucky for rebuild. Thirty 4-axle units are at Muncie, Illinois, these are using parts from GP-7 and GP-9's scrapped at Langley. Another 30 4 axle units are to Coquitlam and then on to SRY for parts, the bodies to Langley for scrap with trucks and traction motors being saved. There will then be 40 more 4-axle units to go for WCRA News, Page 30

F40PH REBUILDS COMPLETE

The rebuilding of VIA’s fleet of F40PH-2 units by CAD Railway Services in Montreal is complete. On November 1, #6440 emerged, and finally on November 20 #6453 was released and returned to the Montreal Maintenance Centre. (J.M.)

LOCOMOTIVE 374 PAVILION

APOLOGIES

An apology to Howie Biehl for misspelling his name in our last issue.

NOVEMBER REPORT

The number of visitors up to the end of November totals just over 32,000 almost the same number as all of last year. November saw 2,900 visitors largely due to special events at the Community Centre. We closed November 11th and 12th. For the first time we will be closed from December 24th to and including January 1st. This is to coincide with the closure of the Community Centre at the same time.

Don’t forget the Christmas Mini Rail operation which runs daily until December 23—1000 to 2000 Mondays to Fridays, and 1000 to 1630 weekends. (B.J.)

WCRA News, Page 31

CREDIT LINES ISSN 1204-072X Vol. 52 Issue 1 Editor Don Evans

Distribution Jeremy Davy & Donna Simon

Contributors: 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 M.C.M. Criag McDowall J. Mi. Jennifer Mitchell T.M. Trevor Mills R. MacB. Rob MacBeth J.N. Jeanene Nelson

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

REAR COVER PHOTOS

Two Ken Storey photos showing our ex Waterloo equipment on their trips west… • upper photo shows coach WCXX 5569 enjoying a comfortable ride near Ashcroft in the consist of a CN freight, • lower shows a unique motive power lineup at Lynn Creek yard in North Vancouver—left to right Illinois Central SD40-2 1027 as part of a CN power set, WCXX FP9A 6520, and CPR ES44AC 8957 on a CP run through power set.

TRIVIA ANSWER

Abraham Lincoln (12Feb1809-15Apr1865) Lawyer for ICRR 1853-1860, later became 16th President of U.S.

The printing of this newsletter is supported by funding from the BC Gaming Commission through a Community grant.

Published monthly by West Coast Railway Association ISSN 1204-072X PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2 Vol. 52 Issue 1 www.wcra.org http://twitter.com/WCRailway Canada Post, Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40007853