WCRA NEWS

AUGUST 2006 MINI RAIL DAY AND

MEMBERS PICNIC AUG. 20

WCRA News, Page 2 GENERAL MEETING NOTICE

The July General Meeting of the WCRA will be held on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at 1930 hours at the Rainbow Creek Station, Confederation Park in Burnaby.

Entertainment will be another slide show of treasures from the David Wilkie Collection, likely to include 3716 and 1077 in the filming of Natty Gann on BCR and more. Thanks to the hard work by Bob Hunter and Bill Marchant for putting these together.

ON THE COVER

Kamloops Heritage Railway’s ex CN 2-8-0 #2141 simmers at Campbell Creek BC, readying to depart with the June 17, 2006 Armstrong Explorer. You will find full coverage of this great ride starting on page 23. (Don Evans photo)

AUGUST CALENDAR

• West Coast Railway Heritage Park Open daily 1000 through 1700k, Speeder Rides every Wed., Thurs, and Friday, Budd Car / Shop tours every Saturday and Sunday. • Sunday, August 6—WCRHP participates in the annual Squamish Days parade with our 1934 Chrysler Airflow and the 1937 Ford • Friday, August 11—Deadline for items for the September 2006 WCRA News • Friday, August 11—Steam Engine 374 Community Luncheon & Social event at the 374 Pavilion / Roundhouse Courtyard, 1230 to 1430 hours, $5 for lunch. • Thursday, August 17—Tours Committee meets, contact Bernie at 604-325-0923 • Tuesday, August 15—WCRT’s West Coast tour departs • Sunday August 20—Annual Mini Rail Days and Members’ Picnic at the Heritage Park, mini rail all day, picnic at 1730k • Tuesday, August 29—WCRA General Meeting, 1930 hours, Rainbow Creek Station •

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. Individual membership in the WCRA is $50.00 per year, family membership is $60.00. New! E Members (electronic newsletter) are $35 individual and $45 family. Other membership categories are: - Junior Member (age 16 and under ) $ 25 - Sustaining Member $100 (tax receipt) plus membership type regular fee - Life Member (one time fee) $700 individual life / $1,200 family life All memberships include the monthly newsletter, Heritage Park admission, 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

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

A combination of both business and pleasure has taken me away again, and with the travels a chance to enjoy some railroading as well.

As I work on the close of this newsletter, we are in Boston and you will read the story (at least part of it) of our journey to the Northeast, including riding the Amtrak Acela Express between Boston and New York City.

Prior to that, we had a chance to enjoy the wonderful hospitality and steam train travel on the Armstrong Explorer. This trip is a great exploration—and the operation is run first class all the way.

I hope you enjoy reading the stories of these trips in this issue. Don ASSOCIATION NEWS

FROM THE JUNE GENERAL MEETING

34 members and guests were present, the meeting was chaired by Colin Dathan: • Jim Brown presented the Executive Director’s Report for Don Evans (see page 9) • Jim Brown reported on WCRA’s finances: · New accountant engaged – Bill Dauphinee. Should result in more timely statements. · Income $407,000, down $72,000 as no Thomas or Excursion Train this year · Assets in first 4 months have increased by $346,000 ($109,000 for Roundhouse). · Collect expenses - $67,000 - for 6503//BC 33/Henry Pickering/Marjatta Roof · Royal Hudson expenses in last 3 months- $107,000 • Jim Brown provided the Heritage Park report: · June had many events – Garage Sale/Teddy Bear Picnic/Fathers Day · Feature of Fathers Day was introduction of the 1934 Chrysler Airflow · School Programs are finished in June. Will restart in fall with projected strong interest. · Canada Day will see introduction of: o Budd car rides including behind scenes tours of MP1 (Sat/Sun) o Speeder Rides (Wed/Thu/Fri) Jul 5 to Sep 1 · Upcoming Special Events: o BC Rail Pioneers Picnic – Jul 20 o Mini-Rail Days and WCRA Members Picnic – Aug 20 o Attendance is up over last year’s “Less Thomas” numbers WCRA News, Page 4 • Collection – Jim Brown reported · Excursion Trainset o 4069 still out with RMV. Possibly for 1 more week. o Chasm & Capilano – Windows to be resealed; Cars to be painted & lettered and professionally cleaned inside. · 2860 Restoration. o Have conducted low pressure Hydro test. Some leaks but should be fixed this week. o Boiler barrel is being repainted. o Boiler brick is being renewed. o Contractor supplying Super-heaters is doing Hydro tests on them before delivery. o Planning Full Hydro test shortly o Projected Operational Test Week of Aug 7. · BC 33. • Has had engine change out but transmission leaks to fix. • Roundhouse/Turntable Construction o Construction has district approval. o Turntable Pit will be dug first. • ·MP 1 7 spaces leased – Revenue now at $4,400/mo. • Mini Rail – Jeremy Davy reported on upcoming locations. · Canada Day - Canada Place and Castle Park in Pt Coquitlam · CN Family Days (Thornton) – Sept 10 · Art Knapp’s -Thomas Day Oct 21 · Washington Group Picnic - still on the schedule but no new date has been set • Events – Bernie Tully reported, Canada Day events were noted. • Tours – Bill Johnston reported · White Pass & just returned – very successful · Discovery Coast/Chilcotin (Jul 5) – closed with 35 booked ($11k profit). Direct Mail = Good results. · Lady Rose (Aug 15) – Sold out - 5 wait listed · Two Fish/Wine (Sep 15) – 29 bookings 10 Seats left. Dave/Arlone Emmington to guide · Spirit of Washington (Sep 16) – Red Hat Ladies exclusive – Ron Pajala to guide. · Royal Hudson Tours – taking Bookings – now have 200 waitlisted for s first trip · FIT Business is very good • Other Business · Matt is leaving us as his visa has expired. He has to be outside country to reapply. To cover is duties: o 374 Pavilion will be staffed by 2 students giving 7 day opening during summer o Michelle Hall joins us for the summer and will divide time between 374 Pavilion and Tours Office. o Lynne Kinnell joins us and will work in the Burnaby Office • Trackside Reports – Ryan Cruickshank and Bill Marchant once again presented reports on the domestic & International scene. Spiced with humor from both WCRA News, Page 5 • Last-minute Business · Gord Hall noted the Golden - Revelstoke leg of the July 16 trip with 2816 is a fundraiser for the Revelstoke Railway Museum. · Paul Roy presented a picture of CP train on the Stoney Creek Bridge to WCRA. It was donated by an ex CP Dispatcher from Toronto. It will go to Squamish. • Guests/Calendar of Events – Colin Dathan noted the July Calendar can be read in the July newsletter. • 50/50 Raffle – paid the rent with something left over for the Royal Hudson Fund. Bob Spencer also donated $30.00 of his winnings back to the Royal Hudson Fund • Entertainment – Personal 1990’s video by member Joe Antonelli (thank you Joe) featuring Opening Day of WCRHP, 2860, 3716, BCR Budds and other BCR footage.

WCRA TRIVIA # 211 - by Ryan D. Cruickshank

During August 1877, the first use of a telephone was used to dispatch trains. Where did this take place? (for answer, see Credit Lines) YOU KNOW YOU’RE A RAILFAN WHEN……. ……..your refrigerator holds more film than it does food (Wonder what effect digital has on that!?) NEW MEMBERS

The WCRA welcomes new members Mattias Christianson of North Vancouver, Stephen Hann and family of Squamish, Dan Jacobson of Lumby, Louise Lebrun-Stori & family of Squamish, Fred Robson of Vancouver, and Pat Webster of Crossfield, Alberta.

We welcome back Larry Marshall & family of Squamish and Michelle Robson & family of Garibaldi Highlands.

Lastly, a warm welcome aboard to new Corporate Club Member Garibaldi Graphics of Squamish. (J.D.)

PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Memberships dated 6/30/2006 have now expired, and if your membership expired April 30, 2006 this will be your last issue. Please check the label on your newsletter and renew today. Remember that renewals are being accepted for memberships with the E–Newsletter Option. Those fees are - for an E-Individual membership $35.00, and an E-Family $45.00 (J.D.)

MEMBER NEWS

Please continue your thoughts for long time member Bruce Mackay who remains ill and in the hospital as we go to press. WCRA News, Page 6 MINI RAIL DAYS AND MEMBERS’ PICNIC AUGUST 20

The 2006 Annual Mini Rail Days and Members’ Picnic will take place at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park on Sunday, August 20th. Come out for this fabulous event that will once again see many guest engines operating on the West Coast Mini Rail line. To delight and fascinate you, judging by the enquiries that Jeremy Davy and Paul Roy have received from live steam engine owners, we should also have several attending this year.

Members’ picnic starts at 5:30PM and is free for members. We’ll look forward to seeing all of you - but please let us know you are coming (plus the number of family and friends you are bringing) so we have enough food for all. You know the food will be good – it’s being done by Donna Fourchalk and Donna Simon assisted by Mary Roy. Please RSVP to the Heritage Park at 604-898-9336; to Lynne at the Burnaby office 604-681-4403 or by e-mail to [email protected]! (J.D.)

STEAM ENGINE 374 COMMUNITY LUNCH & SOCIAL

Join us on the Roundhouse Community Centre Plaza at the 374 Pavilion on Friday, August 11 for a unique event. Staff and friends will gather for a picnic with the 374 as a backdrop. Learn about the history of the locomotive, meet new people, enjoy the area, great food and music. Event times are 1230 through 1430 and the cost for lunch is just $5. (M.C.)

MINI RAIL OPERATIONS ON CANADA DAY A SUCCESS

Portable West Coast Mini Rail Operations were deployed in opposite ends of the Lower Mainland on a bright sunny and very busy Canada Day. In Vancouver we set up on the North Pointe of Canada Place from 1000k to 1900k under the direction of Jeremy Davy. 887 visitors paid to ride the train featuring Mary Roy’s M420 (BCR 646) on the point. West Coast Mini Rail once again played a supporting role to Tamara Taggart on CTV News weather at 6:30PM.

(left, Colin Dathan at Canada Place, Jeremy Davy photo)

At Castle Park in Port Coquitlam the operation ran from 1000k to 1700k under the guidance of Paul Roy and saw 510 rides purchased on a train headed by the WCRA GP9 (SRY 124). Revenues were shared with the organizers resulting in $1,397.00 going to WCRA. Thank you to the event organizers, Canada Place Corporation and Port Coquitlam WCRA News, Page 7 Parks and Recreation Dept, for inviting us. The volunteers involved with the two venues were Judy Board, Colin Dathan, Jeremy Davy, Dave Durward, Doug Hicks, Roy Liden, John & Fay Lighthall, Bill McEnery, George Massey, Paul & Mary Roy, Dennis Roy, Jim Saunders and Donna Simon.

Thanks Gang you all did a great job!! (J.D.)

Dennis Roy operates SRY 124 mini rail at Castle Park, Port Coquitlam July 1. (Paul Roy)

THANKS • To Bevis King for the donation of an Aristocraft Garden Railway BC Rail Budd RDC car (one of only 30 made) which can now be seen operating on our new garden railway from time to time at the Heritage Park. • To Beverley Lowinger for the donation of a sizable HO scale train collection to the Heritage Park, where it is now displayed in the Skeena River model RR car. Beverley had noted on a visit to the Heritage Park last summer that there was no model RR display— now there is thanks to Chris’ work in the Skeena River, and the model collection. WCRA News, Page 8 COLLECTION

POSTAL CAR HAS PGE HERITAGE

Thanks to some research by Greg Kennelly and Tim Horton, we have discovered that our Post Office car #3704 also has some Pacific Great Eastern railway heritage. Turns out the PGE acquired three head end cars from the CPR in 1971, and among them were two RPO’s—#3703 and 3704. 3703 became the Tool Wash Car 990300 which is now at the Prince George Railway Museum, and 3704—while renumbered PGE 990301— remained intact with its RPO interior and joined the WCRA collection. She is now fully restored as CPR 3704 and exhibited at the Heritage Park. (T.H.)

COACHES BEING PAINTED

Two of WCRA’s ex BCR “Hudson” coaches are in the final stages of repair, have recently had windows resealed and are being painted and lettered for West Coast Railway. Both will carry the names of sponsors going forward, with unveiling ceremonies planned for the summer. The cars will be ready for future Royal Hudson operations this fall.

ROYAL HUDSON PRESERVATION & FUND

ROYAL HUDSON PROJECT PROGRESS

Boiler rebuild was completed in early June and much of the month was devoted to preparing the unit for the much anticipated hydrostatic test. This included getting a steam source to heat the water to 100 degrees for the test as a coldwater test would stress the boiler—we used the vertical boiler for this task (photo left, Randy Shimell).

Several tests were commenced over the past 3 weeks and suspended to repair a number of leaks. The restoration included installation, rolling and beading of both ends of 260 tubes and flues, replacement of nearly 100 stay- bolts, removal, repair and installation of 800 stay-bolt caps, replacement of 43 super-heater units each with 28 sub-components and repair of dozens of pipes and fittings. There are several thousand connections that must be steam-tight before the boiler can be fired up and the hydro test is used to qualify the repairs. Hammer-test of the stay-bolts at hydrostatic pressure of 275# revealed WCRA News, Page 9

9 broken ones that are now being replaced. All previously known broken bolts had been replaced but these could only be detected by the hydro test. The final hydro test is expected to be completed by mid July and the remainder of the assembly by late August.. While this has taken a little more time than we anticipated, we continue to make good progress as we work through this time of testing.

Boiler repairs and tests since April have been under the direction of contractor All-Pro Services and their capable team of Robert Jang, Randy Guz and Sean Lane. Our staff of Trevor Mills, Randy Lucas and Randy Shimell continue to progress repairs assisted by volunteers Don Lawrence, Richard Courage, Rob Misjak and Bob Florence who managed to get in a couple of days in May while visiting from England. Several new volunteers assisting include members Dean Roxby, father /son team Ron/Garth Kitteningham, Larry Marshall and Gordie McLeod. (S.B.)

VANCOUVER FOUNDATION SUPPORTS ROYAL HUDSON

The Vancouver Foundation has awarded a grant in the amount of $15,000 towards the completion of the Royal Hudson. This is great news at a very important time for the project. We thank the Vancouver Foundation for their support and add them to our list of major donors to the project. (J.W.)

ROYAL HUDSON PRESERVATION FUND

We acknowledge our monthly contributors Dave Walker, Richard Tubbessing, and Ernie & Lynn Ledgerwood, as well as donors Ed & Donna Scott $1,000, Canex Building Supplies (Bruce Kehler) $2,500, Bob Spencer $30, Lindsay McDonnell $50 and the Vancouver Foundation $15,000 bringing our total to $198,147 raised to date. Remember, you can make a donation on line through www.wcra.org .

Add in the Western Economic Diversification Canada grant of $110,000 and the Province of BC $100,000 TFA grant, Westran’s $50,000 and our total now leaps forward to $458,147.

FUNDRAISING

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT – JUNE 2006

June was a month of steady fundraising success, most of it aimed towards the completion of the Royal Hudson. We thanks those that supported us as we march trough a very busy and fund consuming time. WCRA News, Page 10 Funding Asks Made • Royal Hudson funding asks continue

Major Funding Received • Royal Hudson – Cardinal Concrete donation $8,000 • Royal Hudson (via Paul Turner) donation $3,500 • Royal Hudson donations $3,206 • Gaming Direct Access grant $37,000 • Western Rails for Troop Sleeper Project $2,000 • Garage Sale June 3rd at Heritage Park $1,492 • MP Shop donation $10,000

Month Total $65,198 Year to Date Total $ 532,062 (Year end objective $1,000,000)

Other Significant Activities • Finalized deal with BCIT and CN for 2006 Conductor Training Practicum’s

TELUS COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS

Telus is back with its annual charitable giving program recognizing those employees and retirees who volunteer for charitable organizations. That’s Us!

So, to those of you who work for Telus—or who have retired from Telus or BC Tel, don’t forget to fill out your form and get it in by October 31, 2006—for each of you who does WCRA gets a $200 donation in your name. Need help with the form—just call Don at 604- 988-3435 and I’ll be happy to help.

DIRECT ACCESS GRANT FROM GAMING

The Gaming Branch of the Province of BC has granted the WCRA a Direct Access Grant in the amount of $37,000. These funds are allocated to two programs—Public Education (our newsletter) and Community Outreach (funds will support our many free community events at the Heritage Park). We thank the Gaming Branch for this grant which will help us reach out to many in the community that we otherwise might not have been able to.

WEST COAST RAILWAY GETS FUNDRAISING BOOST

Charitable giving got a significant boost from the Federal Government of Canada with a tax change that will benefit donors, West Coast Railway Association and other public foundations through the elimination of the capital gains tax on donations of appreciated shares. Members or others who donate stock to the West Coast Railway Association will WCRA News, Page 11 now pay no capital gains tax on the growth of those shares, thanks to the new provision announced by the government.

This is fantastic news for anyone who wants to make a difference in the West Coast Railway Association and is looking at ways to lower their tax bill at the same time. Eliminating the tax on gifts of stock is an incredible incentive to give. Across Canada this change could translate into hundreds of millions of dollars in new donations, said Jim Watson, Development Officer for WCRA.

Listed securities can include; shares, rights, and debt obligations listed on most stock exchanges, shares of the capital stock of a Canadian public mutual fund corporation, units of widely held Canadian mutual fund trust, interest in related segregated fund trusts.

The benefits of these gifts include; Immediate donation receipt for fair market value of the security, determined for most securities from their closing price on the date of the gift, favorable reductions in capital gains taxation, increase in the donation claim limit, WCRA pays no tax on the sale, gifts can be given during donor’s lifetime or after, through their estate.

If you would like more information on how you can help your Association through a planned or estate gift, please contact our office and ask to talk with our Association Development Officer, Jim Watson. (J.W.)

WEST COAST RAIL TOURS

2006 TOURS UNDERWAY

Our Tours Committee now has its program of tours for 2006 underway. The new Whistler Mountaineer services to Whistler are incorporated into our program and we will continue with the popular White Pass & Yukon package as well.

Members are reminded that we have new 2006 brochures now available, including Vacations, , Trafalgar Tours to Hawaii, across North America and to Australia / New Zealand as well as major cruise lines. A recent mail out to Tours customers has things hopping and our tours yet to run are filling well. Why don’t you get on board and enjoy some great rail travel in 2006. (B.J.)

MALAHAT CIRCLE TOUR (RVI) Daily except Saturday - throughout the year

Depart from Pacific Central Station at a time of your choosing aboard Pacific Coach Lines scheduled service to Victoria. We supply vouchers to take you to the Queen Victoria Hotel—a few steps from the bus depot. You are on your own for dinner. Breakfast is served at 7:00 AM WCRA News, Page 12 in the hotel’s restaurant, then their van shuttles you to the station at 7:40 AM. Board the train for an 8:15 am departure to Qualicum Beach where it arrives at about noon. Enjoy this quaint town with its interesting beaches and restaurants. After lunch (on your own) we ask you to board the train at 2:30 pm and get off at Nanaimo at 3:45 pm. A waiting taxi takes you to Nanaimo’s bus depot for the 4:30 pm departure of Greyhound’s scheduled service to Vancouver. Dinner on the ferry. Arrive at Pacific Central Station at 7:15 pm.

$224; Children 2-11 $186; BC Seniors (Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays only) $186. (Otherwise $224) Single supplement $71

This tour also runs weekly (Thursdays) from June 1st until August 24th as an independent, non-escorted tour.

Two Steam Trains, Fish and Wine We offer two versions and two dates for these popular trips riding behind steam locomotives in the Okanagan region (Tour OKS-6)

Day 1 - Friday, September 15th We leave Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station by chartered coach picking up in the Fraser Valley then take Highway 7 on the scenic north side of the Fraser River from Mission to downtown Agassiz and the museum housed in the oldest wooden railroad station in B.C. We follow the Fraser Canyon and stop for lunch at the Hells Gate Air Tram (admission included) where one can walk over the suspension bridge to view fish climbing the fish ladders. On to Skihist Park overlooking Rainbow Canyon of the Thompson River and the railways operating through this most difficult part of the river valley. Kamloops overnight. Try dinner at the Keg Steak House in the renovated Kamloops Railway station. S x 2

Day 2 - Saturday, September 16th Morning transfer to the Kamloops Heritage Railway steam train. We climb from Campbell Creek up into ranching country enroute to Armstrong. There is time to tour the town have lunch and view the steam train leaving. We travel to O'Keefe Ranch for a tour of the restored buildings, and then go to a local winery for a tour and tasting. We have dinner in a fine Kelowna restaurant by Okanagan Lake. CB, L, D

Day 3 - Sunday, September 17th We depart at 8:30 AM for Hardy Creek to see fish spawning and then on to the Kettle Valley Steam Railway. Our train takes us along the hills overlooking Summerland and onto the Trout Creek Bridge the highest on the former . Lunch is included today at a local winery followed by a tour and tasting. We then tour the SS Sicamous, the beautifully restored lake steamer. We stay tonight at the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Casino on the south beach of Okanagan Lake. There are lots of options for dinner in the hotel, or by a short walk to downtown Penticton. B, L

WCRA News, Page 13

Day 4 - Monday, September 18th At 9:30 AM depart for the Grist Mill at Keremeos for a tour and lunch. We take the Crowsnest Route back to the coast with stops at a fruit stand, Manning Park, and the Quintette Tunnels on the old KVR line. B, L

FARE: Per person sharing: $697 Single Supplement: $163

Or try this shorter more economical version, in June (Tour KHR-7) Day 1 - Friday, June 2nd Depart Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station at 1:00 PM allowing for transfers from Vancouver Island or Amtrak from Seattle. We make pickups through the Fraser Valley to Hope where we take a rest stop and a walk through the Quintette Tunnels on the old KVR line. Then it’s direct to Kamloops for the night in a good riverside motel. S Day 2 - Saturday, June 3rd As per Day 2 in above itinerary, Overnight in Kelowna.CB, L, D Day 3 - Sunday, June 4th This morning depart at 9 AM for the Kettle Valley Steam Railway. Our train takes us along the hills overlooking Summerland and onto the Trout Creek Bridge the highest on the former Kettle Valley Railway. After lunch we return directly to Hope and the Fraser Valley to Vancouver in time to make evening ferry and train connections. B, L FARE: Per person sharing: $537 Single Supplement: $113

Vancouver Island's West Coast

We travel on 's steam train to see a steam-operated sawmill and sail on a vintage coastal supply vessel through the Broken Islands Group to Ucluelet and Pacific Rim National Park Tour (VWC-8)

Tuesday: August 15th, Day 1 We depart Vancouver by chartered motorcoach for Horseshoe Bay sailing by BC Ferries to Nanaimo's Departure Bay and are dropped off at the E&N rail station. We board the Malahat Dayliner, have lunch on board, and get off at Courtenay. Our coach meets us and we travel to Coombs Junction Market and Cathedral Grove forest preserve. A stop at the Alberni Valley Museum is also made before checking in at our Port Alberni hotel. Dinner is in a fine waterside restaurant. S, D Wednesday: August 16th, Day 2 We leave the hotel for the short trip to the dock where we check in and board the "Lady Rose" (or "Frances Barkley") coastal supply vessel that services Alberni Inlet. Our scheduled arrival at Ucluelet is 12:30 PM. Lunch is on your own on board the ship. Our coach meets us in Ucluelet where we do a tour of the area and then proceed north through Pacific Rim National Park to Tofino ending up at our luxury seaside resort hotel on McKenzie Beach. We have arranged for a delicious dinner (3 menu choices) in the luxurious "Calm Waters" dining room overlooking the sea. B, D Thursday: August 17th, Day 3 We leave Tofino late morning and stop at the Wickaninnish Visitor centre and take lunch there at an ocean-side restaurant. Stops will be made at scenic overlooks before returning to our Port Alberni Hotel. B, D Friday: August 18th, Day 4 After breakfast we board the Alberni Pacific Railway train for WCRA News, Page 14 its departure to the McLean Mill National Historic site, (the only steam operated sawmill in Canada). Upon arrival we take a tour of the mill, enjoy the "Tin Pants" musical theatre production, have lunch, then leave for Nanaimo and a late afternoon return to Vancouver. B

FARES: (reduced from last year) $688, BC Seniors: $663. Single Supplement: $212. Or: Go to Victoria on Monday August 14th, stay overnight in a downtown hotel, board the "Dayliner" in Victoria on Tuesday and meet the tour on the train in Nanaimo. We supply all tickets and vouchers for train, hotel, ferry, and PCL motorcoach. Add $149, Single Supplement: $71

CPR Steam Through the Rockies

A steam lover’s delight, our Canadian Rockies Steam Express tours feature the Canadian Pacific Railway’s heritage steam engine, the 2816 “Empress” on 2 itineraries of your choice (Tour CPR-9) Westbound Tours: Arrive Calgary on dates shown. We arrange air or other means to get you there. Hotels each night and most meals. Day 1 - Tuesday; Calgary - Banff - Lake Louise Day 2 - Wednesday; Lake Louise – Revelstoke Day 3 - Thursday; Revelstoke – Kamloops Day 4 - Friday; Kamloops – Vancouver

Dates: Arrival in Calgary on day shown before departure by train the following morning, Mondays on the following dates: October 9th, 2006, May 21st, 2007, June 4th, 2007, June 18th, 2007

Eastbound Tours:

Depart Vancouver on dates shown. Day 1 - Monday; Vancouver – Kamloops Day 2 – Tuesday; Kamloops – Revelstoke Day 3 - Wednesday; Revelstoke – Lake Louise Day 4 - Thursday; Lake Louise – Calgary

Dates: Departures from Vancouver as below. We fly you back from Calgary to Abbotsford, Vancouver or your choice, at your convenience. WCRA News, Page 15 Mondays on the following dates: October 16th, 2006 **, May 28th, 2007, June 11th, 2007, June 25th 2007 ** ** Routing via Cranbrook, the Crow’s Nest Pass and Lethbridge - instead of Revelstoke and Lake Louise.FARES: Call 1-800-722-1233 (or locally, 604-524-1011), for pricing.

Our West Coast Rail Tours travel agency continues to grow. With our IATA status, we can handle all your bookings for air travel as well as cruises, hotel accommodations and—our specialty - rail. We ask you to choose us as your travel agent. Commissions earned on all travel bookings go straight into the WCRA bank for our preservation projects. Contact Bill toll free at 1-800-722-1233, or locally at 604-524-1011 or by e-mail at [email protected] (B.J.)

DESCHUTES STEAM SPECIAL

Ed Immel writes…..Thank you for the mention of our September 16/17 excursion with #4449 in the WCRA newsletter. However your comment about most of the train being in Daylight colors is not correct. There will be no Daylight painted cars in the consist. This is caused by now having to operate as an Amtrak train and all the equipment must meet Amtrak's private car requirements. None of our former Daylight painted cars meet these requirements and the cost of doing so is not economically feasible at the present time.

The remainder of our item last month is correct—a trip well worth considering.

West Coast Rail Tours - The “Rail” Way to go

MOTIVE POWER SHOPS

LEASES HELP DEFRAY COSTS

Sub leasing of several of the areas of the Motive Power Shop #1 are helping cover some of the costs associated with leasing the shop. Some of our tenants include a local taxi company, and air conditioning company, and several vintage buses. We appreciate their help in working with us and we continue with long term plans for the shop as our operating railway base.

ROUNDHOUSE & TURNTABLE

All design documents for the turntable have been submitted to the District of Squamish and a building permit is expected to be issued imminently. In the meantime, WCRA member and contractor Ueli Liechti of Duro Construction has delivered materials required to re-route the services in preparation of the turntable and roundhouse construction. Roundhouse design WCRA News, Page 16 work is also completed and a development permit from the District of Squamish is in the works. (S.B.)

This seems like a long time to get going after securing the funding for the project, but the design and the Municipal process are lengthy. At this time (early July) we have the ok to go ahead on the turntable construction, but still await final ok on the roundhouse. We want to do the ground preparation together for both projects and also to do the concrete work for the turntable pit and the roundhouse foundations together as it will save considerable funds rather than doing them as two separate projects. Efforts continue to get this work started as quickly as we can.

WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK Home of the Royal Hudson

HERITAGE PARK BUS SERVICE

Nostalgia Tours, a Vancouver company providing heritage motor coach service to local area attractions of historical and cultural interest, is pleased to announce the inauguration of “Howe Sound Domeliner” service, commencing in May, 2006. Please note that reservations are now needed for these services—e mail [email protected] or call 604-690-8687. Reservaitons will be taken up until 0900 hours on the morning of departure.

Named for the “Domeliner” trains that crossed the continent in the post-World War II glory days of train travel, the current version uses exclusive “Glasstop” motor coaches designed to maximize visibility from every one of the all-forward-facing seats in classic GM buses. Guests will enjoy a carefree drive up scenic Howe Sound, an opportunity for lunch at the renowned Howe Sound Brewing Company, and an afternoon at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Located in the town of Squamish, the Heritage Park is Western Canada’s largest railway museum, and features as its keynote display the famous “Royal Hudson” , which itself returns to steam in 2006.

Passengers may join the motor coach tour at Pacific Central Station adjacent to Main St. Skytrain station in Vancouver, or may also be picked up in downtown Vancouver and Park Royal in West Vancouver (reservations confirm pick up location). There are special prices for WCRA members and passholders (Valid WCRA Membership card or pass required) of just $30 adult, $25 senior, $20 youth / child 6-18, $15 for young child 2-5. Children under 24 months are free. Prices include GST, the fabulous ride on the Domeliner bus from Vancouver and return . Regular prices (non members) are $10 more except 5 years & under to include Heritage Park admission., and anyone aboard wishing lunch will receive a 15% discount at the Howe Sound Inn. WCRA News, Page 17

Dates for the Heritage Park service are Mon. Aug. 7 (BC Day), Sun. Aug. 13 and watch for other special event dates such as the Royal Hudson steam up event once the date is set.

MINI RAIL DAY AND MEMBERS’ PICNIC

Join in on our annual Mini Rail Day and Members’ Picnic, to be held this year on Sunday, August 20 at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. This fabulous event is open all day to everyone as many guest locomotives, including live steam, will work on our West Coast Mini Rail tracks. Rides are free to members, regular price of $2.50 for others. See the new Garden Railroad at Windmill Flats, check out Mason Station and other new attractions along the line.

You can also use this as your chance to see the new exhibits at the Heritage Park, including the wonderful 1934 Chrysler Airflow auto, the Skeena River Model RR Car, the new PGE / BC Rail exhibit in the Bud Butterworth car and more. The Budd Car rides with the behind the scenes tour of the locomotive shops will also be operating—something not to be missed.

At 1700 hours the Park becomes members only, and we serve our annual free picnic for all to enjoy. This is a great time of membership socializing and great food, make sure you are there. Please do let us know if you will be at the picnic so we can get food quantities right, call us at 604-898-9336 in Squamish or 604-681-4403 in Vancouver, or e mail [email protected] We look forward to seeing you all on August 20.

PAINTING DONATED

Friend of WCRA Marvin Opika of Vancouver had a limited edition artist’s proof that did not fit with his personal décor so he thought it might be more appropriate at the WCRHP. Entitled Morning in Myra Canyon, the 28” x 44” proof on canvas is one of 30 by artist Robert Jones. The painting of a double-header steam train is particularly striking in the realistic portrayal of trestle details and early morning sunlight. The painting now hangs in the Education Room at the Mac Norris Station. (S.B.)

YOUR TICKET TO ADVENTURE

Summer at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park is an exciting one, as we offer a number of new railway operations to our guests. A new “Ticket to Adventure” theme has been established and is around the Squamish area in the format seen on page 18, with the tag line “Trainloads of Fun” adding to the generation of enthusiasm for all the activities now available at the Heritage Park.

We are finding guests are returning to see what’s new and are discovering that there is lots new to see—and commenting on this—as per the comments on page 19…..

WCRA News, Page 18 WCRA News, Page 19 Comments from our visitors during the month of June 2006:

• “It was a great pleasure to see your museum. It brought back memories” – St. Florian, Austria. • “Well worth a 10,000 mile detour. You are already famous in the railroad circles!” – Whitley Bay, England • “Much improved since first visit in 2002. Very impressive” – Surrey, BC • “Really amazing! Loved the preservation of authentic items in rail cars & mini-rail” – Vancouver, BC • “Best part of Vancouver.” – Sau Paulo, Brazil • “Really nicely done up and the preservation, a must to see!” – Edmonton, Alberta • “What a great local attraction! Thank You!. Loved everything!” – Cologne, Germany • “Great! I had a toy train that was the Royal Hudson!” – Stockholm, Sweden • “My son loved it!” – Altadena, CA, USA • “Large and wonderful!” – Victoria, BC • “Interesting tour” – Cheshire, England • “Excellent, not enough time to see. Keep up the good work!” – Munich, Germany • “Great! Had lots of fun!” – Austin, Texas • “Great to see 2860 progressing so well” – Calgary, Alberta • “Very informative” – Michigan • “Third visit! Enjoyed very much. Keep up the good work!” – Hampshire, England • “Thanks for safe guarding one of the best built engines in North America” – Montreal, Quebec. (S.E.) MODEL RAILWAY CAR OPENED

The Skeena River model railway coach is now open to the public, as part of their tour at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Guests can see the handywork of modeler Chris Forget and his helpers—and, although the layout is not fully completed—the modeling to date is spectacular. The coach remains located behind the CarShop but is now accessible during regular opening hours at the Heritage Park. (S.E.) …………...PS—We are looking for N Scale modelers to help with this project

GARDEN RAILWAY DEBUTS TO MINI RAIL RIDERS

The West Coast Railway Heritage Park has another new attraction, this one for riders of the West Coast Mini Rail. An operating Garden Railway (G Scale) has been built at the location known as Windmill Flats—the junction near Sweet Apple where the tracks diverge to / from the short single track segment into the wye at Sweet Apple. This adds yet another new attraction to the Heritage Park, and another good reason to ride the West Coast Mini Rail. (photo, page 20, by Don Evans) (S.E.) WCRA News, Page 20

CANADA DAY A SUCCESS Canada Day was once again a great success at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, with 374 visitors in attendance. This day also inaugurated the new Budd Car ride with the “Behind the Scenes Tour” at the Motive Power Shop. There was cake at noon (photo left, Sherry Elchuk) and an enjoyable day was had by all. Thanks to volunteers Barb Stover & Vivian Downing (in photo), Chris Forget, face painters Muff and Megan Hackett, and our train crew Dave Thethi and John Jellis. (S.E.) WCRA News, Page 21 TEDDY BEAR PICNIC HOSTED

The West Coast Railway Heritage Park hosted its first annual Teddy Bear Picnic on June 20, 2006. This event, which was put on by Sea to Sky Community Services, attracted over 60 children and will become an annual event. (S.E.)

PGE 710 PROJECT COMING ALONG

The project of turning our Pacific Great Eastern troop sleeper car 710 into a new exhibit on the history and people of Pacific Great Eastern Railway / BC Rail is coming along well. The new exhibit will be dedicated and the car officially named on July 20th. It will then be a regular part of the Heritage Park guest tour. Donna Fourchalk is leading the project with an enthused group of former PGE / BCR volunteers – caught in this photo by Sherry Elchuk on one of their work party days.

This will be a great new exhibit, and—although opening on July 20, will continue to evolve and grow with plans to expand into our second troop sleeper car as well. Watch for this, and check it out on our members’ picnic day if you don’t get up before. WCRA News, Page 22 FEATURE ARTICLES

25 YEARS AGO—From July 1977’s WCRA News

We welcome our monthly “look back” feature this issue, provided each month by our Chair Craig McDowall. Craig provides some insights into what was going on in the WCRA, and the local rail scene, with items sourced from our newsletters 25 years back. We hope you enjoy this reflection into our past, this time from July 1977……..

Amtrak Some further info on the 4449 special trip to Birmingham reported in last month’s newsletter. 4449 burst a flue on the second day and was pulled to New Orleans by two Paducah GP 9’s. Repairs were made and it left New Orleans unassisted but broke a flexible staybolt near Lake Charles, La. filling the cab with live steam. The crew “borrowed” a SD 45-T2 from a following freight and coupled it behind the second tender and operated from the MU in 4449’s cab keeping 100 psi of steam up to blow the whistle and this lash up operated through to El Paso. 4449 was repaired in San Antonio and the SD 45 was replaced with an Amtrak 500 unit.

BCR C425 #804 was repainted this spring and included modifications including relocating headlights from upper cab to nose, rock lights installed and bell & horn cluster added to upper cab. New paint scheme included yellow/orange stripe on frame edge . . . first of this scheme. There have now been 13 paint variations on PGE/BC Rail motive power.

M630 #710 is still in PGE colours

CP Rail CP’s first solid train carrying almost 5000 short tons of woodchips arrived at Pacific Coast Terminals in Port Moody.

CP has ordered 24 SD40-2 locomotives from GM valued at $15 million.

CP business car “Shaughnessy” now back in service after an extensive and costly rebuild at Drake Street roundhouse.

CP steam crane 414326, tender 415754 and idler car 402488 all spotted in the Coquitlam yard on May 22. All were previously assigned to Victoria with the steam crane being previously transferred from Nelson.

CN Rail The last CN mixed train on the Mountain Region, #297-298 between Prince George and McBride will be withdrawn from service on July 23rd. WCRA News, Page 23

A “single story” (sans cupola) was spotted in Vancouver recently.

On Saturday, July 9th, at 16:00 in the North Vancouver yard adjacent to the Pioneer Grain Terminal, SW 1200’s #1722 & 1275 (mu’d nose to nose and pulling a 77 car cut from the BCR interchange collided head-on with SD 40’s #5078/5081/5082 running light with a caboose. Both SW’s suffered damage with the lead unit sustaining a badly bent frame. 800 feet of track was ripped up but no injuries were reported. The SD 40’s appeared to be virtually undamaged. SW #1277 may have run her last move. The unit was stripped of her trucks and fuel tanks and the ends were torched off before being loaded onto a flat car.

Lake Whatcom Railway Some log train movements were recently run from the Park, Washington log dump, to a mill at the north end of Lake Whatcom. The runs were done to transport recovered sunken logs from the log dump and the move was powered by ex-NP 0-6-0 #1070, The logs were taken to the BN interchange at Wickersham.

White Pass & Yukon WP & Y Mike #71 and an unidentified companion unit were spotted sitting on a flat car in the Seattle yard on July 3rd. Both looked very rusty to the extent that they could have been inundated with water. RIDING THE ARMSTRONG EXPLORER

There is little doubt that the work done by the Kamloops Heritage Railway and their preservation of former CN Steam locomotive #2141 has been first class. Not only have they established a successful operation at Kamloops, but they have also developed into a mainline steam train operation with their Armstrong Explorer trips running over the between Campbell Creek (near Kamloops) and Armstrong, BC. It was high time that your editor took a ride on this trip, so Deb and myself climbed aboard the June 17 trip. Come along for the ride……

Locomotive #2141 is the star of the show, looking pristine as she simmers at Campbell Creek awaiting the day’s run (cover photo and photo left). The 2-8-0 Consolidation was built by the Canadian Locomotive Co. in Kingston, in 1912 for the Canadian Northern Railway, then becoming part of WCRA News, Page 24 the Canadian National system when it was formed. She spent most of her life working on the prairies, but ended her active career on Vancouver Island—her last trip for CN was on July 4, 1958. She was originally a coal burner, but was converted to oil burning in 1948 making her suitable for the west coast forests. She was donated to the City of Kamloops by CN and came to rest in Riverside Park there in 1961, where she sat rusting for many years. The Kamloops Heritage Railway Society was formed for the purpose of restoring the locomotive, a job which came to completion with her return to service in 2002.

Since then, the “Spirit of Kamloops” as she has been named, has operated a seasonal schedule on the CN interchange line between the Lorne Street Station and Kamloops Junction to the delight of over 50,000 passengers. In 2005, the first trips over the Kelowna Pacific Railway were negotiated and the Armstrong Explorer was born. These day long trips run before and after the summer months—with six or seven trips planned.

We arrive at Campbell Creek (the start of the KPR trackage, MP 14.4) at around 0700 and join in with passengers and crew for breakfast at the local restaurant. There is a good crowd for this sold out trip, and we enjoy a hearty meal before inspecting the train. The train is on the stockyards siding having been ferried there over the CPR line the previous day, and we have a look prior to boarding.

The 2141 looks great, and is heading a consist of Café car Monte Creek, two open cars, coaches 403 Riverside Park, 404 / 405—both leased from Rocky Mountaineer Vacations and former Waterloo & St. Jacobs Railway, and caboose 401 Westwold (ex BCR). The entire consist is painted in matching Canadian National green / black / gold scheme and looks great. The crowds are lined up for boarding by coach number.

We are privileged to be assigned to ride in the caboose, and make our way to the rear of the train. We find the former BCR caboose very nicely done, with larger windows in the sides against which are tables and seats for guests, but up in the cupola are the seats of choice. We climb up and find comfy seats (from the café car originally) and an ingenious safety railing system to meet Transport Canada needs. It works!

With everyone aboard, we are set for our scheduled 0830 departure. Aboard the train are a legion of great volunteers—our caboose host is Art, and he is great—as they all seem to be. Howard Grieve acts as the train manager, Mark McVittie is the conductor, and several other WCRA members are aboard and active including Jill Gould and Glen Wideman. All are set for a busy and great day. The weather is perfect!

As we wait, a Kelowna Pacific freight grinds up the grade on the mainline above us, with a trio of GP38’s as power. We start to move at 0825—a couple of minutes early, and reverse up the siding (a good grade) and onto the mainline. Once 2141 clears the switch, it is WCRA News, Page 25 thrown (with some effort with the lock) and we are aligned for the main. We start off and immediately 2141 starts to work the grade (10 miles, 2%) on the 56 mile run to Armstrong. (Photo below, climbing out of Campbell Creek)

This is a real highlight and the best pictures of the locomotive working a grade (as she is tender first on the return trip) - the view from the caboose cupola is superb and the sounds spectacular—a great steam ride is off to a terrific start. Art keeps us posted with notes along the way as well as filled with coffee and snacks (included in the price) and we continue to climb above the South Thompson Valley, through the only tunnel on the line, and then level out at around the 2,200 foot level.

From here there is some lovely valley running, with farmland (the animals running at the sound of the train are quite fun) and there is lots of wildlife to spot as we chug along. The shores of Monte Lake provide some nice scenes (photo, page 26) and we continue on to Westwold (MP 37.8) where we pause to take water from a farmer’s irrigation system at 0957. #2141’s range for water is just 50 miles or so—and she has been working hard!

Here there is a siding full of freight cars as well, and we enjoy the pause in the action, but are ready to resume. Our journey has been great so far, and there is lots more to come. We pull away and head towards Falkland, where the mine and flag are visible on the hillside. WCRA News, Page 26

From Falkland we head downgrade through O’Keefe and then descend into Armstrong, MP 71, arriving there on time at 1200. The train is met by quite a contingent of townspeople, some in old time dress, and a band plays a welcome. It is clear that the train means a great deal to the town and the merchants and residents are out to support it. KHR has provided a great information package with the trip covering the route and the town of Armstrong, so we catch a photo of our old friend Glen Wideman by the loco (left) and head off to explore during our two hour stay. The restaurants are popular, but we opt to walk the town with stops for cheese at the Cheese Factory and ice cream—what more could we want?

While we enjoy Armstrong, the crew and the Kelowna Pacific get to work—KPR’s GP38 LLPX 2605 pulls to caboose, and WCRA News, Page 27 the start of the rearranging of the train gets going. When we are ready to re-board, the train backs in with the caboose now behind the café car, and the three coaches on the head end, with #2141 on the point with the tender leading. We climb back up to our cupola seats for the ride back to Campbell Creek.

We depart at 1405, make the 180 degree curve out of town onto the mainline, and climb for nine miles at 1.8% back up to Westwold, where we take on water once again. The return trip is a reverse of this morning’s run, with lovely scenery again and lots to see and enjoy. We arrive back at Campbell Creek at 1730, having backed into the siding from where we started our journey this morning.

We disembark, and thank the excellent crew for a job well done—not a complaint is heard from any other passengers, just lots of good feedback. This is certainly the premier steam train experience in British Columbia at the moment and is well worth a trip.

The Armstrong Explorer trip is set to operate again in the Fall of 2006 on September 2, 16, 30 and October 25—although only a few spaces are available.—go to www.wcra.org ,click the Links tab and then the Kamloops Heritage Railway for more information. (story and photos by Don Evans)

FUN IN BOSTON AND NEW YORK - by Don Evans

Late June and early July saw your editor away for a two week period, to the Boston and New York areas. As has become the case, the trip was a combined business and holiday trip, but this time the emphasis was on the holiday part.

Air Canada got me east on Saturday, June 24 via Toronto, and on to Boston with a slight delay due poor weather at Boston—turned out to be very low cloud and rain as we landed at Logan Airport. The first part of the trip was the business part, but as we zoomed along the Boston Turnpike we paced a CSX freight of empty container platforms at speed—led by three big GE units on the point. We settled in to Babson College, where the next five days would be spent.

Thursday, June 29—we are off to New York, and have booked first class seats on the 1515 departure of the Acela Express. We arrive at South Station, Boston and get the tickets from our internet printed at the Fast Trak machine (works great) and then check out the Acela Lounge. It is peaceful and comfortable for Amtrak First Class passengers, and offers snacks and beverages complimentary as well as priority boarding for the train when it is ready. We are escorted down to Track 6 by the attendant and board our car which is at the front of the Acela trainset that makes up Acela 2171 (Boston to Washington, DC, photo page 28) WCRA News, Page 28

We settled into comfortable seats (First Class is 2 / 1 seating) and there was a good load of passengers aboard the train. We pulled out right on time at 1515, and toasted departure with a glass of wine (all food and beverages, including drinks, were complementary in First Class, menu left). Service was attentive with a fairly full car, and as we traveled the route it filled to capacity on this busy Thursday afternoon. We chose the braised beef for dinner and, while just heated on board, was quite acceptable.

The trip hit top speeds (up to 125 mph) on the Boston to Providence, RI stretch, we rolled in to Providence at 1550—just 35 minutes form Boston! We then continued on through a foggy seaside in Connecticut—New London 1635, New Haven 1714 with a note of several New Haven painted FL9 units still in service. On through Stamford at 1802 and into New York City’s Penn station on time at 1840.

It was hot, humid and—just as we exited the station—a heavy downpour with all the thunder and lightening you could imagine! WCRA News, Page 29

The weather was much better in a couple of hours, and New York City was great as always. June 30 saw us head off on foot, then take the classic Circle Line 3 hour boat tour right around the island of Manhattan. From the water of the Hudson, East, Harlem and Little Rivers you get fabulous skyline views and—interestingly—good views of railroad and transit action. The Hell’s Gate bridge (used by Amtrak ) is clearly visible as are several subway bridge crossings overhead, MTA’s 207th Street shops, Metro North Commuter Railroad’s shops and their mainline to the Hudson River (photo below) and Amtrak’s rail bridge that connects Penn Station to the Hudson River Line to Albany and points west. We enjoy New York City for all its attractions—the Hudson River Walk, two Broadway shows, Times Square and the lights at night, views from the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center), great dining, Central Park and more.

Sunday, July 2 Back to Boston, we head for Penn Station and another Amtrak Acela ride on Acela Express #2254. Penn Station isn’t quite as civilized as Boston—sure, there is an Acela Lounge and it is fine, but boarding is in a hot and sticky underground hall with long line ups and crowds—it is, of course, the July 4th holiday coming up!

The trip back to Boston is fine—service excellent. The First Class car has only a light load on this Sunday afternoon, and delays in running show the difference between the USA’s high speed corridor and those in Europe. This is the not so express Acela as we weave our way around a stalled regional train and track slow orders, arriving Boston at 2000. (To be continued next month) WCRA News, Page 30 RAILWAY NEWS

BUSINESS CAR TRAIN

The Business Car train reported last issue returning to North Vancouver along the West Van waterfront around 1930 on June 11 with CN SD75I #5767 leading E8A’s 103 / 102 (HEP generators only operating), then CN Business cars Tawaw, Pacific Spirit, American Spirit, one red & cream car, and the Sanford Fleming theatre car.

MOTIVE POWER NOTES

CN has announced that it will acquire 50 more SD70M-2’s from EMD, for delivery in the second half of 2007. The units are part of an option taken at the time CN acquired the first 25 units, and the new ones are planned to serve the new container port traffic from Prince Rupert starting in 2007. (TOL)……..NS 8834, 3 June D&RG (National Rwy Equip) NREX 5398 SD45t-2 Tunnel motor, also WC7525 "Look, Listen & Live" (burgundy & gold paint), 8 June CN/IC 6017, 9 June and 22 June Ferromex 4515 (Dash9-44cw), 10 June UP 5080 (NREX). 12 June Kelowna Pacific 2641, 21 June RFRX (Rick Franklin Corp) 4203/4205 (orange & black) (going to northern Alberta on lease?), 23 June CSX 643 and "grey ghost" primer painted 3110. (R.C.)…..Four locomotives were delivered to the Kelowna Pacific in Kamloops on train 30051 of July 6 from BNSF in Surrey—CN units 8006, SD40-2’s 5346, 5380, and GMTX 2643. (J.M.)

PROFITABLE RAILWAY TO FOCUS ON MORE EFFICIENCY

CN’s first quarter of 2006 was a good one, with the company reporting a first quarter profit of $326 million, up 21% over 2005’s first quarter. The railway achieved an operating ratio of 66.2% - a three percentage point improvement over the same period in 2005.

Meanwhile, at the company’s AGM, CN’s CEO Hunter Harrison said that 2006 will see a focus on continued efficiency improvement across the network. The company has a $1.5 billion capital investment plan for 2006 that will include computer systems to manage railcars in freight yards, and CN’s share in construction of the new Prince Rupert container port. (BL)

TRAGEDY AT MORAN

CN experienced a tragic accident at Moran on June 29th, as the local switcher with CN GP40-2W #9606 and a single car of lumber ran away on the hill from Kelly Lake and derailed near Moran, with both the lumber car and the locomotive rolling several hundred feet down the steep slope. Two veteran railroaders, brakeman Tom Dodd and conductor Don WCRA News, Page 31

Falkner were killed in the accident, while engineer Gordon Rhodes was injured but survived. All three men were thrown from the train when it derailed—one from the car of lumber and two from the locomotive.

There has been extensive coverage of this event so we won’t repeat it all here, but suffice it to say that railroading can still be dangerous and in spite of all precautions being taken accidents can still happen. A full investigation will determine the cause in due course.

Our sympathies are extended to everyone at CN, and especially to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this tragic event.

MOTIVE POWER NOTES

The two former VIA / CN FP9A units being acquired from Ohio Central by CP will become numbers 4106 and 4107, thus following the last passenger cab unit on the railway which was #4105—a CLC CPA16-4 unit.

END OF THE BEAVER?

CPR has officially stopped applying the “beaver shield” decal to locomotives, the last unit to receive it was GP38-2 #3100 on March 21st. (BL) New units received in the most recent orders are arriving with just the Canadian Pacific block lettering on the sides.

RMV FLEET NOTES

The “new” Whistler Mountaineer dome coaches are former VIA coaches 5503 and 5518, converted by Industrial Rail Services in New Brunswick. They are now Whistler Mountaineer Glacier Domes 2000 and 2001…... RMV has added another Gold Leaf dome double deck car, the latest is #9525…….Generator car #9489 has joined the fleet, formerly the Ontario Northland baggage car 414. (BL)

4069 SERVES AGAIN

WCRA’s FP7A locomotive #4069 is back in service on the Whistler Mountaineer once again. The classic F unit operated June 1 to 16 and June 18 to 29 as one of the WM locomotives was off for service work during these dates. We just got her back in Squamish when she was needed once again—this time a Rocky Mountaineer’s Fraser Discovery loco had problems so one of the Whistler Mountaineer locos went north, and 4069 went back on the Whistler Mountaineer train on July 10th. (S.B.) WCRA News, Page 32

AMTRAK CASCADES SCHEDULES INCREASE

Amtrak Cascades is one of several Amtrak corridor services set for expansion in 2006, in fact the changes started July 1st! The changes include an additional schedule in each direction between Seattle and Portland, and—for the first time—a service through Seattle. The Bellingham train will now operate through Seattle all the way to Portland. Below is the new schedule effective July 1, 2006.

BNSF NEWS

BNSF RECRUITS RAILFANS TO HELP

BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) is recruiting rail fans to help keep BNSF properties safe by reporting suspicious activities and to help prevent possible security breaches.

"Keeping America's rail transportation network safe from crime and terrorist activity is a high priority for the railroad industry," says William Heileman, BNSF general director, Police and Protection Solutions. "Every day across the country, rail fans photograph and watch trains as they pass through communities. It seems natural to harness their interest to help keep America's rail system safe."

Rail fans can register for the program by going to the Citizens United for Rail Security (CRS) Web site (http://newdomino.bnsf.com/website/crs.nsf/request?open). CRS participants will receive an official identification card along with access to news and WCRA News, Page 33 information on the BNSF CRS Web site. To report suspicious activity, CRS members and the public can call (800) 832-5452. The information will be taken by a BNSF representative and routed for appropriate response.

"Supporting homeland security in this manner is positive for everyone," says Carl Ice, BNSF's executive vice president and chief operations officer. "It supports the nation's security efforts, improves safety within our company and the community, and improves operations by helping to remove the impact of criminal acts and accidents."

The CRS program is an outgrowth of another BNSF grassroots program, called BNSF ON GUARD, which encourages employees to report suspicious activities, trespassers or individuals to BNSF's Resource Operations Call Center (ROCC). The BNSF ON GUARD program, which started in 2003, has been successful, with more than 200 employees reporting suspicious activities since its inception. Employees have reported theft, vandalism, arson, attempted suicide, and other criminal violations, threats to safety, or unusual events on or near railway properties.

"Security is everyone's business. Because of heightened security status, Americans are being asked to be the 'eyes and ears' for law enforcement," says John Clark, BNSF assistant vice president, Resource Protection Solutions Team. "At BNSF, our police team continues to educate employees on work, personal and home security, as well as working to change employee behavior to increase awareness of security risks."

A subsidiary of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (NYSE:BNI), BNSF Railway Company operates one of the largest railroad networks in North America, with about 32,000 route miles in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF is among the world's top transporters of intermodal traffic, moves more grain than any other American railroad, transports the components of many of the products we depend on daily, and hauls enough low-sulphur coal to generate about ten percent of the electricity produced in the United States. BNSF is an industry leader in Web-enabling a variety of customer transactions at www.bnsf.com. (BNSF Release)

BNSF PHOTO COLLECTION NOW AVAILABLE

BNSF historic photos are now available online for the first time, at http://photos.bnsf.com

More than 170 historic images are available now, and new images are being added continually. Photos include such subjects as Northern Pacific trains of the 1870’s, Great Northern steam engines of the 1920’s, and the famous Santa Fe Super Chief.

WCRA News, Page 34

Collectors can purchase everything from prints to mouse pads to coffee mugs featuring the images, they are also available for commercial publication through Index Stock Imagery. The gallery is organized by predecessor railroad, era, and type of train or locomotive. (M.C.)

MEXICAN UNIT

A Mexican unit made it north in a BNSF motive power consist—reported at Blaine en route CN’s Thornton yard was BNSF 4740 / FXE (Mexican) 4515 / BNSF 4331 on June 21st, with a planned short turnaround at Thornton then back south. (N.D.)

DELTAPORT AT CAPACITY AGAIN

Deltaport is choked with business once again. They have about 30 miles of double stack cars worth of containers on the dock waiting to go east right now (July 7th). To help them out, CN has authorized an extension of up to 2,500'/30 wells a day on train 112 so that the containers can be trucked from Deltaport to VIT for loading at this terminal! Otherwise Deltaport will have to forbid the steamship lines from discharging as many containers as they would like at this port (which means they will go to the USA).

So far, however, Deltaport has not been able to even hand out reservations allowing truckers to pick up more than a few of these cans! Their real problem seems to be the unloading and reloading of cars on the dock quickly enough. (J.M.)

SOUTHERN RAILWAY VANCOUVER ISLAND

The Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway has a new operator as of July 1, 2006. Southern Railway of BC has agreed to operate the line for a year and will operate as Southern Railway Vancouver Island (SRVI). The railway sent over Southern RR of BC fresh-painted GP-9s 110 and 119 on the Carrier Princess over to Wellcox slip early Monday 26th to begin their new career on SRVI. Rail America employees and the VIA contract will continue as is for now. Watch for marketing efforts to regain freight biz. (B.M.)

The following newspaper coverage from the Nanaimo Daily News was forwarded by Colin Smith:

The Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway will soon have a new operator and a new name.

The Island Corridor Foundation has signed a one-year contract with Washington Marine Group-owned Southern Railway of B.C. (SRY) to take over operation of passenger and WCRA News, Page 35 freight rail services on Vancouver Island. The agreement puts the rail corridor and rail operations under B.C. management for the first time since 1948, Jack Peake, co-chair of ICF, said Tuesday. The company will operate under the name Southern Railway Vancouver Island Limited-SRVI, as of Saturday, July 1, 2006.

Washington Marine Group already has ties to Vancouver Island. The company owns Nanaimo-based Seaspan Coastal Intermodal that transfers rail cars between Nanaimo and the mainland. It also owns Victoria Shipyards. SRY is a major freight transporter on the Lower Mainland and in the Fraser Valley. It moves forest, building, agricultural, chemical, consumer and steel products for more than 150 customers

Ken Doiron, SRY's vice-president of business development, said the company's interchanges with the main transcontinental carriers together with Seaspan Coastal Intermodal, will bring much needed competition to the Island's industrial customers. "Major transcontinental lines will now be more motivated to provide competitive rates to customers and compete for the business," he said.

Peake said over the next year, a long-term operating agreement between SRVI and the ICF will be worked out. All employees of the E&N Railway's passenger and freight operations will retain their jobs.

Joe Stanhope, chairman of the Regional District of Nanaimo and an ICF director, said business in the "Hub region" will benefit. Building freight and passenger business is at the centre of the ICF's relationship with SRY and significant for the Port of Nanaimo, to industry and to communities in Nanaimo and area. "We are in fact the hub of freight transport on the Island," he said.

The Island Corridor Foundation is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 2004 as a partnership between local governments and First Nations. In February, the ICF reached an historic agreement with Canadian Pacific Railway that resulted in the CPR donating the rail corridor to the foundation in perpetuity. In March, ICF realized its vision of owning the rail corridor under full Island ownership with the signing of an agreement with Rail America.

MUCH WORK TO BE DONE

Now that the Island Corridor Foundation has full control of the Island rail corridor - and an operator to run it - the first priority will be the rejuvenation of passenger and freight service, says the co-chairman. But Jack Peake also knows there is much work to be done by both the ICF and new operator Southern Railway to increase ridership on the Budd cars and to bring back freight business to the level it once was. "It is going to be a test for all of us to get it going and make things happen," Peake said about the foundation and Washington Marine WCRA News, Page 36

Group-owned Southern Railway. "You don't change something that has kind of been neglected for decades overnight, but we think there is a good future here and so do they, that's why they signed on." Meetings with VIA Rail on the future of passenger service will begin in mid July.

The following report appeared in the Province newspaper June 28, 2006…..

ISLAND RAILWAY SEEKS $30 AID

Southern Railway of B.C. is seeking $30 million from local, provincial and federal governments to revive Vancouver Island's rundown rail system. Former CN Rail chairman and past provincial cabinet minister Brian Smith made the pitch yesterday as the Island Corridor Foundation formally announced a deal with Southern Railway of BC to run passenger and freight services on the Island.

The deal gives the Vancouver-based company the right to operate the Victoria-to-Courtenay railway at no cost for a year, starting Saturday. Smith said the money is needed over 10 years to pay for improvements to the former E&N Railway. The non-profit ICF acquired the railway earlier this year from Canadian Pacific Railway and Rail America. Valued at more than $370 million, the tracks and property extend from Victoria to Courtenay.

Smith said cash is available to renew the line from the federal infrastructure program. "I have talked to senior ministers," Smith said. "We basically have an indication this is not going to be a serious problem."

The ICF, controlled by five regional districts and five First Nations, has agreed to raise $10 million to match grants of the same amount from the two senior governments. VIA Rail Canada, the federal Crown corporation, has pledged to continue its annual $1.5-million subsidy of the service, to be run by Southern.

No major service changes are expected until next year. Improvements are expected on the single daily return trip passenger service between Victoria and Courtenay.

OTHER NEWS

CONTAINER HITS 50

As birthday celebrations go, this one probably won’t see a lot of fanfare, yet is one of the most significant events in transportation history. On April 26, 1956, a converted tanker—the Ideal X—loaded 58 truck trailers at Newark, New Jersey and sailed for Houston. Thus the WCRA News, Page 37 shipping “container” was born—and the rest is history! (BL)

REFLECTORS TO IMPROVE RAIL SAFETY

New regulations have gone into effect as of May 1, 2006, requiring that all Canadian railway locomotives and cars carry reflective materials. The timeline for compliance is seven years for all freight cars and four years for all locomotives. Previously regulations called for these on both CN and CPR units, now it is being extended to other railways in Canada operated under the railway safety act. A local example is seen on the new yellow reflective stripe being seen now on most of the former BC Rail Dash8-40CM units.

NEW LONG TERM OPERATOR SOUGHT FOR VANCOUVER WHARVES

North Vancouver May 19, 2006 - The British Columbia Railway Company (BCRC) announced today it will seek a long-term operator for Vancouver Wharves, its bulk marine terminal in North Vancouver. "Vancouver Wharves, with its strategic location in the fast growing Port of Vancouver, has tremendous potential," said Kevin Mahoney, BCRC President and CEO. "Entering into a long term operating arrangement for the operation of Vancouver Wharves with the right partner will allow us to realize the facility's full potential while still retaining public ownership of the asset." As the first step in identifying a potential new operator, BCRC has prepared a summary that outlines the key objectives required for the operation of Vancouver Wharves for a 25-year period. "Any potential new operator for Vancouver Wharves must address the needs and objectives established in the British Columbia Port and Pacific Gateway strategies, as well as other areas of importance to our employees, customers and communities," said Mahoney. To assist the company in selecting a new operator, BCRC will retain CIBC World Markets as its financial advisor. CIBC World Markets is a full-service investment bank with operations in North America, Europe and Asia. Initial proposals will be submitted in July 2006. A final agreement is expected be concluded by the end of the year. The company has communicated its plans to its major customers and employees. "We are committed to working with all our stakeholders to ensure continued service and a successful transition to a private sector operator," said Mahoney. Vancouver Wharves is located on the north shore of the Port of Vancouver and offers a variety of both in- and out-bound services for bulk and break-bulk shippers moving product to and from all regions of Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. WCRA News, Page 38

What it’s all about- happy guests stroll the platform at the Mac Norris Station after a ride on BC 33 and a shop tour! (Sherry Elchuk photo)

Nostalgia Tours

Heritage and Cultural Tours by Vintage Motor Coach From Vancouver

At last, you don’t need to drive to enjoy some of the Lower Mainland’s highest quality attrac- tions. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view from our exclusive “Glasstop” motor coaches.

Destinations include Stave Falls Power House, Kilby Historic Site and of course West Coast Railway Heritage Park

Information call 604 690-TOUR (8687) or visit our website www.nostalgiatours.com

Assiniboine River Crossing, Winnipeg—CNR’s Continental New release now available at hobby shops and fine galleries, or through the West Coast Railway Heritage Park gift shop.

INSULATORS WANTED BY COLLECTOR

Insulators wanted, telegraph, tele- phone, or power varieties.

FAIR prices paid, willing to trade or simply talk about history surrounding insulators.

Contact Dave (604) 708-9332 or e mail [email protected]

CREDIT LINES ISSN 1204-072X Vol. 45 Issue 8

Editor Don Evans Distribution Jeremy Davy & Donna Simon

Contributors:

S.B. Singh Biln M.C. Matt Christianson R.C. Ryan Cruickshank J.D. Jeremy Davy N.D. Nin Durward S.E. Sherry Elchuk T.H. Tim Horton B.J. Bill Johnston B.M. Bill Marchant J.M. Jim McPherson P.R. Paul Roy J.W. Jim Watson

BL Branchline TOL Trains On Line

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 , phone news to (604)988-3435(res) or fax to (604) 986-7660. Check us out on the Internet at

Contact us: Tours 604-524-1011 / 800-722-1233 Heritage Park 604-898-9336 Office 604-681-4403

TRIVIA ANSWER

The Caledonia mine at Glace Bay on the Sydney Mines Railway. One of the owners was Gar- diner G. Hubbard, who was the father-in-law of Alexander Graham Bell, who installed two telephones to control train movements.