WCRA NEWS JANUARY 2010
MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM WCRA WCRA News, Page 2
GENERAL MEETING NOTICE
The December General Meeting of the West Coast Railway Association will be held at 1930 hours on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at Rainbow Creek Station in Burnaby. Nominations for board posiitons will be held.
Entertainment will be vintage Canadian rail scenes on a new DVD (which will be available for sale) as well as some DVD’s being provided by Terry Muirhead.
ON THE COVER
It’s that time of year again, and the Brightbill Heritage House makes a great seasonal shot at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in the snow, in this photo taken by Don Evans December 7, 2001.
DECEMBER / JANUARY CALENDAR
• West Coast Railway Heritage Park open daily 1000 through 1600k • December 15 to December 19—Christmas Lights in the Park, Heritage Park from 1730 to 2030 each evening • Friday December 25—Merry Christmas, Heritage Park closed
• Friday January 1, 2010—Happy New Year, Heritage Park closed • Friday, January 8—Deadline for items to be included in the Feb. 2010 WCRA News • Tuesday, January 19 —Tours Committee Meeting • Tuesday, January 26—WCRA General Meeting, Rainbow Creek Station, 1930 hours
The West Coast Railway Association is an historical group dedicated to the preservation of British Columbia railway history. Membership is open to all people with an interest in railways past and present. We are a non-profit British Columbia society, registered as a Canadian charity. Individual membership in the WCRA is $50.00 per year, family membership is $60.00. E Members (electronic newsletter, $15 savings) are $35 individual and $45 family. (Outside Canada, please remit US $) Other categories are: - Junior Member (age 18 and under ) $ 25 - Sustaining Member $100 (tax receipt) plus membership type regular fee - Life Member (one time fee) $700 individual life / $1,200 family life All memberships include the monthly newsletter, Heritage Park admission (except Special Events), mini rail rides and discounts on food and merchandise. The Association holds a monthly meeting on the last Tuesday of the month at 1930 hours in Burnaby at Rainbow Creek Station in Confederation Park. Apply through www.wcra.org or mail to WCRA, PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2. WCRA News, Page 3 EDITORIAL
SEASONS GREETINGS TO YOU ALL
We will take a break from editorializing this month to wish all our readers the very best for the Christmas holiday season and for the New Year.
2010 promises to be a very exciting year for WCRA as we will bring construction of our new CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre to a completion and look forward to the grand opening of this exciting new facility. With that event, many new doors will open for us— including many that we cannot even imagine today. And, seven more pieces of our collection will get indoor space protection, another important step forward.
This is an amazing project, the largest we have undertaken to date. Without the support of our members, our donors, our corporate partners, our contractors and all involved, we would not be looking forward just few months to this major change for our future.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you. Don ASSOCIATION NEWS
FROM THE NOVEMBER GENERAL MEETING
The November General Meeting was the WCRA’s Annual Dinner and Awards night. There was a good turnout of 77 members an guests at Cheers Restaurant in North Vancouver.
This year’s award plaques were once again by Paul Ohannesian with our thanks – depicting CN’s Super Continental. We are presently putting together our preserved version of this train, two of the coaches have arrived here, and two locomotives and another coach are on the way. Watch for an official unveiling in early 2010 as we are able to add another trainset exhibit to our collection.
Craig McDowall mc’d the awards event, with the winners as follows:
CORPORATE SUPPORT AWARD
Winner – Southern Railway of British Columbia
This year we acknowledge the long time and active support of Southern Railway of British Columbia. We have worked with SRY in many ways over the years, but the operation of the Royal Hudson on two excursions from New Westminster to Cloverdale in May of this year WCRA News, Page 4 was a real highlight for us all. We look forward to many future ways of working together in the coming years. Accepting the award was SRY’s Ken Doiron.
Past winners: 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 – Marke Andrews, Vancouver Sun
What an exciting morning it was on January 29, 2009 when the cover page of the Vancouver Sun’s Business section headlined Squamish’s Un-conventional Centre. What followed was major coverage of the development of the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre (CN announced $1.25 million that day) and exposure for the Heritage Park’s major project that was read broadly throughout Southwestern British Columbia. Thank you to writer Marke Andrews and the Vancouver Sun; this year’s media award winner.
Past Winners: 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 – Patricia Treadwell
West Coast Railway News readers this year got a delightful two part story relating to travels across the US and back on Amtrak. The travels on the Southwest Chief and the Empire Builder were chronicled in a charming and inclusive way by Patricia Treadwell, this year’s winner of our Newsletter Contribution Award.
Past Winners: 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
Patricia writes….I am sure all of you have enjoyed journeys by train - so how did this start for you? What was your first ride? WCRA News, Page 5
My brother and I were young train spotters. We would walk to the Hogs Back - a cliff overlooking a shunting yard for the L.N.E.R. line in North London, bustling and noisy. The highlight of our day was to hear the whistles, the thundering of the wheels, the I-think--I- can and finally see the majestic green engine of The Flying Scotsman beneath us - clouds of black and white smoke as she gathered speed on her daily journey from Kings Cross to Scotland. We then knew it was ten minutes past four and time to go home.
We also looked forward to our annual trip to the seaside by train accompanied by the traditional thermos of tea and package of sandwiches - sitting facing the engine for that first glimpse of the sea. Since then, memorable journeys have included my introduction to mountains - the Alps - as we crossed Austria; the Prairies and Rockies in midwinter breathtaking in their white and silent beauty; - contrasting with the vast and endless red sands of the Nulaboor Desert in Australia. Our Amtrak journeys cris-crossing North America have been very enjoyable and we hope to do some more. . Thank you for the award and Happy Train Travels.
VOLUNTEER AWARD
Winner – John Jellis
Whether it is leaning out the cab window while operating PGE 561 or a Budd RDC, lecturing a group of BCIT conductor students on operational safety, touring guests around the shops, or working tirelessly on the Troop Sleeper 722 project this year’s winner of our volunteer award is always there for us. His years of operations with BC Rail are an asset, as are his skills chatting with groups or working with a team on restoration. We are delighted to recognize John Jellis with the 2009 Volunteer Award.
Past Winners: 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 someone who is multi talented, and who contributes to a number of WCRA projects, both model and full scale. But the reason for this award is his initiative getting a restoration project started, funded and underway – with the coordination, the motivation, the dollars and the hands on work. Quite an impressive effort, as the work on BC Rail Crane Idler car 6502 is well underway, thanks to Chris Forget, this year’s Preservation WCRA News, Page 6 Award winner.
Past Winners: 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.
MEMBERS’ CHOICE AWARD
Winner: D’Arcy Nelson
This is the members’ award, as votes from you, the members of the WCRA, make the choice directly. This year’s winner is D’Arcy Nelson, a regular volunteer at the Heritage Park on the mini rail, and with pretty much any special event we do. He was active with the recent ARM 2009 conference, serving as greeter and chauffeur as our guests arrived on the Greyhound buses, serving as master guide on our outing to Whistler, present throughout and operating mini rail, and even leading the singing of the national anthems at the banquet. Truly a multi talented volunteer!
Past Winners: Ernie & Lynne Ledgerwood, Jeremy Davy, Don McAllister, Bernie Tully, Paul & Mary Roy, Tomo’o Oshikawa, Bill Marchant, Barbara Brown & Bruce Mackay, Donna Fourchalk & Ken Mason, Mary Roy, Norm Shepherd, Steve Barone.
Past Winners of President’s Award (preceded Members’ Choice) Mary Collins, Harold Holtby, Hal & Gale Kinsey, Trevor Mills.
NEW GENERATION AWARD
Winner: Connor Park
This is a new award being presented for only the second time. Based on feedback from our members, we wanted to start and recognize (and encourage) volunteering on the part of our younger members.
Our winner is a young man who has become a regular helper at our 374 Pavilion in Vancouver’s Yaletown. Connor Park volunteers there with Dan Volrich at least twice each month, and he has also put together a great photo presentation. He also volunteered with our Day Out with Thomas event in June. Congratulations to Connor on this award.
Past Winners: Rob Misjak
Craig then turned the mike over to Colin Smith for this special mention….
WCRA News, Page 7 SPECIAL MENTION
This year we held an outstanding event to showcase our site, our collection, and our accomplishments to the world, and we did it in a first class way in every regard. The ARM 2009 Conference attracted 110 delegates to Squamish from all over North America, and was themed Changing Scenes – Ten Years of Development at a Railway Museum. We did our people, our Heritage Park, and southwestern British Columbia proud.
The event was well organized, the conference interesting and full of variety. But it was our volunteers and staff, working together in every way that made the difference. Our guests returned home totally impressed with what we put together and how we handled it. To the conference organizing committee, to our staff, to our volunteers, to everyone that had event the smallest part in the event and its success, a hearty thank you from the WCRA’s Board and the delegates who came to Squamish in September.
WCRA TRIVIA # 252 - by Ryan D. Cruickshank
What does Lou Gehrig have in common with steam trains? (for answer see Credit Lines, page 31) MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Please renew your membership now for 2010. Year end is when many of our memberships do expire, and we look forward to having everyone of you continue with us as we enter one of the most exciting years in our history.
Memberships dated 11/30/2009 have now expired, and if your membership expired 09/30/2009, this will be your last issue. Please check the label on your newsletter and renew today. Remember that renewals are being accepted for memberships with the E–Newsletter—check page 2 for current membership rates. Is your email address current???? It is particularly important that those of you who have registered for access to the Members Only area keep your email address current in the Server.
Each time a new issue is posted the Server sends a notice to the email address you supplied when you requested access. If you have changed your email address, or think the one we have is out of date because you do not receive notices, please send your current email address to Jeremy at [email protected] and the server will be updated as required. (J.D.)
NEW MEMBERS
The WCRA welcomes new members Simon Crevier & family of Squamish, Sam Davidson & family of West Vancouver, Marc Emmerson & family of Squamish, Wendy Gray & family of Squamish, Jennifer Klirmchuk & family of Squamish, T & J Telder & family of Surrey, and Anne Wong & family of Squamish. (J.D.) WCRA News, Page 8
We welcome back Judy Goodwin & family of Squamish and Keith & Olga Junkin of Squamish.
TRAIN 2009
The WCRA participated at the “PNR” TRAINS Show at the Cameron Centre on November 14 and 15. Saturday’s attendance was reported to be 1,400 guests. Sunday attendance was much lower, numbers are currently not available. Guests were very interested in our Railway Heritage Park and other activities. Many questions were asked about the Royal Hudson. We handed out leaflets and brochures promoting the Park, Tours, 374 and Western Rails 2010.
The display was set up Friday evening by Dave Emmington. Members Bill Marchant, Bill Johnston, Jim Saunders, Keith Anderson and Karl Anderson attended our booth at various times throughout the event. Craig McDowall provided audio/video equipment showing a Special Tour of Steam Engine 3716. Craig provided 12 dvds for sale. Paul and Mary Roy donated 12 dvds to raise funds for the organization. Gordon Hall donated 2 dvds. Bill Marchant sold surplus books and will report proceeds separately, sale were reported as “brisk”. All in all a good show. (D.E.)
NEW ROYAL HUDSON DVD AVAILABLE
A new DVD covering the Royal Hudson's trips in 2009 has been produced and released by Elevation Media. The Royal Hudson—Doing Fine in 2009 is 108 minutes of great coverage of the classic locomotive’s outings this year—including the Squamish to New Westminster ferry move, the May 2 and 3 excursions to Cloverdale and return on SRY, the ferry move from New Westminster to North Vancouver, and the May 16 trip where she led the first run of the Whistler Mountaineer’s 2009 season.
The DVD is available through the Heritage Park’s gift shop now and we will try and have some also at the December meeting.
THANKS
• To Clara Norris for the donation of some of Mac Norris’s memorabilia from his days at BC Rail and Rocky Mountaineer. Some of these will be displayed in the lobby of the Mac Norris Station at the Heritage Park, while a photo taken in the Northern Summit business car will become part of the exhibit in the car once it is restored. • To Gloria Horwood for the donation of a Max Jacquiard limited edition print Revelstoke Bridge. This print features a train on the bridge pulled by two stem locomotives, one of them Royal Hudson 2860.
WCRA News, Page 9 COLLECTION
ROYAL HUDSON AS AN 0-6-4!
The pilot truck of Royal Hudson #2860 has received a rebuild, with new springs among the attention given the truck. This made for an interesting scene as the front of the locomotive was jacked up lifting the front drivers above the railhead. This is just one of many winter upgrades being done to the locomotive, as we continue to steadily work to improve her condition. Our thanks to Al Broadfoot who assisted us with this work. (photo Don Evans)
VINTAGE BOOKS DONATED
A great addition to our archives has been received, with the donation of 11 copies of Railway Age magazine, dating 1927 and 1928. These were sent to us by Bill Yeats, and came originally from Julie and Ken Jacobs of Winnipeg, Manitoba. They are a great look at a booming time in the railroad industry, full of articles and ads from that era that are incredible to read. We thank them for thinking of WCRA as a place to preserve this history for future generations. (B.M.) WCRA News, Page 10 HELP US MOVE OUR CN SUPER CONTINENTAL TRAIN
With funds to pay for the move of the two FP9A locomotives and the remaining coach of this consist available to us in the form of a debenture, work is underway. We have successfully registered the units in the UMLER system and the AEI tags have been installed on the units in Toronto. Work is currently underway with CN to get things moving, however some challenges are being encountered—hopefully to be resolved soon.
This is our most important collection project at this time. While we now have the funds in place, remember that these are loaned funds—we still need to repay the debenture. So—we still need your help here. Some thoughts to please consider: • Donations towards the cost, of course these are tax receiptable to the donor • Sponsor a coach—or an FP9A unit. This program has worked well for us and would be very timely now, as the coaches will go into immediate use on our Royal Hudson train and with our upcoming Polar Express. There are two coaches available (one has already been spoken for and will become the William & Dorothy Lahr). Would you like to have an FP9A unit carry your name of the name of a loved one? We will script a name below the cab windows (as is often done) and thus name the locomotives as well as the coaches.
For more information, please contact Don Evans for further details. We can now look forward to having a classy green, black and gold CN streamliner finally making its appearance at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Call me at 604-988-3435 or e mail [email protected]
FUNDRAISING
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – NOVEMBER 2009
Funding Asks Made • District of Squamish for Roundhouse Support
Major Funding Received • $42,000 of debentures donated • Endowment Fund Distribution $10,156 • New roundhouse debentures $40,000 • General debenture $35,000 • Telus Foundation Volunteering Donation $200 • Roundhouse Naming Sponsorship $100,000
Month Total $227,356 Year to Date Total $4,727,785 - General purposes $729,958; WCR Endowment Fund $637,000; - Roundhouse $3,299,827; Alberta $150,000 WCRA News, Page 11
Other Significant Activities • Hosted District of Squamish Council “Committee of the Whole” at the Heritage Park on November 10th, Council tour of Roundhouse • Several other Roundhouse tours for fundraising purposes
November has been quite a month and brings our fiscal year 2009 to a close. Our fundraising totals are the largest ever, driven by the major construction project, of course. A huge thank you to all our supporters. Meanwhile, our fundraising continues for both our continued operations and our collection, as well as the capital project.
DIRECT MAIL 2009
By now you should have received our final Direct Mail funding request for the year 2009. This is our annual appeal and we ask you to consider WCRA as one of your favoured charities as the year 2009 comes to a close. We rely on your donations for support that keeps us able to operate our Heritage Park and preserve our collection.
This year was unprecedented in that we have had two direct mail pieces—one specifically to help us as the Heritage Park reaches its 15th anniversary earlier in the year, and now this annual appeal. The 2009 fundraising climate has been a challenging one for all charitable organizations, and WCRA has been no exception. Still, the generosity of our donors is outstanding and has been one reason why we have been able to do what we have in this time.
We are now within a year or two of an exciting step forward—the day when charitable donations can all go to our preservation and capital projects, a milestone that will be reached once our CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre is in full operation.
Please remember WCRA in your charitable giving this month. We wouldn’t be where we are today without you.
CN ROUNDHOUSE & CONFERENCE CENTRE
DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH VOTES TO SUPPORT ROUNDHOUSE PROJECT
The District of Squamish has voted to support the continuation of construction of the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre by committing to provide a loan guarantee of $500,000 in support of keeping the construction progressing without further delays.
The District Council met at the Heritage Park on November 10 in a Committee of the Whole format, and had a first hand look at the progress on the project with a tour of the new facility. The Committee then met in the Mac Norris Station and heard a presentation and request by WCRA News, Page 12
Don Evans about the project, its progress and the results that could be achieved once completed for the benefit of the entire Squamish community. There was discussion and questions, and Council then voted to take forward a motion to the next Council meeting to approve support in the form of a loan or loan guarantee. This motion was passed at the November 17 regular meeting of the District of Squamish Council.
WCRA will continue to fundraise actively to find the sponsorships needed to close the final $1 million gap to completion. However, should the loan be needed, we now know we have this backing and will use it if needed to keep the construction progressing. Thanks to the District of Squamish for their support.
JOHN HARDIE MITCHELL family foundation TO NAME THE ENTRY GALLERY
We are very excited to announce that the John Hardie Mitchell family foundation is our newest naming sponsor in the work to complete the new CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre. The foundation has stepped up to place the name on the special exhibitions gallery space off the entry lobby of the new facility. We will work with the foundation to establish exactly how the name will read, but it will reflect the story of John Hardie Mitchell and the work he (and his wife & family) have gone on to do for good—particularly with children and education.
The foundation had already provided us with a loan of $100,000 to help keep the project proceeding. This step now turns the loan into a donation, and with it the rights to name this gallery right off the front entry lobby of the building.
More next month on this great development, with our sincere thanks to the foundation.
HELP US COMPLETE THE ROUNDHOUSE
Construction continues at full pace (see back cover re bricks). Other work underway includes the glass, windows, HVAC and more. Two programs continue to be offered to close the final gap of approximately $1 million to see the roundhouse to final completion:
1. Naming Opportunities—these will name specific exhibit areas in the building as well as the plaza out front, and suggested amounts are indicated. • Heritage Plaza (centre court in front of the building, around the turntable) - suggested naming sponsorship amount $500,000. This will be a major plaza area and scene for many activities such as introduction of new rail restorations, outdoor concerts, car shows etc • Upper Level Viewing Deck and Gallery—this is the indoor / outdoor deck on the upper level of the building, which will provide great views over the Heritage Plaza of the event site as well as the Mac Norris Station main track. Also a wonderful reception location for events. Suggested naming sponsorship $250,000 WCRA News, Page 13
• Special Exhibitions Gallery—Named! This area, off the main entry lobby, will be used to exhibit special collections , such as art shows or photography. Exhibits will change regularly, sponsorship taken by the John Hardie Mitchell family foundation. • Tracks 1 through 7—each of the seven exhibit tracks will carry a sponsor name, each track will house one of our collection’s prize pieces of rolling stock, suggested naming sponsorship $50,000 per track (all seven available)
Work to find sponsors is underway now, if any of you have interest in such a permanent legacy or know of someone who may, please let us know. Contact Don Evans at 604-988-3435 or [email protected]
2. Roundhouse Completion Debenture Program
A special series of Roundhouse Completion Debentures remains available, and we are pleased to report that over $550,000 has been received / committed to date. These operate in a similar way to our current very successful debenture program, but with a few differences: • Interest rate will be 6% annually (a great rate given current markets) • Term of two years • Minimum amount $10,000 • Complimentary membership in WCRA for the term • New debentures only (current debentures not to be converted as we need the new funds to get the construction done) • Offering to be closed once needed funds are achieve
We still need you in order to finish the job before the Olympics! Investments in the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre project by you or your company, or anyone you might know who would be interested to help, are needed immediately. Please contact Don Evans at 604-988-3435 or Colin Smith at 604-649-8464 if you can help us with this urgent need.
WEST COAST RAIL TOURS
TOURS - ON TO 2010
The Tours Committee continues to meet one week prior to the monthly general meetings and is now planning a new program for 2010. We are always looking for new ideas and potential tour guides so if you qualify consider joining us. We meet at the WCRA tours office at 4529A Hastings St. Burnaby at 7:30 PM. Phone Aileen at 604-524-1011 to reserve your seat. To keep informed of upcoming tours and special excursions submit your e-mail address at www.westcoastrailtours.com . That way you will get up-to-the-minute news on special deals and new trips. Start thinking about your travel plans for 2010, and give us a call. (B.J.) WCRA News, Page 14 UNDISCOVERED CUBA IN 2010
WCRA is pleased to partner with PTG Tours Ltd. of the UK to offer a special steam tour itinerary to Cuba. Join John Bennett, a leading expert on rail tours in Cuba, on this special escorted tour that will travel (much of it on a chartered vintage Budd RDC railcar) and visit many steam operations and museums as it travels around the island country. The 14 day trip starts February 28, 2010 and is offered on an all inclusive price of just $4,300 CDN (single or double) inclusive of air fare from Toronto.
Contact West Coast Rail Tours for colour brochure with a detailed day by day itinerary of this great adventure—604-524-1011 or 1-800-722-1233 or [email protected]
SELF GUIDED TOURS
We also offer the following arranged tours, which you can do any time on a self guided basis
MALAHAT CIRCLE TOUR - Daily except Saturday - all year – 2 days
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 7:00AM in the hotel’s restaurant, then their van shuttles you to the VIA Rail station at 7:30 AM. Board the train for an 8:00 AM departure to Qualicum Beach where it arrives before noon. Enjoy this quaint town with its interesting beaches and restaurants. After lunch (on your own) we ask you to board the southbound train at 2:00 PM and get off at Nanaimo at about 3:00 PM. A waiting, pre-booked 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 is available. Arrive at Pacific Central Station at 7:15 PM. FARES: $224; Children 2-11 $186; BC Seniors (Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays only) $186. (Otherwise, $224). Ask about special pricing if couples travel together. Single supplement $71. GST extra. Low season and budget hotel bookings save you more.
THE GREAT PLAINS and ROCKIES by TWO NAME TRAINS — 6 days, all year.
A unique chance to travel on two great “name” trains to visit the centre of the North American Continent from the comfort of your private sleeping compartments, dining cars, lounges and scenic domes. Enjoy the Canadian Rockies and the vast Prairies to Winnipeg then America’s Northern States and Mountain Parks. Departures: Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays - from Vancouver Day 1: Check in at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station before 7:30 PM to board The Canadian which travels through Vancouver’s eastern suburbs and the lower Fraser Valley. Retire for the night in your choice of sleeping accommodation. Day 2: Before taking lunch in the diner you are in the heart of the Rockies. A stop in Jasper WCRA News, Page 15 late afternoon gives you a break off the train. Re-board the train and you are on your way out of the mountains into Alberta’s verdant foothills. After a stop in Edmonton before midnight you are on your way east across the prairies in your comfortable bed. Day 3: By breakfast time you are in Saskatoon in central Saskatchewan and by late afternoon you are in Manitoba with arrival in Winnipeg planned for 8:30 PM. Transfer to a beautiful old railway hotel. We recommend staying here a day or two. This depends on the departure date of your motorcoach south to Minneapolis. For simplicity our itinerary shows leaving Winnipeg the next morning. Day 4: Breakfast is available in the dining room of your hotel before you check out and take a taxi for the short ride to the Greyhound depot. Here you board a modern motorcoach for Minneapolis, Minnesota U.S.A. (passport required.) Once there you transfer to the Amtrak station across the mighty Mississippi River to neighbouring St. Paul and board The Empire Builder. Once aboard, settle into your sleeping room and start your westbound trip. Day 5: Breakfast is available in the dining car as your train heads west across sparsely populated North Dakota. You are in Montana by noon and by dinnertime are skirting the Rockies’ famous Glacier National Park. Day 6: You can expect arrival in Seattle mid-morning. Our Amtrak connecting Thruway motorcoach leaves at 1:15 PM for Surrey, Richmond and Vancouver arriving back at Pacific Central Station, the starting point, at 5 PM. As an alternative we recommend spending the afternoon in Seattle and taking the evening Amtrak Cascades train service back to Vancouver arriving there before 11:00 PM.
FARE: The 6-Day Tour, based on shared accommodation. From Cdn $1295 per person. Single fares start at Cdn $1495. Price depends on age of guests, number traveling together, type of sleeping accommodation on the trains, date of booking, date of travel, and US$ exchange rate. Our price will be cheaper than doing this on your own. Add a night in Seattle and take the morning “Cascades” train service to Vancouver for an extra $99 per person including your hotel.
SOUTHERN CIRCLE TOUR BY TWO TRAINS AND TWO FERRIES - Daily throughout the year Take a BC Ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, for a ride on the Malahat Dayliner, visit Victoria, take the Clipper fast ferry to Seattle, and return to Vancouver via Amtrak’s morning or evening service. Day 1: Arrive at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station by 10:45 AM for an 11:30 AM scheduled motorcoach departure. (Two hours later on Sunday). Our coach will board the BC Ferry sailing from Horseshoe Bay an hour later for Nanaimo Your coach goes on the ferry and then ends up at Nanaimo’s Greyhound bus depot. A taxi will transfer you to the VIA Rail station where you board VIA Rail’s Malahat Dayliner for its southbound trip through the pleasant countryside and over the Malahat summit into Victoria You are transferred to a good central Victoria Hotel where you have the evening free. WCRA News, Page 16
Day 2: A full complimentary breakfast is included in the hotel restaurant at 7:00 AM or at a time of your choosing. You have most of the day free to enjoy Victoria. Lunch is on your own. We assemble at the Victoria Clipper dock at 4:45 PM to check in for our 6:00 PM sailing to Seattle. A meal is available on the ferry. Arrival is 8:45 PM where we transfer you to our convenient hotel. Day 3: This day is free to explore this interesting American city. There are many attractions to enjoy and also great department stores for the shopaholics. Day 4: This morning, we transfer you by taxi to King St station at 6:50 AM where you will board the Amtrak Cascades train service to Vancouver departing at 7:40 AM. Breakfast is available in the dining car for your account. Arrive at Vancouver’s Pacific Central station (your starting location) about noon.
This leisurely tour features great coastal scenery, different modes of transport and a chance to visit 2 very different west coast cities. Please don’t forget to bring your passport as this will be required prior to boarding the Victoria Clipper and to collect your Amtrak tickets. Option A: Stay only one night in Seattle and take the evening train back to Vancouver after your free day in Seattle. Option B: Stay an extra night in Seattle and take the evening train back to Vancouver after your second full day in Seattle. Fares: From $395 depending on option taken and date of booking. Call the tours office at 604-524-1011 for details on the various options and exact pricing. Our guarantee: You can’t do it cheaper on your own.
Apart from the tours shown in these pages please remember that our tours office is available weekdays to book independent trips. West Coast Rail Tours travel agency has IATA status so we can handle all your bookings for air travel as well as cruises, motorcoaches, hotel accommodations, ferries and — our specialty - rail. We ask you to choose us as your travel agent, as all of our tours serve as fundraisers for WCRA projects. Contact the tours office toll free at 1-800-722-1233, or locally at 604-524-1011. Better yet e-mail us at [email protected] (B.J.)
West Coast Rail Tours - The “Rail” Way To Go WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK Home of the Royal Hudson
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN THE PARK
Back for 2009 is our fabulous Christmas Lights in the Park. This year’s event will be December 15-19 – always a great show and a real crowd pleaser. Enjoy our great West Coast Mini Rail ride through the spectacle of lights and Christmas WCRA News, Page 17 decorations, the Garden railway will be specially decorated and operating for Christmas as well. Departures from 1730 to 2030 each evening and admission cost (including ride) is $5.00. (S.S.)
POLAR EXPRESS PLANNING IN FULL SWING
Polar Express is top of mind for all of us right now and, as you read this, the event will be over for 2009. This year a 4 coach train pulls out of the station 4 times each day. One of the cars is 1st Class on each trip, and proved to be very popular, selling out early. We have virtually doubled the size of the event over last year, and our marketing efforts covered a larger area, and it looks like a full sell out and an enhanced experience for all who participate.
The West Coast Railway Heritage Park, here in Squamish, is the only sanctioned Polar Express Rail Event in Canada and the only one north of Oregon, so we have visitors from Washington and Arizona as well as many from metro Vancouver.
This event would not have taken place without the great support of our volunteers, led by Donna Fourchalk, our Volunteer Coordinator. To the many folks who helped us out over the 2 days, please accept our sincere appreciation. A special thanks to the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference who supported the train and who volunteered their weekend to provide a whole lot of children an amazing time, and to CN over whose tracks the train runs once off the Heritage Park site.
Thanks to our key sponsors; CN, the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, Executive Suites Hotel, Blenz Coffee, CTV, Boston Pizza along with our other corporate sponsors all helped to ensure that this was a great event. (S.S.)
HERITAGE PARK NEWS
This past month, we hosted the Squamish City Council at the Heritage Park for their Committee of the Whole Meeting – a tour of the Roundhouse was provide by Don Evans – the first time many had had the opportunity to see the scope of the building and they were surprised at the size of the facility.
The Squamish Historical Society met on the site as well. We are seeing a number of groups wanting to hold their meetings on site, and we are always happy to accommodate.
A work party in preparation for our Christmas events was held on Nov. 21 – Sincere thanks to Karen, Audrey, Carmen, Andrew, Ernie, Denise, Lloyd and Lorraine and of course to Donna who got us all together – much was accomplished despite the dismal weather. WCRA News, Page 18
Our sincere thanks to the B.C. Museum of Mining for their for their donation of a number of display cabinets. These will have a temporary home in the MP Shop until we can use them in the new roundhouse facility and in the multi-purpose room. (S.S.)
FEATURE ARTICLES
WOOD BURNING STEAM IN BRAZIL -by Thomas R. Schultz, forwarded by Bill Marchant
It was long day today. After breakfast at our hotel in São Lourenço, Minas Gerais, we headed down to the railway station to find Leopoldina Railway 327, 4-6-2 (Beyer Peacock 6509 / 1928), a meter-gauge wood-burner, in steam, preparing for the day's excursion. The station building at São Lourenço was filling with vendors, preparing for the rush of tourists which would soon arrive to take the train to Soledade de Minas and return. Included on the platform were sellers of local cheese, wine and liquors.
After photographing the locomotive in the morning light, we boarded and rode the train. The railway follows the course of the "Rio Verde" (Green River) for the 10 km between São Lourenço and Soledade de Minas. During both directions, attractive young women made repeated passes though our car, offering samples of cheese, wine and flavored liquors. It was a nice trip. WCRA News, Page 19
Following the trip on the Leopoldina Railway, we headed for Cruzerio, São Paulo, where a local branch of the Associação Brasileira de Preservação Ferroviária (ABPF) are repairing some steam locomotives in an old railway yard. Along the way, we happened to pass through Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais at 1:30 PM, just minutes before another steam-powered excursion was about to depart. We photographed Estrada de Ferro Minas Rio e da Rede Mineira Viação (RMV) 332, 4-6-2 (BLW 58852 / 1925), a meter gauge wood-burner as it departed the Passa Quatro depot.
We then continued on to Cruzerio, where I wandered around the yard looking at some old locomotives while my companion discussed some business with the local enthusiasts there. We departed Cruzerio around 5:00 PM, then drove 4 hours to Jaguariuna, São Paulo, where we arrived at 9:00 PM. A great day with wood burning steam in Brazil.
INDIA’S TOY TRAIN ADVENTURE - story and photos by Peter Allen
During June, the temperature in New Delhi, India’s capital, is often above 45 degrees C. For most Canadians, this is decidedly unpleasant. My wife and I recently found ourselves in this situation and asked our Indian host, “what can we do to escape the heat?” He answered, “you should visit the city of Shimla in the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains”. It is above 6,800 feet elevation with cool breezes and has the pace of a five star resort. But, best of all, it is reached by a spectacular narrow gauge railway that in India we call a “toy Train”.
Thinking that our host’s national pride might have led to over statement, we conducted our WCRA News, Page 20
own research. The internet showed that modern Shimla is the capital of Himachal Province in Northern India and was the summer administrative centre of India during the British Colonial era. During the summers of the 19th century, British bureaucrats wore three piece suits and ties, and there was no air conditioning. Consequently they sought to escape the summer heat of
India’s central plains )that included New Delhi). Shimla, a small town in the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains was selected as the summer capital.
By 1880 a railway existed to the city of Kalka, several hundred miles north of Delhi. In 1903, a 58 mile narrow gauge railway connected Kalka to Shimla. It was, and still is, one of the most unique railways in the world. The train ascends 4,800 feet to reach Shimla at an elevation of 6,800 feet. Over 70% of the track is curved, many of the curves are very sharp. Top speed is 15 miles per hour and there are lots of 4% grades. There are 103 tunnels, 800 bridges and 20 stations, some of which are scheduled stops. In 1965, when diesels replaced steam engines, train consists increased from three coaches to seven. There are five trains from each terminal daily, powered by 700 horsepower diesel locomotives. (photo)
Weather conditions vary greatly, temperatures range from zero degrees to 45 degrees C, annual rainfall is eight feet and snow falls can exceed two feet. From these facts one can see why the Kalka—Shimla railway was considered the crown jewel of Indian national railways during British Colonial rule. Also, the details reveal, it was and still is an engineering marvel. Little wonder that in 2008 the railway was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. WCRA News, Page 21
Armed with details, we booked first class tickets via the internet on Express #1 departing
Kalka at 0600. We met our travel agent at the station around 0530 and gave him our tickets. With a startled look he said, “Please wait here and don’t move!” He promptly disappeared into the scrambling mass of confusion milling about the station platform. There we were, in strange surroundings, our tickets gone, 15 minutes to departure, and no travel agent in sight! Anxiety was rising to a fever pitch.
Suddenly he was there frantically beckoning us to follow him through the throngs to our train car. Looking through the open window of our coach, I could see that all the compartment seats were filling, including those we had reserved. Again he said with exasperation, “Wait here”. With five minutes to go to departure, we were not about to move! Looking through the window again, I could see him ordering a mother and child to vacate our seats. Then to us he said, “You paid for first class seats but the internet agent sold you second class ones. The Indian Railway rule is a second class ticket allows one into a compartment, but not to a specific seat. However, as you paid extra for seat reservations the non reservation person has to vacate”. It all sounded terribly complex, but there were more surprises yet to come!
Just prior to 0600, a conductor standing on the platform outside examined our tickets through the open window. At the same time there was a group of men standing on the platform adjacent to our coach. They appeared disinterested and because they had no tickets, the conductor ignored them. However, the moment that the train started to move the men jumped into our compartment. Not a word was said. The compartment had eleven seats that were already occupied by 15 passengers! The six freeloaders made it 21, and they succeeded in blocking the aisle along with the numerous bags and boxes belonging to the paying passengers. There were no overhead racks. The mother and child, who had been moved to the aisle were sitting on boxes until what appeared to be her husband gave them his seat—chivalry at best!
Almost immediately on departing the station, our train began a gradual ascent out of the ugly garbage littered brown grass landscape of Kalka and entered wooded areas of Himalayan cedar , pine, maple and oak trees. As we climbed higher there were increasingly spectacular views of deep terraced valleys and dry river beds on one side of the train, and steep hills on the other. In addition there were tiny domed Hindu temples scattered along the right of way.
Of the 103 tunnels, the most famous is the abandoned one near Barog station (named after the engineer, Barog). He committed suicide after failing to align the two tunnels that began on opposite sides of a wide hill. Had the ends been properly adjusted, it would have created the longest tunnel in the world at the time.
There are 800 bridges on the line, some 700 of them are constructed of stone arches two and three levels high, resembling Roman aqueducts. (photo page 22 top) WCRA News, Page 22
The most enjoyable part of the six hour journey was sitting by the open window savoring the early morning cool breeze, the fragrant smells of the forests and the kaleidoscopic scenery of the Himalayan foothills. These features were enhanced by the meandering pace of the Toy Train in its unrelenting climb to Shimla. Several times the railway paralleled the busy highway where traffic from Kalka reached the summit at Shimla twice as fast as our laboring train.
There were frequent stops at picturesque Gothic styled stations with steep roofs, pointed arches and elaborate stonework. They had exotic names such as Dharampur, (left) Salogra, Taradevi, and Sunnyhill to WCRA News, Page 23
name just a few. At stations where we stopped, vendors carrying packages of snacks tacked to a six foot pole passed the coach windows in the hope of making a sale. We resisted the
temptation of such food remembering the strong warning of our hosts in Delhi.
After six hours of mesmerizing travel through geographical, historical, cultural, religious and environmental aspects of India, Express Train #1 rounded a sharp curve and entered a wide plateau. Shimla was at the far end. There, spread over a steep hillside was our destination city of over a million people. History tell us Shimla’s heyday was during the 19th century when it was the main summer administrative hill station of the British Raj.
Our dream trip ended at a 100 year old station where again we were in the centre of an unruly crowd trying to push past a harassed agent who unsuccessfully tried to check their tickets. As we left the station, I heard someone say’ “Can you believe it, the temperature is just 36 degrees C” now!
The Toy Train trip and subsequent exploration of the Himalayan region of Shimla is an experience of a lifetime. If the opportunity arises, be sure to take it!
FROM WCRA NEWS, DECEMBER 1963 - by Craig McDowall
MCM Note: this issue from 36 years ago focuses a little more on the association and its activities rather than the normal focus on the area rail news. That said, this newsletter (from almost four decades ago) provides a highlight list of the WCRA's activities from 1963. it is quite interesting to see what the club activities were, the focus and the roles in which the members served; many of which are still recognizable names today (and a few still active!!).
The association had two classes of memberships: Active (24 members) and Associate (25 members).
• The association published two(!!) monthly publications: The Steam Chest and Extra 2200 South. • The association met TWICE a month on the first and third Saturdays at 20:00 hours (MCM note: guess most guys didn't have girl friends or else understanding wives!!) in Room #51 in the Great Northern Station. • A photo service was available, comprised of quality enlargements, from our large collection of regional rail photos.
Quote: "While not an actual reality as yet, the Association's projected museum will, in future, be its most comprehensive undertaking". (hey we even had a Mission Statement back then before it became a buzz word!!). WCRA News, Page 24
Highlights from WCRA activities in 1963:
PGE We received word that the PGE will not sell or donate any of the three steamer bells being held at Squamish.
Pacific Coast Terminals PCT cannot give away assets such as steam locomotives as they are owned by the stockholders of the company. Asking price for one engine is $7,500.
CPR April - CPR confirmed receipt of our cheque for purchase of Business Car #16. (British Columbia). Stall #11 at the CPR roundhouse in Drake Street yards is reserved for storage of the car until July 31st.
CNR Many thanks to the CNR for allowing us to park our private car (Car BC) on their property at the Great Northern Station until Dec. 31st. This will allow us to do some housekeeping and minor repairs in advance of a possible excursion in the late spring.
WCRA News The entertainment session of October 19th at the Maritime Museum auditorium was well received with over 75 people attending. A very nice selection of colour movies and slides were shown. The show was organized by WCRA member Maynard Laing and his friends. Not only was the entertainment superb but the show provided an ideal showcase for the association to entice prospective suckers . . . er . . members to join the association. Other committee heads included Doug Cummings (Publications), Photo Service (Keith Anderson) and Equipment (Peter Cox).
The recent excursion on the E & N Railway was a complete sell out. Due to a change in CPR's fare structure, the anticipated net profit was not realized. However we were still able to net a whole $25 after all costs.
John Rushton, due to other commitments taking up too much of his time, has stepped down as Chair of the Program Committee He will continue to serve on the Committee now under the new Chair Garth Tyckoson. MCM note: Garth's phone number as contact was listed as Regent 3-5455.
President Peter Cox has set up two new committees . . . an Excursion Committee headed by Roger Burrows, which will discuss ideas and organize details for future excursions - members are encourage to contact Roger with any ideas. The second committee is a Membership Committee headed by Grant Ferguson to keep track (get that?) of current members and elicit WCRA News, Page 25 new memberships.
The Annual Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, Dec. 21st. New arrangements have been made this year and members are to meet at the Great Northern Station at 19:30 hours.
We're happy to report that he association has three new members: John G. Smith of Vancouver and Dan Dietrich and Charles Tracy of Seattle.
In searching for a possible site for a rail museum, the RCAF land at Kitsilano has trackage, large buildings and is completely fenced in.
Association Highlights from 1963: • May - Our car #16 arrives in Vancouver and is delivered to the WCRA and we have a welcoming ceremony in the coach yard! • July - Paint for our car The British Columbia has been made available from CPI for a nominal cost of $50. • July - Extra 2200 South gains it's 50th subscriber • September - our car British Columbia takes up a spot on the business car track at CN station and will be re-lettered "West Coast Railway Association". • October - our E&N RDC excursion sells out with a total of 89 riders on the trip to Port Alberni • October - insurance is purchased for car BC as per CN's requirements for maintaining its station location • November - informal fund raising for car BC restoration receives great financial support • December - CN grants extension of free storage for the car BC to Dec. 31st, 1964. • CN turns down our offer of $696 for a chartered sleeper to Edmonton. • CP is considering our offer of $1305 for a two coach charter to Banff. • The Steam Chest is suffering from a lack of sufficient contributions to make the issues newsworthy. Consideration being given to merge the Steam Chest with Extra 2200 South.
LOCOMOTIVE 374 PAVILION
ROUNDHOUSE (CPR DRAKE STREET) STORIES AND PHOTOS WANTED!
Did you used to work at the CPR Roundhouse in Vancouver? Do you know anyone that used to work at the CPR Roundhouse?
Do you remember the Roundhouse when it serviced steam locomotives and/or diesel engines? Do you have pictures of the Roundhouse when it was a working Roundhouse? Do you have pictures of the many other adjacent rail yard buildings before they were demolished? Do you have a Roundhouse story that you would like to share? WCRA News, Page 26
We would like to hear from you!
The Roundhouse Community Center plans to assemble ‘The Big Roundhouse Story’ for th Vancouver’s 125 celebration in 2011 and we are specifically asking train enthusiasts looking for stories from when the Roundhouse was a working Roundhouse servicing steam locomotives and/or diesel engines.
Photo above RR Horne—www.flickr.com/photos/37908073@N04/ Photo courtesy Bob2006
Please email [email protected] by Dec 31, 2009 with your name and contact info (or call Lisa Nielsen at 778-232-6681). Please type in “ROUNDHOUSE STORY” in the subject header. We will contact you with further information!
374 IN VANCOUVER, 1946
Here is an incredible photo from 1946, with CPR 374 decorated as it was on arrival in Vancouver in 1887, alongside a steaming Royal Hudson #2862 at Vancouver. (B.J.) WCRA News, Page 27
NOVEMBER 374 PAVILION REPORT
The number of visitors recorded for November 2009 was 1,019 as compared to November
2008 with 963. Year to date visitors are recorded at 19,102; an increase of 6,336 from the same period last year. It appears that the total number of visitors will exceed 20,000 for 2009. An all
time record. Good weather along with increased staffing, the special Canada Line opening event and ARM conference delegate visit contributed to the high year to date visitor count.
Olympic Venues at the Roundhouse Community Centre
The 2010 Olympic Games are going to have a major impact on the Roundhouse Community Centre and this includes the 374 Pavilion. Some important changes are as follows. • From January 15, 2010 to March 15, 2010 the Roundhouse Community Center and the 374 Pavilion will operate as a special Olympic facility and is leased for Olympic related functions to an Olympic participating country
The Performance Centre at the Roundhouse Community Center will be in use for Olympic Cultural events. During this special time period access to the Performance Centre will be through the 374 Pavilion so we will see lots of visitors….. • It is planned to have a café located in the 374 Pavilion during the special Olympic period with emphasis on serving the customers from the Performance Centre.
David Lam Park is designated as an Olympic live site and will be open from 1100 to 2300 during the actual games. It is expected that 35,000 people a day will visit the park.
Additional information and details regarding the operation of the 374 Pavilion will be in the January newsletter.
Volunteers Required for the 374 Pavilion
Please consider becoming a volunteer at the 374 Pavilion. Volunteers are the backbone of the 374 Pavilion. We would not be able to open and present the 374 pavilion without the help of our caring and enthusiastic volunteers.
As volunteers you will have the opportunity to greet guests who come from all over the world to see the CPR 374 engine. Duties include: opening, closing the building and most important of all presenting the historical background of the 374 to visitors. Last year over 15,000 visitors came to the “374” and only through the efforts and dedication of our volunteer group were we able to accommodate them. We offer free parking and a very flexible schedule, either one day a week or two days a month whichever works best for you. If you are interested in assisting us and greeting a wide range of visitors please contact Jim Brown at 604-681-4403 or 604-985- 7249 or e-mail at [email protected] (J.B.) WCRA News, Page 28
RAILWAY NEWS
PRINCE RUPERT TRAINS
Just a quick one about trains out of Prince Rupert...our container trains have been departing with between 170 and 195 cars per train on a regular basis. (D.W.)
EXTENDED LENGTH ECP TEST TRAIN
As part of an ongoing assessment of the Electronically Controlled Pneumatic brake system (ECP), Canadian Pacific operated an extended length test train during the week of November 16th. The purpose of this test was to confirm the long train operational capabilities of the ECP system. On hand for the test were representatives from the manufacturers of the equipment as well as technical personnel from the railway.
The train originated out of Golden as 898-240, an empty move with approximately 240 cars and seven ES44AC locomotives with a power distribution as shown below. On arrival at Sparwood the train was split into two halves to allow for loading at the designated mines. Once loading was complete, the train was reassembled in Sparwood for the westward trip. It departed November 19th with 240 loads and a total of 32,732 tons. For this train, the test will conclude when the train arrives in the Kamloops area where it will be split back into two trains for the trip to Roberts Bank.
Train Configuration: 2 locos / 60 cars / 1 loco / 60 cars / 2 locos / 60 cars / 1 loco / 60 cars / 1 loco (1002 axles!)
Did anyone see this monster train? (J.M., K.P.)
MOVIE STARS
CP AC4400CW 9751, 9758, 9777 and 9782 have been leased out for use in the movie "Unstoppable", a 20th Century-Fox drama staring Denzel Washington being shot in Pennsylvania of a runaway train carrying a cargo of toxic chemicals. The units have been renumbered AW VR 767 (1st) 767 (2nd) 777 (1st) and 777 (2nd) respectively (only in the movies!). (TJ)
SD40F IN WEST
It has been a while since a CPR SD40F unit was out here, but #9021 was in the lead from Revelstoke to Coquitlam on a CWR empties train and to Roberts Bank in late Nov. (J.M.) WCRA News, Page 29
LOCOMOTIVE REBUILDS IN SERVICE
F40PH-2 6454 was released from rebuild at CAD Railway Industries, Lachine, Quebec, on September 15. 6443 has also been released from rebuild, date unknown. (TJ)
OTHER NEWS
CALIFORNIA STATE RAILROAD MUSEUM PLANS MOVE FORWARD
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced that an agreement has been reached among California State Parks, the California State Railroad Museum Foundation and Thomas Enterprises regarding the Downtown Sacramento Railyard. As a major component of the agreement, State Parks will receive two historic buildings in the railyard, under certain conditions, for use as the new Railroad Technology Museum.
As part of the agreement, Thomas Enterprises will transfer two historic buildings, the Boiler Shop and the Erecting Shop, to State Parks for use as a proposed Railroad Technology Museum. The transfer will take place in two phases, under the following terms:
Phase I - State Parks will receive the Boiler Shop and three associated parcels (the firing line, turntable and transfer table) upon approval by the Public Works Board. Approximately $13 million in proposition 40 and proposition 116 have been designated for this project. These funds will be used to rehabilitate the building and to ensure public access to the museum facility. The Boiler Shop will be used to create a proposed ”working museum” museum where the public can watch and interact with craftsmen and artisans as they restore locomotives, rail cars and other historic equipment in the museum’s extensive collection. The Boiler Shop is currently used as a restoration and maintenance facility for locomotives, rail cars and other historic equipment owned by State Parks.
Phase II - A third party museum consultant will be hired to assess how to transform the second building, the Erecting Shop, into a more formal museum attraction. As part of the agreement, State Parks and its nonprofit supporter the California State Railroad Museum Foundation will certify that they have the funding for 100 percent of the building rehabilitation and 25 percent of the funding necessary to complete the museum exhibits within the building. The State and Foundation will have three years to accomplish this task in order to gain fee title to the Erecting Shop. The agreement also calls for Thomas Enterprises to meet certain timing benchmarks for infrastructure development within the central shops or the three year horizon may be extended. WCRA News, Page 30
“We can now begin moving forward on a 25-year dream to build a railroad technology museum that will explore cutting edge innovations in transportation while preserving and re- using some of the most significant industrial heritage facilities in the West ,” said Ruth Coleman, director of California State Parks. (M.C.M.)
BEIJING AIRPORT TRAIN
Much of this issue of WCRA News was edited and written in Beijing, China while your editor was on a short business trip. While I did not get to ride any trains there, I did see the new Beijing Airport train now in service, Just as in Vancouver, the new service was a pre- Olympics project for the 2008 Summer Olympics which were held in Beijing. Here we see one of the trains against another typical Beijing icon, a construction crane! 4449 AND 700 ACTIVE FOR CHRISTMAS
Both SP4449 and SPS700 will be hauling the Holiday Express excursions in Portland, OR, taking place on the weekends of December 4,5,and 6, featuring the SP&S 700 hauling the train, and December 11, 12, and 13, with SP 4449 doing the honors. These trips are always fun for the entire family, with Santa and his elves aboard, and the trains all decorated with lights and wreaths. The proceeds will help defray the costs of the new home for 700, 4449 and 197. All trains depart from Oaks Park in SE Portland, and run to OMSI and return, about 40 minutes. Speeders will also be there offering rides in between the steam loco departures. For tickets and info , consult the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation website at www.orhf.org without the spaces. (M.C.M.) WCRA News, Page 31
CREDIT LINES ISSN 1204-072X Vol. 49 Issue 1
Editor Don Evans Distribution Jeremy Davy & Donna Simon
Contributors:
J.B. Jim Brown J.D. Jeremy Davy N.D. Nini Durward D.E. Dave Emmington B.J. Bill Johnston B.M. Bill Marchant J.M. Jim McPherson M.C.M. Craig McDowall K.P. Ken Perry S.S. Susan Steen D.W. David Walker
TJ Tempo Jr.
Send contributions to the WCRA PO Box, direct to the editor at #28 - 2133 St. Georges Ave., North Vancouver, B.C. V7L 3K5, on the Internet to
Contact us: Tours 604-524-1011 / 800-722-1233 Heritage Park 604-898-9336 Office 604-681-4403
BACK COVER
Top—The CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre has bricks! As work continues the west wall brickwork is essentially complete as the new facility continues to take shape. Below—CPR S3 #6503 earns its keep as it operates. Engineer John Jellis works with Conductor Roy Crowston and students from the BCIT Conductor Class on their Practicum in November. (photos November 18, 2009 by Don Evans) TRIVIA ANSWER
Henry Louis "Lou" Gehrig (Ludwig Heinrich Gehrig 19June03-2June41) was popularly called "The Iron Horse" for his durability. He played Major League Baseball with the Ameri- can League's New York Yankees between 1925 and 1939 playing 2130 consecutive games (the streak stood for 56 years until broken by Cal Ripken, jr. of the Baltimore Orioles on Sept 6th 1995). Gehrig still holds the record for most career grand slams at 23.
Printing and postage aided by funds from a Direct Access Gaming Grant, BC Gaming Comm. Published monthly by West Coast Railway Association ISSN 1204-072X PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2 Vol. 49 Issue 1
Canada Post, Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40007853