WCRA NEWS

JANUARY 2008

Happy Holidays

TRAIN AWARD for 2860

WCRA News, Page 2 GENERAL MEETING NOTICE

The December General Meeting of the WCRA will be held on Tuesday, December 18th at 1930 hours at the Rainbow Creek Station in Burnaby. Please note the early date due to Christmas. Entertainment will be Bill Johnston’s photo story of his trip across Russia by .

ON THE COVER

A lovely fall scene is set at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum as Pittsburgh PCC Car 1711 (built by St. Louis, 1949) poses at the north loop of the museum’s two mile trolley line. The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum was the host for the ARM 2007 Annual Conference. Full story starts on page 26. (Don Evans photo)

DECEMBER / JANUARY CALENDAR

• West Coast Railway Heritage Park open daily 1000 through 1600k • Friday, December 7 through Sunday, December 16th—Christmas Mini Rail at 374 Pavilion, Roundhouse Community Centre, , 1000—2000 M-F, 1000—1630 S/S • Saturday, December 15—Breakfast with Santa at the Heritage Park, 0800 and 1100, call 604-898-9336 for reservations • Monday, December 17 through Tuesday, January 1—Christmas Train at Place, 1100—2000 each day. Closed December 25th, early close at 1400 Dec. 24, 31 and Jan. 1 • December 19-23 and 26-30—Christmas Lights in the Park, 5:30PM to 8:30PM nightly, West Coast Railway Heritage Park • Saturday, January 12—Newsletter deadline for items to be included in the February 2008 WCRA News • Tuesday, January 15—Tours Committee meeting, call Bernie at 604-325- • Tuesday, January 29 —WCRA General Meeting, 1930 hours, Rainbow Creek Station in Burnaby, BC

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 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 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

SEASONS GREETINGS TO YOU ALL

It’s that time of the year again, as thoughts and activities turn towards the special time that the Christmas season brings for us all. This is a time for faith, for family, and for reflection back as well as looking ahead.

This past year has seemed like a whirlwind, with more than its share of both challenges and successes. Certainly for this writer, it has been a year that will never be forgotten. We have struggled with almost a year of delay in getting the Roundhouse project going above the ground, and a lengthy time trying to get our CN trainset moved west. With a lot of hard work, hopefully we are near to getting both of these back on track.

On the other side, however, was the April 15th trip to White Rock with the Royal Hudson. It took a tremendous amount of effort to pull this off, but the work was well worth it as the Royal Lady performed for 800 passengers, 5,000 lineside spectators and over 10,000 participants at White Rock. When we took on the project we knew that the work would be huge, and we knew that the future operations of this great locomotive would be difficult. Many said it would never happen, but here we are, and she has also steamed on three other occasions at our own facility.

Now, as we go to press, we have received word that TRAIN (Tourist Railway Association) has awarded WCRA its 2007 Locomotive Preservation Award for our work on 2860. We should all take pride in both what we accomplished as well as the recognition achieved.

To all our members, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2008 be a great year for all of us, and all of our friends and supporters. Don ASSOCIATION NEWS

FROM THE NOVEMBER GENERAL MEETING

The November General Meeting was our Annual Dinner and Awards Night, held at Cheers Restaurant in North Vancouver and attended by 88 members, guests and friends of the WCRA. As such, it follows a very different format than a usual monthly meeting. Six Directors were in attendance, and Colin Smith, Board Chair gave words of welcome. The awards were then presented as follows, Don Evans acted as Master of Ceremonies. Award recipients received a framed art print by Paul Ohanessian that depicted Royal Hudson #2860 out on the mainline, a fitting image for the 2007 year. (Photos, Jeremy Davy) WCRA News, Page 4 CORPORATE SUPPORT AWARD

Winner – BNSF Railway Co-Presenter: Colin Smith

Without a doubt, 2007’s most memorable day for the WCRA occurred on April 15th, when Royal Hudson #2860 made its first mainline trip following its restoration to service at our Squamish facility. Celebrating the 50th birthday of the City of White Rock, the trip received wide coverage and a huge reception – from the 800 passengers who rode to the 5,000 along the tracks to the 10,000 awaiting our arrival at the waterfront community. Without BNSF Railway’s sponsorship of the event this trip wouldn’t have happened. Gus Melonas, Regional Director Corporate Relations for BNSF attended and accepted the award (photo)

Past winners: All Pro Services Ltd., Continental Power Services, Duro Construction Ltd., Mountain Retreat Hotel & Suites, Canadian National, Canada Post Corporation, Railtours, Tim Horton’s Squamish, Howe Sound Inn & Brewing Co., BC Tel Education, Dairyworld Foods, BC Rail, Amix Salvage, Corporation

MEDIA AWARD

Winner – Cable 10’s “My Squamish” Co-Presenter: Sherry Elchuk

Throughout 2007 (and in earlier years as well), our Media Award winner has consistently and creatively covered the activities at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. The television media has been enjoyed by all in the community and has sent lots of people our way to enjoy what we present and offer. In 2007, the coverage was more intense than ever, as events such as Wild at Art, the steam up of the Royal Hudson and other activities brought out the crowds – and the media. Cable 10’s My Squamish was always there, with Bianca Peters and Dean Richards doing their things. The award was accepted by Bianca’s mother, Eva Hall.

Past Winners: 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 WCRA News, Page 5

Bianca Peters—who wasn’t able to be at the event, writes….”On behalf of all of us, a big thank you the West Coast Rail Association for presenting My Squamish with this year’s media award last night. It means a great deal to us to be recognized and appreciated by you and your membership for our coverage of the Park. We will find a place of honour in our studio for the painting you presented to us and look forward to continuing our warm relationship into the future. In addition, a big thanks to you and the organization for valuing, preserving, restoring and displaying the rich history of the rails. What you do for our community and our railway heritage is priceless.

BEST CONTRIBUTION TO THE NEWSLETTER

Winner – Bill Johnston Co-Presenter: Keith Anderson

This was a tough one this year, as we have had many good contributions as always. But one feature article kept coming up in conversations and thoughts, that being of a trip across Russia by train by none other than our Tours guy – Bill Johnston. The article and photos made for a great read – thanks Bill, hope you enjoy the award.

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

VOLUNTEER AWARD

Winner – Jeremy Davy and Donna Simon Co-Presenter: Howie Biehl

Our volunteer award this year goes to a couple, a couple that seem to be there for WCRA almost non-stop. They do a wide variety of things for us, at many times together, to see that many of our core activities are kept going for all of us to enjoy. Although they now make their home on Vancouver Island, they are regulars here as well and oversee the operation of West Coast Mini Rail, distribute WCRA News every month, have taken on the annual Western Rails show, and even handled the members’ picnic this year at the Heritage Park in August. Our volunteer award this year goes to Jeremy Davy and Donna Simon with our WCRA News WCRA News, Page 6

hearty appreciation for all that they do.

Past Winners: 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: The Troop Sleeper Gang Co-Presenter: Denise Rittberg

A new exhibit opened last year, the Pacific Great Eastern Troop Sleeper #710, with a tribute to the people of the PGE and BC Rail, but that was not the end of this effort. Now the “Troop Sleeper Gang” is hard at work again with our second troop sleeper car #722, preparing it to join #710 as a matched set. Donna Fourchalk has worked her organizing magic and a “gang” of former BC Rail people gathered to head up the project, and the results are terrific. Our winners for 2007’s preservation award, the “Troop Sleeper Gang”. We hope they can find a place in one of their exhibit cars to house the plaque!

Donna Fourchalk accepted the award on behalf of “The Gang”

Past Winners: 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: Jeremy Davy Co-Presenter: Colin Dathan

This is the members’ award, as votes from you, the members of the WCRA, make the choice directly. There were four people nominated this year, with our winner garnering over 50% of WCRA News, Page 7 the total votes. This year’s winner is Jeremy Davy.

Past Winners: 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

SPECIAL AWARD Co-Presenter: Sherry Elchuk

Once again this year we are presenting a special award. In this case it is to recognize someone very special who has helped us in so many ways once again this past year. There are always things to be done at the Heritage Park, and things that we do not have the special equipment for. But this person does, and when we need help – whether moving some track, moving a small building, finding a creative way to move the turntable – he comes to the rescue and makes these things look easy. Even the little things don’t escape his help – creating the memorial garden for Grant Ferguson before Thomas, re-decking the bridge.

Ueli Leichti may be our contractor on our major projects currently underway, but he also remains an active volunteer and helps us out over and over again. Thanks Ueli!

There were also a couple of special recognitions this year: • to Paul & Mary Roy to acknowledge the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. • to Singh Biln – to recognize his contribution to WCRA over the past couple of years, and to wish him well in his new role as Chief Mechanical Officer with Southern Railway of British Columbia. Paul Roy also made a presentation to Singh thanking him for his many years of support and sharing some stories. (Page 8)

Following the awards, there was a live auction for several items followed by the raffle draws and door prizes. These raised funds for the WCRA, and added to two special donations made during the evening—$5,000 to the Royal Hudson from Dorothea Matewish and $500 to the turntable (in memory of Grant Ferguson) by Arthur Irving. WCRA News, Page 8

Cheers Restaurant in North Vancouver provided a great venue for the event as well as an outstanding buffet dinner—I know we will be back again next year— thanks to everyone at Cheers.

Thanks to the following for their help with our annual event: • to Dave Emmington for the CN Super Continental historic display • To Dave Emmington, Dorothea Matewish and Jim Brown for organizing and providing the items for the auction and raffle draws • To Craig McDowall for acting as our Auctioneer • To Colin Dathan for handling the door / tickets and Judy Board for getting the tables up to the buffet line efficiently • To Paul Ohanessian for painting the image of 2860 for this year's awards, and for putting the framed prints and plaques together to present to the winners. • To all the members and guests who attended.

SINGH BILN MOVES TO SRY

News this month that came mid way through November was the Southern Railway of British Columbia has snared Singh Biln to become their Chief Mechanical Officer. This is a great job—perhaps even a dream job—for Singh, but leaves us with a giant vacancy. We will miss him greatly. That being said, Singh will remain a WCRA Life Member and he has assured us that he will WCRA News WCRA News, Page 9 continue to be a support resource to us from his new role. His new role will also strengthen even further the great relationship we have between WCRA and SRY.

All of us wish Singh well as he makes this career move and we look forward to a continued great relationship from someone who has always been our friend—when he was at BC Rail, when he was a member of our staff, and now in his new role at SRY. Thanks Singh for everything you have done for WCRA over the years.

WCRA TRIVIA # 228 - by Ryan D. Cruickshank

What rail line in Canada opened by using an aluminum last spike? (for answer, see Credit Lines) MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

Memberships with a November 30 and December 31 expiry dates … These 2 months account for more than 20% of the renewals in the year. If you are unsure of your expiry date you can refer to your membership card or the address label on printed copies of the Newsletter. Memberships dated 11/30/2007 have now expired, and if your membership expired 08/31/2007, 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.

The winter months are traditionally when the Association’s income is at it lowest. To help ease the financial squeeze we would appreciate your considering renewing your membership in the month that it expires and not waiting for the 3 month grace period to run out. This also permits the renewal work load to be spread over a couple of months and improves the Association’s cash flow during this period. Thanks to all of you who have renewed already.

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. Because the undeliverable messages from a Server do not bounce back to it I have no way to be proactive.

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 West Coast Railway Association welcomes new member Al Renflesh of Surrey. (J.D.) WCRA News WCRA News, Page 10 VOLUNTEER HOURS NEEDED

Another set of information that we require are your volunteer hours for 2007. Please let us know on an ongoing basis when you volunteer at activities, preparing newsletter submissions, hosting on tours, running mini rail, or volunteering at any of our events, activities or facilities. We use these to assist us on grant applications as well as for a host of other very helpful things for WCRA. Please submit your hours regularly to Colin Dathan at 604-298-3734 or [email protected] (C.D.)

CHRISTMAS AT CANADA PLACE—THE TRAIN IS BACK!

Exciting news is that the West Coast Mini Rail will run once again at Christmas at Canada Place, indoors! As many will remember, when the event was moved outdoors for the Christmas 2005 event we tried to operate on the promenade, however the cold and rainy weather not only made the ridership plummet, it also was very hard on our volunteers. Accordingly we did not participate in 2006 as the outdoor location was continued.

However, we are delighted to let everyone know that the trains will be back for 2007, and that they will operate in Hall C of the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre. The schedule is as follows:

• Dec 17 to 23 - 1100 to 2000 • Dec 24 - 1100 to 1400 • Dec 25 - Closed • Dec 26 to 30 - 1100 to 2000 • Dec 31 & Jan 1 - 1100 to 1400

Tickets will be $2.00 per person or a 12 Ride ticket for $20.00.

As an added attraction, Gordon Hall will be setting up his new Polar Express model Christmas village/ layout to entertain our visitors, and there will be a retail area with railway related toys and gifts available for sale.

Canada Place MiniRail Volunteers

When you read this there will likely still be opportunities available to volunteer at Canada Place. If you have spare time and would like to be part this much anticipated Christmas event please contact Jeremy Davy (604-484-2791) or Paul Roy (604-420-1292) .

In addition to see what times are available, the schedule is posted on the WCRA Website (www.wcra.org) where there is also a link to it on the News Wire. The schedule is updated regularly as new information is received. Jeremy can also be reached by email at [email protected]. (J.D.) WCRA News, Page 11 PGE HISTORY HELP SOUGHT

My name is Paul Stephenson. I am a UBC Ph.D. student and the topic of my dissertation is the Pacific Great Eastern railway. I visited the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish recently and wondered if there are any members who have information about the PGE which would be useful for my research.

I am researching the Pacific Great Eastern from 1912 to the late 1920s. In particular I am interested in Premier Richard McBride’s original agreement with the railway building company Foley, Welch and Stewart in 1912; the reasons why the PGE went bankrupt a few years later and was taken over by the BC government in 1918; and the difficulties which Premier John Oliver had with continuing construction in the 1920s. I am interested in any letters, pamphlets, government documents, personal accounts etc. which would shed light on the initial enthusiasm and eventual disappointment which are so evident in the first two decades of the PGE story.

Thank you for any help you can give me. I would like to place a copy of my final dissertation in the Heritage Park Archives if she thought it might be of interest.

Paul Stephenson, UBC Ph.D student, e mail [email protected] (S.E.)

MILEAGE RATE INCREASES

Effective January 1, 2008, the reimbursement rate for vehicle mileage will be $.48 / km.

ROYAL HUDSON PRESERVATION & FUND

ROYAL HUDSON PRESERVATION FUND

We acknowledge our monthly contributors Dave Walker, Richard Tubbesing, and Ernie & Lynn Ledgerwood and Maynard Atkinson $20, Robert Dains $40, David DuBois $40, Doug McDonald $20, Pak Wah Leung $20, Graham Stokes $30, Dorothea Matewish $5,000, and John Krumin $200. A correction to last issue, Howie Biehl’s donation was for $2,000 which was matched by Telus for an additional $2,000. (Not $1,000 for each as was printed).

Add in the Western Economic Diversification Canada grant of $110,000 and the Province of BC $100,000 TFA grant, Westran’s $50,000, the John Hardie Mitchell family foundation’s $20,000 and our total now leaps forward to $636,631.

Remember, you can make a donation on line through www.wcra.org . If any of you have been contemplating helping out, the Royal Hudson Preservation Fund still needs your support. WCRA News, Page 12

TRAIN’S 2007 LOCOMOTIVE PRESERVATION AWARD GOES TO WCRA

The Tourist Railway Association (TRAIN) has awarded the West Coast Railway Association its 2007 Locomotive Preservation Award for our work in restoring Royal Hudson #2860 to steam. The award was announced November 10, 2007 at TRAIN’s annual convention in Harrisburg, PA. Regrettably, WCRA was not able to be in attendance. We thank TRAIN for this prestigious award recognizing our major project of the last couple of years.

COLLECTION

DISPLAY COACHES PAINTED

It was mentioned in an earlier issue that our Squamish crews had been busy painting several of our ex CPR 22xx series display coaches and the RPO car. The results of this effort are great, as witness this photo of the Cowichan River and the Kootenay River (which don’t yet have their car names lettered on the car sides). This line up now looks terrific to our guests, as opposed to the poor paint and rust that was starting to show after more than 10 years in the weather. (Don Evans photo) WCRA News, Page 13

TROOP SLEEPER 722 PROGRESS

John Jellis, Tom Bruvall, Roy Crowston and Wayne Sidsworth and Andy Faris have successfully removed the metal floor that was warped and in very bad shape. Also all the metal hangers that were on the walls have also been removed. Thank you to Dave Thethi for taking care of the scrap metal from which the money will also go to the project. Paul Roy was able to sell the baggage carts The Trooper Gang had acquired awhile ago and he and Mary delivered them to the new owners, this brought us $500.00 Paul and Mary also raised $100.00 selling pin's. This was just for this past month. To date we have $10,444.91.

Thank you to every one who has and is supporting us and we were very honoured to receive the award for the Best Contribution to Railway Preservation for 2007. And a great big thank you to those of you who come out, support, and believe in our commitment to PGE/BCR heritage and preservation. (D.F.)

FUNDRAISING

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT – NOVEMBER 2007

November was an extremely busy and successful month for us, as fundraising came in to help us during what is a traditionally slow period for operating funding. Several major projects are also on the go.

Funding Asks Made • Made several asks for the turntable project • Submitted charitable donation request to CN for move of F units and coaches

Major Funding Received • Royal Hudson Donations $7,130 - Garden Railway Donation $1,000 • General Donations $16,176 - Squamish Gardeners Donation $300 • Expenses Donation $2,182 - Endowment Fund Interest $802 • New Debenture $12,000 - Direct Mail returns $7,655 • RBC Halloween Event Sponsorship $500 - Turntable Donation $500 • Roundhouse Donation in trust $300,000

Month Total $348,445 Year to Date Total $ 1,322,115 (Debentures $88,000 Donations $918,782) o $315,000 for CN Trainset o $50,000 for o $657,115 for other purposes o $300,000 for Roundhouse WCRA News, Page 14 Other Significant Activities • Worked with Bell Irving Grauer on financial strategy for Roundhouse sponsorship • Reviewed and edited Roundhouse Partnership Document • Previewed and edited Roundhouse Sponsorship documents and presentation • Made presentation to Squamish Council re fees recovery and Heritage Park update • Explored possible new MP Shop lease opportunities • Test ran Roundhouse Sponsorship presentation twice

ANNUAL DIRECT MAIL CAMPAIGN

The WCRA’s annual Direct Mail Campaign is underway, and we are already receiving many returns. Our focus this year is to raise funds for the turntable installation, as the extra costs to complete this job requires us to find more $$$$. The turntable project is a critical part of providing the new home for the Royal Hudson, as it is part of the access to get into the new Roundhouse and Conference Centre. We are at a very critical stage now with this project, as we near the time to repair & install the turntable bridge into the pit that has been constructed.

WCRA makes only one general mail request each year, and we appreciate the response of our membership to helping a major project become a reality. To those who have responded, thanks—to others who are thinking about it, we really appreciate your support. All donations received by December 31, 2007 will received 2007 year tax receipts.

DEBENTURES OFFERED TO HELP FUND TURNTABLE INSTALLATION

The West Coast Railway Association is also offering a new series of debentures to members to help fund the installation of the vintage turntable at the Heritage Park. The costs of servicing and preparing the site have been higher than expected, and we are wanting to complete the installation of the turntable and open CN Turntable Plaza in early 2008. We really need your help here.

Debentures are offered in the same terms as previous offerings—a three year term to maturity, annual interest rate of 5%, and multiples of $500. For more information contact Jim Brown at 604-681-4403 or Don Evans at 604-988-3435. You can help the WCRA complete this exciting project and make a good investment at the same time.

The turntable installation is our current #1 priority for completion and we need some help to put the funding for completion in place. Here is a way that you can get involved and help, as well as see a good return on your investment.

TURNTABLE ON THE MOVE

While we are talking here about the turntable, things are really starting to progress. The turntable has now left its resting place and has been mounted on a set of trucks and WCRA News, Page 15 successfully moved to the rear of the CarShop where it will be repaired and then coated for installation.

WEST COAST RAIL TOURS

THE 2008 TOUR PROGRAM IS READY TO TAKE YOUR BOOKINGS – ASK ABOUT EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNTS

Apart from the tours shown in these pages please remember that our tours office is available weekdays to book independent trips. For example we issue tickets for Canada, , the White Pass and Route Railroad and the Alaska Railroad as full-service agents for those lines. Rocky Mountaineer Vacations new 2008 brochure is now available; call for your copy and book with us. We also have the 2008 Trafalgar Tours brochures ready to send. They include the following destinations: Europe & Britain, Australia & New Zealand, USA & Canada, and River Cruises. We will pop the brochure of your choice in the mail as soon as you make the call to 604-524-1011 or toll free 1-800-722-1233. You can also e-mail us on [email protected]. We also combine air, coach, ferry and cruise ships with rail services to customize itineraries throughout the USA and Canada. Flying east or south? Let us book you on WestJet, our preferred air carrier. For trips of 4 days or more we offer free home pickups and drop-offs in the Vancouver area.

MALAHAT CIRCLE TOUR - Daily except Saturday - all year – 2 days

Depart from 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 WCRA News, Page 16 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

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 then America’s Northern States and Mountain Parks. Departures: Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays - from Vancouver Day 1: Check in at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station to board The Canadian eastbound through Vancouver’s eastern suburbs and the lower Fraser Valley. Take dinner in the diner and retire for the night in your choice of sleeping accommodation. Day 2: Before breakfast you are in the heart of the Rockies. Stop in Jasper for a break off the train. Re-board the train and you are on your way out of the mountains and into Alberta’s verdant foothills. After a stop in you are on your way east across the prairies crossing Saskatchewan overnight in your comfortable bed. Day 3: By breakfast time you are in and late in the morning arrive in Winnipeg. After a transfer to a beautiful old railway hotel you have the afternoon free to visit local sights. 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 . Once aboard you settle into your sleeping room for the start of your westbound journey. Day 5: Breakfast is available in the 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.

FARE: The 6-Day Tour, based on shared accommodation. From Cdn $1295 per person. Single fares start at Cdn $1495. Price depends on age of guests, number traveling together, WCRA News, Page 17 type of sleeping accommodation on the trains, date of booking, date of travel, and US$ 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.

TRAINS & FERRIES, VICTORIA AND SEATTLE; SOUTHERN CIRCLE TOUR - Wednesday, May 14th BC Ferry to Vancouver Island for a ride on the Malahat Dayliner, visit Victoria, Clipper to Seattle and return on Amtrak to Vancouver - 3 Days

A new tour for 2008! Make your way to Vancouver’s Pacific Central station by 11:00 AM for an 11:30 AM motorcoach departure transferring you to a lunchtime BC Ferry sailing for Nanaimo where you board VIA Rail’s Malahat Dayliner on its southbound trip over the Malahat summit to Victoria. Evening is free in a convenient hotel to enjoy our provincial capital. Relax in the morning and check in by 10:30 AM for the 11:30 AM Victoria Clipper's sailing to Seattle arriving at about 2:30 PM. Transfer to your Seattle hotel and have the afternoon free to shop and sightsee. The next morning an early transfer to King St station is needed to board the Cascades train service to Vancouver, BC departing at 7:40 AM. Breakfast is available in the dining car. Arrive at Pacific Central station (your starting point about noon. Later motorcoach transfers to Vancouver are also available. This new leisurely tour features great coastal scenery and the chance to do some shopping in the USA. It will sell out quickly. Passport required.

FARES: The 3-Day Tour: Wednesday to Friday is $484 based on shared accommodation. (BC Seniors only- $464). Single: $644, (BC Seniors - $624). Extra night in Seattle? Add $86 per person ** Don’t like this date? Let us arrange this tour at a time of your choosing for a party of 10 or more. ** Don’t like groups? We can put this package together for individuals, to travel at a time of your choosing, subject to some conditions. Price may vary slightly. ** Live on Vancouver Island? Join us en route and we will get you home on Friday the 16th for the same price, or lower, depending on boarding location.

TWO TRAINS & TWO FERRIES; MID - COASTAL CIRCLE TOUR Tuesday, June 17th Vancouver Island, The Discovery Coast, Chilcotin & Cariboo Regions, Whistler - 7 Days

With taxi and motorcoach vouchers supplied, you make your way to Victoria on any of the frequent services provided by Pacific Coach Lines. You leave early to sightsee in Victoria or arrive in time for a welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant. The next morning you are transferred to the VIA Rail station and board the E&N Malahat Dayliner for its departure to Courtenay. Upon arrival your motorcoach takes you to a comfortable modern hotel in Port McNeill for the night. Frequent stops for sightseeing are made along the way. After breakfast WCRA News, Page 18 on day 3 you board your motorcoach for Bear Cove where you embark on Queen of Chilliwack, Discovery Coast Ferry sailing for Bella Coola. For the next 13 hours wind your way through Queen Charlotte Strait, Fitz Hugh Sound, and Burke Channel. Day 4 is spent soaking up Bella Coola’s history and First Nations culture predominant in the area, all interpreted by a local guide. On day 5 you traverse the wild Chilcotin region after a climb up the infamous “Big Hill” that takes you from the coastal rain forest up and over the rugged Coast Mountains through Heckman Pass. Spend the night in Williams Lake. On day 6 you travel through the south Cariboo region, to Clinton for lunch and traverse Cayoosh Canyon and the scenic Duffey Lake Road to the mountain resort village of Whistler, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. On your final day take a chance to sleep in or enjoy this beautiful mountain village. After lunch you get a coach transfer to the “Whistler Mountaineer” train service for your return to the coast via Squamish and Howe Sound. Beverages and a meal are served at your seat. In North Vancouver transfer to downtown Vancouver and your home ending the tour. FARES: The 7-Day Tour: $1592 each based on shared accommodation; BC Seniors only - $1532. Single Supplement: $538. Shorten this tour by a day, save $62 and join the group in Port McNeill on June 18th by Greyhound coach.

WHITE PASS and YUKON ROUTE STEAM SPECTACULAR - Friday, July 11th Whitehorse, Yukon, and vintage train service all the way from Skagway to Carcross, YT, plus hours of Impressive Mountain Steam Railroading - 4 days

Free pickup at your Lower Mainland area home or hotel is organized for departure from Vancouver’s International Airport by Air North’s late morning departure for Whitehorse. Upon arrival you take a scenic tour along the Alaska Highway to Miles Canyon and then check in at your hotel for the afternoon and evening. Visit the restored “Klondike” river boat and ride the riverfront trolley. We also recommend the “Frantic Follies” revue, for great entertainment. You have the next morning free to visit the attractions in Whitehorse before a mid-day departure by chartered motorcoach on the South Klondike Highway to Skagway, AK. Rest stops will be made in Carcross and scenic overlooks. You have next morning free in Skagway to explore this historic village. Walk a block to the WP&YR depot for loading at 11:30 AM and depart at noon behind steam locomotive #73 (or #69) spending the afternoon soaking up spectacular mountain steam railroading. This 85 km round trip terminates at Fraser Meadows, BC, 10 km north of White Pass. On your last day you will board the special “Yukon Adventure” train for Carcross. Awaiting you at Lake Bennett will be a hot meal. You arrive in Carcross at 2:30 PM (3:30 PM, BC time) where your motorcoach will transfer you to Whitehorse Airport for the evening Air Canada flight to Vancouver. We arrange transportation to your home in the lower mainland.

FARES: The 4-Day Tour, Friday to Monday is only $1394 each based on shared accommodation. Single Supplement - $346. Included in the price: All trains, airfares, and buses, local guides, tour director, hotels, most gratuities, breakfasts & 2 lunches. ** Ask WCRA News, Page 19 about extra days and more Alaska sightseeing. ** Stay an extra night in Whitehorse and fly back to Vancouver the next day at a more convenient time. Add $99 for this option.

VANCOUVER ISLAND’S WEST COAST - Tuesday, August 12th via Coastal Supply Vessel, E&N Train, & Port Alberni Steam Mill & Railway - 4 days

Your free pickup gets you to the 8:30 AM sailing by BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay. Upon arrival at Nanaimo’s Departure Bay your coach will follow the Island’s scenic east coast to Courtenay for lunch. Here you will board the E&N Malahat Dayliner for its southbound trip to Parksville. Your coach meets you for a transfer to Coombs Junction Market. Then it’s off to Port Alberni for a visit to the top-rated Alberni Valley Museum. You will have time to relax before a buffet dinner at a seaside restaurant. Next morning you leave the hotel for the short trip to the dock to board the “Frances Barkley“, a coastal supply vessel that services Alberni Inlet, stopping briefly at Sechart in the Broken Group Islands before continuing on to Ucluelet. You then proceed north by motorcoach to Tofino for a tour of that area and end up at your luxury seaside resort hotel. A gourmet dinner is included here. Thursday morning wake up and relax on the beautiful Pacific Coast. You leave mid morning for the Wickaninnish Visitor Centre (and restaurant if desired). At 2:00 PM leave the Long Beach unit of Pacific Rim National Park for Port Alberni. Stops will be made at scenic overlooks and the water bomber base. You check in to the Port Alberni Hotel and relax before a farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant. After breakfast next morning you depart for the railway station where you will board the train for its 10:00 AM departure for the McLean Mill National Historic site, (the only steam operated sawmill in Canada). Upon arrival take a tour of the mill, and have a light lunch. You leave about 1:30 PM for the eastern side of the Island to catch the 4:30 PM sailing for Vancouver. (A stop at a rail station for those returning to Victoria on the Dayliner is possible).

FARES: The 4-Day Tour, Tuesday to Friday is $858 each based shared accommodation. (BC Seniors $838). Single Supplement - $252. Extra day via Victoria: 5-Days including the train to Victoria, hotel and return transportation to Vancouver on Saturday, (unescorted): $918, (BC Seniors $898). Single Supplement - $292.

TWO STEAM TRAINS, FISH and WINE PLUS CASINO FUN - Friday, September 12th A great opportunity to ride behind two steam locomotives in the Okanagan region, taste some great wines and see fish spawning - 4 days

Leave Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station by chartered motorcoach for highway no. 7 on the scenic north side of the from Mission to downtown Agassiz and the museum housed in the oldest wooden railroad station in B.C. Follow the Fraser Canyon and stop for lunch at the Hell’s Gate Air . Then it’s on to Skihist Park overlooking Rainbow Canyon of the Thompson River and the railways operating through this most difficult part of the river valley. You overnight in after a welcome dinner. Next morning your coach will WCRA News, Page 20 transfer you to the Kamloops Heritage Railway’s train with steam locomotive #2141. The train climbs from Campbell Creek up into ranching country en route to Armstrong.

Continuing by motorcoach you visit O'Keefe Ranch for lunch and proceed on to Penticton with a stop to view spawning fish at Peachland’s Hardy Creek Park. You stay at the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Casino on Okanagan Lake’s south shore for 2 nights. If you like casinos this is an excellent one. Next morning leave for the Kettle Valley Steam Railway. The train takes you along the hills overlooking Summerland and on to the Trout Creek Bridge, the highest on the former line. You will then have lunch on board the SS Sicamous, the beautifully restored lake steamer on the beach in Penticton. This is followed by a tour to a local winery after which you will return to your hotel for the evening. The next morning your group will depart for Osoyoos where you will see one of the best model railroads anywhere (Osoyoos Desert Railroad). Then it’s off to the Grist Mill at Keremeos for a tour and lunch. You then take the Crowsnest Route, back to the coast with stops at a fruit stand and Manning Park Lodge. This ends a great circle tour through BC’s most interesting highlights.

FARES: $787 each based shared accommodation; Single Supplement: $ 183

th VANCOUVER ISLAND RAILFAN SPECIAL – Friday, September 19 – 3 days

You depart at 7:20 AM for the 9:00 AM sailing from Tsawwassen through the Gulf Islands to Victoria. You make a stop at the Butchart Gardens, and the Royal BC Museum and stay overnight in a comfortable Victoria hotel. Saturday September 20: We depart our hotel at 7AM for a ride on the VIA Rail E&N Malahat Dayliner up Vancouver Island to the end of the line in Courtenay. We then bus transfer to a unique market and stay in Parksville by the sea for the evening. Sunday September 21st: We cross the Island’s central mountains to Port Alberni for a Steam train charter with photo runbys and tour Canada’s only remaining steam-operated sawmill. We stop at Cathedral Grove for a walk through the magnificent forest and return by ferry to Vancouver late afternoon via Nanaimo and Horseshoe Bay.

FARES: The 3-Day Tour: $396 based on shared accommodation. Single: $556

THE CANADIAN ROCKIES AND ALBERTA’S STEAM TRAINS - Tuesday, September 23rd – 5 days

Depart on VIA Rail’s Canadian at 5:30 PM in your comfortable sleeper. Meals included. Day 2: Wake up this morning in the heart of the Canadian Rockies following raging rivers and with any luck a view of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. At 11 AM you arrive in Jasper where you will have an hour to walk around, photograph a Mountain type steam engine and explore the visitor’s center and historic railway station. We arrive in Edmonton at 5:30 PM where we transfer to our hotel next to the . Day 3: You will tour Edmonton today riding the impressive system and later visit the West WCRA News, Page 21

Edmonton Mall, the world's largest entertainment and shopping centre and Alberta's number one tourist attraction. At 2:30 PM you are bused to the which houses a collection of various railway equipment and buildings. Their emphasis is on cars and locomotives from the Canadian National Railways (CNR) and Northern Alberta Railways (NAR). At 4:30 PM you depart for an overnight stop in Red Deer, Alberta. Day 4: You depart the hotel at 8:30 AM for the Alberta Prairie Railway at Stettler, Alberta. Dramatic excitement behind a steam loco awaits you. All excursions include a full course buffet meal which is included in the fare, on board entertainment and maybe even a train robbery. During your journey on board the train to Big Valley you will travel through the beautiful rolling and treed countryside of Alberta's Parkland. Overnight in Drumheller. Day 5: An outstanding day today as you visit The Royal Tyrrell Museum celebrating the long history and spectacular diversity of life - from the tiniest grains of pollen to the mightiest dinosaurs. Set in the Alberta badlands, the Museum opened in September, 1985. About half a million people per year come to experience the power and excitement of some of the most remarkable fossil displays anywhere in the world, in Canada’s only institution devoted entirely to paleontology. At 11:15 AM you head for ’s Heritage Park arriving shortly after lunch. This renowned park features street car and steam train rides, roundhouse and railway exhibits as well as a complete town site with buildings from the early days of Calgary. At 4 PM depart by bus to Light Rail (C- Train) to downtown Calgary then bus to hotel or local Hobby shop. (Options: Continue tour with Steam train to Vancouver below, fly out this evening from Calgary or take the Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver. FARE: call for details.

CPR STEAM THROUGH THE ROCKIES Westbound from Calgary September 28th or Eastbound from Vancouver on October 5th on 6- day itineraries. These tours are once-in-a-lifetime escapes behind CPR Steam Locomotive Empress no. 2816 crossing British Columbia’s many mountain ranges in classic transcontinental coaches. Westbound overnight stops are made in Lake Louise, Revelstoke, and Kamloops. Eastbound is a “rare mileage” adventure with stops in Kamloops, Golden, Cranbrook and Lethbridge traversing the Crowsnest Pass. FARE: from $3995. Includes hotels, meals, transfers, one-way airfare to/from Calgary, admissions, and entertainment. Call for a detailed itinerary.

WHISTLER MOUNTAINEER RAIL-FAN SPECIAL— Monday, September 22 , 1 day You depart from your Vancouver hotel or Waterfront Station at 7:00 AM in a transfer coach that takes you to North Vancouver to board the Whistler Mountaineer service departing at 8:00 AM. Arrival in Whistler is about 11:00 AM where you will be transferred to the village centre for lunch and sightseeing. Your chartered motorcoach will pick you up at the village bus-loop at 1:45 PM for a drive down the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. At the West Coast Railway Heritage Park you will enjoy rail activities and interesting displays. Refreshments and a snack will also be available here. You depart the Railway Park at about 3:30 PM. Photo stops will be made at spectacular Shannon Falls and Britannia Beach before dropping you off at your pickup WCRA News, Page 22 point in Vancouver. SPECIAL FARE: $169.00. Limited seating, book early.

Remember: 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

374 PAVILION

I am pleased to report that visitors and guests are returning to the 374 Pavilion. The number of visitors recorded for October and November stands at 1,279 about half of last year’s numbers. The long civil work stoppage accounts for most of the decline over last year.

374 Christmas Mini Train Plans are underway to run the Christmas Mini train again at the 374 Pavilion this season. The dates for the operating Christmas train are December 7th trough to Dec 16th. The hours of operation will be from 1000 to 2000 weekdays and 1000 to 1630 Saturdays and Sundays. The train will run around the 374, the same as last year.

Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre offers many programs and events that may be of interest to you. Detailed information on this can be found at www.roundhouse.ca

Volunteer’s still needed for the 374 Pavilion Please consider becoming a volunteer at the 374 pavilion. There are openings available on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Volunteers are the backbone of the 374 Pavilion. We would not be able to open and present the 374 pavilion without the help of the 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 21,000 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 23 WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK Home of the Royal Hudson

CHRISTMAS AT THE HERITAGE PARK

The event of the year for the West Coast Railway Heritage Park occurs in the month of December, as the twelve-acre site gets transformed into a wonderland of lights, music, characters and other entertaining and exciting activities. It’s our Annual Christmas Lights in the Park celebration, and this year’s will be the biggest and best ever with several new special dates and activities.

New this year is the Santa Claus Express. Enjoy a unique Budd Car train ride with Santa as your host and engineer! Hot chocolate and treats will be served. This will take place on December 7th and 8th only with 6:00PM and 7:00PM departures from the Mac Norris Station. Seating is limited and first come, first served. $5.00 per person.

On December 15th, we will be hosting our 2nd Annual Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The delicious breakfast will be prepared and cooked by the Squamish Lions Club. This event sold out early last year so this year we will be having two sittings. The times are 8:00AM & 11:00AM. Reservations are required and seating is limited. Please call 604- 898-9336. Children are $5.00 and Adults are $7.00.

Special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus will be staying at Brightbill Heritage House from December 19-23. Bring your camera for this unique opportunity to take your own photographs.

A highlight as always this year will be our 9th Annual Christmas Lights in the Park Event. The ever-popular 3km mini rail will make its way through the seasonal wonderland with stations along the way all decked out. The Beanery will offer snacks and warm beverages for all. You won’t want to miss this spectacle as our light show grows each year. Trains run from December 19-23rd and December 26-30th - 5:30PM through 8:30PM. Seats are limited on the train so it is recommended that you arrive and purchase your tickets early, last departure is at 8:00PM. Admission is $4.50 per person. / members $2.25.

Find that special Christmas gift at the station gift shop which has been specially stocked with the best selection of Thomas the Tank Engine merchandise as well as lots of new HO model railway items and books for the railroad fan of all ages! Remember – there is no charge to visit the station gift shop at anytime.

Make the West Coast Railway Heritage Park – “Home of the Royal Hudson” part of your family’s Christmas this year. Our regular winter hours are 10-4 daily. WCRA News, Page 24

For further information, contact 604-898-9336 or visit our website www.wcra.org 39645 Government Road, Squamish, BC. (S.E.)

THANK YOU TO OUR HELPERS

Thank you to the volunteers that have helped get the Mason Station and the Brightbill heritage house readied for Christmas. They are Beth Fitzpatrick and Audrey Rhodes for getting the Brightbill house looking wonderful with the popcorn and cranberries strung on the Christmas tree and a sense of times gone by. The Mason Station and loop have also been decorated -- thanks to Karen Moodie and Skye, Carmen Peterson, Audrey Rhodes, Tomoo Oshikawa and Andy Faris for making it look tranquil and serene a really winter wonderland. (D.F.)

FEATURE ARTICLES

FROM WCRA NEWS - DECEMBER 1979 - by Craig McDowall BC Rail The bridge over the Peace River near Ft. St. John, which was severed in a derailment and fire on Oct. 21st was reopened to rail traffic on Friday, Dec. 7th. 17 locomotives were stranded north of the bridge including RS 10’s, RS 18’s, one M420 and one C425.

A new steel bridge on concrete foundations will be built between Prince George and Northwood Pulp & Paper. The bridge will eliminate the risk of mudslides on the old route. Approximately 200 cars per day arrive in Prince George from the north via this line.

Ten cars of a southbound freight derailed near Quesnel on Nov. 29th at 0650. Cause of the derailment was a broken rail. The day before, a collision 4 kms. west of 100 Mile House occurred between a southbound freight and a yard engine with two cars of lumber. Three crewmen were injured.

Strike notice was served on BC Rail which prompted the railway to post an embargo on perishable shipments.

CN Rail Work continues around the clock on restoration of CN’s Second Narrows Railway Bridge. The bridge was knocked out of service on Oct. 12th when struck in the fog by a Japanese freighter. At press time, the North Tower is still leaning, the span knocked into the water is being worked on by a large number of workers as well as the underwater footings. Canron officials state that the bridge should be operational by the end of January. WCRA News, Page 25 CN shops in are rebuilding ten Southern Pacific GP-35’s on contract.

CP Rail CP Rail Business Car #4 is undergoing final paint work following extensive heavy refurbishing of the car body at the Drake Street shops. Both full exterior and interior work was done. This is probably the last of the CP “Cape Cars” (ex Cape Ray) still in service.

The Pitt River Rail bridge is undergoing extensive repair work to the deck and track. All traffic as stopped the last two Sundays with VIA’s trains being re-routed over to New West through Port Mann and then out to Abbotsford to the Mission bridge.

Anyone get a shot of Via Canadian #2 eastbound on CN Rail on Dec. 2n? It had the classic ABA combination - all in CP red.

E & N Four derailments in the past two months have prompted comments that the line is a “death trap” from the E & N Steering Committee. Today’s longer and heavier movements on a roadbed that is turn of the century age and design. None of the derailments were serious and CP dismissed the comments as inflammatory.

14 more SD 40-2’s were delivered to CP Rail by GM Diesel in October. The new units were numbered 5915 to 5928.

Work on steam locomotives continue inside the Drake Street Roundhouse. Pacific Coast Terminals 0-6-0 #4076 has been reassembled after completion of boiler work. Completion is expected by mid January which is destined for Calgary’s Heritage Park.

Royal Hudson #2860 (sans tender) is getting minor boiler repairs and general inspections in preparation for the big spring trip to San Diego and back. Her hood shroud and smoke box front have been removed and some of her super heater tubes have been removed. The loco is in generally good shape.

Amtrak The will commence a new departure time of 0700 hours starting on Feb. 1st. Now that’s a bit more convenient. Currently the train departs at 1125 with light ridership numbers.

Not sure of the reason, but the PI southbound departure to Seattle on Sunday Nov. 25th had a pair of F40PH’s and nine (!) Superliner coaches.

WCRA We continue to towards an excursion up BC Hydro’s Fraser to Abbotsford. The WCRA News, Page 26 date is set for May 11th and ads have been placed.

We have notified CP Rail that we are interested in a passenger car (currently in Victoria) that is being retired from work service. The car is the last remaining “Colonist Car” on the CPR. (MCM note: Grant Ferguson and Craig went to Victoria to inspect the car and Craig subsequently bought the coach the next spring and had it shipped over to Vancouver and donated it to the association). (It is our Colonist Car #3514 on exhibit today—Ed.)

Lake Whatcom Excursion - A joint excursion with the CRHA and the North Cascades group at Bellingham will ride a special Santa Train on Dec. 19th Tickets are $8 including charter bus to Bellingham and can be obtained by phoning Santa’s Little Helper Andy Preddy.

ARM 2007 – , PENNSYLVANIA - story and photos by Don Evans

The Annual Association of Railway Museums (ARM) conference is always a highlight of the year, and ARM 2007 was no exception. Hosted by the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington, PA (just out of Pittsburgh), this year’s event was well organized, informative and full of new learning.

And so, I was off on Air Canada from Vancouver on Tuesday, October 8th, changing at and then continuing to Pittsburgh airport. Here a stroke of luck occurred, as I met another participant – Don Scafe from Edmonton – and he had a car. So, we were able to travel together to Washington, PA. Checked in at the Holiday Inn Meadowlands (the conference hotel) and we were set to go. The weather was spectacular – sunny and mid 80’s temperatures – it would stay that way all week!

Wednesday, October 3 We were off on the “Pre-conference” trip, out to Altoona and the Railroaders Memorial Museum, and Sherry Elchuk was also along and an attendee at the Conference. Our conveyances were chartered buses, and a good crowd went along on two buses. I had been here before, but enjoyed the tour and background of the museum given by their Executive Director Scott Cessna. They continue to have fine exhibits in their main building, but lots of work to do on their rolling stock collection.

A couple of new exhibits were highlights – the recent installation of their 105 foot turntable for one, as it mirrors the work that WCRA is doing to install ours at the Heritage Park. Also recently arrived was Pennsylvania observation lounge car Mountain View which was very nicely original in its interior, and fully open for inspection. (Photos, Page 27)

From the museum’s site in Altoona, we headed up to Horseshoe Curve, an engineering marvel to watch mainline railroading (Norfolk Southern) as trains struggle to conquer the Alleghenies. Three mainline tracks remain in operation here, and pushers are used on all WCRA News, Page 27

Altoona, PA—view from upper level over turntable area, interior of PRR Mountain View WCRA News, Page 28 upgrade trains. They then drift back down to Altoona as light engine movements and await their next “push” assignment. We then returned to the conference hotel on the buses.

The Conference officially opened with the reception starting at 7:00PM and here the organizers shone, as there was lots of food as well as a lovely venue for the mixing and meeting of old friends. Over 150 were in attendance, and that would swell to almost 180 as the week progressed. Following the reception, there was a “Show and Tell” event and your editor showed some photos of the Royal Hudson’s April 15th trip to White Rock as well as new developments at our West Coast Railway Heritage Park.

Thursday, October 4 The first full day of conference activities got underway with an opening session, and then the first two sets of conference seminars. This is always where valuable learning takes place and ideas are hatched to bring back to our own museum operation. Many topics are covered, from volunteers to museum management to restoration to marketing etc.

At 1230k we were back onto the buses with boxed lunches, and off for a great afternoon and evening in Pittsburgh. Much of the afternoon was spent at Pittsburgh’s Heinz History Center, a great facility named after the “Heinz Ketchup Man” which was founded in Pittsburgh. The great museum (and sports history center) is housed in an old ice house building which is very cleverly preserved and integrated into a new building on the west side. It has six floors of history exhibits and is very well done. In the main hall downstairs are some interesting transportation exhibits including a Pittsburgh PCC streetcar, a stainless steel 1937 Ford, and more. For dinner we were treated to a real treat – a diner cruise on the “Three Rivers” – the Monongahela, the Allegheny, and the Ohio, from which the city gets its nickname as “River City”. The spectacular weather again made for a great time, good food, warm temperatures a spectacular sunset and then – as we were nearing the dock at the end – a first class fireworks display. Future ARM Conference committees have something to try to top! WCRA News, Page 29

Friday, October 5 Once again the day started out with more seminars, including one presented by your editor on Strategic Planning for Railway Museums. After lunch, a selection of field trips was offered; I selected the tour of the Port Authority light rail shops and line tour. While the shops were similar to others I have seen, the ride was delightful, as the modern LRV’s travelled a traditional interurban type line through small communities and the through the tunnel into downtown Pittsburgh.

We ended up at Station Square – a shopping / hotel complex along the Monongahela River across from downtown. There were lovely views of the city, which became spectacular ones as one rode the Monongahela Incline to the lookout at the top.

After this, the evening was capped as we dined in the old Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad station, which has been fabulously restored inside and out. CSX still passes by on the mainline out front with modern rail action while one enjoys a great meal in the concourse and all its glory.

Saturday, October 6 Saturday is traditionally the host museum’s day, and so we headed over to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum’s site and had a most enjoyable day. This museum was started with the acquisition of a four-wheel trolley in 1949, and a section of abandoned Washington Interurban right of way was acquired in 1953. The museum laid track, got more exhibits ready, and opened to the public in 1963. Today, the museum boasts the only broad gauge trolley operation (5 foot 2 ½ inch) and has over 46 trolleys plus other standard gauge rolling stock (including the oldest operational diesel electric locomotive, Armco Steel’s B-73 built in 1930 as a Westinghouse / Baldwin joint venture.) (photo above) WCRA News, Page 30

Streetcar operations are steady today over the 2 mile line, which traverses the museum grounds in the middle. To the north, the line travels through lovely forest and makes a very pretty site at the north loop (cover photo of PCC). The line then returns past the Washington County fairgrounds and heads out paralleling the freight rail line (still active today) to the Trolley Display Building (opened in 2005) and a loop at the south. The building houses 30 trolleys of the collection, including some fully restored and some awaiting their turn, and nicely houses the bulk of the collection. The remainder is housed in the Car Barn and the Visitor Center Buildings, so all the collection is under cover.

A unique and well thought out Party Car is operated and very popular. This beautifully restored PCC car includes not only the party conveyance itself, but it arrives for the party with the birthday child’s name in the car’s signboard. (photo below, party for Travis)

Our time at the Trolley Museum was well spent and most enjoyable. We finished off with the conference group photo at the loop, with three different cars as or backdrop. Then, after more looking, around we headed back to the hotel and a most enjoyable wind up banquet.

Sunday, October 7 After attending ARM’s General Meeting and a short board meeting, it was time to head home. Thanks to Ellen Fishburn for the ride to the airport, and then Air Canada for an on-time return trip again via Toronto.

ARM Conferences are a wonderful way to learn more about railway preservation, and to see some other fine examples and facilities throughout North America. In 2009 it will be WCRA’s turn again, as we will host the annual conference at our facility in Squamish. WCRA News, Page 31 RAILWAY NEWS

MOTIVE POWER NOTES

Observations October 31 included Kansas City Southern 4602 at Thornton and Illinois Central 3138 at North Vancouver, November 2 saw GM “Oakway” demo unit 9095 at Thornton, Nov. 4 CSX 661 at Thornton, November 9 BNSF 4328 / KCS 3912 / CEFX 6008, November 14 Norfolk Southern 2695 at Thornton, an all ex BCR power consist on a transfer to Lynn Creek of BCOL 4627/4643/4624, November 16 FURX 7259 / 7263 both in former BN green, and Oakway 9058 at Thornton, November 18 Norfolk Southern 2695, November 22 CSX 165 at Thornton, November 25 Illinois Central 6068 and 6060 at Thornton on two different trains. (R.C.)

GMD-1’S RAPIDLY DISAPPEARING

The unique Canadian only model road switcher, the GMD-1 is rapidly disappearing from CN’s roster. Originally built as A-1-A trucked units for light rail operations, most were re- trucked as B-B units and have served throughout on CN (and on Northern Alberta Railways). These models also served on CN’s Vancouver Island lines for many years, and several remain in service in yard work in our area.

Latest news has the final three A-1-A units 1063, 1078 and 1082 (which was originally Northern Alberta 301) on their way to a US scrapper, while many others are now up for sale including 1411, 1414, 1416, 1417, 1430, 1431, 1432, 1436, 1442 and 1443. (TJ)

CONTAINER TRAIN FROM PRINCE RUPERT

The first eastbound container train on CN from the new Port of Prince Rupert container terminal departed on November 15, 2007. The 11,000 foot train was allotted 105 hours to reach , it made it faster in just 92 hours. Loaded containers headed for China are starting to arrive regularly, and the last ship to arrive left 1,700 containers to ship east. (D.W.) CN PLANS DISTRIBUTION CENTRE IN HAY RIVER

CN has purchased 156 acres of land in Hay River, Northwest Territories, where it plans to build a multi-commodity loading and off loading operation. Preliminary work will start immediately and construction will proceed in 2008. A phased development will work towards handling of containers, steel and bulk products, and petroleum. (BL) WCRA News, Page 32

MOTIVE POWER NOTES

Canadian Pacific has accepted five BNSF SD40-2 units for horsepower payback. The units will be here for some time, and will operate in trailing positions in CP motive power consists. Units here now are BNSF 7144, BNSF 6870, FURX 7211, BNSF 7148 and BNSF 6795. (J.M.)

OLD TIES TO BE ‘GASIFIED” IN ASHCROFT

The Aboriginal Cogeneration Corp. has reached an agreement with Canadian Pacific to convert scrap wooden ties into usable energy through a gasification process. Beginning spring 2008, the used ties will be converted into a combustible gas that will power an electrical generator. The plan will handle 250,000 ties annually. (J.M.)

RESIDENTS SPECIAL OFFERRED ON WHISTLER MOUNTAINEER

Rocky Mountaineer Vacations is once again offering a special for BC Residents who want to advance book a trip on the Whistler Mountaineer in 2008. The offer must be taken advantage of by December 28, 2007 and offers round trip fares of $110 in Coast Classic and $185 in Glacier Dome. These make great Christmas presents to give to friends ands family!

The Whistler Mountaineer season for 2008 has changed to start earlier (April 23) and end later (October 19), offering more trips for the season. Check out www.whistlermountaineer. com for more details.

OTHER NEWS

CANADA LINE FIRST CARS ARRIVE

The first four rapid transit cars for the new Canada Line arrived from Korea November 27 at Lynn Term in North Vancouver. The cars, numbered DM2-201 through DM2-204 were for WCRA News, Page 33 SNC Lavalin Inc. in Vancouver, arriving from Mason, Korea. (R.C.)

OIL SANDS RAILWAY TO CLOSE

Unless an investment of $125 million is made into the poor track infrastructure of the railway between Boyle and Fort McMurray, Alberta, the only railway to the huge tar sands project will close. The Athabasca Northern Railway has filed to abandon the 320 km line and will cease operations December 17, 2007 unless a source of upgrade funds is found. (BL)

NEW AGREEMENT FOR GRAIN CARS

A new agreement for operation and maintenance of the fleet of 11,900 Government owned grain hopper cars has been reached. The agreement addresses management of the fleet with the railways for the cars, which are provided at no cost to the railways, for the transportation of grain. The cars will continue to be provided as at present, and maintenance / upgrades / operation will continue by both CN and CP. (BL)

THREE VALLEY GAP FOUNDER PASSES ON

Gordon Bell, the founder of the Three Valley Gap hotel and ghost town passed on recently following a heart attack. He was 74.

The tourist attraction in Eagle Pass, west of Revelstoke on Highway 1, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2006. It started as a sixteen room motel, and has grown over the years to a 200+ room hotel, ghost town and museum.

An avid collector of many things, Gordon collected railway equipment which includes several business cars, a caboose and two steam locomotives. He also has a large automobile collection, mostly in storage in a basement under the hotel.

His most recent project involved creating an enclosed roundhouse to store his railway collection. This project is near completion. The roundhouse building is fabricated from two huge grain storage bins, the windows around the top of the roundhouse are surplus truck windows from the closed Western Star truck factory in Kelowna. Family members will continue to operate the Three Valley tourist attraction. (internet posting, Phil Mason, Nov 23, forwarded by Trevor Mills)

NEWS FROM SNOQUALMIE, WA

The Northwest Railway Museum is off on some further expansion plans as they announce the new Exhibit Building. This 20,000 square foot building will be inspired from a WCRA News, Page 34 traditional train shed design and would house the most vulnerable artifacts in the museum’s collection in a combination of exhibit space and indoor storage. In other news, the museum has made its first rolling stock acquisition in 20 years, the all wood Chapel Car Messenger of Peace, built by Barney and Smith in 1898. (SDR)

Below—WCRA’s first heritage railway exhibit, business car British Columbia and steam locomotive #16 at Vancouver’s Great Northern station in 1964. (Paul Newsome photo)

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]

ON THE BACK COVER

Two shots of significance to the WCRA in 2007—Top, Royal Hudson #2860 steams out of the

Heritage Park on August 19, 2007 to prepare for a salute to the Whistler Mountaineer, signify- ing our major accomplishment of 2007. (Photo by Don Evans)

Below—WCRA member and artist Paul Ohanessian has completed a new painting of our new Roundhouse and Conference Centre, showing what a dramatic change it will make to the “front entrance” of the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, as well as a dramatic new home for seven pieces of our historic railway collection.

CREDIT LINES ISSN 1204-072X Vol. 47 Issue 1 Editor Don Evans Distribution Jeremy Davy & Donna Simon

Contributors: J.B. Jim Brown R.C. Ryan Cruickshank C.D. Colin Dathan J.D. Jeremy Davy S.E. Sherry Elchuk D.F. Donna Fourchalk B.J. Bill Johnston J.M. Jim McPherson T.M. Trevor Mills D. W. David Walker

BL Branchline SDR Sounder 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 , 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

CN opened its line from Terrace to Kitimat, BC on January 13, 1955 six months after a last spike, produced at the smelter in Kitimat, was driven on July 8, 1954 Published monthly by West Coast Railway Association ISSN 1204-072X PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2 Vol. 47 Issue 1

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