WCRA NEWS
OCTOBER 2006 ROYAL HUDSON GRAND
STEAM UP EVENT SEP. 28
WCRA News, Page 2
GENERAL MEETING NOTICE
The September General Meeting of the WCRA will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 1930 hours at the Rainbow Creek Station, Confederation Park in Burnaby.
Entertainment will be a new Maynard Laing video highlighting Canadian steam in the 1950’s—a great show Bill Marchant tells us!
ON THE COVER
She ain’t pretty—but, for the first time since 1999 steam and smoke came from the stack of Royal Hudson #2860 on August 30. This was an exciting sight, and just the first day of firing tests undertaken before work began to install the final components and the streamlined cladding. For full story see page 9. (Don Evans photo)
OCTOBER CALENDAR
• West Coast Railway Heritage Park Open daily 1000 through 1700K • Thursday, September 28—Royal Hudson Grand Steam Up Event at the Heritage Park, ceremonies 1100 hours. Everyone is invited. • Thursday, October 5—Deadline for items for the October 2006 WCRA News • October 7 & 8—22nd Annual Lynden Lions Club Model Train Show, Lynden, WA • Thursday, October 12—Tours Committee meets, contact Bernie at 604-325-0923 • October 13 & 14—Mount Cheam Lions Model Railway Show, Chilliwack Heritage Park • Tuesday, October 24—WCRA General Meeting, 1930 hours, Rainbow Creek Station Please note—the date for the October General Meeting is not the last Tuesday of the month due Halloween being on Tuesday, October 31
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. New! E Members (electronic newsletter) are $35 individual and $45 family. Other membership categories are: - Junior Member (age 16 and under ) $ 25 - Sustaining Member $100 (tax receipt) plus membership type regular fee - Life Member (one time fee) $700 individual life / $1,200 family life All memberships include the monthly newsletter, Heritage Park admission, mini rail rides and discounts on food and merchandise. The Association holds a monthly meeting on the last Tuesday of the month at 1930 hours in Burnaby at Rainbow Creek Station in Confederation Park. Apply through www.wcra.org or mail to WCRA, PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2. WCRA News, Page 3 EDITORIAL
SEPTEMBER 28—A HUGE DAY FOR STEAM FANS
Thursday, September 28th is a day we have been waiting for—and working towards—for several years now. And, it is a day steam fans from all over British Columbia—and around the world—have been hoping would happen.
When Royal Hudson #2860 steams down the tracks and into our Mac Norris Station, a real milestone will have occurred. It will be a moment many of us will never forget, as we achieve a goal that started when we acquired the locomotive in partnership with the District of Squamish, and moved it to the Heritage Park in May of 2002.
Over the course of the following four years, we had just about as many leaps forward and setbacks as one could possibly imagine. There were those that said the locomotive would never steam again, and there were those that went out of their way to support and assist. There were many challenges, mechanical as we went along and people who didn’t help. But there were far more who dug into their resources, knowledge, pockets, and skills to ultimately see the work to completion and this grand day made possible.
So, please join us on Thursday, September 28th and just enjoy the moment. There will be many there from all walks of life, but the real star will be the arrival of the train—a moment to go down in history as #2860 starts her third life.
Help us recognize the many who have made this possible—those who had the foresight and took the initiative to save the locomotive back in the 1960’s in the first place, and thus enable her to see another day. Those who rebuilt her for tourist service and operated her for 25 years until 1999. Those who then supported the arrangement to have her come to Squamish. Those who dug into their pockets and funded the work to bring her back to life. And those who toiled for the past couple of years to do the work that has enabled her to steam down the tracks once again. We salute you all!
There are still many bridges to cross and tunnels to bore—the funding is still almost $100,000 short of what we have spent on the project. We have much work to do yet with the operating railways to see her back on the mainline and in the special roles that are in our plans. There are still final trials and other finishing work to complete, and loose ends to tie up.
But, on September 28 Royal Hudson #2860 steams again. Be with us and enjoy the celebration, it’s an historical day for all steam fans.
Don WCRA News, Page 4 ASSOCIATION NEWS
FROM THE AUGUST GENERAL MEETING
45 members and guests were present, the meeting was chaired by Colin Dathan: • Don Evans presented the Executive Director’s report, noting efforts and success in fundraising over ther past month. Noted were the new arrangement to assist the Nita Lake Lodge with photo art and artifacts that will aid their rail theme, and continuing efforts to fund the Royal Hudson work. • Don Evans reported on the Heritage Park, noting good response to the speeder and Budd Car rides this summer, and the challenges of operating in a construction zone environment. Revenue and attendance have been good. • Don also reported on the progress on the Royal Hudson—up to date news on page 9. • Jeremy Davy reported on Mini Rail, noting the Mini Rail Days held August 20 and upcoming events that are on the calendar. • Colin Smith reported on progress on the Roundhouse and Turntable, noting that turntable construction was in full force and Rapid Impact Compaction of this area was complete. In the course of the work to install the new water and sewers, water has been connected to the Brightbill Heritage House. We are still dealing with the District of Squamsh on flood plane issues re the Roundhouse but expect to have those resolved soon. • Jeremy Davy noted that our membership is on a growth curve again, and that the Members Only section of the website has now been activated. • Bernie Tully noted that upcoming events include CN Family Days September 10, and the Lions Shows in Chilliwack. BC and Lynden, WA in October. • Bill Johnston gave us a tours update, noting the recent Vancouver Island / West Coast tour led by Bernie Tully and Ron Pajala. Bernie provided a review of that trip. Upcoming September tours were promoted. • Colin Dathan noted that the Annual Dinner and Awards Night will be Tuesday, November 28th at Cheers restaurant in North Vancouver. Price will be $28.60 per person. Craig McDowall volunteerd to handle the raffle and auction. • Ryan Cruickshank and Bill Marchant provided their Trackside Reports. • Bill Marchant noted that our FP7A #4069 was celebrating it’s 54th birthday today! • Eric Anderson donated Canadian Tire money. • Bernie Tully pitched Entertainment 2007 books. • Guests and visitors were welcomed, the 50/50 draw was held. • Entertainment was great video by Craig McDowall of #4449 and #3716 Cariboo Steam.
WCRA TRIVIA # 213 - by Ryan D. Cruickshank
What is the oldest charter to build a railway that became a constituent operation of the Canadian Pacific Railway? (for answer, see Credit Lines) WCRA News, Page 5 YOU KNOW YOU’RE A RAILFAN WHEN……. ……….you recognize rail scenes in movies that just never would have been such in real life.
NEW MEMBERS
The WCRA welcomes new members Doug Ballard & family of Surrey, Lynne Boehm & family of Squamish, Mike Brewster & family, Amy Buchanan & family of Garibaldi Highlands, Steve & Marilyne Chapman & family of Garibaldi Highlands, Adam & Roxanne Christiaanese & family of Abbotsford, Dean Fortin & family of Coquitlam, Blair Gehman & family of Chilliwack, Brett Kagetsu & family of Vancouver, Ross & Heather Leney & family of Victoria, Paul Lorette & family of Garibaldi Highlands, Riber Marlyk & family of Burnaby, Ken & Pat McDowell & family of Squamish, Vaheed & Bronwyn Mohssenzad & family of New Westminster, Chris Newton & family of Toronto, ON, Brennan Park of Coquitlam, Bob Phillip & family of North Vancouver, Eric Pollock & family of Vancouver, Bobby Soo & family of Garibaldi Highlands, Jesse & Margaret St. Germain & family of Squamish, Chris & Val Turner & family of Garibaldi Highlands, Rachel Wood & family of Maple Ridge, and Dan Young of Victoria.
We welcome back Iain Helleman-Crump & family of Eugene, OR, Tracey Lazenby & family of North Vancouver, Wendy Low of Delta and Robert & Caroline Waters & family of Brackendale. (J.D.)
PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Memberships dated 8/31/2006 have now expired, and if your membership expired June, 2006 this will be your last issue. Please check the label on your newsletter and renew today. Remember that renewals are being accepted for memberships with the E–Newsletter Option. Those fees are - for an E-Individual membership $35.00, and an E-Family $45.00 (J.D.)
MEMBER NEWS
Please continue your thoughts for long time member Bruce Mackay who remains ill and in the Burnaby hospital as we go to press. Barbara reports that he is doing much better now, and he welcomes any visitors .
We are sad to report on the passing of one of our very senior members, John T. Whitehead, who passed away August 14, 2006. John was a long time supporter of WCRA through our debenture program and always interested in how we were doing.
MEMBERS ONLY SECTION OF WEBSITE NOW OPERATIONAL
The Members Only area of the website is now in place and the current (less than six month old) Newsletter Issues have been moved there for viewing by current members only. Please WCRA News, Page 6 note that all members in good standing are eligible for access to the Members Only area, not just those who have E-News Option Memberships.
To access the Members Only area it is necessary for you to have registered a Username and Password of your choice on the website. It is only necessary to register once as long as your membership remains current.
To register your user name and password 1. Go to the WCRA website www.wcra.org and click on the tab Members Only which will give you the template - Newsletter Access.
2. Fill in the information requested. (It may seem unnecessary but I need all of it to differentiate between similar names as initially the only information I receive is on the Template.)
3. Click on the Register Button.
4. Once access has been granted you will receive a confirming email from [email protected] (subject - Account Activated)
To View Newsletters 1. Go to the WCRA website www.wcra.org and click on the tab Members Only which will again give you the template - Newsletter Access.
2. Directly above where you entered your Registration information you will see: Already signed up for online newsletter access? Login Here.
3. Click on Login Here
4. Enter your Username and Password and click OK.
5. You will then see the Tab entitled Members Only Area where you will find the Newsletters
6. Select the Newsletter you wish to view by clicking on the cover picture for the 2006 Issues or the Month for the 2005 Issues.
Starting with the September 2006 issue, Newsletters will no longer be found on the open part of the website until they are at least 6 months old. WCRA News, Page 7
We hope that those of you using this new feature will find it meets your requirements and expectations. (J.D.)
ENTERTAIN- MENT 2007 BOOKS AVAILABLE
Entertainment 2007 books are now available to members and friends.
Help support the WCRA by purchasing one of these great coupon books and save thousands on meals, entertainment and purchases throughout our area.
Get out there and sell them to family and friends as well, as every sale helps.
Books are available at the Heritage Park and WCRA meetings, call Bernie at 604-325- 0923 for info. (B.T.)
ARM ANNUAL CONFERENCE—SACRAMENTO
It’s time once again for the Annual Conference of the Association of Railway Museums. This year it is within driving distance for us—being held in Sacramento, California. This will be a joint conference with the TRAIN organization, and will therefore see attendance of more than 300—making for a terrific show and learning experience. If you have never attended an ARM conference, you should consider it. Information and forms are available from WCRA News, Page 8 www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org , at a WCRA General Meeting, or call Don Evans at 604-988-3435 and I will be happy to help you.
PHOTO WEBSITE
Check out a great photo website for rail photos from around the world, including some of Canadian steam from the early 1950’s . The site is www.30937.co.uk and is called a Transport Photograph Database.
THANKS • To Ryan Cruickshank for a donation of archival items and some really useful stuff such as lantern batteries, gloves etc. that will help at the Heritage Park • To John Billington for the donation of a “Hawkins’ Indicator Catechism” device (from the 1920’s) for measuring steam cylinder operations along with an operating manual “Practical Treatise on the Steam Engine Indicator”, and a vintage flue gas measurement device. • To Randy Lucas and Randy Shimell for donating lovely new blinds for the windows in the Carshop office and lunchroom making the place look much better than it did with plywood and cardboard!
COLLECTION 4069 CELEBRATES 54TH BIRTHDAY
West Coast Railway’s FP7A #4069 celebrated her 54th birthday on August 29th, doing what she has been doing all summer, making a round trip between North Vancouver and Whistler in service on the Whistler Mountaineer.
She has seen almost continuous service since early June on the train as back up motive power for the WM GP40-2’s Photo shows her on the train as it skirts Alta Lake en route the wye at Wedge on August 24. (Don Evans photo.)
WCRA News, Page 9 374 PAVILION
ENGINE 374 PAVILION NOW ON WCRA WEBSITE
Another new area has been opened on our Website www.wcra.org, one which is home to information relating to the 374 Pavilion. Look for the new tab on the homepage Engine 374.
Information currently available is history of the Engine and of the Pavilion. In addition there is a printable map showing the Pavilion’s location. (J.D.)
ROYAL HUDSON PRESERVATION & FUND
ROYAL HUDSON GRAND STEAM UP SEPTEMBER 28
Thursday, September 28 is the day! Everyone is invited to come to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park and witness the drama of Royal Hudson #2860 making its grand reappearance under steam. The special event will announce to the world that the repair work to the boiler has been completed and that the classic icon of British Columbia steam is back and ready for action. #2860 is ready to start her third career!
September 8 saw this press release go out……
Vancouver, BC, September 8, 2006 - The world famous Royal Hudson steam locomotive #2860 will operate under full steam at a gala public event on Thursday, September 28, 2006, when she chugs into the Mac Norris Station at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish at 11:00AM. The event signals the climax of the boiler repair project that has been underway for over two years.
“This is the moment that we have all been waiting for”, said Don Evans, Executive Director of the West Coast Railway Association, whose volunteers, staff and contractors have carried out the project at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park’s restoration shop. “The locomotive will steam under its own power for the first time since 1999 for all to see.” Since achieving boiler certification in August, the crews have worked to test the firing of the locomotive, and to complete the final reassembly – a mammoth task.
Her Honour Iona Campagnolo, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia; the Honourable Kevin Falcon – Minister of Transport, and Mayor Ian Sutherland of Squamish will be among the dignitaries expected to be on hand to witness the event. Everyone is invited to attend with the group on this historic occasion.
Royal Hudson #2860 carried tourists between North Vancouver and Squamish from 1974 WCRA News, Page 10 until 1999, becoming one of the Vancouver area’s top attractions. After completing the 1999 season, however, the locomotive was not able to pass inspections for continued operation without major boiler work. She was pulled from service and set aside for this future work, but then put up for disposition by the Province in 2002. A joint proposal from the West Coast Railway Association and the District of Squamish was made and accepted, and #2860 moved to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in that year. Fundraising got underway and the boiler repair project started in 2004.
The West Coast Railway Heritage Park is a project of the West Coast Railway Association, a private not for profit charitable organization. The WCRA presents Western Canada’s largest collection of heritage railway equipment, and is “Home of the Royal Hudson”. The Heritage Park is open daily all year and hosted 40,000 guests from all over the world in 2005.
All WCRA members are invited to attend, and the Heritage Park will be open to everyone else by donation that day so that we can have a grand crowd to witness the return of Royal Hudson steam and enjoy the experience. Some of the things you can expect at the event, which starts sharp at 11:00: • Off site parking with free shuttle buses (as in Thomas events) • The arrival of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia in our classic 1934 Chrysler Airflow • A compact area for viewing due the turntable construction in progress, essentially the station platform and the lawn at the south end of the station • Digitaries from all levels of government • Recognition of donors, crews and those who helped save the locomotive in the first place • The grand arrival of the Royal Hudson train • A christening of the locomotive for her new career • A private tent reception following for VIPs and major donors to the project • Cab tours • Periodic runbys for photographers after the official ceremonies
To help members get to the event, we are offerring a free bus service from the Vancouver area. The buses will be first come, first served and require a reservation, and capacity is limited. They will be operated by Nostalgia Tours, and there will be three or four pick up locations, including Pacific Central Station and Park Royal. To arrange your seat(s) call Nostalgia Tours at 604-690-8687 or visit www.nostalgiatours.com
This will truly be a grand event and one that all of us should be very proud of. We hope that you will join our special guests and all involved in this project and be a part of this new history in the making.
Thursday, September 28 will go down as one of those very special days in the history of the WCRA - the day we brought the Royal Hudson back to life. Be there! WCRA News, Page 11 ROYAL HUDSON STEAMS!
Since we updated you all last month on the progress on the Royal Hudosn, we have had much happen and the project has leaped forward towards completion. Major milestones came in this order as work progressed; • August 21—completion of the installation of all the Superheater tubes. (photo right) the Superheaters fit inside the main tubes in the boiler and serve to Superheat the water increasing the effciency of the steaming process • August 21—The new firebox bricks arrived at the site • August 30—using All Pro’s portable boiler, the water was heated to prepare for the steam tests of the boiler. The first smoke and steam emerged from the stack Above, Superheater tubes installation underway, be- low our steam shop crew Randy Shimell, Randy Lu- of #2860 since 1999, there was cas and Trevor Mills pose in front of the completed excitement all around! (Cover photo) boiler work. • September 1—in spite of getting the bunker C in the tender to a reasonable flow temperature, lighting the fire still eludes. Decision made to install the nose plate and switch to another fuel • September 4—work for the last couple of days has focussed on the water system, hanging the pump (on loan from CPR) and connecting the feedwater system, then working through the tender pipng and compartments. Randy Shimell comes ot after this project looking like a—? • September 5—Singh reports….. “Today we achieved what has eluded us since last Tuesday - the Royal Hudson locomotive boiler fired up on #2 heating oil. As you recall, last week was very frustrating in that we could not get the Bunker C fuel in the tender to ignite, despite heating it and mixing with diesel fuel. WCRA News, Page 12
This week, our team of Randy S, Trevor, and Randy L. cleaned out the tender water box, connected up some additional piping, put a barrel of fuel on top of the tender and got the unit ready for fire-up. Dave Thethi assisted us by getting fuel last Friday, steam oil today and a transfer pump to get the fuel up into the barrel. We started the fire this morning and used All-Pro Services' portable boiler to operate the draft blower in the smoke-box and the atomizer for the fuel but had to supplement with compressed air as it could not keep up with demand.
It took most of the afternoon to get the steam up but by 1635, we had 100# and transferred the blower and atomizer onto the Hudson steam. By 1800 we had reached 250psi and I had the honour of blowing the whistle at 1605. We had to seal up 2 staybolt sleeves and 3 staybolts and have some minor leaks at the superheater connections at the throttle header but all else is fine - we will repair these after steam up tomorrow. We have now shut the boiler down and will start it in the morning to pop the safety valves in the presence of the boiler inspector.
We expect to start insulating the boiler by Thursday and complete all work by September 21st. Al Broadfoot (who maintained this unit at BCR for 25 years and is now looking after CP's 2816) has been retained to help and will guide and assist us during the next couple of weeks and help us be ready for September 28. (S.B.)
• September 6—Your editor hosts a group for dinner on the car British Columbia. Milestones that early evening were hearing (and seeing) the safety valve pop for the first time and the glorious sound of the whistle at full steam—made us all tingle! • September 7—still some safety valve tests to be done, but the boiler inspector gives the ok to go ahead and put her all back together. Back into the shop she goes and work is underway on the final pieces of the project WCRA News, Page 13 A VERY NICE GESTURE
Many suppliers have been supporting the Royal Hudson project as we work away to our deadline, and watching the progress as we move along. But a real nice surprise for the crew came on September 6 when Fastenal Squamish’s manager came by with pizza and pop for the crew—check out progress, bring lunch—thanks Joe! (R.S.)
ROYAL HUDSON PRESERVATION FUND
This month we continue to have some significant support from donors towards the completion of the Royal Hudson, but while the donations come in the costs are also going up as the final push to get everything done necessitates additional work and materials. At this point we expect the final tally to look like around $600,000 to $650,000—so our fundraising must continue in earnest to make sure we are able to cover off all the bills.
Special thanks this month to Keith Anderson for his donation of shares valued at $10,600, a major help to the project at a critical time—thanks Keith.
We also acknowledge our boiler contractor All Pro Services who made an in-kind donation of materials and labour to the project valued at $47,500
And we really should again acknowledge Dorothea Matewish who must have the longest running garage sale ever—her work has her on our top ten list of donors—thanks Dorothea!
Also this month, thanks to Steve Hicks at McLaren Ltd. In Oregon State for the donation of an ElectroSwitch 25305A controller which will allow diesel locomotives to be remotely controlled from the Royal Hudson cab.
We acknowledge our monthly contributors Dave Walker, Richard Tubbessing, and Ernie & Lynn Ledgerwood, as well as donors Cory Pride (on behalf of Peter Reid) $50, Keith Anderson $10,600, McLaren Ltd. $500 and All Pro boiler $47,500. Add in the Western Economic Diversification Canada grant of $110,000 and the Province of BC $100,000 TFA grant, Westran’s $50,000 and our total now leaps forward to $517,427.
A hearty thank you to all of our donors to date—without you we wouldn’t be where we are. But, we still have lots to fund—our bills to date have now passed $550,000. We expect to need another $100,000 or so before completion is fully covered. Remember, you can make a donation on line through www.wcra.org .
So, we are still looking for at least $100,000 more to cover off all the needed bills for the project. If any of you have been contemplating helping out, now is the time to consider it as we get down to the final months in one of WCRA’s biggest and most exciting projects. WCRA News, Page 14 FUNDRAISING
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT – AUGUST 2006
This has been a busy month in terms of getting creative again re possible major projects for the future. While there are not firm results to report on most, this will give our members some ideas of the kinds of things we are active in right now and some potential opportunities that could develop in our future.
Funding Asks Made · Nita Lake Lodge re sponsor the Porteau coach · Petro Canada re Bert’s Garage
Major Funding Received · G Scale equipment for Garden Railway $3,000 · General donations $150 · Troop Sleeper donation $300 · New debenture $10,000 · Nita Lake Lodge coach sponsorship $15,000 · Royal Hudson donation All-Pro $47,500 · Royal Hudson donation – Keith Anderson $10,600 · Royal Hudson Elector-Switch donation $200
Month Total $ 86,750 Year to Date Total $ 679,822 (Year end objective $1,000,000) Other Significant Activities · Met with Nita Lake Lodge and presented proposal for working with them · Presentation to Bayview Properties encouraging preservation of the Victoria Roundhouse · Met with VANOC and Norman Stowe re Hudson and Olympics · Met with RMV to propose storing and maintaining the Whistler Mountaineer over the winter at the Squamish shops · Developed proposal for a possible BC 2008 Royal Hudson Celebration Tour
NITA LAKE LODGE
An agreement in principle has been reached for a cooperative partnership between the West Coast Railway Association and the new Nita Lake Lodge which is under construction in Whistler. The new lodge incorporates a new Whistler train station into its design and the developers want to theme the facility in a rail motif. We will provide “artsy” photos and historic photos of rail subjects for them as well as loan some small artifacts, in return they will promote the Heritage Park, handle some of our merchandise in their shop, and provide a $15,000 coach sponsorship for the former BCR Porteau with naming rights. WCRA News, Page 15 WEST COAST RAIL TOURS
2006 TOURS ALMOST DONE
With our group tours now done for 2006, your tours office is still available to book independent trips. We can now issue tickets for the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad as full-service agents for that line. Ask us about specialized itineraries using the WP&Y service combined with air, coach and other rail services. The very popular Whistler Mountaineer has a few seats left for September and October but we recommend booking early before the service ends October 16th. Members are reminded that we have brochures available for major tour operators and cruise lines. Give us a call on 604-524-1011 or toll free 1-800-722-1233. (B.J.)
MALAHAT CIRCLE TOUR (RVI) Daily except Saturday - throughout the year
Depart from Pacific Central Station at a time of your choosing aboard Pacific Coach Lines scheduled service to Victoria. We supply vouchers to take you to the Queen Victoria Hotel—a few steps from the bus depot. You are on your own for dinner. Breakfast is served at 7:00 AM in the hotel’s restaurant, then their van shuttles you to the station at 7:40 AM. Board the train for an 8:15 am departure to Qualicum Beach where it arrives at about noon. Enjoy this quaint town with its interesting beaches and restaurants. After lunch (on your own) we ask you to board the train at 2:30 pm and get off at Nanaimo at 3:45 pm. A waiting taxi takes you to Nanaimo’s bus depot for the 4:30 pm departure of Greyhound’s scheduled service to Vancouver. Dinner on the ferry. Arrive at Pacific Central Station at 7:15 pm.
$224; Children 2-11 $186; BC Seniors (Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays only) $186. (Otherwise $224) Single supplement $71
This tour also runs weekly (Thursdays) from June 1st until August 24th as an independent, non-escorted tour.
CPR Steam Through the Rockies
A steam lover’s delight, our Canadian Rockies Steam Express tours feature the Canadian Pacific Railway’s heritage steam engine, the 2816 “Empress” on 2 itineraries of your choice (Tour CPR-9) Westbound Tours: Arrive Calgary on dates shown. We arrange air or other means to get you there. Hotels each night and most meals. Day 1 - Tuesday; Calgary - Banff - Lake Louise WCRA News WCRA News, Page 16 Day 2 - Wednesday; Lake Louise – Revelstoke Day 3 - Thursday; Revelstoke – Kamloops Day 4 - Friday; Kamloops – Vancouver
Dates: Arrival in Calgary on day shown before departure by train the following morning, Mondays on the following dates: October 9th, 2006,, May 21st, 2007, June 4th, 2007, June 18th, 2007
Eastbound Tours:
Depart Vancouver on dates shown. Day 1 - Monday; Vancouver – Kamloops Day 2 – Tuesday; Kamloops – Revelstoke Day 3 - Wednesday; Revelstoke – Lake Louise Day 4 - Thursday; Lake Louise – Calgary
Dates: Departures from Vancouver as below. We fly you back from Calgary to Abbotsford, Vancouver or your choice, at your convenience. Mondays on the following dates: October 16th, 2006 **, May 28th, 2007, June 11th, 2007, June 25th 2007 ** ** Routing via Cranbrook, the Crow’s Nest Pass and Lethbridge - instead of Revelstoke and Lake Louise.FARES: Call 1-800-722-1233 (or locally, 604-524-1011), for pricing.
ROYAL HUDSON TRIP WAIT LIST
There still remains a possibility that we may yet operate a Royal Hudson inaugural steam trip before 2006 is out. While we have nothing firm to announce at this time, the scheduling of the grand steam up now makes this feasible. If we are able to put something together, you must have your name on our list. We will start at the top of this list and call in sequence those who have expressed interest in our the first trip until it is sold out. Call the tours office today.
Our West Coast Rail Tours travel agency continues to grow. With our IATA status, we can handle all your bookings for air travel as well as cruises, hotel accommodations and—our specialty - rail. We ask you to choose us as your travel agent. Commissions earned on all travel bookings go straight into the WCRA bank for our preservation projects. Contact Bill toll free at 1-800-722-1233, or locally at 604-524-1011 or by e-mail at [email protected] (B.J.)
West Coast Rail Tours - The “Rail” Way to go WCRA News, Page 17 ROUNDHOUSE & TURNTABLE
TURNTABLE CONSTRUCTION ON THE MOVE
The work on the construction of the turntable and CN Turntable Plaza is moving forward very quickly now, as Duro Construction takes advantage of the great summer weather we have had to keep things rolling. The area between the station platform and the CarShop has now been transformed several times, and as we go to press the concrete footings have been poured and the centre weight bearing base and pivot point are being done.
Work got under way in earnest to dig the turntable pit, and by August 22 that work was complete (photo below, Singh Biln / Grant Ferguson). That occasioned a meeting to review the work, and we see Duro Construction’s Ueli Leichti and WCRA’s Construction Manager Colin Smith in the big pit (inset). WCRA News, Page 18
All was now set for the next step, removal of the material from the site—but that had to be held up a day while we held our mini rail days and members picnic as the West Coast Mini Rail line had to be severed for a few days to permit the large trucks to get off the site to the dyke road which was their access. On August 22, a surprise occurred ten feet down when the machines hit something. It turned out to be a very large tree that likely fell years ago, perhaps during the flood of 1948, and was buried well below anything we have ever seen at the site. (photo left)
The tree was cut into roots and two trunk sections and the trunk sections put beside the Brightbill house where you can see their size!
WCRA News, Page 19
Next up was to fill the entire bottom of the pit. Several trucks, some with pup trailers commenced hauling in 8" minus crush the morning of August 23 and by 1100, about 35% of fill had been completed. The pups dump directly into the excavation but some of the trucks could not back up to the edge so a small bulldozer moved the loads into the bottom of the pit. The dozer also levels the fill at about 2m elevation from excavation bottom. By 1600, 90% of excavation had been filled and the final loads are arriving for the SE corner. (photo below)
Next up was the process to make the base geology solid for construction, and a process called Rapid Impact Compaction was used. Special machinery was brought in for this and it essentially pounds the base area until it will not compact or settle further. While this activity went on, the entire site—especially the station—was in a shaking mode! But it went very quickly, and by day two—after settling the base down 18 inches—further compaction had stopped. The entire base was then rolled with a ten ton roller, and the pit was then complete and ready for construction to commence by August 30.
As you might imagine, all this work had an impact on our guests and staff, but they coped and took it in stride, dealing with each days activities as a team and working very hard to maintain our guest experience and continually clean and dust! WCRA News, Page 20
Now that the pit was ready, construction got underway very quickly, and our construction zone instantly became a new attraction. Suddenly everyone could see a turntable pit taking place right before their eyes as the base footings were poured and construction of the centre base point was created with lots of re bar and then more concrete. (photo below Sep. 5, Singh)
This is a very exciting time for us as the work proceeds and our next phase of development takes place before or eyes. The site changes every day right now—hopefully this article and photo essay helps you all see the progress. Come and see for your self any day—its quite something to watch! (Contributions from G.F., S.B., R.S., C.S.)
WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK Home of the Royal Hudson
MINI RAIL DAYS AND MEMBERS’ PICNIC HELD AUGUST 20
The West Coast Railway Association’s annual Mini Rail Day and Members’ Picnic was held WCRA News, Page 21
Sunday, August 20 at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. It was a very busy day at the Park, with almost 500 mini rail rides taken during the day on the variety of home and visiting locomotives that attended. Engines participating on the day were Tom Pruden with #374— he spent the day with two carloads of teddy bears looking for their picnic to the delight of guests— Norm Shepherd with his lovely stationary donkey engine model (left) Bruce Wilson with his Alexander, Dennis Uland with his beautiful steam Shay, and our own GP9 SRY 124 and Dash8-40CM BC Rail #4601. It was a fun day for all and the track performed very well with all the activity.
More than 100 were present for the picnic that followed, and a great spread was assembled by the organizing team led by Donna Fourchalk. The 45th anniversary of the West Coast Railway Association was celebrated with a special cake, and WCRA founding member Keith Anderson was on hand to cut the cake. (photos page 22, Don Evans) Thanks to everyone who turned out for the annual members picnic and especially to Mary Roy & Donna Simon for the salads, etc.; Dave Thethi and Henry Reimer for BBQing the chicken, Muff, Megan, and Doug Hackett for the wonderful job they did face painting, Darcy Nelson for running our 4601 mini rail days and our staff Wendy and Olga Junkin and Barb Stover for all the work they do behind the scenes - it is appreciated . (D.F.)
Unfortunately, just the night before the mini rail days/picnic some one broke into the Troop Sleeper H (Bud) Butterworth that had just been completed a few weeks earlier and was on WCRA News, Page 22 display in it's new home. The DVD player was taken and the door damaged a bit so what did Paul Roy do? He raised $100.00 from donations from the folks from the mini rail event. What wonderful people we have in our midst. (D.F.)
WCRA News, Page 23 MINI RAIL SHORT LOOP CONSTRUCTED
During the construction activities of the turntable, there was a challenge. The West Coast Mini Rail had to be severed along the west fence of the property to allow the huge trucks to access the site form the dyke side. Yet, the mini rail is one of or biggest attractions— especially at the height of the busy summer season.
Well, not a problem as Tomo’o Oshikawa got to work and, in short order, we had a new loop track at Rhodes Junction allowing the trains to short turn there, cutting off the Cheakamus Sub. but keeping the mini rail operable. During the periods that the line was shortened, guests boarded at Wilkie Station. Thanks, Tomo’o! (S.E.)
LIGHTS DONATED
Our thanks to Continental Power’s John Babuin for noticing some light fixtures being removed and destined for scrap that were in excellent shape and could potentially be used in our projects. Accordingly we were pleased to receive a donation of more than 50 Holophane light fixtures in excellent condition that we can use in or shops. (S.E., S.B.) WCRA News, Page 24 FEATURE ARTICLES
30 YEARS AGO….
Craig McDowall sends us these highlights from WCRA’s October 1976 News….
National Rail Passenger Conference A conference on railway passenger service, presented by the Saskatchewan Rail Committee and the University of Regina, is being held in Regina October 29-31. Speakers will include the Hon. Otto Lang, Minister of Transportation, senior marketing officials from CP, CN and Amtrak. CN and CP will present a joint display of refurbished VIA equipment with other displays from rail manufacturers.
Amtrak A special round-trip coach fare of $109 from Vancouver to LA is now in effect until December 18th.
Skyline Travel expects to have 250 passengers a day on their November 11 & 12 Christmas shopping packages to Seattle. Based on double occupancy, a round trip rail fare and two nights accommodation will cost $33 (MCM note: talk about the good old days!!)
BC Hydro The three remaining GE 70 tonners, 940/941/942 will still have a future at the railway although 942 was out of service when spotted at the Carrall Street yard. It was replaced by SW 900RS 900. #943, which was sold to Toronto equipment dealer Andrew Merrilees, remains in storage at the railway’s Trapp Street yard.
BC Museum Train The train ended it’s 1976 tour on the BC Hydro line at Chilliwack in early September. It is being stored at CP Rail’s False Creek yard. Some of the cars have been barged to Vancouver Island and are being stored in Victoria to facilitate the addition of new display material by the provincial museum.
BCR RDC-3 BC 31, purchased from Amtrak (originally GN 2350), and refurbished by BCR, was built with the stylish end fluting and is one of the few Budds built with this feature applied The unit has been back in service but has had a few electrical problems.
Five of the six leased CP Rail RS-16’s (8745-8750) have been returned. Unit 8747 was badly damaged in a wreck north of Prince George on September 18th. It is currently in Squamish and will probably be written off.
WCRA News, Page 25 Canadian Forest Products 2-8-2 #113 was officially retired in early July after a farewell day of operation out of Woss Camp on northern Vancouver Island. The long boilered loco had been kept as standby power to CFP’s diesel units. In this capacity, it only saw service once, in the fall of 1971, when one diesel derailed and another become inoperable. However, railway employees headed by 30 year veteran George Lutz, persuaded the company to keep the engine maintained until major boiler work became necessary this year. On October 12th, a track crew laid rail across the road at Woss Camp for 113’s new display site. This ended the very last of steam logging locomotives in operation in Canada.
CP Rail CP has appealed to the federal cabinet asking it to rescind the Canadian Transport Commission’s order to rebuild the condemned trestles on the abandoned section of the E & N between Parksville and Courtenay. CP states the $2 million cost will not be recovered from freight revenues although the CTC concluded that 90% of the traffic would return.
CN Rail CN has placed an order for $40 million of concrete rail ties to be delivered over a five year period. The ties will be manufactured in Edmonton and used on sharp curves on it’s main line in Ontario and BC.
The first western CN unit to appear in the VIA passenger paint scheme is F9B 6613.
Association News We wish to thank Railwest Manufacturing, BCR’s railcar building subsidiary, for the tour of the facility on October 2nd.
FROM THE DAVID WILKIE COLLECTION
As many of you are aware, David Wilkie was one of the foremost rail photographers in Western Canada for many years until his passing a few years ago. David was known for his efforts to take dramatic steps (and climbs) to get in position for the perfect shot—and for the high quality images that he did achieve.
We are pleased to be the custodians of this precious collection and work is underway to make it more accessible. Bob Hunter and Bill Marchant are volunteering and are working their way through the massive collection of colour slides. The British Columbia Railway Historical Association in Victoria has provided us a good quality slide scanner to make this easier, and to aid us as we catalogue each slide by also being able to make a digital image of each one. Our goal is to make the collection accessible electronically, although it is a massive task yet as there are well over 6,000 slides to handle. We thought we would add a new historical feature to WCRA News by showcasing one picture each issue. WCRA News, Page 26
The Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway was the first operation of the Canadian Pacific to dieselize completely in the late 1940’s (by 1948 I believe). It did so with a fleet of Baldwin road switchers numbered in the 8000 series. In this photo, taken March 30, 1968, we see four of the class heading extra 8008 south at Milepost 82 on the Vancouver Island line.
The first of these historic units still exists, #8000 remains in the Canadian Pacific Railway historical collection and, hopefully, will be able to be preserved for the long term.
RAILWAY NEWS
MOTIVE POWER NOTES / SIGHTINGS
A grade crossing accident occurred in Langley near 89 Ave. on August 24th when eastbound train R900 struck a tractor trailer truck at 40 MPH. There were no serious injuries, motive power was CN 7045 / 7051. WCRA News, Page 27
CN 7311 suffered a stack fire at North Vancouver's Lynn Yard on August 13th—the same day that SRY 902 had one just a short distance away! (see SRY news section) Wonder what was in the air that day?
Observed at Thornton since our last report: • 25 July—CSX 136, Montana Rail Link 352, NREX (ex CPR) 5481, FURX (ex BN) 7257, VIA “Spiderman” unit 6434 with 6401 westbound, NREX 8692 and 8690 (ex Conrail), and VIA RDC-1 #6133 set out on the bad order track • 26 July—CSX 9046 • 27 July—NREX 9300 (ex Southern Pacific) • 28 July— CN 398000 - the prototype articulated Manitoba grain car • 30 July—CSX 7534, Vancouver Wharves 821 • 2 August—CN Scale test cars 52109 and 52280, CN 6010—Edmonton based SD40) • 4 August—BN 6364 with white cab, NREX 5070 (ex Union Pacific) • 7 August—BNSF 4472—a Dash 9-44CW in yellow and black, Norfolk Southern SD70m 2642, BNSF SD9 6143 and Grand Trunk Western 5940 in grey paint • 17 August—NREX 5080 (ex Union Pacific) • 22 August—Montana Rail Link 370, BNSF B40-8 8610, NREX 7526 (ex SP), Illinois Central 6252 “Operation Lifesaver” and HLCX 9039 • 24 August—Quebec North Shore & Labrador 262 • 25 August—Norfolk Southern 9964
CN Thornton has become a colourful assembly spot for locomotives from all over with the various pooling arrangements and run throughs. (R.C.)
NEW APPOINTMENT
CN has appointed Mike Cory to the position of Assistant Vice President Network operations. Mike takes responsibility for CN’s Passenger Services, Network & GST’s, and System motive Power. (J.M.)
MORE MOTIVE POWER NOTES
CN has ordered another 50 SD70M-2 locomotives from EMD London for delivery in the second half of 2007. These will add on to the first 25 of these units delivered last early this year, numbered 8000 to 8024.
CN has now disposed of a total of 32 former BC Rail units since it took over operations of the line. The latest to go are BCOL 609—the prototype CRS-20, and BCOL 611 as well as slugs S 401, S 403 and S 408. The last three former Santa Fe B36-7 units are also retired, 3611, 3612 and 3609—all of these units are now history. (SDHSE) WCRA News, Page 28
MOTIVE POWER NOTES
CPR has ordered another 80 General Electric ES44AC locomotives, to be delivered in the second half of this year. They will be numbered 8760—8839, following on from the first units of the series. Crews like them as they have isolated the engine from the alternator, and the placing of it on shock mounts cuts noise and vibration.
Coquitlam has been assigned five newly imported units (from elsewhere in the system) - SW1200RSu’s 1244 and 1251 are now here as are three SD40-2’s—5708, 5766 and 5833 which were transferred from Moose Jaw. (SDHSE)
CPR has returned 36 leased units to CIT Financial which has re-leased them to US railways—gone from CPR are SD90-43 MAC units CEFX 120—130, and blue AC4400CW units 1001—1025. (TJ)
FORMER CPR 800 COACHES FOR SALE
It looks like to planned operations with steam locomotive #2100 (ex Reading RR) have fallen through in Tacoma. The fleet of six former CPR commuter coaches is up for sale through Ozark Mountain Railcar.
Southern Railway of British Columbia SW900 #902 suffered a stack fire while on lease to JRI Grain Terminal in North Vancouver on August 13, 2006. It has been replaced in that service by sister SW900 #906. (R.C.)
SRY’s shop contract work continues with two units currently being worked on, Rocky Mountaineer #8014 and Vancouver Wharves #821.
The first of SRY’s GMD-1 units to enter service was SRY 1202 which operated as the middle locomotive on the valley Turn on May 30. Sister 1204 entered service in late July but had some initial problems. (SDHSE)
WCRA News, Page 29
ON BOARD THE WHISTLER MOUNTAINEER
There’s still time to take a ride on the Whistler Mountaineer during its inaugural season, but you will need to act fast as the last scheduled trip is October 16. After watching the train several times at several locations since it started in May, it was time your editor got aboard. So that’s just what Deb and myself did on Saturday, September 2.
It was another glorious summer morning as we parked (yes there is street parking available as well as the organized parking for guests on Phillip Ave.) and walked to the platform just west of where the former BC Rail station platform is. Staff was ready at 0730 to check us in and issue boarding passes—seat and car assignments are pre-done and on your boarding pass. We were in Glacier Dome 1, seats 35 and 36.
At about the same time, the train appeared from the west, backing into position for boarding. Train staff is aboard and have been getting things prepared for the day. Boarding will be at 0800 we are advised. The small shelter on the platform has some seats and is set with complimentary coffee and bottled water available to all guests. Just before 0800 the melodious “All Aboard” that typifies RMV’s approach to service and fun is heard, and we head for the flags and red carpet at the entry to coach 1.
Boarding passes are checked, we board and find our seats in the Glacier Dome. Great seats with full window and on the west side of the train—these cars, rebuilt from standard CN 1954 coach stock are lovely. Spacious and bright with the much taller windows than they originally had, and the small curving window in the roof gives them the ‘dome” feel.
Meanwhile, the buses from the downtown hotels are arriving, and here too all has been thought out. Rather than overload the check in point and platform, the buses pull in one at a time and unload, then out and the next in etc. There are four buses this morning—we have a very full train. Our Glacier Dome coach rates three attendants, Michael, Dana and Chad. All on board staff are under the supervision of the train manager, today it is Chris Woods whom we have come to know from the past two years when he managed the North Coast Explorer train up in Prince Rupert.
Our consist today was what has become the standard for the summer season, Whistler Mountaineer GP40-2 8019 on the point and West Coast Railway’s FP7A #4069 provide the motive power, then there is a generator car, crew coach, two Glacier Domes, open observation car Henry Pickering, and three Coast Classic coaches. WCRA News, Page 30
We depart just ahead of 0830 and are off along the familiar tracks of the former BC Rail route, scenery starts as soon as we leave the North Vancouver yard. The Glacier Dome immediately proves its worth on this route—you can see easily to both sides of the train and up as well as out—Deb comments on how great the views are.
The on board staff with Michael at the microphone get to work with introductions, the safety announcements, and the service outline. Breakfast will be served first and the open car will not be available until that service is complete. Champagne and orange juice starts us off as we cruise through West Vancouver, followed by a breakfast service of fresh fruit plate and then a hot omelet as we wind along the shores of Howe Sound. Chris Woods comes through the train and introduces himself to everyone—great job as train manager with comments heard from several guests on board. Michael keeps us apprised of things to watch for, but some of his extra stories are quite far off from real facts.
At first it seems as if not being able to access the open car is not good—but in the end it all works out. The way the service works you miss Howe Sound northbound, but get outside for the Cheakamus canyon and all the way to Whistler. The return trip keeps you inside through Squamish (after the canyon) but you can get outside for lower Howe Sound and through West Vancouver. This routine works given the service going on and allows staff to serve everyone efficiently as the trip goes.
We roll by the West Coast Railway Heritage Park without a mention—this is where the on board autonomy of the staff provides a varied level of service, as on the return trip the Heritage Park and all are covered very well by another staff member. Other aspects of service are top notch. We head for the open car for the awesome climb through the Cheakamus Canyon—the car is full and cameras are clicking, “oohs and ahs” are heard. The train takes its time through this part of maximize the viewing drama.
We are nearing Whistler on time and are WCRA News, Page 31 sent back to our seats for the arrival, the staff again doing all the right things—thanking us for riding, outlining the bus transfer arrangements for Whistler, and handing out signed thank you cards to all guests. We arrive at the station, and guests get off with compliments galore. I am given the ok to ride to the wye and back by Chris and won’t miss this opportunity (while Deb goes to do some damage to the Whistler Village stores!)
After all have disembarked, the train heads through the Whistler area skirting Nita Lake, Alta Lake and Green Lake to the wye at Wedge. I knew that this is where the train was turned, but hadn’t been aware of the process. First, the train backs into the north leg of the wye, then the rear five cars are cut off. Now the locomotives and front three cars proceed back to the south end of the wye and enter the south leg, coupling to the rear five cars at the locomotive's nose. Then we pull backwards out of the wye and push the five cars into the
siding track. Now it’s time to run the locomotives and front three cars through the wye, turning their direction, then backing up to the rear five cars sitting on the siding and reconnecting the train. This routine is what limits the length of the train today. The tail of the wye holds just five coaches by inches—one more car on the train than the current ten units, and a third set of runs through the wye would be required. Frank, the train’s mechanical person, now checks all the equipment and makes some adjustments as needed.
Now we have the other excitement, the meets with both southbound and northbound CN freights that occurs regularly at either Wedge or Mons. The southbound passes by us at Wedge, a freight led by three former BC Rail GE’s working up the grade. After passing we are cleared to Mons and follow the freight to that location where we pull in behind him while the northbound freight comes through on the passing track. Another consist led by BC Rail GE’s trundles past, then the freight ahead of us is cleared south to Squamish while we await clearance to follow. That given, we proceed back along Alta and Nita Lakes to the station, arriving there about 1400 hours to board for our return trip to North Vancouver. WCRA News, Page 32
I return to our new seats, this time in Glacier Dome 2, and reconnect with Deb who has had a good time in Whistler. The crowd is thinner for the return trip—many coming north this morning were connecting to the Rocky Mountaineer Fraser Discovery train tomorrow and some have opted for the motorcoach back (which gives them a longer stay in Whistler). At about half full, our Glacier Dome staff is just two this time—Morgaine and Marcella. We depart on time and the open car is available immediately after boarding announcements. We opt to enjoy the scenery for now from the Glacier Dome as it is very warm out and the view here is outstanding—the complimentary bar is also open. “Tea” will be served after we have passed through the Cheakamus Canyon, we are advised.
Again the sights are spectacular along the way, we relax and enjoy them in every regard. After our inching across the bridges in the canyon, the open car is closed and the afternoon service is provided. Afternoon Tea consists of fresh finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and dessert sweets with a selection of teas. This service doesn’t do much for me as I am not particularly a sweets person nor do I enjoy tea. Other beverages are, however, always available so I opt for a glass of BC wine. As we pass the Heritage Park Morgane gives a good description of WCRA and notes that this is where the Royal Hudson is, and that the train’s open car and our heritage locomotive are both from here. Thanks Morgane!
We move to the open car for some of the rote along Howe Sound—the car continues to be full and enjoyed by all out there on this beautiful day. We roll through the back yards of the West Vancouver homes and along the seawall—then the open car is closed for the final words from the staff and arrival on time in North Vancouver.
Would I recommend a Whistler Mountaineer experience—of course. The train is very nicely done (both Glacier Dome and Coast Classic cars are very nice), the scenery is as good as it gets, the staff are well trained and very guest focused, and how could you not enjoy climbing the canyon with an F unit up front and an open observation car?
OTTAWA STATION MARKS 40TH ANNIVERSARY
VIA Rail Canada celebrated the 40th anniversary of Ottawa’s railway station on July 31, 2006. The first train to leave Ottawa’s “new” station was a westbound CN train to Toronto that departed at 0840 on July 31, 1966. Today, Ottawa is VIA’s third busiest station (behind Toronto and Montreal) serving over 700,000 passengers annually. To mark the occasion, cake and coffee were served all morning. (TOL)
WCRA News, Page 33 CANADIAN BACKS TO NEW WESTMINSTER
VIA’s Canadian of June 6 had a long reverse move—all the way to New Westminster. This was occasioned by a minor BNSF derailment that blocked the normal route out of Pacific Central Station. The Canadian thus pulled around the wye into CN’s Terminal Ave. yard, then backed out the mainline to New Westminster to the CPR Junction where it backed in, then headed back onto CN with it’s locomotives leading. Amtrak’s Cascades of the same date also had to go to CN Terminal, but was then able to head for Seattle as it has a cab control car on the other end. (SDHSE)
OTHER NEWS
WHITE ROCK STATION LAUNCHES TRAIN FUNDRAISER
The White Rock Museum and Archives, which is located in the former Great Northern station, has launched a fundraiser aimed at restoring the station to its former glory. The Train Campaign, as it is called, is expected to raise $450,000 towards a $1 million project to restore the station in a three year project 2008—2010. To support the project, people can purchase a train shaped brass plaque for $600 which can then be engraved in memory of someone (or yourself). The plaques will be installed on the promenade outside the station. For more information call the Museum at 604-541-2222.
NORTHWEST RAILWAY MUSEUM COMPLETES NEW BUILDING
Congratulations to the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie, WA on the completion of their new Conservation and Restoration Center (CRC) building. August 6, 2006 was exactly one year after the ground breaking and was the date for dedication of the new structure. August 6 was proclaimed Railway History Center Day by the town, and a number of special events and ceremonies noted the occasion. (SDR)
KINVIG AND GRIEVE LEAVE BC STEAM BEHIND
Two of British Columbia’s steam train operations are losing their key staff people this fall.
The Kamloops Heritage Railway's Operations Manager Howard Grieve has announced that he will leave the railway to pursue other interests at the end of the 2006 season. Howard has been one of the driving forces behind the evolution of the 2141 Society into a full fledged operation and will be missed.
Shortly after that word, the Kettle Valley Steam Railway announced that their General Manager Debbie Kinvig will leave that organization at the end of their 2006 season. Debbie WCRA News, Page 34 has been one of the leaders in that organization over the years, but has decided to take retirement the organization’s press release notes.
WCRA has enjoyed working with both Howard and Debbie over the years and we wish them both well in their chosen next steps.
WHITE PASS & YUKON
The White Pass & Yukon has set new daily ridership records twice this season. On June 14, 2006 the railway handled 6,410 passengers from Skagway, but then surpassed that number on July 19th when 6,689 passengers were handled on 12 trains! Now North America’s busiest tourist railroad, the line carried more than 430,000 passengers in 2005. (J.D.)
Tragedy struck the White Pass & Yukon on September 3, when a work train derailed near Bennett, BC killing a member of the track maintenance crew and injuring three others. The crew was working on the project to rebuild the track to Carcross, BC for the future extension of service on the railway to that town. The accident occurred at mile 36.5 of the line along a section of track above Beaver Lake, at about 1300 hours. The train, consisting of engine 114 and eight gravel cars, was en route to dump ballast. The train derailed and #114 rolled onto its side. The accident was discovered by the crew of a track motorcar following about two miles behind the train.
TRANSLINK
The Oakridge Transit Centre is now history as an operating bus base, as the fleet of trolley and diesel buses moved to the new Vancouver Transit Centre under the Arthur Laing bridge in Marpole. Oakridge will remain for a short while and will serve as the commissioning location for the new fleet of 224 low floor trolley buses. However, the “41st and Oak” sign will no longer mean home for the Vancouver fleet. A parade of buses on September 2, led by one of the original 1948 Brill Trolleys, made the move in a procession from Oakridge to the new Marpole location. (D.K.)
West Coast Express had a rare event when a westbound train was led by the locomotive instead of the usual cab car. It happened on June 13 / 14 when the ditch lights on cab car 104 failed, resulting in the turning of the train at Mission and locomotive 904 leading. The lights were repaired in Vancouver, but the train operated this way for two days until being turned again with the cab car facing Vancouver. (SDHSE)
WCE had two train failures in one day on August 2—the first time this has ever happened in the ten year history of the operation. The morning's first train failed just out of Mission, resulting in train 2 picking them up. Then a later train also had a failure, but was revived and continued late. VIA F40PH-2 6434 replaced a WCE locomotive for several days on train 1.
Then & Now—re-released for the Royal Hudson’s return to steam, at our gift shop.
INSULATORS WANTED BY COLLECTOR
Insulators wanted, telegraph, tele- phone, or power varieties.
FAIR prices paid, willing to trade or simply talk about history surrounding insulators.
Contact Dave (604) 708-9332 or e mail [email protected]
CREDIT LINES ISSN 1204-072X Vol. 45 Issue 10
Editor Don Evans Distribution Jeremy Davy & Donna Simon
Contributors:
S.B. Singh Biln R.C. Ryan Cruickshank J.D. Jeremy Davy S.E. Sherry Elchuk D.F. Donna Fourchalk G.F. Grant Ferguson B.J. Bill Johnston D.K. Dave Killeen J.M. Jim McPherson C.S. Colin Smith R.S. Randy Shimell B.T. Bernie Tully
SDR The sounder SDHSE The Sandhouse TJ Tempo Jr. TOL Trains On Line
Send contributions to the WCRA PO Box, direct to the editor at #28 - 2133 St. Georges Ave., North Vancouver, B.C. V7L 3K5, on the Internet to
Contact us: Tours 604-524-1011 / 800-722-1233 Heritage Park 604-898-9336 Office 604-681-4403
TRIVIA ANSWER
The St. Andrews & Quebec Railroad Company was incorporated in March, 1836 by the legis- lature of New Brunswick to build from St. Andrews into Lower Canada. However, operation over the route didn’t start until 1851.