WCRA NEWS

MAY 2007

CP AWARDS HISTORIC

BALDWIN LOCMOTIVE

#8000 TO WCRA

WCRA News, Page 2

GENERAL MEETING NOTICE

The April General Meeting of the WCRA will be held Tuesday, April 24 at Rainbow Creek Station in Confederation Park in Burnaby at 1930 hours.

Entertainment will be a DVD of Canadian steam in 1958, origiannly filmed in 16 mm with sound by Donald Kroftas.

ON THE COVER

Historic CPR Baldwin locomotive #8000 has been awarded to the collection of the WCRA by Canadian Pacific. On our cover this month we see the historic locomotive, first of an order of 13 units that dieselized the CPR’s E & N lines on Island in 1948.….More on this story appears starting on page 23 of this issue.

MAY CALENDAR

• West Coast Railway Heritage Park Open daily 1000 through 1700k • Saturday, April 28—deadline for items for the June 2007 WCRA News • Friday, May 4—WCRT Spirit of Washington tour departs • Sunday, May 13—Mother’s Day specials at the Heritage Park • Tuesday, May 15—Tours Committee Meeting • Thursday, May 17—Pacific Rails Conference opens in Victoria, BC and runs through May 21 (see page 6 for registration) • Tuesday, May 29, 2007—WCRA General Meeting, Rainbow Creek Station in Confederation Park, Burnaby, 1930 hours.

The West Coast Railway Association is an historical group dedicated to the preservation of railway history. Membership is open to all people with an interest in railways past and present. We are a non-profit British Columbia society, registered as a Canadian charity. Individual membership in the WCRA is $50.00 per year, family membership is $60.00. 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

APRIL 15—A HUGE DAY FOR US, WITH THANKS TO MANY

As we go to press with this issue, WCRA is poised for the operation of the first trip with Royal Hudson #2860, a special trip for the 50th birthday of the City of White Rock on Sunday, April 15. There is no doubt that this has been no small feat on the part of many parties to bring the trip to fruition, and with many challenges along the way.

There is further coverage of the story of preparations starting on page 9 of this issue, and as we write this the trip is still a week in the future. But, the pieces are together and the final details being set—and unless something goes unexpectedly wrong, #2860 will chug south from Squamish on Saturday, April 14th en route a sold out crowd for her April 15th excursion. We look forward to a busy, but grand, day.

Putting something like this together in 2007 is a mammoth undertaking, and a list of thanks are in order. Thanks to the railways who are assisting—to BNSF who is a sponsor of this event, to CN who will ferry the train from Squamish to Vancouver and back to Squamish, to Vacations for use of their station as well as several coaches, and to the Heritage Railway who bailed us out with two of their coaches when ours ended up stranded in Ontario.

Thanks also to Transport Canada for the granting of the needed exemptions for BNSF and CN to operate the locomotive on their lines. Unfortunately, it appears that the US Federal Railway Administration aren’t so cooperative, and have refused an exemption (for a single waterglass—the US regulation is for dual) that would have allowed the loco to run a short distance into the US to turn on the wye at Intalco (as requested by BNSF) .

Thanks also go to our shop crew, staff, and tours committee for preparations, inspections, planning and work beyond imagination to get everything prepared. We are proud of you all.

This first outing is clearly the biggest one, and we have all learned a lot that will make any future trips easier to prepare for as we put these things to work in our practices.

Lastly, a huge thank you to the City of White Rock for inviting #2860 to be a part of their gala 50th birthday celebration event. Participating in special events is the new role for the Royal Hudson in her re-incarnation, the start of her third career. She remains an icon of British Columbia tourism, and her special appearances over future years will touch many British Columbians and remind us of our railway heritage—in a very living way.

Don WCRA News, Page 4 ASSOCIATION NEWS

FROM THE MARCH GENERAL MEETING

The meeting was called to order by Colin Dathan with 40 members and guests present: • Don Evans presented the Executive Director’s report and gave an update on the preparations for the April 15th trip to White Rock • Jim Brown gave the financial report to the end of February and accepted a donation from Dorothea Matewish towards the Royal Hudson project • Jim Brown reported on the 374 Pavilion and sought more volunteers to open and staff the facility. He noted that plans would be to establish a gift shop there for the summer months. • Jim reported that visits to the Heritage Park were down so far for March due the very poor weather, especially during Spring Break week. February was strong due Wild at Art. • Jeremy Davy gave a mini rail report. Major work is required on the tracks at the Heritage Park due both difficult winter weather and the construction at the roundhouse site. Some major work parties are to be organized to get things back into operation for Day Out With Thomas. A shortened ride is currently in operation. • Jeremy reported that Western Rails was a success this year again, but that attendance was down. Final details are being tallied, thanks to all who helped. • Bernie Tully reported good work at Western Rails for WCRA, with lots of promotion for Day Out With Thomas, thanks to Ryan Cruickshank, Lisa Flatla, Bill Marchant, Barbara Brown, Karl Anderson and Bernie for the help. • Bill Johnston updated the members re the April 15th tour plans, noting that it is fully sold out in both directions. He noted that the spirit of Washington trip is also sold out, and that WCR Tours has now become an official agent for Amtrak. • Board Chair Colin Smith provided an update to the members on the progress of construction of the Roundhouse • Don Evans provided a collections report, noting the PGE RSC-3 #561 had suffered an engine problem (cylinder liner) which is being repaired in the shop. He also noted that work to inspect and certify all our operating rolling stock for the 2007 season by our shop crews. • Don advised the membership the Canadian Pacific has awarded their historic Baldwin locomotive #8000 to the WCRA for preservation. The membership gave a round of applause to Ron Anstey who had prepared the case proposal to CP for this locomotive to come to WCRA. • Bill Marchant provided his Trackside Report • Visitors and guests were welcomed • Eric Anderson provided a donation of Canadian Tire money • The calendar of events was reviewed • Don Evans provided a slide show of several recent trips—to ARM 2007 in Sacramento in November, to London and the Isle of Wight in December, to Ireland in February and to the Kamloops Heritage Railway’s Armstrong Explorer last June WCRA News, Page 5 WCRA TRIVIA # 220 - by Ryan D. Cruickshank

The CP Mainline from Port Moody along to Vancouver was extended 12.2 miles and opened to traffic. What was the day of arrival and the number of the first locomotive to arrive at the new terminus? (for answer, see Credit Lines) NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to new members Tom Bennink & family (of location yet unknown), Stephanie Dunn & family of Richmond, Oscar Liu and family of Port Coquitlam, Bob Loveless of Vancouver, Roy Liden & family of Port Coquitlam and Dwayne Potter of Squamish. (J.D.)

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

Memberships dated 3/31/2007 have now expired, and if your membership expired 01/31/2007 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

We would appreciate your renewing your membership without waiting for the final notice. This not only improves the Association’s cash flow during the tight winter months but also helps spread the membership processing work load.

Renewals are being accepted for memberships with the E–Newsletter Option. The current fees can be found in the box at the bottom of page 2 of every Newsletter. Thank you. (J.D.)

PACIFIC RAILS 2007

Pacific Rails 2007, the annual convention of the Canadian Railway Historical Association (CRHA) and the Canadian Association of Railway Modellers (CARM) is coming to Victoria, BC May 17 to May 21, 2007. The program will feature three days of clinics, railway history, railway preservation and modeling. The group will visit the Duncan Forestry Museum, ride the Alberni Pacific, and visit the historic E & N Roundhouse.

The main convention location will be at the University of Victoria and accommodations are available there as well. For more information visit the convention website www.caorm.org or call Ed Warren at 250-752-4857. West Coast Railway Association will have a booth there, which is being organized by Bernie Tully. WCRA Executive Director Don Evans will be a speaker on Sunday, May 20 at 1430 hours.

This is a great opportunity to meet with other railway heritage groups and railway modelers, as well as an opportunity to visit several of the excellent steam and railway heritage sites on . Make plans to attend now - registration form is on page 6.

WCRA News, Page 6 WCRA News, Page 7 A SPECIAL MOM TURNS 100

A special note of congratulations this month to a special mom—Win Oliver, mother of WCRA Founding Member Gary Oliver, turns 100 years old on May 4th. Win is living in Maple Ridge, BC and Gary continues as a WCRA member to this day. Some of our members may remember a series of articles written for WCRA News a few years back on the early years from her perspective as a mother of one of our first members. All the best to Win from all of us at West Coast Railway Association.

COLLECTION

BRAKE TEST DEVICE BUILT

With the pending Royal Hudson trip coming up soon, WCRA was in need of a device for testing the braking systems of our coaches. We have had to borrow from others in order to test our cars in the past, and while others are great in helping us out, at times there are tight time windows on availability.

So, with a little research we came up with our own design and built the park's own test gauge. We now can test our cars at anytime, and know if the systems are functioning properly or not. We can then borrow a certified gauge and use it for a short time to verify our work and certify the tests.

So, here is a photo of the WCRA SINGLE CAR TEST DEVICE, designed and manufactured by RLS Services, (copy right and patents pending!) The hardest part of the unit was making the chokes, one of the holes I had to make was 0.58mm in size. But after a couple of attempts we finally made the choke and all is good. The only sad part of it all is, that with all the research/ development and piping, valves, we only have to test the cars once a year! (R.S.) WCRA News, Page 8 WHEELS OFF FOR TURNING

In preparing our generator car and coaches for the April 15 trip to White Rock, inspections revealed two wheelsets that needed turning / reprofiling. Thanks to our “new” shop facility and creative shop crews, we were able to accomplish this expediently and at a very reasonable cost. The new shop gives us a surface on which we can professionally jack and inspect coaches, as well as remove wheelsets.

That’s the good news—the next step was the need to rebuild our car jacks from the “vintage state into well oiled operating condition. This was accomplished by our shop crew, and we were ready for the lifts.

Once the two axles that needed wheel work were removed, the next step was transportation to VIA’s Vancouver Maintenance Centre where the wheel work would be done. The ever creative shop crew made Craig McDowall’s trailer work for this job, the wheels were loaded and off to Vancouver went Randy Shimell’s truck with the load.

VIA then did the wheel work, and the wheels were picked up, retuned to Squamish and put back under the cars. Thanks to all for their help with this, a real team effort. (R.S.)

MAGAZINE DONATION

Thanks to member Hal Kalman for the donation of a collection of Railroad and Locomotive Preservation magazines for the library collection. WCRA News, Page 9

ROYAL HUDSON PRESERVATION & FUND

ROYAL HUDSON TO WHITE ROCK—APRIL 15, 2007

April 15, 2007 will go down in history as a banner day for the WCRA, as we operate our first trip with Royal Hudson #2860 since the boiler rebuild was completed. A sold out trip will host over 800 guests, as the train makes its was from Rocky Mountaineer Vacations’ Vancouver station to White Rock and return. The trip caps a couple of years of hard work, the investment of almost $700,000 from our fundraising, and lots of volunteer, staff and contractor work to put things all together.

Since the steam up of the locomotive last September 28th, crews have been working away to complete the installation of the new electronic appliances required for the locomotive in main line service—digital speedometer, digital event recorder, diesel locomotive MU controller, radio upgrades for both CN and BNSF frequencies etc. This was all ready by late March, and on March 28 #2860 was moved across the street by FP7A #4069 for final prep work and trials. Steam up was started on March 29 and 30, with trials on our tracks March 31—April 2, and then longer yard trials using Squamish yard track 7 held successfully on April 6th. As we go to press, all looks good with the move of the locomotive ands consist set for Squamish to Vancouver on Saturday, April 14th for the special event trip to White Rock Sunday, April 15th.

It would take a book to chronicle all the experiences putting this trip together, but there have been exceptional amounts of work both logistically as well as technically to get #2860 out on the road to start her new career as a special event engine. Hopefully, we will be able to provide more details and recognition next issue after the trip has operated. For now, a few peaks behind the scenes as we worked to get this together…..

Royal Hudson #2860, successfully steamed last fall after the complete rebuild of her boiler, saw continuing work over the winter to install the new electronic appliances needed for mainline service in 2007 on a new federally regulated railway. Now ready to go, the 1940 built classic locomotive sports a digital speedometer, diesel locomotive MU controller, digital event recorder, and IDU reader for rear end brake detector monitoring. Radios had to be upgraded and tested for both CN and BNSF frequencies.

A bigger job was achieving Transport Canada certification and a needed exemption on the centre driving axle lateral tolerance. Here a tremendous amount of research had to be completed and presented to show that the lateral tolerance of 3/4” on the centre driving axle was desirable, and also show that the locomotive had operated for years with this tolerance. Allowing the centre driving axle to shift side to side a bit more eases the locomotive through the curves, and is not a safety issue on the kinds of limited service she will see in 2007. WCRA News, Page 10

Still, this exceeded to book tolerance allowed under the Transport Canada guidelines and presented a challenge as well as a concern. Not only did the research have to be done, but then the railways that would operate the engine would have to apply for the exemption. In the end, after much work on the part of many parties, both BNSF and CN agreed with the assessment and made applications for the exemption to Transport Canada. The exemption was officially granted for the 2007 season on April 5th. Whew!

Train consist also became a problem when plans to move our three “new” ex Waterloo & St. Jacobs cars west from Ontario were foiled by weather and traffic backlog from the CN strike. Suddenly, our consist to accommodate a sold out train of 800 guests was short three coaches. CN supported an attempt to move the cars with VIA, but ultimately this was declined as well. Now faced with a crisis for accommodation, we tried to lease additional coaches from Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, but their fleet was full (we already have five cars from them). In the end, Kamloops Heritage Railway and Rocky Mountaineer Vacations came to the rescue, with KHR loaning us two coaches and RMV moving them here from Kamloops for us.

So, as we go to press, the consist will be Royal Hudson 2860, WCXX FP7A #4069 diesel, WCXX 9622 generator car MacDonald Creek, four Rocky Mountaineer coaches, 3240, 3251, 3237, 3219, Rocky Mountaineer lounge car 3030 (for VIP’s), WCXX 598 Henry Pickering open car, WCXX 5596 Paul D Roy, WCXX 5652 Joan Filigiano, and Kamloops Heritage Railway (ex Waterloo & St. Jacobs) coaches RMRX 5578 and 5611. A third coach, Kamloops Heritage Railway 403 was planned, but had to be dropped at the last minute due inability to carry out a full inspection in time. This left us short of seats, but creativity ensued and the indoor section of the Henry Pickering was pressed into revenue service, leaving us just 9 seats short. Our Tours group took that in stride, reassigned one coach load of guests, and plan to manage the rest dynamically on morning of departure. But, the train will be full!

Guest services was managed by Bill Johnston and his active tours committee, working hand in hand with the White Rock organizing committee of which Bill Watson was a full time member. They coordinated with White Rock Travel (which was the only place other than West Coast Rail Tours for ticket sales) to put the various options together. There were seven different versions available—from round trip rail to one ways with motorcoach returns to one ways only, and these were managed to successfully fill the train seats in both directions, and a total of over 800 ticketed guests.

The Tours Committee is providing volunteers for each coach on the train, and Bill Johnston will act as train manager. The crews have reviewed all the needed safety regulations and will conduct the safety briefings for the guests before departure, as well as guest service support en route and whatever else needs to be done. On board sales will be managed by Gordon Hall (refreshments) and Craig McDowall (merchandise) .Disembarking at White Rock will likely take some time due the fencing along the BNSF right of way. The City has removed a section so that the train may unload and load form two locations instead of just one. WCRA News, Page 11 Train operations are planned as follows:

• Saturday, April 14—departure of train from Squamish, CN crew, travel CN to Rocky Mountaineer Station in Vancouver and assemble final consist on arrival. Southbound move is expected mid day, with consist of #2860, 4069, generator car 9622, Observation car Henry Pickering and coaches Paul D Roy and Joan Filigiano • Sunday, April 15—operation of excursion to White Rock for the 50th birthday celebration by BNSF, scheduled to depart Vancouver at 1000 hours and arrive White Rock at 1200. Train will have to meet Amtrak Cascades en route. Return departs White Rock at 1500 and arrives Vancouver at 1700 hours. A complication has arisen in that, in spite of an application by BNSF for an exemption from the FRA to allow the train into Washington State as far as the wye at Intalco, such has not been granted. If this is not solved, then the train may be led on the return trip by FP7A #4069 until the motive power can be turned at the wye in New Westminster, disappointing for the return trip passengers but likely the only option. • Monday, April 16th—CN will operate the WCXX equipment back to Squamish, dropping open car 598 in North Vancouver en route (for 2007 Whistler Mountaineer service). Return train to Squamish will then be 2860, 4069, generator car and 2 WCXX coaches.

Royal Hudson #2860 strides through CN’s Lynn Creek trackage in 1997 with a special excursion en route White Rock, a scene to be repeated April 14, 2007 - Robert Etchell photo. WCRA News, Page 12 WCRA News, Page 12

As we noted in our lead editorial this month, the project to put 2860 back on the rails—even just for special event service—has been a massive undertaking. At this point, we look forward to concluding the coverage of this event next month and, for now, offer a hearty thanks to all who have been part of bringing this to fruition.

ROYAL HUDSON PRESERVATION FUND

We acknowledge our monthly contributors Dave Walker, Richard Tubbessing, and Ernie & Lynn Ledgerwood, as well as donors Dorothea Matewish $100, Angie Gursche of Darling Creations and Quilts $40, Robert Walters $25, Marian Mills $100, Keith Perkins $50, F. A. Buckmaster $100, Mary Roy $45, and Don Patrick $100.

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 $605,560.

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 $640,000 and we expect to need another $30,000 or so before completion is fully covered. Remember, you can make a donation on line through www.wcra.org . 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. The Royal Hudson Preservation Fund still needs your support.

FUNDRAISING

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT – MARCH 2007

Funding Asks Made · Kiwanis Club of West Vancouver for coach sponsorship

Major Funding Received · Royal Hudson donations $1,747 · MP Shop donation $10,000 · Donation to Henry Pickering $2,000 · General donations $1,175 · Debentures donated $1,000 · New debenture $10,000 · CPR historic locomotive 8000 awarded to WCRA, value TBD · Donated Expenses $5019 · Donation to car $172 Month Total $31,113 Year to Date Total $525,637 WCRA News, Page 13 Other Significant Activities · Re-wrote Name the Coaches Sponsorship document · Secured CN support for Squamish operations and Hudson on April 14—16 · Lots of work to make April 15th happen

WEST COAST RAIL TOURS

2007 TOURS—ANNOUNCED AND PLANNED

West Coast Rail Tours gets underway with tours for 2007. Following our April 15th Royal Hudson trip to White Rock, we will get focused on some additional trips for 2007, watch this space for details or keep in touch with www.wcra.org/ tours Our tours office is also available to book independent trips. For example we now issue tickets for the and Yukon Route Railroad as full-service agents for that line. The timetable for 2007 is now available and includes a new service Skagway to and from Carcross, YT. Ask us about specialized itineraries using the WP&YR service combined with air, coach, ferry and other rail services such as Canada. Rocky Mountaineer Vacations’ 2007 brochure is also available. We also have the latest 2007 Trafalgar Tours brochures. They include the following destinations and features: Europe & Britain, Australia & New Zealand, USA & Canada, River Cruises in Europe, Cost Saver Europe, and for the under 40 crowd, “Breakaway”. We now are also official agents for Amtrak, and can earn commissions on bookings with the US carrier due this new relationship. As agents we have special deals for WCRA members. We will pop the brochure of your choice in the mail as soon as you make the call. Call soon on 604-524-1011 or toll free 1-800- 722-1233 and we’ll get you on the rails in 2007. (B.J.)

MALAHAT CIRCLE TOUR - Daily except Saturday - all year

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 7:00 AM in the hotel’s restaurant, then their van shuttles you to the VIA Rail station at 7:30 AM. Board the train for an 8:00 AM departure to Qualicum Beach where it arrives before noon. Enjoy this quaint town with its interesting beaches and restaurants. After lunch (on your own) we ask you to board the southbound train at 2:00 PM and get off at Nanaimo at about 3:00 PM. A waiting, pre-booked taxi takes you to Nanaimo’s bus depot for the 4:30 PM departure of Greyhound’s scheduled service to Vancouver. Dinner on the ferry is available. Arrive at Pacific Central Station at 7:15 PM. Fare: $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. WCRA News, Page 14

Friday May 4th AMTRAK “Cascades” Train, Seattle Overnight, & the “Spirit of Washington” LUNCHEON TRAINEXPERIENCE — LAST RUN!

Depart Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station, by Amtrak’s “Cascades” 6:00 PM service for Seattle, (checking in before 5:00 PM.) No border hassles on this trip as you clear USA Customs & Immigration before boarding! Enjoy comfortable seating, entertainment, a snack in the Bistro car or “dinner in the diner” before arriving in Seattle at about 10:00 PM. You are transferred to accommodation in a comfortable downtown hotel. Saturday morning is free to shop or sightsee. Depart hotel at 10:50 AM for Renton where you board the “Spirit of Washington” Dinner train for a noon departure. A gourmet lunch is served while the train skirts Lake Washington's scenic eastern shoreline en route to the Woodinville area. On arrival the Columbia Winery offers a tour and tasting before the train departs for its return trip - when coffee and dessert are served. Leave Renton at about 4:00 PM when your chartered motorcoach takes you back to Vancouver. FARE: $269 Cdn including all taxes.

Thursday, June 21st TWO TRAINS & TWO FERRIES COASTAL CIRCLE TOUR Whistler, The Cariboo & Chilcotin Regions, The Discovery Coast / Vancouver Island

You are picked up in time to get you to the Whistler Mountaineer boarding platform in North Vancouver. Follow the scenic railway route along , then Squamish and the outstanding Cheakamus Canyon. Breakfast is served on board before arrival in Whistler and a transfer to your hotel at about noon. Enjoy Whistler. You leave Whistler the next day and travel through the Pemberton Valley before tackling the amazing Duffey Lake road to Lillooet and beyond to a lunch stop in Clinton, the 108 Mile Heritage site, and the evening in Williams Lake. On Saturday you depart for the Chilcotin region and stop at Bull Canyon for a break, then continue on to for lunch. After lunch you traverse Heckman Pass (5000’ above sea level) and enter Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. From here it is down hill, terminating with the spectacular hairpins descent, (“The Hill”), to the Valley and on to Hagensborg where you will spend two nights. On Sunday your coach will take a pre-arranged tour of the area with a local guide soaking up the Norwegian and First Nations Heritage here. On Monday you board M.V. “Queen of Chilliwack” for departure at 8:00 AM. This unique ferry will surprise you with its friendly crew and various shipboard activities. For the next 13 hours you wind your way through , Fitz Hugh Sound and . Sea life is often spotted. Upon arrival at Bear Cove you are transferred to Port McNeill for the night. On day 6 you will visit Woss Camp (logging railway) and the Ripple Rock overlook. Lunch is available at about noon at Courtenay station where you then board VIA Rail’s Malahat Dayliner for the 1:00 PM departure for Nanaimo. Your coach meets you here for the transfer to BC Ferries sailing to Horseshoe Bay with an early evening arrival in Vancouver. Fares: The 6-Day Tour, Thursday to Tuesday is $1465 based on shared accommodation. (BC Seniors $1385). Single Supplement - $495. A 7-Day Tour including full E&N Railway, Victoria hotel and return transportation to Vancouver, is $1645, (BC Seniors $1565). Single Supplement - $555. WCRA News, Page 15

Friday, July 13th WHITE PASS and YUKON ROUTE STEAM SPECTACULAR Visiting Whitehorse, Yukon, and vintage train (NEW Service!) all the way from Skagway to Carcross, YT, plus hours of Impressive Mountain Steam Railroading

Free pickup at your Lower Mainland area home or hotel is organized for departure from Vancouver’s International Airport by Air North’’s morning departure for Whitehorse. Upon arrival you take a scenic tour along the 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 and fun. 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. Rest stops will be made in Carcross and scenic overlooks. You have next morning free in Skagway to explore this historic village. Walk 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. Run-bys for the rail-fans are performed. This 85 km round trip terminates at Fraser Meadows, BC, 10 km north of White Pass. On our 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 where you may take dinner. There should be time to visit the Museum of Transportation and the famous Beringia Centre near the airport before boarding the evening Air Canada flight to Vancouver. We arrange transportation to your home in the lower mainland. FARE: 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, museum admissions. GST (only on Canadian portions of this tour) is extra (equivalent to just 4% of the total). Ask about extra days and more Alaska sightseeing.

Tuesday, August 14th VANCOUVER ISLAND’S WEST COAST ……….via Coastal Supply Vessel, E&N Train, & Port Alberni Steam Mill & Railway

Your free pickup gets you to the 8:30 AM sailing by BC Ferries to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay. Upon leaving Departure Bay you will go to the E&N rail station and board the Malahat Dayliner. Lunch will be served on the train prior to arrival in Courtenay. Your coach meets you for a stop at Coombs Junction Market and Cathedral Grove, time permitting. 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 in the hotel. Next morning you leave the hotel for the short trip to the dock to board the “Frances Barkley“ coastal supply vessel that services Alberni Inlet stopping briefly at Sechart in the Broken Islands group and continues to Ucluelet. You then proceed north by coach to Tofino for a tour of that area and end up at your luxury seaside resort hotel. A gourmet dinner is included here. Wake up and relax on the beautiful Pacific Coast. You leave late next 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 WCRA News, Page 16

be made at scenic overlooks. You check in to the Port Alberni Hotel and relax before dinner at a nice seaside restaurant. After breakfast you depart for the railway station where you will board the Alberni Pacific Railway 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 at about 1:30 PM for the eastern side of the Island (Departure Bay) 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 $788 each based on shared accommodation. (BC Seniors $765). Single Supplement - $232. The 5-Day Tour including the train to Victoria, hotel and return transportation to Vancouver is $868, (BC Seniors $845). Single Supplement - $292.

Friday, September 14th TWO STEAM TRAINS, FISH and WINE

A great opportunity to ride behind two steam locomotives in the Okanagan region, taste some great wines and see fish spawning

You leave Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station by chartered coach picking up guests in the Fraser Valley then take 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. You then follow the Fraser Canyon and stop for lunch at the Hells Gate Air Tram. Then it’s on to Skihist Park overlooking Rainbow Canyon of the and the railways operating through this most difficult part of the river valley. You overnight in Kamloops. Next morning your coach will transfer you to the Kamloops Heritage Railway’s train with steam locomotive 2141. The train climbs from Campbell Creek up into ranching country enroute to Armstrong for lunch. You then visit O'Keefe Ranch followed by a tour through Kelowna and on to Penticton with a stop to view spawning fish at Hardy Creek. You stay at the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Casino on the south beach of for 2 nights.

You can sleep in and have a leisurely breakfast before leaving for the Kettle Valley Steam Railway. Our train takes us along the hills overlooking Summerland and on to the Trout Creek Bridge, the highest on the former Kettle Valley Railway. You will then have lunch and tour a local winery followed by a tour of the SS Sicamous, the beautifully restored lake steamer on the beach. You are then returned to the Lakeside Resort 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. We take the Crowsnest Route, highway no. 3, 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 interior highlights. FARE: Per person sharing: $697 Single Supplement: $163

WCRA News, Page 17

Sunday, October 14th WHISTLER MOUNTAINEER RAIL-FAN SPECIAL —Last Run

Depart Vancouver in your chartered motorcoach and make interesting stops on route to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park where you will enjoy many rail-fan activities. Refreshments and a snack will be available here. You depart the Railway Park at about noon and head to Whistler where there will be time for a short tour. You arrive at the Whistler Mountaineer station at 2:15 PM for boarding at 2:30 PM. Your train departs at 3:00 PM and arrives in North Vancouver at 6:00 PM where a coach will transfer you to Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver. SPECIAL FARE: $150.00. Limited seating

SPECIAL TOURS IN PLANNING FOR WCRT’s VINTAGE PRIVATE TRAIN

Call us to put your name on the waitlist for more information when these become available. We are in early stages of planning to operate a couple of special tours this summer, these are subject to securing approvals for operation and logistics…..

Early Fall to the Country on the former BC Rail lines

This is a 9 day tour being considered on the former BC Rail Lines from Squamish to Fort St. John and Dawson Creek and return. Connections to and from Vancouver are included. The schedule and overnight locations have yet to be confirmed, late August or September are being considered.

CPR “EMPRESS” - Steam Through the Rockies 2007. A steam lover’s delight, our Canadian Rockies Steam Express tours feature the Canadian Pacific Railway’s heritage steam engine, the 2816 “Empress” on itineraries of your choice:

Vancouver – . Eastbound via Crowsnest, Departing: 2007 : July 8th – 14th (Calgary Stampede) 2008 : July 21st – 27th

Day 1. Vancouver Guests arriving in by air in Vancouver are met and transferred to a central hotel for a one night stay and welcome dinner. D. Day 2. Vancouver – Kamloops - The Canyons Mid morning we depart Vancouver’s Waterfront Station, beneath the original CP Terminal, for Kamloops, some 250 miles away. We follow Burrard Inlet then enter the Lower Fraser River and later Thompson River Canyons before our evening arrival in Kamloops. Transfer to the Executive Inn for dinner and overnight. B.L.D. Day 3. Kamloops – Golden – The Lakes After breakfast join the Spirit of Kamloops Heritage train for a short journey. On returning to Kamloops rejoin our CPR train and continue our journey into the Rockies, pausing at WCRA News, Page 18

Craigellachie, where the last spike was driven to complete the Trans-Continental rail link on the 7th of November, 1885. We have a private visit to the CPR Railway museum in Revelstoke before ending our day at the important junction of Golden, where we have dinner and stay overnight. B,L,D. Day 4. Golden – Fort Steele. - Valley From Golden the train diverges from the CPR mail line and takes the former Kootenay Railway line (now CPR's Windermere subdivision), south along the Columbia River Valley towards the US border. In the afternoon pull into Fort Steele where we visit Heritage Town, which has its own steam railway, the stock of which includes 0-4-4T 'Dunrobin' formerly owned by the Duke of Sutherland who used it to haul his private saloon around the Scottish highlands. Overnight in Cranbrook. B,L,D. Day 5. Cranbrook –Crowsnest Pass – Lethbridge - The Rockies In the morning we have a private visit to the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel (www. trainsdeluxe.com) before tackling the spectacular line through the Crowsnest pass, where we cross the continental divide. If possible, this line is even more spectacular than the main line through Banff to the north. Overnight in Lethbridge. Not included – Optional visit to the excellent Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump UNESCO World Heritage Site (Passengers for this excursion leave the train in Cowley and rejoin the group for dinner in Lethbridge). B,L,D. Day 6. Lethbridge – Calgary. - The Prairies In the morning a photo-shoot will be staged with our train on the spectacular 1 mile long and 314 feet high Lethbridge trestle bridge, the largest in North America before we wind our way north to Calgary, where we arrive at the CPR Pavilion mid afternoon. The Pavilion is attached to the five-star Fairmont Palliser Hotel, where we will transfer for one night. B,L. Day 7. Calgary After breakfast in the hotel’s Rimrock Room our tour ends. Airport transfers arranged for those leaving from Calgary airport today. Those with free time to explore the cowboy town of Calgary can visit the local attractions, including the fascinating Grain Academy, the Calgary Tower, the Stampede Showgrounds and Calgary’s large Heritage Park (www. heritagepark.ca). B.

Westbound via Banff, departing: 2007: July 1st – 7th 2008: June 29th – July 5th, July 14th – 19th (Calgary Stampede) Day 1. Calgary Guests arriving by air are met at Calgary Airport and transferred to the 5* Fairmont Palliser Hotel for a one night stay and welcome dinner. D. Day 2. Calgary–Banff- Lake Louise. The Prairies We depart the CPR Pavillion (which is attached to the Palliser Hotel) in the morning and head through the suburbs of Calgary on our way to Banff, where we stop around lunchtime. This afternoon we are treated to a tour of the outstanding beauty that surrounds us. We also visit the stunning Chateau Lake Louise, situated at the head of Lake Louise, facing the 11,250ft Mount Victoria. From here the noise of cracking glaciers can often be heard as huge chunks WCRA News, Page 19 of ice crash into the lake. We spend two nights in a hotel at Lake Louise B.L. Day 3. Lake Louise. Icefields Parkway Today we take the Icefields Parkway. Considered one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway offers an ever-changing view of waterfalls, emerald lakes, alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks. At the boundary of the Banff and Jasper national Parks lies the Columbia Icefield. . One of the largest accumulations of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle, it covers an area of nearly 325 square kilometres. And has eight major glaciers including the Athabasca, Dome, and Stutfield Glaciers, all visible from the Icefields Parkway. We will take Brewster's Ice Age Adventure, a tour onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier before returning to Lake Louse late afternoon. B,L. Day 4. Lake Louise – Revelstoke The Rockies On leaving Lake Louise we start the steepest part of our climb through the Rockies. On reaching the Continental Divide, we pass from Alberta into British Columbia and change to Pacific Time. From here we descend past Lake Wapata into two spiral tunnels down to Kicking Horse Pass. We pause at Golden before continuing through Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park. We arrive in Revelstoke, where we visit the CP Railway Museum, and stay overnight. B,L,D. Day 5. Revelstoke – Kamloops The Lakes An early run down to Kamloops, passing Craigellachie, where the last spike was driven to complete the Trans-Continental rail link on the 7th of November, 1885. We have arranged an excursion with the ‘Spirit of Kamloops’ heritage train and Canadian Northern 2-8-0 number 2141. We return to Kamloops for an overnight stay. B.L.D. Day 6. Kamloops – Vancouver. The Canyons Early morning we depart for Vancouver, some 250 miles away, and travel along the Thompson River then Fraser River canyons. Exiting the lower Fraser River valley we run along Burrard Inlet into Vancouver’s Waterfront Station, beneath the original CP Terminal. We then transfer to a central hotel for a one-night stay and our farewell dinner. B,L,D. Day 7. Vancouver After breakfast in the hotel, free time to explore this vibrant, cosmopolitan city. Transfers to Vancouver airport for guests leaving today by air. WCRT supplies one-way plane fare to / from Calgary.

NEW—RAILTOURS FROM WINNIPEG

West Coast Rail Tours is pleased to offer four railfan tour itineraries from Winnipeg. • Hudson Bay, Belugas and Boats is a 7 day - 6 night independent your from Winnipeg departing Sundays and Tuesdays on VIA’s Hudson Bay to Churchill, several options available to see whales and other local wildlife • Hudson Bay, Buggies and Bears departs Sunday, October 7 on a similar route to see the Polar Bears and ride the ice buggies • Northwestern Ontario’s Fall Colours departs Winnipeg on VIA’s Canadian on a four WCRA News, Page 20 • day tour at the height of the colours • The Superior Colours of Ontario departs Toronto and rides both the Canadian and the VIA Budd RDC’s en route Winnipeg

More details and colour brochures are available from West Coast Rail Tours.

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. This also applies to commissions earned on all travel bookings for making your travel bookings!

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 ROUNDHOUSE & TURNTABLE

ROUNDHOUSE BASE COMPACTION COMPLETED

The Rapid Impact Compaction process for the base of the new roundhouse & Conference WCRA News, Page 21

Centre at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park has been completed, with the work done just ahead of the Spring Break week in mid March. With this work now behind us, the site has taken on a much improved appearance, as can be seen in the photos on this page and page 20. (photos by Don Evans) The Roundhose site is now prepared with several layers of aggregates, and the fill is being set in place around the turntable pit area. Next steps are to start work on the roundhouse forms and floor, and to level and prepare the turntable plaza area for use by Day Out With Thomas in June. 374 PAVILION

Visitor attendance for March was recorded at 817 visitors down 901 from the same period last year. Year to date visitors are at 2,184, down considerably from the 3,740 visitors for the same period last year The drop in attendance can be attributed to the wet weather experienced since the beginning of the year and the shortage of volunteers required to open the building and to greet guests.

Volunteer’s needed for the 374 Pavilion

Volunteers are the backbone of the 374 Pavilion. We would not be able to open and present the 374 pavilion without the help of the caring and enthusiastic volunteers. WCRA News, Page 22

The 374 Pavilion is looking for Volunteers 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 a very flexible schedule, either one day a week or two days a month or what ever 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]

120TH Anniversary of CPR 374, 1887-2007

Come and join us for the 120th anniversary celebration of the arrival of the first train to Vancouver. 120 years ago, on May 23, 1887, the CPR engine # 374 steamed into the Vancouver terminal becoming the first passenger train to arrive in the city of Vancouver. On Sunday May 20th the 374 engine will be pulled out of the Pavilion (a once a year event) where she will be steamed up so the whistle can blow. There will be entertainment provided for all ages and the West Coast Railway Association will be running a mini train on Sunday May 20th, plus a few other days, if conditions permit. Rides will be by donation.

Work continues on the data entry of the 25,000 names of people who purchased bricks as a fund raiser many years ago with 11,000 names now entered. The new computer program will identify the location of the bricks within the Roundhouse for the many requests that are received when guests want to locate their brick. Many thanks go to Len Brown who is heading up this project and handling most of the data entry.

Negotiations, for a new agreement between the WCRA, Vancouver Parks & Recreation and the Roundhouse Community Centre, have reached a point where the agreement will be presented to the Vancouver Parks Board for approval on April 30th. Many thanks and appreciation go to Margaret Watts and her team for their assistance in concluding this agreement. (J.B.)

WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK Home of the Royal Hudson

SPRING BREAK WEEK WASHED OUT

The usually busy period of Spring Break was a washout this year as heavy rains drenched the area all week. A few brave visitors ventured out, but planned mini rail and speeder runs were cancelled for most of the time. Hopefully, Easter will be better and we will get off and running for our 2007 season. Meanwhile, supreme efforts continue towards being ready for a great Day Out With Thomas event in June. WCRA News, Page 23 DAY OUT WITH THOMAS 2007

Tickets for Day Out With Thomas 2007 at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park are now on sale through www.ticketweb.ca (1-888-222-6608) and a good selection of train times are available on all dates. The event comes to the Heritage Park for six great days— June 1, 2, 3 and June 8, 9, 10. Get your tickets now for best selection of train departure times.

More information is available on our web site at www.wcra.org under the blue Thomas tab as well as in the members only section. We plan for a sell out event and the dates will come up really fast, so get your tickets today. Price is the same as 2005—$18 per person (+ taxes)

First, the ride will be longer than in past years as we are able to leave the Heritage Park site and travel across Government Road. We also will have increased capacity on each train due the new coaches in our collection, and this year we will have power for lights and ventilation in the coaches, something we were not able to provide in 2004 and 2005. Train departures will be hourly in 2007, making the time on the train longer and the pace less hectic.

All the regular Day Out With Thomas features will be there, including storytelling, video entertainment, live entertainment in the Imagination Station, visits with Sir Topham Hatt and more. We will also have the very popular Letters to Thomas and Friends in the post office car, and viewing of the famous Royal Hudson locomotive and more.

Reserve your tickets now through Ticketweb and get your first choices of available train departures. Your ticket is good for the whole day and includes all activities except the mini rail train rides, which have limited capacity.

Special thanks to our event sponsors West Coast Families, CTV, CFUN 1410 Radio, The Province Newspaper, Van Net Community Newspapers, and 103.5 QM FM. (M.C.M.)

FEATURE ARTICLES

CANADIAN PACIFIC AWARDS BALDWIN #8000 TO WCRA

Canadian Pacific Railway has awarded its heritage Baldwin locomotive #8000 to the West Coast Railway Association where it will become part of the WCRA collection for long term preservation and interpretation. The locomotive was one of several pieces of the Canadian Pacific heritage collection put up for disposition by the railway, which was seeking good WCRA News, Page 24 homes for the collection's long term care. WCRA has long had this locomotive on its collection plan list, and this was the opportunity.

Led by Ron Anstey and aided by Grant Ferguson and Don Evans, Ron crafted a well put together proposal and case as to why the locomotive should come to WCRA and what our plans would be for its future care. The document outlined the case for the locomotive's preservation to be in Western Canada (due its western heritage with CPR) and the plan to preserve it as part of the WCRA’s “Roundhouse Collection” destined for display in the new Roundhouse & Conference Centre building currently under construction at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park.

Canadian Pacific #8000 is of extreme historical significance, and was part of a revolutionizing of motive power practices on the Canadian Pacific, significant in the decision for the railway to switch from steam power to diesel power. It was the “class engine” of an order for 13 Baldwin DRS 4-4-1000 locomotives, built by the builder in Eddystone, Pennsylvania in December 1948. In an era where steam power still ruled supreme on the railways, CPR had a bold idea. It would assign the locomotives to the isolated Esquimalt and Nanaimo Division, convert the Island line completely to diesel, and see how this performed. #8000 and her sisters arrived and went to work (cover photo, original paint scheme, below at Drake St. in the 1960’s in new “script” paint) and did the WCRA News, Page 25 job. Soon, the ability of the diesels to work long and flexible shifts, greatly reduce operating and maintenance costs, and handle whatever was thrown their way were evident. In just 12 years, CPR would move on to dieselize the entire remainder of its locomotive fleet. Despite the success of the Baldwins, however, the majority of the remainder of its diesels came from other builders, and the 13 Model DRS 4-4-1000 8000’s and the few 7000 series Baldwin switchers would remain on the west coast for the balance of their careers.

After retirement from active service by CPR in 1975, the fleet was scrapped save #8000, which was retained by CPR for historical purposes. In the early 1980’s the unit was repainted into its first paint scheme by CP, had its traction motors removed and was fitted with roller bearings. However, things waned, the unit ended up outdoors and deteriorated. Thankfully, CP removed many of the precious detail items and stored them in their Montreal archives to ensure preservation.

In late February, a letter was received from CPR Vice President, Paul Clark, advising us of the award of the locomotive and terms for its donation. WCRA accepted and things are now about to get in motion. The archival parts and items will be shipped from Montreal to Squamish, while the railway assesses the move of the locomotive west. At this point expectations are that it will come by rail, but we are awaiting final word re that.

One of Western Canadian railroading’s most historic locomotives will now call the West Coast Railway Heritage Park its new home. WCRA will make a final decision on the cosmetic restoration plan for display and interpretation of the role that this locomotive had in changing Canadian railway motive power forever.

Our sincere thanks to Canadian Pacific for their confidence in us to care for this artefact.

FROM MAY 1979 WCRA NEWS - by Craig McDowall Amtrak Skyline’s annual Amtrak Easter Vacation Special to Disneyland resulted in a couple of unusual Amtrak “firsts” for Vancouver. The 400 passenger load was handled by Amtrak running a through train from Vancouver to LA and in addition the consist included a full diner (rather than the usual Amfleet cafe) and sleepers (MCM note: now that’s service!).

BC Hydro BCH”s MP15’s have been utilized of late on the Kitsilano - False Creek - Marpole - Lulu Island section of its line for switching duties. They previously were used on the New West to Sumas runs. Burlington Northern Spotted at Auburn, Wa. on April 30th was EMD F9A with test unit #462 and test cars ET909 WCRA News, Page 26 and ET800 together with BN SD40-2 #7052 and GE test car #100

Canadian Pacific CP’s capital expenditure program this year is expected to exceed $191 million including $3 million to be spent on a new mobile machine designed to speed up the laying of continuous welded rail. The machine will be able to lay two rows of welded rail at the same time.

A new “run through” system of cabooses from Montreal to Saint John, NB has been implemented to make the operation of freights more efficient in this corridor. Caboose interchanges at Megantic PQ, Brownsville Junction, Maine and McAdam, NB have been eliminated. Travel time on the route will be improved as cabooses (caboosi?) will no longer have to be switched on and off at divisional points.

CP will receive SD40-2’s #5915-5949 in mid 1979 and SD40-2’s #7167-7205 in late 1979.

The worst flooding in 29 years disrupted CP rail operations in Manitoba and Sask. in late April. Damage was estimated at $500k. Hardest hit were the LaRiviere and Gretna subdivisions south of Winnipeg and west of the Red River. But service was only briefly interrupted on the main line on the Cranberry subdivision at MacGregor.

A derailment occurred at Redgraves, 20 miles west of Golden on April 8th with 15 cars of a westbound unit coal train derailing. Service was restored two days later.

Track recording car #63 was spotted at the CP station in Vancouver on March 2nd. It’s a silver painted old heavyweight observation car with a clerestory roof and bay windows complete with electric marker lights on the rear (anyone have a picture?).

SD40-2 #5598 ran amok at Ignore, Ont. on March 16th ramming two cabooses and 12 cars. Two CP trainmen in one caboose were unfortunately killed. #5598 is now stored unserviceable and is a likely candidate for retirement.

Hearings were conducted during the last week of April regarding the discontinuing of the Calgary - Edmonton Dayliner service #301- #304.

CN CN has ordered 4 more HBV4 hump slugs from Diesel Div. and 12 YBU4 slugs. Renumbering & re-classifying of yard switchers/slug pairs will occur this year.

More 5500 series GP-38-2’s will be rebuilt/reclassed/renumbered in 200 series for hump duty.

SW1200 #1220 & 1221 in Edmonton will be renumbered #425 & #426 and reclassed as WCRA News, Page 27 GY12 d from GR12 d for use with slugs.

B.C. Rail Major improvements are being scheduled for BC Rail facilities in both Prince George and Squamish. In Prince George, a light car repair facility and new stores complex will be built for a total cost of $4.5 million. In Squamish, the former Railwest plant will be converted to a mainline stores, as the present facilities are quickly becoming inadequate to handle current work volumes. It is expected that the cost of the Squamish re-location will be offset by the sale of surplus machinery and equipment from the former Railwest plant.

GP9 unit #8674 has been leased from NAR as of early March.

BCR has decided to rebuild RS3 #559 (ex LS & I #1605) wrecked at Prince George as it apparently would cost over $800k to replace it with a new M630.

WCRA An informal excursion via car pool to the Sedro-Wooley-Concrete operation and Lake Whatcom BOTH ON THE SAME DAY (double your pleasure, double your fun) has been arranged by fellow member and ex-dry witted recording secretary Robert (Bob to his friends) Hunter for August 26th. He has arranged seats on the 9 AM departure at Sedro Wooley (for those of you lesser lights without a precise geographic background, this means you have to leave Vancouver at 06:00!! This will separate the real rail fans from the “also rans” in our little association. The train will return to Sedro Wooley at 12:30 which will give us ample time to board the 15:00 departure at Lake Whatcom. Total cost will be a whopping $14 US and will include a small contribution for gas. If you need a ride, call our Minister of Transportation, Gary Oliver.

MCM note: For all you old timer WCRA members, I thought you might be interested in who was on the supposed executive way back in 1979. They were Craig McDowall as Prez, Bob Gevaert as VP, Bill Marchant as Secretary, Grant Ferguson as Corresponding Secretary (MCM note: we must have done a lot of writing back in those days to have two secretaries!!) and Gary Oliver as Treasurer.

RAILWAY NEWS

BUSY ON THE RAILWAY

After the tough weather in March which saw several slides impact both railways through the British Columbia terrain, there was a lot of traffic to get through as the great catch up began. WCRA News, Page 28

Accordingly some busy times were recorded, such as Tuesday, March 20 when 31 westbound trains roared through Chilliwack! (J.M.)

CN MOTIVE POWER NOTES

Noted at Thornton yard eastbound on train 354 was a motive power consist of CN 5400 / CN 5375 / BNSF 715 in “Santa Fe war bonnet” paint / CN 2660 (J.M.)

2006 YIELDS GOOD FINANCIAL RESULTS

CN ended up the year 2006 with record financial results, reporting a net income for the year of $2,087 million on record revenues. The railway’s Operating Ratio posted an industry best 60.7%. Shareholders are rewarded with an increased quarterly cash dividend of 21 cents / share to be paid March 31, 2007. (BL)

MOTIVE POWER NOTES

Three-unit distributed power on coal trains continues in test— March 21 saw one train with both a mid-train and a tail-end remote (presently CP 8742 lead with CP 8573 and CP 9776, and at Roberts Bank now) as a test. (J.M.)

“New” power coming west includes SD40-2’s 5797, 5794 and 5796 for local area service, with some of the other regular SD40-2 units moving off. Of note is that #5797 is the first CP unit painted with the new Olympic logo—watch for it. (B.M.)

CP F UNITS UPDATE

Canadian Pacific’s new FP9Au pair 4106 and 4107 are currently being repainted at the NRE-Alco shop in Capreol, Ontario into the classic CPR tuscan red and gray script” livery. Two months ago, the cab units were in Winnipeg undergoing a number of modifications. CPR had purchased these units from the Ohio Central Railroad (OHCR) to replace their other FP9As which have been sidelined. Units 4106 and 4107 are former VIA Rail 6307 and 6313, originally ex-VIA/ CN 6515 and 6526. The pair will be assigned to CP’s Royal Canadian Pacific business car excursion train. As far as the status of the first three cab units, FP9A 1400 is an empty shell after heavy cannibalization, sister FP9A 1401 and F9B 1900 are also out of service at Ogden and may end up as parts sources as well. When they were acquired several years ago from the Nebkota Railway, the two FP9As and the F9B were re-painted into CPR’s classic “block lettering” livery (TJ) WCRA News, Page 29 SD40 #5500 OFF TO REVELSTOKE

At the end of January, retired CP SD40 5500 had been scheduled to depart Calgary, Alberta for Revelstoke, British Columbia, where the unit is earmarked for the Revelstoke Railway Museum. CP’s first SD40 was to depart on January 24th, however, a decision was made to move the veteran unit at a later date when weather conditions improved. This was also due to winter rail traffic congestion, and the fact that 5500 would be traveling at a restricted speed, hauled dead-in-tow. Currently, the SD40 is in good condition and intact, except for its sealed beam headlights. Plans are in place by the museum to restore the unit into CPR’s classic gray and tuscan red “script” paint scheme. Once the unit is painted, it will then be moved inside the museum building. (TJ)

CPR PROFIT RISES

Canadian Pacific is also doing well financially, and reported an increased profit for both the fourth quarter of 2006 and the year end as well. Net income hit $796 million—up from $543 million in 2005. The company outlook shows continued growth and profitability for 2007. (BL)

NEW FREIGHT ON SVI?

The spur at mile 137.1 on the Victoria subdivision has been cleared of brush. The site has been unused for several years, in the past it was used to manufacture hydro poles and piling. The plant has reopened to produce poles etc, they have a large quantity stocked piled ready to ship.

Freight is slowly returning to the railway. A Southern Railway V.I. freight moved five cars to the spur at mile 137.1 just south of Courtenay March 27, 2007. The train consisted of three pole cars, with two flats between them to allow for the loading of extra long poles. the cars were numbered, pole car C.P 305586 , flat C.P. 315215 , pole C.P. 305580 , flat Soo 5011 , and pole C.P. 305573. The cars were loaded by March 30 and moved south following the daily passenger train, on their way to Ontario.

There are a large number of poles to be shipped on site, and, with more being produced it is hoped that as more cars are available freight trains from Courtenay will become a weekly event. There have been only two or three freights a year leaving Courtenay since C.P. Rail left the Island.

The condition of the tracks has made the news this week, people are concerned about the safety of the trains passing their homes. Southern has stated that a complete review of the WCRA News, Page 30 track will take place in the next two weeks. They have already replaced 5500 ties to date. It is felt that as much as $34.5 million dollars will be needed to put the E.& N Railway back in good condition. (F.C.)

2007 SEASON GETS UNDERWAY

Rocky Mountaineer Vacations gets its 2007 season underway in April and May, as its fleet gets into action for another busy season. Once again there will be operations on four routes, with first runs set as follows:

• Rocky Mountaineer - Kicking Horse Route (Vancouver—Banff / Calgary) • First departure Apr. 3 from Vancouver / Apr. 5 from Calgary-Banff, total of 77 departures each direction • Rocky Mountaineer - Yellowhead Route (Vancouver—Jasper) • First departure Apr. 3 from Vancouver / Apr. 5 from Jasper, total of 77 departures each direction • Rocky Mountaineer - Fraser Discovery Route (Whistler—Jasper) • First departure May 8 from Jasper, total of 34 departures in each direction • Whistler Mountaineer • First departure May 1, daily round trip service between North Vancouver and Whistler, BC

The railway tour operator has a full schedule set out for the year—book your trip now through West Coast Rail Tours.

VANCOUVER ISLAND BUDD CAR CHANGES

In an update to our item in the April issue, Paul Smith reports that VIA #6133 was still in Vancouver March 20, but slated to move to Vancouver Island shortly. VIA #6135 left for Moncton, NB on the tail end of VIA’s Canadian 32 on March 16th, leaving #6148 as the only car at the time. When 6135 returns, the 6148 will then go east for the installation of retention tanks, so having three cars on the Island available for service remains some time off. (P.J.S.) WCRA News, Page 31

VIA RDC-1 #6133 was seen April 5 on an eastbound CP freight along Front Street in New Westminster, cut in behind the motive power of GP38AC’s 3006 / 3008. (J.D.)

VIA REBUILT F40 PH-2 VISITS VANCOUVER

The newly rebuilt VIA Rail Canada F40PH-2 #6400 visited two BC locations in February for crew familiarization—it was at the Vancouver Maintenance Centre Feb. 12 and at Kamloops station on Feb. 15th. (BL)

OTHER NEWS

ENGLEWOOD UPDATE

The old railway snowplows that have sat idle since the early 1980's have been moved into the yard at Woss. They are slated to be scrapped if a new home is not found for them. These snowplows are of historic value, one plow is built on the frame of the tender of C.F.P. 111. The other plow is built on the frame of a Canadian Forest Products steam crane. Also slated to scrapped are two old tank cars, one is the one that sat next to the cook house and supplied fuel for the cookhouse etc. (F.C.)

TRENTONWORKS TO CLOSE

HALIFAX (CP) - A Nova Scotia town with over 100 years of steel making history met the cold-blooded reality of modern business Wednesday with the announced closure of its railcar plant and loss of 330 jobs. U.S.-based parent, the Greenbrier Companies, said it would shut down its TrentonWorks plant in Trenton, N.S., later this year and shift operations to Mexico and to its primary facility in Portland, Ore.

"The very strong secular outlook for the Canadian dollar, uncompetitive labour and benefit costs coupled with geography and other factors really meant that we didn't have a choice," Bill Furman, the company's president and CEO, said during a conference call. "While this will have some short-term pain in terms of cost to the community . . . it will mean a better economic foundation for Greenbrier." In its latest fiscal results, released Wednesday, Greenbrier said losses incurred by the plant during the second quarter were about US$3.8 million before taxes.

Furman said the Trenton plant will remain open for the next five or six months, long enough to complete its last order of 300 railcars. He said workers at TrentonWorks, where the average pay is between $18 and $20 an hour, made about double the salary of workers at the company's other plants. WCRA News, Page 32

In operation since 1872, the sprawling plant in northern Nova Scotia employed 1,200 as recently as November 2005. In the 1980s, employment peaked at above 2,000. On Tuesday, Premier Rodney MacDonald wrote to Greenbrier to offer financial help. The letter, released Wednesday, contained a promise of over $18 million in assistance. Ottawa's share was $3.5 million, while the province's portion of $14.5 million included an $8.8-million loan guarantee extended to the company in 2002 through its Industrial Expansion Fund. "We did put forward an offer which was very fair and very generous, so the province of Nova Scotia can only do so much when it comes to these types of issues," MacDonald told reporters Wednesday.

The premier said the company was facing difficulties in remaining competitive when faced with cheaper labour costs in places such as Mexico. "We are there to help them if they want to diversify . . . but again we will only do so much," he said.

MacDonald held out hope that talks on keeping the plant open were still possible, but Furman said the company, which had only reached a new contract with its unionized workers last month, has made up its mind. "This isn't about a negotiation - we're not going to reopen this," said Furman. "We've made the decision, we're going to go on with it, it's behind us."

Dave Fanning, president of the United Steelworkers local, said many plant workers and Trenton residents were in shock. "It's a hard blow and it'll take a day or two for it to sink in," he said. "We were all hopeful and worked hard to keep it afloat, but this is pretty devastating news to us." Fanning said he hopes some sort of fabrication work can be found for the plant, which was once used to make oil rig components.

Trenton Mayor Shannon MacInnis said the closure will affect all of Pictou County. "It's sad to see it go, but hopefully it's not over," he said. "Maybe we can work with the federal and provincial governments to try and entice somebody else to come in here and build, maybe not railcars, but something else."

In Halifax, MacDonald said his government would do all it can to seek new business opportunities for Pictou County. But one thing the province won't do, the premier added, is get into the steel business just to save the plant. "There's many options, but the province of Nova Scotia is not in the steel plant business, I can assure you," he said. "It was our government who ended up closing Sydney Steel."

Canadian Press-Keith Doucette, Wednesday April 4,2007

(submitted by Dave Emmington as a follow up to his article on Trenton from a few issues ago) WCRA News, Page 33

Old…..Not only did CP try diesels in 1948, but so did CN, here is Canadian National NW-2 #7939 in 1948, location unknown (Alan Cruickshank) And new—below, we see a new electric locomotive in Beijing, China on April 4, 2007 (Don Evans) WCRA News, Page 34

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS

JUNE: 1,2, & 3

JUNE: 8,9 & 10

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. 46 Issue 5

Editor Don Evans Distribution Jeremy Davy & Donna Simon

Contributors: J.B. Jim Brown F.C. Frank Carter J.D. Jeremy Davy B.J. Bill Johnston B.M. Bill Marchant J.M. Jim McPherson MCM Craig McDowall R.S. Randy Shimell

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TRIVIA ANSWER

Well, we should know this one….it was, of course, CPR #374 (Built by CPR in June 1886, s/n 1038) on May 23, 1887. If you were not sure of this one, visit the 374 Pavilion on May 20 and take in the 120th anniversary celebration!