WCRA NEWS

JULY 2006 BUDD CAR & SPEEDER

RIDES ALL SUMMER AT

THE HERITAGE PARK

WCRA News, Page 2 GENERAL MEETING NOTICE

The June General Meeting of the WCRA will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 1930 hours at the Rainbow Creek Station, Confederation Park in Burnaby.

Entertainment will be a video by member Joe Antonelli of BC Rail and WCRA activities from the 1990’s, with lots of Royal hudson and 3716 steam shots.

ON THE COVER

The latest addition to the WCRA’s collection is this very rare and absolutely beautiful 1934 Chrysler Airflow sedan. Donated to the WCRA by Bert Exworthy of Burnaby, the classic car went on display on Father’s Day and can now be viewed by guests who visit the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. For more on this see story on page 8. (Jim Brown photo)

JULY CALENDAR

• West Coast Railway Heritage Park Open daily 1000 through 1700k, speeder rides every Wed., Thurs, and Friday, Budd Car / Shop tours every Saturday and Sunday. • Saturday, July 1—Canada Day Celebrations on three fronts! - Heritage Park, admission by donation, cake at 1200, special activities all day - Canada Place—West Coast Mini Rail 1000 to 1900 - Port Coquitlam—West Coast Mini Rail 1100 to 1700 at Castle Park (Page 6) • Wednesday, July 5—WCRT’s Discovery Coast tour departs • Friday, July 7—Deadline for items for the August 2006 WCRA News • Monday, July 10—NARCOA speeder tour overnights at Heritage Park • Tuesday, July 11—Tours Committee meets, contact Bernie at 604-325-0923 • Thursday, July 20—BC Rail Pioneers Picnic at the Heritage Park and grand opening of the PGE / BCR Exhibit in Troop Sleeper car 710 “Bud Butterworth” • Tuesday, July 25—WCRA General Meeting, 1930 hours, Rainbow Creek Station

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

A SUMMER OF NEW OPERATIONS

As we write this item for July’s WCRA News, we are finalizing plans for new attractions at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park this summer. And an exciting summer it will be—with and the excitement of the new vintage car exhibit featuring our recently arrived 1934 Chrysler Airflow—what a beauty! - that debuts Father’s Day and the opening of the new PGE / BC Rail exhibit in the Troop Sleeper car 710 on July 20th with a special dedication on BC Rail Pioneers Picnic Day.

But the biggest news for the summer of 2006 is the introduction of regular operations on the full size rails, putting into regular service some of the operations tested last year and earlier this year. The Heritage Park will offer Speeder Rides on a regular schedule—available every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday starting July 5th and running through September 1st. Then another exciting new package tour offering—a Behind the Scenes Tour by Budd Car—a tour to our operating shop with transportation on our Budd RDC cars. These new attractions will join our everyday West Coast Mini Rail trains, to set us up with three operating attractions to supplement any visit to the Heritage Park and its exhibits.

Another exciting new operation will also take place the week of July 24 when WCRA will operate the first week-long Railway Conductor Practicum for BCIT. This work will be based at our Squamish MP 1 shop and trackage, and will include our first operations into downtown Squamish with the gracious support of CN to making this program work by allowing trackage access where it is required within the Squamish yard limits.

So, it will be an exciting new West Coast Railway Heritage Park this summer, as we start yet another new era through the addition of these regular operating new attractions. More details are on page 27—we hope to see all of you there to try these out for yourselves and have a great rail experience at the same time. Don ASSOCIATION NEWS

FROM THE MAY GENERAL MEETING

40 members and guests were present, the meeting was chaired by Jeremy Davy: • A minute’s silence was held in memory of the passing of Ed Bowman, long time member, active volunteer and tour guide for the association. • Jim Brown gave the Executive Director’s report in Don’s absence, noting continuing fundraising work for the Royal Hudson and several new donations. WCRA News, Page 4

• Royal Hudson potential donors – several asks • Jim reported that attendance is off a bit at the Heritage Park but they are now anticipating about 3 buses per day. Fathers Day event on June 18th featuring vintage Chrysler Airflow car. A German group is coming to discuss similar interests in running similar attractions. Jim’s participation in the noted vintage car acquisition was acknowledged. A major advertising push for summer operations will be made. • Still on his feet, Jim noted the challenges in keeping the funding going for the Royal Hudson restoration. Debentures and donations have just managed to fill the gap. • Bernie Tully reported that about 125 people attended the Anniversary celebrations at the Locomotive 374 Pavilion on May 19th. • Jeremy Davy reported that we will be running 2 trains on July 1st one at Canada Place and one at Port Coquitlam. The WCRA handcar was featured as part of the Art Knapp display at the Cloverdale Rodeo and the displayed the following week at Knapp’s Surrey Garden Centre. • Bernie Tully reported on the Tour Committee’s involvement in cleaning up the tours display car at the park, replacement of floor and general maintenance on May 2nd. The joint auction with the Vancouver Rotary Club went well raising about $12K. Matt Christianson took the lead with Bernie & Rosalie Tully, Jeremy Davy, Donna Simon and Jim Brown assisting at the event. Dave Emmington and Bernie helped out at an event at Harrison Landing promoting tours, 374 and the Heritage Park. • Hydro test on Royal Hudson expected in about 10 days. • Bill Johnston reported that a direct mail initiative will generate some much needed bookings for tours. • Dave Emmington reported on the upcoming Garage Sale June 3rd. Lions Club breakfast, funds for BC Rail Pioneers and their restoration of the troop sleeper. • Ryan Cruickshank and Bill Marchant gave their Trackside reports • Three guests, Art & Tim Bains and Terry Muirhead, were acknowledged. • Calendar of Events was reviewed. • 50/50 Raffle paid the rent. Thanks to Don Greenwood for donating $20 of his winnings to the Royal Hudson Fund. • Entertainment followed, being slides from the David Wilkie Collection with Bill Marchant and Gary Oliver assisting. (J.D.)

WCRA TRIVIA # 210 - by Ryan D. Cruickshank

Who drove the last spike on the Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway on Vancouver Island? (for answer, see Credit Lines)

YOU KNOW YOU’RE A RAILFAN WHEN……. ……...you’ve been traveling on the train for three straight days and encounter a layover of a few hours—instead of freshening up you head straight for a rapid transit ride. WCRA News, Page 5 NEW MEMBERS

The WCRA welcomes new members David Brown & family of Port Moody, Nicole Bush & family of Mount Currie, Bert & June Exworthy of Burnaby, Treena Fleming & family of Squamish, Kristy Hughes & family of Garibaldi Highlands, Tina Kepfer & family of Squamish, Andrew Kowolski / Carolyn Taylor & family of North Vancouver, Dawn Lecky / Ted Prior & family of Squamish, Candi Lockhart & family of Squamish, Keith Rushton & family of Surrey, and Armin Steck of Blony, Vaud, Switzerland.

We welcome back members Bill Diamond & family of North Vancouver, Scott & Erin Ellis & family of Squamish, Tom & Kristy McCandless & family of North Vancouver, and Randy Reinsch of North Vancouver. (J.D.)

PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Memberships dated 5/31/2006 have now expired, and if your membership expired March 31, 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

Our best wishes to long time member Bruce MacKay who is in the Burnaby General Hospital ICU as we write this in early June. Our thoughts are with Bruce and partner Barb.

We are sad to report that long time member and active volunteer Ed Bowman passed away peacefully on May 15, 2006. Ed was a long time member of the WCRA’s Tours committee, a regular participant, and a host at the 374 Pavilion and other WCRA activities over the years. He was also active in other community volunteer roles on many occasions.

WCRA was well represented at the Memorial Service with Bill Johnston & Sylvia, Bernie Tully, Terry Dougan. Don Greenwood, Keith Anderson. Bill Marchant and past member Doug Cummings.

Ed has no relatives in Canada, all arrangements were by his great neighbors, several anecdotes were told of his adventures. Ed was born Mar 14, 1921.

Photo left shows Ed enjoying an E & N excursion in 1989, thanks to Dave Emmington for sending it. Ed will be missed by us all. WCRA News, Page 6

On a much happier note, congratulations to WCRA member Dr. Hal Kalman on his receipt of the 2006 BC Heritage Award. Hal has been active in Heritage Preservation for more than 35 years, and is the principal of Commonwealth Historic Resource Management—the consulting firm that did the West Coast Railway Museum’s original development and business plans—subsequently becoming our West Coast Railway Heritage Park project.

JIM HOPE

Jim Hope, a well known rail photographer, passed away on April 15th, 2006 at age 93 in Trail, BC. Jim was a baker, and started his rail photography in Armstrong BC on the CP Okanagan Sub in the 1940's.

The family bakery was on the main street of Armstrong. He baked all night, and then in the morning would photograph the CP and CN trains at the nearby Armstrong station, or climbing southbound out of Armstrong to Vernon near the "Realm" station name sign. From the impressive smoke the southbound CP & CN trains produced, I think he may have bribed a few crewmembers with pastries to sand the flues when they saw him trackside.

Later, he moved to Trail to start his own bakery which he owned until retirement. Again, his mornings were free, and he was able to photograph the Nelson-Trail passenger train and many other trains operating around Nelson, Trail and Castlegar.

He was an active print and negative trader, and many of his contemporary rail photographers were familiar with his work. Some time ago, the BRMNA published an album of his photography. So long , Jim. It was great to know you. (Phil Mason) (T.M.)

CANADA DAY MINI RAIL OPERATIONS

West Coast Mini Rail will operate two off-site events on Canada Day, July 1, 2006, as well as its normal full operation as part of the Canada Day Celebrations at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish.

Canada Day at Canada Place will operate from 1000 through 1900 at the north point of the outdoor promenade. There will be the usual great Canada Day entertainment and events for all to enjoy in the spectacular setting of the Vancouver harbour. Two cruise ships will also be at the pier, so this is a spectacular setting for our mini rail trains to operate. Come on down and take in the event!

Castle Park in Port Coquitlam will also see a Canada Day celebration event that will include the West Coast Mini Rail. Castle Park is in the Citadel heights area of Port Coq., located at Citadel Drive and Castle Crescent. Hours will be 1100 through 1700, with the official opening ceremony at 1200 noon. (J.D.) WCRA News, Page 7 374 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

On May 21st, 2006 we celebrated the 119th Anniversary of CPR Engine 374's arrival in Vancouver. It was a nice sunny day with approximately 100-150 people in attendance. The engine was pulled out of the Pavilion and steamed up at 1200 hours. (photos above and left, Elaine Pruden)

Former Mayor of Vancouver and WCRA member, Jack Volrich, gave a speech commemorating the event of this first passenger train arriving in Vancouver on May 23, 1887.

Tom Pruden (left) gave a very emotional speech in memory of his father Walter who passed away one year ago. Walter Pruden was a very dedicated volunteer with both the 374 Station Society and the West Coast Railway Association. WCRA News, Page 8

Before the event was over we had also enjoyed a delicious birthday cake and coffee. The entertainment for the day was provided by the Strathcona Chinese Dance Company and musicians Bing Jensen & Dave Engleman.

Many thanks to the following volunteers for all your help at the event: Tom & Elaine Pruden, Bernie Tully, Henry Reimer, Alex Miller, Gordon Hall and James Saunders as well as Jack Volrich and Matt Christianson. (M.C.)

THANKS • To Terry Bronner for the donation of a very historic artifact, the spike maul that drove the last spike on the extension of the Pacific Great Eastern railway’s extension between Squamish and North Vancouver. This item will go on display in the new PGE / BC Rail exhibit to open this summer.

COLLECTION

RARE 1934 CHRYSLER DONATED TO WCRA

The West Coast Railway Heritage Park has acquired a new artifact – a very rare 1934 Chrysler Airflow automobile (cover photo and photo below, Jim Brown)

It all started with an e-mail from Tom Gooden, Assistant Curator at the Burnaby Village Museum. He was asking if West Coast Railway Association would be interested in acquiring this car. He stated that the owner had a preference towards WCRA News, Page 9 donating the car to a BC institution rather than selling it to another collector. We were immediately interested, as we knew this was a rare car, which would be of value and form some key part of the 1930’s town centre at the Heritage Park. Shortly after, June Exworthy called and asked us to meet with her and her husband Bert at their home in Burnaby.

WCRA Operations Manager Jim Brown inspected the car, which was in first class shape, and gave them some background on our organization and why we exist. What was of prime importance to June and Bert is that the car would be well maintained, available for people to view and not be resold. Jim assured them that we could and would honour these conditions, and suggested to them that they visit the Heritage Park in Squamish and see for themselves how we operate. A date was arranged and they were given a personal tour of the Park.

June and Bert must have liked what they saw, because at the end of the tour they asked when we would like to pick up the car! Ownership of the car was then transferred, and June and Bert were recognized and given a lifetime membership in the WCRA.

Currently the car is secured and able to be viewed in a self-contained section in the shop at the Heritage Park (along with the Park’s 1937 Ford). It will be exhibited outdoors on selected days in front of the Brightbill House. In the longer term plans are now being set to build “Bert’s Garage” on Railway Avenue as a permanent home and exhibit for our classic autos.

This is a very generous donation by June and Bert Exworthy and we are proud that the West Coast Railway Heritage Park was chosen as the future home for their classic car. (J.B.)

Some background on the Chrysler Airflow

This 1934 Chrysler Airflow is a series CD 4 door sedan, rides on a 123” wheelbase and is powered by a 298 cu in straight 8 engine rated at 122 horse power. It weighs 3,760 lbs

This Airflow was purchased in 1981 from Ron Fawcett, a classic car dealer in Wibty, Ontario for $6,500.00 It was restored in 1994-1995 by Bert Exworthy and Bob Fuller where a great deal of time and money were needed to bring it to its current pristine condition. It was appraised at a value of $50,000.00 after completion in 1995; the appraisal document defines this vehicle as fine to excellent under the automotive condition codes.

1934 Chrysler Airflow historical facts.

The most influential automobile of the 1930’s was the Chrysler Airflow and it is also the most controversial. When introduced, the Airflow stunned the automotive world, accustomed to the boxy cars of that time. Unfortunately most people were not interested in aerodynamics and the Airflow proved a sales failure of immense proportions.

WCRA News, Page 10

The Airflow was the first car to offer seating ahead of the rear axle allowing for more room for passengers. It also offered powered 4 wheel hydraulic brakes and used rubber motor mounts. This is when most cars had mechanical linkage brakes.

There isn’t a car on the road whose design was not influenced in some way by the Airflow. It was an automobile far ahead of its time. But production units for the 1934 model reached only 7,226. And 1934 was the best sales year as unit sales declined each year after until production ceased entirely in 1937. (J.B.)

The Airflow will be introduced to the public at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park on Father’s Day, June 18, 2006, and (weather permitting) rides will be given. It will then go on permanent display ion a new clean “garage” that has been constructed at the northeast corner of the CarShop building. This area is fenced to assure the security of the artifact (view from the fence only) until the new permanent exhibit old time garage is built in the Heritage Park’s town centre.

4069 GOES TO WORK ON THE WHISTLER MOUNTAINEER

WCRA’s FP7A unit #4069 has gone to work on the Whistler Mountaineer, providing service through much of the month of May and into June (still on the train as of June 10th). The intent was for WCRA to service and ready the unit for service as back up motive power for the train, should there be any problem with the Whistler Mountaineer GP40 units. Our crews got busy and the unit was ready for May 1, and participated in the whistle salute to the inaugural train as it passed our site in Squamish. (WCRA News, June 2006 issue) It was a good move!

WM 8019 and WCXX 4069 climb the grade to the Highway 99 crossing at Brandywine with the Whistler Mountaineer on May 21.

(Don Evans photo)

WCRA News, Page 11

A problem with GP40 WM 8019 had the 4069 called into service for two days of operations on May 10 and 11. The unit returned to Squamish, but was again called to service when GP40 WM 8018 suffered a major problem (reported as a turbo failure). WCXX 4069 went back to work again on May 17th and has been operating with 8019 steadily since then (as of June 10th still in service).

Open observation car WCXX 598 Henry Pickering continues to be a hit and has been in the press many times in coverage of the Whistler Mountaineer train, the train getting lots of positive media attention as it settles into operation. The photo above shows the train heading along Nita Lake past Tyrol Lodge after it has unloaded its passengers at the station.

IN THE SHOP

Over at the West Coast Railway shop (MP 1), several projects are underway or well along.

The BC-33 has had its seized engine replaced and the “new” engine has been started up. There remains some work to be done yet before the job can be called completed, but we are well on the way to having our two Budd cars fully serviceable.

Work is also underway on the painting and lettering of the former “Royal Hudson” coaches Chasm and Capilano. These two coaches will be painted, lettered West Coast Railway and carry the names of their sponsors. Dedications should be held in July. WCRA News, Page 12

ROYAL HUDSON PRESERVATION & FUND

ROYAL HUDSON PROJECT PROGRESS

As of June 8th the boiler work has been completed, and the boiler was filled with water for the first time on June 6th. Work then ensued to heat the water using steam generated by the stationery engine donated to us several years ago by Paul Hjorth. The stationary engine was inspected and successfully pressure tested, then fired up with a real coal fire. Alas, an injector problem prevented the steam from being made on June 8th, another try was set for the 9th.

By the time you receive this news letter the hydro test will surely have been completed— watch for details on the Grand Steam Up Event to be held this summer.

ROYAL HUDSON PRESERVATION FUND

We acknowledge our monthly contributors Dave Walker, Richard Tubbessing, and Ernie & Lynn Ledgerwood, as well as donors Paul & April Turner $25,000, Cardinal Concrete $8,000, Tom Rust $1,000, Central Hobbies $85, David John Walker $100, Ken Moir $250, Charles Green $1,000, Alan Smith $50, Archie Millar $25, Joy Miller $100, Ron Crilley $25, Garage Sale books $386, Don Greenwood $20, and in memory of Don Buckham Lawrence & Dwayne Scott $25, Sylvia & Ralph Anderson $25, Yvonne Dickson $65. The proceeds from the recent auction with the Rotary Club of Vancouver raised $12,650 bringing our total to $179,502 raised to date. Remember, you can make a donation on line through www.wcra.org .

Add in the Western Economic Diversification Canada grant of $110,000 and the Province of BC $100,000 TFA grant, Westran’s $50,000 and our total now leaps forward to $439,502.

FUNDRAISING

STAFF CHANGES AT THE HASTINGS OFFICE

We are sad to report that we are losing our Manager—Administration and 374 Pavilion, Matt Christianson, who has to leave the country now while his Landed Immigrant process continues (we could have a rant here about how the bad guys get to stay and the good ones have to leave, but we’ll leave it at that!). Matt has been a great contributor to our operations and has worked hard and well with all of us at WCRA. We wish Matt well and hope he might return when he can come back to Canada.

A small farewell BBQ was held at Chair Craig McDowall’s on June 13 to wish Matt well, and the WCRA presented him with a Max Jacquiard Royal Hudson print in appreciation. WCRA News, Page 13 WELCOME LYNNE KINNELL

Staff changes will now take place, and WCRA’s Operations Manager Jim Brown is going to take an increased role that will include the 374 Pavilion. We welcome Lynne Kinnell to the Hastings office as our new Office Administrator. Lynne is no stranger to the WCRA, having volunteered at many events over the years, including Day Out With Thomas both times we have had him here. Lynne will work one or two days a week at the Hastings office and will handle tax receipts and other office administrative duties that were part of Matt’s role in the past. We welcome Lynne to the WCRA. (J.B.)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT – MAY 2006

May was a month of following up on funding efforts underway, as well as a month of follow up work on some future initiatives. Here’s how we did:

Funding Asks Made · Royal Hudson potential donors – several asks made as we continue to fund the repairs

Major Funding Received · Donation of 1934 Chrysler Airflow appraised at $50,000 · Don Buckham Memorial $50 · Hudson donations $185 · Hudson donation Paul & April Turner $25,000 · Auction funds raised $12,650 · MP Shop Donation $10,000 · Less theft of light fixtures -$50,000 (recorded in a previous month)

Month Total $ 47,885 Year to Date Total $ 474,864 Year end objective $1,000,000 Other Significant Activities · Meeting with Rocky Mountaineer Vacations re 2006 plans · Meeting with CN re trackage rights and other issues

Our major work remains focused on finding the funding needed to complete the Royal Hudson, and we are having some success here. We want to recognize Paul & April Turner for their fantastic donation of $25,000 towards that cause. Not only that, Paul has committed to finding us another $25,000 in the Squamish area and is working to do that for us in June. Thanks for that great work, Paul.

AUCTION RAISES OVER $12,000

The annual West Coast Railway Association / Rotary Club of Vancouver auction was held WCRA News WCRA News, Page 14

May 12, 2006 and was a very successful event.. This year it was held at the Croatian Cultural Centre on Commercial Drive in Vancouver, which turned out to be a great venue.

The event opened at 6:00 PM, and featured a wonderful gourmet dinner with wine, silent and live auctions, and lots of fun for all. There was a good selection of items to bid on in both the Silent Auctions, and especially the Live Auction. Auctioneers Don Evans and Paul Martin did the duties—the Live Auction raised over $17,000, more than $5,000 coming from the lead item—a Gold Leaf Circle Trip for two donated by Rocky Mountaineer Vacations.

Our lead coordinator this year was Matt Christianson who did a great job, and many volunteers helped out including Bernie & Rosalie Tully, Jeremy Davy & Donna Simon, Sue & Ralph Towsley, and many Rotarians as well. Thanks to all.

We also acknowledge all who attended and bought tables, especially CN (Chairman’s Office) for sponsoring a table for our volunteers, and auction donors who included Southern Railway of British Columbia, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, Craig McDowall, Colin Smith (Norman Stowe), Carl Vanderspek & Marg Hope, Don Evans, Keith Anderson, Jim Watson, Max Jacquiard, Ernie & Lynne Ledgerwood, Lisa Thompson (Cartwheels Inc.), Wendy Magee (ALS Society), and the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. (M.C.)

As we go to press, the final tallies have not been completed, but from the auction itself there is a total of over $25,000—so it looks like WCRA’s net is at least $12,500. Thanks to all who participated and supported our annual auction, the funds go to the Royal Hudson Fund at a very critical time.

TELUS COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS

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

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

WEST COAST RAIL TOURS

2006 TOURS UNDERWAY

Our Tours Committee now has its program of tours for 2006 underway. The new Whistler Mountaineer services to Whistler are incorporated into WCRA News, Page 15 our program and we will continue with the popular White Pass & Yukon package as well. Members are reminded that we have new 2006 brochures now available, including Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, VIA Rail, Trafalgar Tours to Hawaii, across North America and to Australia / New Zealand as well as major cruise lines. A recent mail out to Tours customers has things hopping and our tours yet to run are filling well. Why don’t you get on board and enjoy some great rail travel in 2006. (B.J.)

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

Depart from Pacific Central Station at a time of your choosing aboard Pacific Coach Lines scheduled service to Victoria. We supply vouchers to take you to the Queen Victoria Hotel—a few steps from the bus depot. You are on your own for dinner. Breakfast is served at 7:00 AM 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.

Vancouver Island, Discovery Coast, Chilcotin, Cariboo & Whistler Circle Tour by Discovery Coast Ferry, Motorcoach and 2 Trains

This is a new itinerary using some familiar services combined with a new passenger rail experience from Whistler to Vancouver. Tour DCW-R

Meals included in the package are shown thus: B = breakfast, CB = continental breakfast, L = lunch, S = morning or afternoon snack or tea, D = dinner (All other meals are on your own)

Day 1 - Wednesday, July 5th After pickups in the Vancouver area we make our way in our chartered coach to Vancouver Island via the 8:30 AM sailing at Horseshoe Bay for Nanaimo. We go to the VIA Rail station and board the E&N Dayliner for Courtenay. Lunch is supplied on the train. After leaving Courtenay our motorcoach takes us to a new hotel in Port McNeill for the night. Frequent WCRA News, Page 16 stops for sightseeing are made along the way. A “welcome dinner” is supplied tonight. L, D

If interested in leaving a day earlier for Victoria we can arrange a hotel for you, and transfers to the VIA Rail station to ride the E&N Dayliner north to meet our group in Nanaimo. See note re “Option “V” below.

Day 2 - Thursday, July 6th After an early breakfast we board our motorcoach for Bear Cove where we embark on the “Queen of Chilliwack” Discovery Coast ferry. For the next 13 hours we wind our way through Queen Charlotte Strait, Fitz Hugh Sound, and Burke Channel. Whales and other sea life are sometimes spotted. Arrival at Bella Coola is before 10:30 PM. We go to nearby Hagensborg for two nights. CB

Day 3 - Friday, July 7th The day is spent soaking up the area’s history and First Nations culture, predominant in the area - as well as the outstanding natural beauty of the region – interpreted by a local guide. B, L, D

Day 4 - Saturday, July 8th We traverse the wild Chilcotin region after a climb up the infamous “Big Hill” that takes us from the coastal rain forest over the rugged Coastal Mountains. We spend the night in Williams Lake. B, L, S

Day 5 - Sunday, July 9th Today we travel through the south Cariboo region, Lillooet and over the incredible Duffy Lake Road to the mountain village of Whistler, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. B, L

Day 6 - Monday, July 10th We have a chance to sleep in an enjoy this beautiful mountain village. After lunch we get a coach transfer to the “Whistler Mountaineer” train service for our return to the coast via Howe Sound and Squamish. Tea and a snack are served at your seat. We leave the train in North Vancouver and are transferred to downtown Vancouver ending the tour. Home drop-off included. B, S

FARE: Per person sharing: $1292; BC Seniors only, $1252; Single Supplement: $438. GST extra.

OPTION “V”. Go to Victoria on Tuesday July 4th and take the E&N Malahat Dayliner the next morning. We meet you on the train in Nanaimo on Wednesday to continue the tour. Add $168

WCRA News, Page 17 Two Steam Trains, Fish and Wine We offer two versions and two dates for these popular trips riding behind steam locomotives in the Okanagan region (Tour OKS-6)

Day 1 - Friday, September 15th We leave Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station by chartered coach picking up in the Fraser Valley then take Highway 7 on the scenic north side of the Fraser River from Mission to downtown Agassiz and the museum housed in the oldest wooden railroad station in B.C. We follow the Fraser Canyon and stop for lunch at the Hells Gate Air Tram (admission included) where one can walk over the suspension bridge to view fish climbing the fish ladders. On to Skihist Park overlooking Rainbow Canyon of the Thompson River and the railways operating through this most difficult part of the river valley. Kamloops overnight. Try dinner at the Keg Steak House in the renovated Kamloops Railway station. S x 2 Day 2 - Saturday, September 16th Morning transfer to the Kamloops Heritage Railway steam train. We climb from Campbell Creek up into ranching country enroute to Armstrong. There is time to tour the town have lunch and view the steam train leaving. We travel to O'Keefe Ranch for a tour of the restored buildings, and then go to a local winery for a tour and tasting. We have dinner in a fine Kelowna restaurant by Okanagan Lake. CB, L, D Day 3 - Sunday, September 17th We depart at 8:30 AM for Hardy Creek to see fish spawning and then on to the Kettle Valley Steam Railway. Our train takes us along the hills overlooking Summerland and onto the Trout Creek Bridge the highest on the former Kettle Valley Railway. Lunch is included today at a local winery followed by a tour and tasting. We then tour the SS Sicamous, the beautifully restored lake steamer. We stay tonight at the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Casino on the south beach of Okanagan Lake. There are lots of options for dinner in the hotel, or by a short walk to downtown Penticton. B, L Day 4 - Monday, September 18th At 9:30 AM depart for the Grist Mill at Keremeos for a tour and lunch. We take the Crowsnest Route back to the coast with stops at a fruit stand, Manning Park, and the Quintette Tunnels on the old KVR line. B, L

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

Or try this shorter more economical version, in June (Tour KHR-7) Day 1 - Friday, June 2nd Depart Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station at 1:00 PM allowing for transfers from Vancouver Island or Amtrak from Seattle. We make pickups through the Fraser Valley to Hope where we take a rest stop and a walk through the Quintette Tunnels on the old KVR line. Then it’s direct to Kamloops for the night in a good riverside motel. S Day 2 - Saturday, June 3rd As per Day 2 in above itinerary, Overnight in Kelowna.CB, L, D Day 3 - Sunday, June 4th This morning depart at 9 AM for the Kettle Valley Steam Railway. Our train takes us along the hills overlooking Summerland and onto the Trout Creek Bridge the highest on the former Kettle Valley Railway. After lunch we return directly to Hope and the Fraser Valley to Vancouver in time to make evening ferry and train connections. B, L FARE: Per person sharing: $537 Single Supplement: $113 WCRA News, Page 18 Vancouver Island's West Coast

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

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

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

CPR Steam Through the Rockies

A steam lover’s delight, our Canadian Rockies Steam Express tours feature the Canadian Pacific Railway’s heritage steam engine, the 2816 “Empress” on 2 itineraries of your choice (Tour CPR-9) Westbound Tours: Arrive Calgary on dates shown. We arrange air or other means to get you there. Hotels each night and most meals. Day 1 - Tuesday; WCRA News, Page 19

Calgary - Banff - Lake Louise Day 2 - Wednesday; Lake Louise – Revelstoke Day 3 - Thursday; Revelstoke – Kamloops Day 4 - Friday; Kamloops – Vancouver

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

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

Dates: Departures from Vancouver as below. We fly you back from Calgary to Abbotsford, Vancouver or your choice, at your convenience. 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.

4449 TO RUN SPECIAL DESCHUTES TOUR

Ex Southern Pacific 4-8-4- #4449 is off for a special public trip sponsored by the Northwest Rail Museum. The Deschutes Steam Special will operate September 16 and 17, 2006 as a two day round trip Portland to Bend Oregon and return over BNSF tracks..

Traveling behind a huge mainline steam locomotive has become a rare experience, so here is an opportunity in the Pacific Northwest—consist is expected to be in Southern Pacific’s Daylight colours to match the engine.

Three ticket classes are offered—coach at $675, Club at $775, and dome at $875 - all prices in US dollars. For more information check the website at http://www.northwestrailmuseum. com/deschutes_trip.htm or call West Coast Rail Tours and we’ll give you a hand. (G.H.) WCRA News, Page 20

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 MOTIVE POWER SHOPS

WEST COAST RAILWAY TO OPERATE BCIT RAILWAY PRACTICUMS

West Coast Railway, operating out of the Motive Power Shop 1, will become the home for BCIT’s Railway Conductor Practicum training starting with the first class the week of July 24, 2006. It has been quite a process to go through to prepare, and we will be ready when the first class arrives. Most of the work is complete, with final details now being put in place.

This work has evolved from the work we have done with past Railway Conductor programs based over at the Heritage Park. In these programs, one day of field work was required and the class with instructors travelled to Squamish the past two years and we did some field work using our Heritage Park tracks and PGE 561 with freight cars as needed for the day. This was a good and productive arrangement for both parties—we offered a rail place without interference to a railway’s regular operations, and revenue was generated for the WCRA.

But more was needed, and the Railway Association of Canada (which oversees this kind of training) had ideas about a different program—one that reduced the overall length of the training but increased the actual operating work in the field. BCIT adopted the new Railway Conductor Short Program with its summer 2006 class, the one that will come to Squamish this July. With WCRA’s Don Evans as a member of the BCIT Railway Steering Committee, WCRA decided to bid for the practicum work based at our MP 1 shop complex. It seemed like a perfect location, but work had to be done to meet all the requirements.

Singh Biln, General Manager—West Coast Railway, was named the overall leader for the Railway Conductor training practicum work. This required setting up for us to administer the one week practicum curriculum and, unlike before, take the actual training responsibility for the students for the week. The students will arrive on a Monday and stay the week at the Mountain Retreat Hotel & Suites. West Coast Railway will operate the training, simulating an operating railway from crew call outs to train assembly to the actual practical operating training on the train for the week. Singh and his team will ultimately score the students and grade them according to the standards set out in the curriculum. WCRA News, Page 21

This next required work to be done at the site to ensure all was ready to operate to full RAC and Transport Canada standards. A crew office with crew facilities and computer was set up in one of the offices at MP 1 (a natural as it was all there, just needed furniture and equipment) and work had to be done to both the yard outside and the motive power to conform our heritage units for current standards service. All the Safety Management System package, crew procedures and other support materials were assembled.

Next came the audit by the Railway Association of Canada, which came and reviewed the site and equipment for compliance. This process made our standards even stronger as we followed through on the audit recommendations (carried out by two rail contractors, one from CPR and one from Rail America). As a result of that audit, switch standard targets were realigned to conform to CN’s (photo left) and PGE RSC-3 had some modifications (all removable, below) to make the footboards inaccessible (no longer legal). The uncoupling levers were also extended to allow operation from the locomotive steps as per current standard. This work was done by our creative shop forces Randy & Randy.

That had just about everything done except for one significant issue, and here we needed the help of CN. Our equipment, our office facilities, our switching yard all met the needed requirements but we were short the needed “branchline run” which was specified as a five mile line trip. This would require access to some CN trackage in order to be carried out. WCRA News, Page 22

After discussions with CN through the General Manager - British Columbia, Kirk Carroll’s office, we were collectively able to agree that support to the BCIT training program was desirable for all of us, and that trackage access from the MP shops and Heritage Park into Downtown Squamish on the Squamish spur would be arranged. Exact details of how this will work are now being established between West Coast Railway and CN, and this will be ready to go and the first WCR trains into Squamish will happen the week of July 24th.

Now WCR crew training to full CROR / CN standards is being done and the final things put in place. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with BCIT and CN in support of our little part in producing outstanding and well trained railway conductors for the industry.

ROUNDHOUSE & TURNTABLE

The turntable drawings went to Squamish early June and Singh has applied for the Building Permit. All documentation will be submitted with the drawings except for one. The confirmation of professional liability insurance required was sent direct to Squamish. The process has turned out to be much more bureaucratic and time consuming than we expected, but we are working through it with the District staff.

Ueli Leichti of Duro Construction is set to start and is working with Singh on the strategy to follow. We anticipate that the Building Permit for the Turntable will have been issued and that work on this will be underway by the start of July.

WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK Home of the Royal Hudson

HERITAGE PARK BUS SERVICE TO OPERATE IN 2006

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

Named for the “Domeliner” trains that crossed the continent in the post-World War II glory days of train travel, the current version uses exclusive “Glasstop” motor coaches designed to maximize visibility from every one of the all-forward-facing seats in classic GM buses. Guests will enjoy a carefree drive up scenic Howe Sound, an opportunity for lunch at the renowned Howe Sound Brewing Company, and an afternoon at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Located in the town of Squamish, the Heritage Park is Western Canada’s WCRA News, Page 23 largest railway museum, and features as its keynote display the famous “Royal Hudson” steam locomotive, which itself returns to steam in 2006.

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

Dates for the Heritage Park service are Sun. June 25, Sat. July 8, Sun. July 23, Mon. Aug. 7 (BC Day), Sun. Aug. 13 and watch for other special event dates such as the Royal Hudson steam up event once the date is set.

TROOP SLEEPER BEING TRANSFORMED INTO PGE / BCR EXHIBIT

Garage Sale/Pancake Breakfast

On Saturday, June 3rd we had our garage sale and raised a total of $1,492.20. It was a lot of work but we are pleased as this money will go to our restoration of the two cars. Western WCRA News, Page 24

Rails has also made a generous donation to the Project of $2000.00 which we are grateful for. Thank you to Paul Roy and Jeremy Davy for their support and advice. Thanks also to Singh Biln for a donation of $100 to the project. The Lions Club Breakfast was a huge hit and we thank them as their work in community continues and is so appreciated.

Now about our volunteers, all I can say is you are all my hero's. Without you, none of this is possible. They are Tom and Susan Bruvall, Paul and Mary Roy, John Jellis, Henry Reimer, Audrey Rhodes, Vivian Downing, Bill Hales, Bill and Jean McEnery, Karen Moodie, Percy Fairhurst, Gail Frawley, Steve Martin, Lynn and Randy Lucas, Randy Shimell, Chris Forget, Lloyd Daniel, Heather and Wayne Sidsworth, John and Faye Lighthall, Marion Mills, Gary and Lolita Turner, Ron McCormack and Carmen Peterson, Mattias Christianson, Renee Walton, and special thanks to Sherry Elchuk who is so supportive in all we do. To the staff that day Olga and Wendy Junkin thank you for opening early.

Bernie Tully (above) volunteered at our info table for the Heritage Park and also sold some of Harold Holtby's collection of Railway Books etc. - the money collected in the amount of $386.00 went to the Royal Hudson Fund. WCRA News, Page 25

We had the pleasure of Jan Easton and his group of Blue Grass buddies, Mary, Colin, and Carol playing to our visitors. (Formerly called the Roundhouse Players).

(Photo left)

It was a great day and helped immensely with the work on our new exhibit, which will open July 20th at the Heritage Park. (D.F.)

And a huge thanks to Donna Fourchalk for organizing this event—the parking lot was full all morning as more than 300 people checked out the sale! Photos from Heather Sidsworth. (S.E.)

WCRA News, Page 26

MASON STATION OPENED

Mason Station is now completely done with old posters and photos of BCR over all the walls, and is now open for West Coast Mini Rail passengers or guests who walk to Eagle View Loop to enjoy. Thanks to Scott Ellis for mounting all the plexi-glass over top of the posters. Eventually we are gong to have as many of the actual stations and flag stop pictures along the line, another new exhibit to see at the Heritage Park. (D.F.)

NARCOA MOTORCAR EXCURSION TO STOP AT HERITAGE PARK

A unique experience awaits visitors to the Heritage Park July 10th and 11th, as a NARCOA Motorcar tour unloads and sets up for a tour of the CN (former BC Rail and CN north lines). The Motorcar group will run from Squamish to Ambleside and back on July 11th, then head north for Lillooet on July 12th. The tour goes a total of 2,200 miles out to Prince Rupert and then returns back to Squamish, with arrival set for July 31. WCRA will assist with the set on point at the MP shops and the overnights at the Heritage Park. (S.E.) WCRA News, Page 27

1934 CHRYSLER AIRFLOW GOES ON EXHIBIT STARTING JUNE 18

Father’s Day 2006 is the debut date for the exhibit of our new 1934 Chrysler Airflow (cover and page 8) automobile. Weather permitting, guest rides in this rare classic car will be offered, and then the car will be able to be viewed in its new home, the garage area established in the PGE Car Shop building. The classic car will also be featured in this years Squamish Days parade as well as some car shows in the Lower Mainland. (J.B.)

SUMMER RAIL OPERATIONS TO FEATURE SPEEDERS AND BUDD CARS

The West Coast Railway Heritage Park will feature new railway operations this year throughout July and August as we make the most of the two new attractions we have trialed—Speeder operations and Budd Car rides. The packaging will be a little different, and both new attractions will feature both guest and member rates in order to cover off both insurance and fuel costs. But they will be a great deal for all.

Speeder Rides every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Hop aboard our unique train of railway Motorcars (often called Speeders) and experience something you just can’t do anywhere else in the area—ride the rails in an open air motorized car as the railway workers did for years all over the continent. These are unique Fairmont A 4 Man Haulers, powered by Ford four cylinder engines mated to four speed (both forward and reverse) transmissions. Our trip will take us from the Mac Norris Station along the Heritage Park’s mainline, past Eagle View, out the gate and north through the forest to the derail installation at our railway interchange with CN. Each ride gets two round trips for a total of around three miles on the rails. You must wear your seatbelt and operations are by certified operators.

Operates Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays starting July 5—last runs September 1. Prices for this fun trip—and it is great fun! - are just $4 adult / $7 couple / $10 family of four. (Member prices are at a 50% discount—thus $2 single / $3.50 couple / $5 family.)

Behind the Scenes Shop Tour by Budd Car, Saturdays and Sundays

Here is a very special way to make an escorted visit to see our Motive Power Shop 1 operating maintenance shop. Travel along our own tracks aboard our restored Budd Rail Diesel Cars out to the CN interchange, and then across Government Road to our Motive Power Shop where you will receive an escorted tour of the shop, then return to the Heritage Park on the Budds back to the Mac Norris Station. WCRA News, Page 28

At the MP 1 shop you will be able to see how our operating fleet is maintained, with the aid of the elevated walkways, inspection pits and overhead cranes. You will view whatever of the operating fleet is in at the time, certainly our FP7A and F7B units, HEP generator car, newly refurbished coaches, and the classic business car Northern Summit. Also there for viewing are classic motor coaches such as 1960’s GM buses (Nostalgia Tours) and a recently arrived privately owned 1956 ScenicCruiser.

Trips operate Saturdays and Sundays through July and August, starting July 1, 2006 and ending September 3, 2006.

Prices for these one hour escorted excursions will be just $8 single / $14 couple / $20 family, and for members 50% discount prices of $4 single / $7 couple / $10 family.

VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR SUMMER OPERATIONS

With the Heritage Park now offering three ride attractions this summer (mini rail / speeders / Budd Cars) we could use volunteer help in several ways. Mini Rail engineers and conductors—we need you through the summer to help run the trains. Speeder Operators—if you have qualified to operate, we need you to sign up for operating shifts. Tour guides—we welcome you aboard the Budd cars to help with the passengers on weekends. Let us know if you want to come and help, call the Heritage Park at 604-898-9336 to book your shifts.

HERITAGE PARK MARKETING

Several new marketing initiatives have been happening or are planned for this summer. We participated in the Vancouver Attractions Group Tourism Challenge again this year and had lots of people from the tourism industry visit us and become aware of what we have to offer. At the same time we learned more about other area attractions. A FAM tour offered by Vancouver Coast & Mountains tourism also included the Heritage Park in May. (S.E.)

Listen to Clear FM 104.9 throughout the summer and you should hear the sound of radio commercials for the Heritage Park. These start airing June 26th and will continue right through to the end of August. This is a new effort for us, and we have Marg Hope to thank for getting this started through some work she did with the station. Our goal with these commercials is to get visitors from Vancouver area to come to Squamish and visit the Heritage Park to grow our summer traffic.

The Squamish Adventure Centre is now selling admissions to the Heritage Park from their new home on highway 99, helping promote the Heritage Park and ensure that people get to the gate with a ticket already in hand. A similar arrangement is also being established (or may be in place by the time you read this) with Tourism Vancouver. (S.E.) WCRA News, Page 29 WELCOME MEGAN

The West Coast Railway Heritage Park welcomes our new staff member Megan Hackett. Megan comes to us funded by a Career Summer Placement Grant from HRSDC Canada.

NEW POSTAL CODE

Canada Post has changed postal codes for the entire Squamish area, thus changing the Postal Code for the Heritage Park. Our address is now Box 2387, Squamish, BC, V8B 0B6. (S.E.)

HERITAGE PARK THANKS

The West Coast Railway Heritage Park offers a trainload of thanks to Ernie & Lynn Ledgerwood for the donation of a complete digital photo system - camera / printer and supplies—so we can now offer our guests digital photos as souvenir of their Mini rail trips.

JULY SPECIAL EVENTS

There are two great special events planned for the Heritage Park in July—in addition to all the excitement of our regular exhibits, mini rail, speeder rides and Budd car tours to the shops: • Canada Day—July 1st at the Heritage Park is a special community day where admission is by donation all day long. There will be free Canada Day Cake at 1200 noon, and there will be Face Painting from 1100 through 1400. The West Coast Mini Rail will operate all day ($2.50 per ride, members free) and the first day of the Budd Car “Behind the Scenes” tours to the operating shop will run—departures at 1100, 1230 and 1400. • BC Rail Pioneers Day—July 20 will be a very special day at the Heritage Park, as the BC Rail Pioneers join us and hold their annual picnic. During this day, the brand new exhibit on the Pacific Great Eastern / BC Rail story will open in the PGE Troop Sleeper, which will also be officially dedicated and named in honour of Bud Butterworth. Watch our website or call the Heritage Park for specific times for the dedication. • Motorcars tour—the NARCOA Motorcars will be in the area of the Heritage Park and our MP 1 shops July 10th and will overnight at the Park , then make a Squamish—West Vancouver—Squamish run on July 11, overnight at the park again, then head north July 12th. They return to Squamish from the north on July 31. (S.E.)

NEW FACILITIES AND EXHIBITS

Work continues on new facilities and exhibits at the Heritage Park. The Kid’s Kaboose is undergoing a repair and re-roofing to get it finally ready for use this summer. Check with the Park for when this might open, there has been a delay in this due the need for more work on the caboose than expected. WCRA News, Page 30

A new attraction for West Coast Mini Rail passengers is taking shape at Windmill Flats— this junction near Sweet Apple will soon have an operating Garden Railway to watch as the mini rail trains pass by.

Chris Forget continues his transformation of the coach Skeena River into a feature attraction as a model railway exhibit. Again, watch for an announcement of the opening of this exhibit before summer is out. (S.E.)

FEATURE ARTICLES

25 YEARS AGO—From May 1977’s WCRA News

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

WCRA News - June 1977 (editor: Bob Gevaert)

Amtrak

Skyline’s Disneyland Spring Break Special carried 520 passengers and ran as a ‘second section’ to the regular Pacific International. Southbound the consist had two BN GP 35’s, (#2516 / 2517) two steam generator cars, a crew sleeper, 2 dining cars, a lounge car, 11 coaches and two sleepers for a total of 19 cars.

(WCRA member Don Evans just happened to photograph that very train southbound out of Colebrook in Surrey on March 26, 1977, below) WCRA News, Page 31

Pacific International #793 was hit by a cement truck en route to Seattle at the Slater Road crossing just south of Ferndale on May 27th. The truck driver was killed and two crew members and six passengers were injured. The truck hit the end of the first coach and was spun around into the second coach. This resulted in four of the five coaches derailing. The first coach ended up parallel to the tracks, still upright with the middle three left in a zig zag formation. The last car remained on the rails and had most of the 85 passengers on board which resulted in few injuries. The locomotive wasn’t affected by the crash.

A special train from Birmingham, Alabama to Portland Oregon was powered by American Freedom Train engine SP 4449 and carried a total of 9679 passengers on its 17 day journey. A diesel assisted, with a SP unit from New Orleans to El Paso and an Amtrak SDP-40F for the balance of the trip.

On order are 10 new F40PH-2 locomotives which will be added to the present fleet of 30 units. They will be geared for a top speed of 103 mph. They are needed for service with the new bi-level equipment being put into service this year.

Sea Bus

The new ferry service linking downtown Vancouver to the North Shore across Burrard Inlet will begin operation on June 17th and has been named Sea Bus.

BCR

Railwest Manufacturing, BC Rail’s car manufacturing subsidiary, will close down at the end of July when a current order for 500 bulkhead flatcars is completed. Railwest has not been able to secure any car orders other than those from BC Rail. 260 men will lose their jobs.

The wooden trestle at mile 10 in West Vancouver is slated for replacement this year. Get your photos now as the trestle makes a fine photo location.

CP Rail

Four classic diesel locomotives have been preserved by CP Rail and are entrusted to the PR department. The units are: Baldwin DRS-4-41000 #8000, CLC H-16-44 #8554, CLC H-24- 66 #8905 & CLC CPA-16-4 #4065. They will be used for historical displays or on loan to museums but no plans for any excursions.

Vancouver Wharves S-3 #26 was cannibalized for parts by BCR at Squamish and the body was seen on a flatcar in North Van on April 15th WCRA News, Page 32 Skyline Travel

A special Canadian Pacific stainless train from Vancouver to Kamloops and will be the last trip in the west prior to Via implementation. Capacity is 420. Fare is $114 and includes a hotel room in Kamloops.

TIM ROARK HAS ME BEAT!

Member Tim Roark writes:

Hi Don: The recent article about your trip to Shanghai was most enjoyable to read and brought back fond memories. But I can do you one better!

I also had the great pleasure to ride on this fantastic futuristic train last October. Here is a picture of me standing in the aisle near the speed display panel. You will see I have done 1 better - that is 1 km/h better as we reached a speed of 431 km/h. There is truly nothing like traveling at 431/km/h (269 mph) on a train running just above fields, houses and roadways. The fact that you can easily stand and walk in the aisle like in a jet plane is a testament to this great concept in high- speed train travel.

But that’s not all. The Chinese government has just given formal approval to the proposed Shanghai-Hangzhou maglev line. The line will be approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) long and is designed to run at a maximum speed of 450 kilometers per hour. It is expected to be operational by 2010. That’s just 4 years from now! Is it possible?

This is part of a $22 billion US dollar plan by the Chinese government which also includes a new high speed rail line between Beijing and Shanghai which will be similar in technology to those running in France and Japan. It is most interesting to see these massive projects move forward so quickly in China. If your members have the opportunity to visit China and see the very old such as the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors and the new such as the Maglev and Three Gorges Dam and ship locks, I suggest they do so. They will be amazed. Best regards, Tim WCRA News, Page 33

RAILWAY NEWS

MOTIVE POWER NOTES

Motive power spottings at Thornton Yard include Kelowna Pacific #2641 westbound over Fraser River Bridge on May 8, Norfolk Southern SD60 #6571 May 16, Union Pacific GE 5766 May 22, GEC/Alsthom 6068 and Illinois Central 6072 on May 24th, also on the 24th Wisconsin Central 6943 with Norfolk Southern 9135 and Alsthom 6062, Wisconsin Central 6006 on May 25, Illinois Central 6064 with Alsthom 6065 on May 27 and Burlington Northern green with white nose 9256 mated with Montana Rail Link 307 on May 29th. (R.C.)….CSX Transportation #18 was all across the system in May from Halifax to Thornton, and DMIR #407 also made it to town as well as all over the Province. (J.M.)…... CN has retired more ex BCR units—CRS 20 “Cat” unit 609 in April, slugs (built from former RS3 units) S-401 and S-403, and B 36-7 units 3611 and 3612. (TJ)…..A whole lot of units are for sale on CN’s website including most of the remaining BCR “Cat” fleet in various stages of repair and many SD40 / SD40-2 units.

HEAVY TRAFFIC

CN train 112 left here tonight (May 13th) with 9,165' /8646 tons - heavy and long for our intermodal train which is supposed to have under ideal circumstances 110 wells, but today left with 138 wells carrying 253 containers. Picture that many trucks all departing for the Hwy 1 up the canyon or up the Coquihalla! Train being pulled by CN 2677-CSXT 18 (an AC4400). Usual count is around 200 cans. 112 is running with 1.0 HP/Ton - it'll be pulling hard on CP's roller coaster line.

Meanwhile train 102 ex Deltaport is set back to 0400 so that Deltaport can load 10,000' min. and reuse power off 101/09 (8001-2250-5612) to get 12,690 hp. to pull it. At Deltaport Fri., two ships were discharging 15 miles (of double stack cars of) containers, with a ship with another 2 miles due Sat., and one with 5 miles on Sun. Meanwhile we have slightly over our authorized maximum of 7 miles of inbound container cars at the port as of today. That’s how the traffic builds! (J.M.)

BUSINESS TRAIN IN THE AREA

CN’s business car train arrived in the area on June 1st (R.C.) and was seen in North Vancouver June 6th. It was set up and ready to, departing north on the former BC Rail line on June 8th after the arrival of the Whistler Mountaineer. While the exact consist is not recorded (seen from a distance) the train was led by a CN freight unit and two E units, with three or four red / cream cars plus the American Spirit dome and Pacific Spirit in consist. WCRA News, Page 34 SQUAMISH SUB RESTRICTIONS EASED

Transport Canada eased some of the special restrictions placed on CN’s Squamish sub. Operations effective March 7th, after successful operations during a period of scrutiny that had no incidents. While train lengths were allowed to increase, a number of special safety requirements remain in effect for the route…. • Train lengths now are 80 cars with only head end power, or 114 cars with distributed power—tests throughout the route are required to confirm distributed power functioning • Restrictions regarding handling of empty cars are in effect • A CN supervisor must accompany and train any new employee to the route • Special stall and emergency stop procedures are in place • A reduction of number of stops en route where possible (BL)

MOTIVE POWER NOTES

Green Goats are starting to show up in service on CPR, as GG20B #1700 entered service at Alyth in Calgary. The unit is ex CPR GP9u #1600 / nee CPR GP9 8690. Sister GG20B #1701 was also released for service and is the former GP9u #1635 / nee CPR 8626. Both units have Canadian Pacific spelled out on their long hoods and no beaver logo…….Watch for red on Union Pacific as ten former CPR SD40-2 units have gone to UP through lessor EMCC, the units are 5573, 5609, 5676, 5688, 5691, 5727, 5776, 5813 and 5836. (TJ)…..CPR units are now regulars in North Vancouver right across to the former BCR yard area, it is now quite normal to see Canadian Pacific units at CN’s Lynn Yard as well as at Phillips Street (former BCR) in front of the Forsyth Building on run through operations.

INTERMODAL CHANGES

CPR has decided to close its intermodal terminal at Thunder Bay, suspending operations at the location for containers as of April 28, 2006. No CPR employees were affected. At the same time, CPR is eyeing a new site in Edmonton for container terminal expansion. A decision is to be made in 2007; the new site would be five times the size of CPR’s present Edmonton container facility. (BL)

GP 30 PRESERVED

Former Canadian Pacific Railway GP 30 #5000, one of only two in Canada, was relocated to the Alberta Railway Museum in Edmonton. The unit had been acquired by the Canadian Rockies Railroad Museum Foundation some years back and had been stored on the Mackenzie Northern Railway at Roma Junction for some time. The Foundation has now donated the unit to the Alberta Museum. (BL) WCRA News, Page 35 LETHBRIDGE TRESTLE—QUITE A SIGHT

Member R. P. Brown reports:

Over the Easter weekend my son Rex, from Whitehorse, and I had an interesting motor trip to Calgary, Lethbridge, Cranbrook, Golden and back to Calgary. A major point of interest was to have a good look at the great CPR Lethbridge Trestle—almost 100 years old now. Certainly one of the longest and highest anywhere in the world, the trestle is one mile in length and over 300 feet above the valley floor at its highest point. Our timing was perfect as just after we parked at Bridge View Park, a mile long train of empty potash cars passed over. A few minutes later another one came along and stopped right on the bridge—it was quite a sight! (Photo above)

ROCKY START TO THE 2006 SEASON

Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, off to a solid start in a year of major expansion of services, has had a series of calamities that have left their Red Leaf coach fleet hit hard. Three separate incidents have hit the fleet:

• A fire on the commissary car of the Whistler Mountaineer put that car out of service. It has been replaced since mid May by a Rocky Mountaineer Red Leaf coach temporarily outfitted for the car’s support role to the train. • A switching incident in Kamloops yard saw a CN unit hit a Rocky Mountaineer consist putting several coaches on their sides. • The Rocky Mountaineer saw its first derailment in 17 years of operation when a westbound train from Calgary put six cars on the ground on CPR tracks east of Revelstoke on May 28th. All the derailed cars were Red Leaf equipment. There were no injuries in the accident and the cause is under investigation.

All of this has the shop busy in Kamloops and crews busy keeping everything else going in a hectic start to 2006. WCRA News, Page 36 WHISTLER MOUNTAINEER OFF TO A GOOD START

Rocky Mountaineer Vacations new Whistler Mountaineer train has got off to a good start in its first season. The new train has received great press to date in the local media, with lots of coverage and glowing reports from guests who ride the train. Passenger loads appear to be quite good, and the $99 special for BC residents was well subscribed.

A “new” temporary station was constructed at the former BC Rail station site in Whistler to support the service for 2006, a little larger than the one BC Rail tore down, it is a secure building with both large “garage door” and regular door, and serves for both shelter and staff support to guests during arrivals and departures of the train. The Whistler station will move into the new Nita Lake Lodge in 2007 when it is completed.

LOCOMOTIVE PROBLEMS ON CANADIAN

VIA Rail Canada experienced locomotive problems that compounded into an unusual sequence of changes involving both the Canadian and the Skeena in early May. • Train 1 of May 4 (Canadian) sets off F40PH-2 #6433 at Jasper as part of a normal rotation of motive power for the Skeena at 1536 hours May 6 • Train 6 of May 5 (Skeena) arrives Jasper at 1725 May 6 and sets off F40PH-4 #6402 which is destined Vancouver Maintenance Centre, however as it misses Train 1 it has a two-day layover before it will head for Vancouver. • Now train 1 of May 6 has experienced locomotive problems westbound on the Prairies when one locomotive has engine problems near midnight May 7, and then loses its second locomotive due bearing problems. It is now stranded cold at Leaman. • Fortunately, the 6402 is still at Jasper (awaiting train 001 of May 6), so it is ferried to the stranded train by CN train M30051, gets into the consist and leads the train that was supposed to pick it up at Jasper all the way to Vancouver. (J.M.)

NIAGARA SUMMER TRAIN BACK

VIA has brought back its summer only train between Toronto and Niagara Falls. The train will operate daily from May 18 through September 8, 2006, and will include the former BC Rail Whistler Northwind lounge car Glen Fraser on selected departures on Thursday through Sunday schedules. (BL)

On Vancouver Island, the new schedule is in effect for the Malahat. While only running 15 minutes earlier (0800) Mondays through Saturdays, the Sunday schedule sees a much better 1000 hours departure from Victoria. WCRA News, Page 37

With a good crowd on board, VIA RDC-1 #6135 departs Victoria past the historic E & N Roundhouse at 1005 on Sunday, May 28, 2006. (Don Evans photo)

GENERAL NEWS

In 1872, Elijah McCoy, a young African Canadian born to escaped US slaves and educated as an engineer in Scotland, invented an automatic lubricator that saved engine crews from having to make frequent stops to oil their trains' moving parts. His invention attracted a host of imitators, but none worked as well as the original -- a fact now enshrined in a common idiom, the "real McCoy." (T.M.)

KING STREET STATION IN SEATTLE TURNS 100

Seattle’s King Street Station turned 100 years old on May 10, 2006, with a special ceremony marking the occasion. The station was first named Union Station when built in 1906 by the Great Northern and Northern Pacific Railways, and then renamed King Street Station in 1911. It is currently undergoing a major restoration to return it to its past glory. King Street WCRA News, Page 38

Station now serves 26 trains a day (up from just 6 back in 1993) with Amtrak and Sounder commuter rail. More growth is forecast.

A key to the plan is the proposed donation of the building to the city by its owner, BNSF Railway. This is key to the City’s ability to gain access to grant funds that will assist in funding the restoration. While this is agreed to in principle, details are still being worked out for such a transaction. (B.L.)

RICHMOND SETTLES WITH STEVESTON GROUP, WILL RESTORE TRAM

The battle for the future of BC Electric interurban #1220 appears to be over, with its future set to be as a static exhibit in Richmond. The City of Richmond has now secured full ownership of the tram, ending a contentious issue with the Steveston Interurban Restoration Society. The group had been progressively restoring the car, and wanted to run it on trackage in the Steveston area. The city has paid the society $400,000 for the work it has done, and will now move the car to a new home on 120 feet of track at the Britannia Heritage Shipyard where a new temporary car barn will be constructed to house it.

Nostalgia Tours

Heritage and Cultural Tours by Vintage Motor Coach From Vancouver

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

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

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

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

INSULATORS WANTED BY COLLECTOR

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

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

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

CREDIT LINES ISSN 1204-072X Vol. 45 Issue 7

Editor Don Evans Distribution Jeremy Davy & Donna Simon

Contributors:

J.B. Jim Brown M.C. Matt Christianson R.C. Ryan Cruickshank J.D. Jeremy Davy J. Day John Day S.E. Sherry Elchuk D.F. Donna Fourchalk G.F. Grant Ferguson G.H. Gordon Hall B.J. Bill Johnston B.L. Bill Lahr J.M. Jim McPherson T.M. Trevor Mills

BL Branchline TJ Tempo Jr.

Send contributions to the WCRA PO Box, direct to the editor at #28 - 2133 St. Georges Ave., North Vancouver, B.C. V7L 3K5, on the Internet to , phone news to (604)988-3435(res) or fax to (604) 986-7660. Check us out on the Internet at

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

TRIVIA ANSWER

Sir John A. MacDonald drove the last spike on August 13, 1886 at Cliffside (mile 25, by Shawnigan Lake)