WCRA NEWS SEPTEMBER 2010
STEAMFEST 2010,
SEPTEMBER 11 & 12 ROYAL HUDSON “CLASSIC” TRIP, OCT. 2 WCRA News, Page 2
GENERAL MEETING NOTICE
The August General Meeting of the WCRA will be held at 1930 hours on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 1930k at Rainbow Creek Station in Burnaby, corner of Willingdon at Penzance.
Entertainment will be announced at the meeting.
ON THE COVER
Pacific Great Eastern troop sleeper (baggage-express) #722 glistens in the sun as the completed car is moved from the MP2 Shop (where the restoration and exhibit creation was carried out) to her new home in the CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre. (Russ Grycan photo, July 13, 2010). See story on page 7.
SEPTEMBER CALENDAR
• West Coast Railway Heritage Park open daily 1000 through 1700k
• Tuesday, August 31—Deadline for items to be included in the September 2010 News
• Saturday, September 11 / Sunday September 12—SteamFest 2010 at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, Royal Hudson #2860 in operation, steam mini rail and more. Admission $15 for all, includes Royal Hudson ride. ( See page 17 for details)
• Saturday, September 11—Kamloops Railway Days 2010 in Kamloops • Tuesday, September 21—Tours Committee meets, Hastings Office, 1930 hours • Tuesday, September 28—WCRA General Meeting, Rainbow Creek Station, 1930k
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. Membership prices are: Individual $50.00 ($56.00 with HST) , Family $60.00 ($67.20 with HST). E Members (electronic newsletter are $35 individual ($39.29 with HST) and $45 family ($50.40 with HST). (Outside Canada, please remit US $) Other categories are: - Junior Member (age 18 and under ) $ 25 ($28 with HST) - Sustaining Member $100 (tax receipt) plus membership type regular fee - Life Member (one time fee, HST included) $784 individual life / $1,3,44 family life All memberships include the monthly newsletter, Heritage Park admission (except Special Events), mini rail rides and discounts on food and merchandise. The Association holds a monthly meeting on the last Tuesday of the month at 1930 hours in Burnaby at Rainbow Creek Station in Confederation Park. Apply through www.wcra.org or mail to WCRA, PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2. WCRA News, Page 3 EDITORIAL
A CHANGE IN FOCUS
This issue we change our focus, from all the work to construct and open the roundhouse to the completion of what is now another jewel of our collection.
While everything else has been going on over the past couple of years, a wonderful and creative restoration project has also been in progress. Across the street from the Heritage Park, in the MP 2 shop, Pacific Great Eastern Railway troop sleeper #722 has been undergoing a major rebuild and transformation by an intrepid group of volunteers. Their hard work, and the wonderful result of it all, was unveiled during July, and is well covered by articles and photos in this month's newsletter. What a great job has been done!
But this project is also symbolic of the change in focus that now occurs for our Association, as we move from the development of the third phase of our construction next to a few years on operation and preservation. The opening of the roundhouse signifies a great move upwards in our quality of exhibit facility, and now we must also focus on bringing our operations— from our guest experience to our financial management, also to a higher level. Work to bring these developments upwards has already begun, and will continue over the coming months.
The journey of change continues, we hope you are all along for the ride as we strengthen our group and its operations. Our goal is that the work we do is sustained—for all of us, for our children, and for future generations. It is a constant procession of triumphs and challenges, but it is about moving forward at each step. I hope you all are enjoying the ride! Don ASSOCIATION NEWS
FROM THE JULY GENERAL MEETING
Chair Bill Johnston called meeting to order at 19:30k - 40 members and guests were present. Jeremy Davy was recording secretary: • Don Evans reported on the June 30 opening event of the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre, and also commented on the staff changes that had recently occurred. • Susan Steen said goodbye to the group, and noted the accomplishment of her priorities of changing the culture at the Heritage Park and highlighting regular special events. The membership wished her well on her move back to Kelowna. • Bill Johnston reported on a recent record Sunday at the 374 Pavilion, with more than 150 guests visiting. • Jeremy Davy noted upcoming events at the Heritage Park on August 15, the mini rail day and members picnic. Members were requested to rsvp for the picnic. WCRA News, Page 4
• Russ Grycan reported on the work done on the collection recently as well as continuing progress in track installation. • Bill Johnston noted the recent White Pass & Yukon tour hosted by Dave Emmington and the Vancouver Island West Coast Tour which is about to go. • Don Evans noted Heritage Park items—SteamFest coming September 11 and 12, and the handcar now in operation for guests. He also noted upcoming tours planned with the Royal Hudson on October 2 and the lease of our train for an October 9 / 10 run in the Fraser Valley. • Colin Smith noted a job well done with the mini rail at the recent E & N Days in Parksville, Jeremy and his team were applauded. • Trackside reports were presented by Ryan Cruickshank and Bill Marchant. • Eric Anderson donated Canadian Tire coupons. • The raffle draw was held, visitors were welcomed • Entertainment was a video of CPR Empress #2816
WCRA TRIVIA #260 - by Ryan Cruickshank
Who drove the last spike on the Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway at Cliffside near Shawnigan Lake, BC? (for answers see page 35) MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Memberships dated 07/31/2010 have now expired, and if your membership expired 05/31/2010, this will be your last issue. Please check the label on your newsletter and renew today. Remember that renewals are being accepted for memberships with the E–Newsletter—check page 2 for current membership rates. Is your email address current???? It is particularly important that those of you who have registered for access to the Members Only area keep your email address current in the Server.
Each time a new issue is posted the Server sends a notice to the email address you supplied when you requested access. If you have changed your email address, or think the one we have is out of date because you do not receive notices, please send your current email address to Jeremy at [email protected] and the server will be updated as required. (J.D.)
NEW MEMBERS
Membership sales at the Heritage Park are doing very well, as the excitement around the opening of the new CN Roundhouse as an exhibit building builds. So we have a long list to welcome this month…..welcome to Paul Bouchard of Burnaby, Marita Conn and family of Garibaldi Highlands, Adam Deighton and family of North Vancouver, Michael Erb of Brackendale, Clifford Fisher of Boston Bar, Rick Horne of Vancouver, Kathy Kennedy & WCRA News, Page 5
Clint Gilbank and family of Garibaldi Highlands, Margaret King and family of Squamish, Mike Laing and family of Richmond, Justin Lawrence of Squamish, David Leboe & family of Vancouver, B. Lerner and family of Vancouver, A. Mah and family of Burnaby, Achilles and Georgina Millari & family of Richmond, Rod and Pam Neufeld & family of Garibaldi Highlands, Terry Nichols and family of Vancouver, Lexie Otis and family of Squamish, S. Pardeep and family of Surrey, Fred Stirman of Williams Lake, John & Melissa Tomkinson and family of Wetaskawin, Alberta, Tammy Van Hierdan & family of Garibaldi Highlands, and Nathan Webb of Squamish. We welcome back Shari & Garth Begley and family of Garibaldi Highlands, Lucie Cote and family of Black Creek, Mark Haldenby and family of Squamish, Iain Hellman-Crump and family of Eugene, Oregon, Greg Kennelly of Burnaby, and Cam and Shawn McFadyen and family of Langley. We also welcome aboard George Pitman of Whistler, Mark Pitman (Marpit Ventures) of Port Coquitlam, Susan Steen of Kelowna and Paul Turner (JML Management Ltd.) of Squamish. (J.D.)
MEMBER NEWS
We are sad to report on the passing of WCRA member Don Behrner on June 22, 2010. Don lived in Squamish and was also a founding member of the Squamish Historical Society. He was keenly interested in the history of the Squamish community and contributed to it in many ways. Our sympathies are extended to his wife Retta and the family. (S.S.)
Member Jan Seckel passed away on June 10th, advises his son John. Jan and his wife Sara have been members since July 1999. They lived in Yaletown and made the 374 Pavilion a regular stop on their daily afternoon walks. (J.D.)
Fred Stirman (new member above) sent along a nice note with his Sustaining Membership application noting that he worked on BC Electric from 1948 to 1959 on Districts 2 and 3 and put in many hours on BCER Freight Motor #960 (now part of our collection). He was hoping to get to Squamish to see her (and I understand he has now been there). Good to have you aboard with us, Fred.
STAFF CHANGES AS WE MOVE INTO FALL
A couple of significant staff changes are occurring at WCRA as two of our senior staff people are departing the Lower Mainland for other parts of the Province.
Susan Steen will be moving on, back to the Okanagan where she has accepted a new role as Executive Director of the Hospice Ass’n. Susan has been of great assistance to WCRA in her role as Vice President—Squamish, and has very ably built our team of both staff and volunteers there. She has shouldered a heavy load very capably and we will all miss her. She leaves us at the end of July 2010. Work is currently underway on a replacement for the WCRA News, Page 6 leadership of the Heritage Park, and there will be some responsibility realignment as well. See the next item for the new appointment and realignment.
Jim Brown will be moving to Vancouver Island this fall. He has given notice that he will conclude his role as Manager - WCRA Operations (office and finance) at the end of August, 2010. We wish Jim well and thank him for him years of dedicated service to WCRA both as a volunteer and in his more recent staff roles. WCRA is seeking candidates now for a new Manager—Finance to replace Jim in his staff position.
On the volunteer side, Bill Johnston will assume oversight of the Locomotive 374 Pavilion in Vancouver, and we are seeking a volunteer to take on prime ship for our two vintage automobiles—the 1937 Ford and the 1934 Chrysler Airflow.
DAVID THOMSON NAMED GENERAL MANAGER—HERITAGE PARK
The West Coast Railway Association announces the appointment of David (Dave) Thomson to the position of General Manager – West Coast Railway Heritage Park. In this position, he will be responsible for all guest service and marketing operations at the Heritage Park in Squamish, including the new CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre.
With the recent opening of the new 21,000 sq. foot roundhouse, the West Coast Railway Heritage Park now moves into a new phase with a focus on guest operations and a whole new level of guest experience. In addition, the Park will become a host site to many new events and private functions as it continues to grow as Squamish’s largest attraction.
Dave is a resident of Squamish and brings with him a strong background in marketing, sports and community activities. He has worked in sports marketing, brand management, and more recently with the District of Squamish in business development and VANOC as Manager of Sea to Sky Operations Communications. He is active in the community in sports and community events, and has volunteered and assisted at many Heritage Park events over the years.
“Dave’s experience in areas of marketing and community services will bode him well in his new responsibilities at the Heritage Park”, says Don Evans, President & CEO of WCRA. “We welcome Dave to the Heritage Park team.”
FINESCALE MODELS MOVES TO PENTICTON
Martin Riehl’s Finescale Models has moved from its long time location on 1st St. in North Vancouver to Penticton, BC. The new address is 444 Main St., Penticton, BC (250-493-4367). So, if you are in the Penticton area you can look up this hobby shop while you are there. Thanks to Howie Biehl for spotting this. (H.B.) WCRA News, Page 7 COLLECTION
MAIL CART DONATED
Thanks to George and Mark Pitman and family for the donation of a wonderful mail cart to the WCRA. The cart had been at Steamworks in Gastown, but they no longer wanted it and the Pitman’s selected WCRA as a new home. Jeremy Davy notes that the cart is definitely Post Office equipment and expects he put many miles on it in his Post Office days. The cart has been put on display on the platform of the Mac Norris Station in Squamish as part of our mail / railway post office display. (Russ Grycan photo)
PACIFIC GREAT EASTERN TROOP SLEEPER 722 UNVEILED
It was a great day on July 13, 2010 as Pacific Great Eastern troop sleeper #722 saw the light of day and moved from the MP2 Shop (where it had been lovingly restored and turned into a new feature exhibit) to the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre for its official dedication and opening. (see photos on front and rear covers of this issue). It was particularly appropriate that the move was made by our PGE RSC-3 locomotive #561, as both these pieces of our collection were in service together for many years and most assuredly had locked couplers in the past. The move went smoothly, and the car turned on the new turntable to align with track #3 and was pulled into the new building.
The crews then got to work preparing the car for display, constructing the access stairs, installing the power and getting the exhibits (on the Pacific Great Eastern of course) ready for guests. The first were to view it in just two days
July 15, 2010 was the big day, and the occasion of the BC Rail (PGE) Pioneers annual picnic, held this year in the new roundhouse. It was a particularly appropriate day to first open WCRA News, Page 8 the car with many who had worked on the railway over years there to appreciate it. The PGE 722 served as a backdrop for the group as they held their event. At the appropriate time, PGE 722 project leaders Donna Fourchalk, John Jellis and Roy Crowston addressed the group, and then made their way to the stairs of the car where long time pioneers Paul Roy and Henry Reimer were invited to cut the ribbon to open the car for its first tours. (photo Russ Grycan)
July 16 was held for the official opening and dedication of the car, and that occurred at 1400 hours with the crew of volunteers who restored and outfitted the car in attendance. Donna Fourchalk recognized all those who helped with the project, and Susan Steen thanked the group for their great work. A cake was shared to help celebrate the occasion.
PGE 722, originally a troop sleeper built for WW II, was one of a fleet purchased by the PGE after the war. The car became a baggage express car on the railway and it has been faithfully restored to that appearance with all its details—an incredible job right from the Allied High Speed trucks and the frame to its roof with all the correct details. It looks right at home when moved with our PGE RSC-3 #561, which would have had the car in consist many times. WCRA News, Page 9
Inside, the car is built to deliver an educational exhibit of this fascinating railway, and includes several large screens from which one can enjoy a cab ride over the line or even operate a Budd car train or a freight train from the simulators at each end of the car. There are many historical photos of the PGE days, and several artifacts are now being installed. Following the dedication ceremony, the car was moved to its permanent home on Track 1 of the new roundhouse, a location where it will stay protected and enjoyed by our visitors.
Congratulations to Donna, John, Roy, Tom and many others who all helped complete this project over the past years. It is a testament to your dedication and efforts, and tells the PGE / BC Rail story very well.
THANKS TO MIKE LLOYD
Volunteer contributions of time and knowledge definitely contribute to a successful operation of a facility our size, and will continue to be ever more important in the future.
Over the last couple of months, which have included a successful Day Out with Thomas event, as well as some first time equipment moves, I was fortunate to meet with Mike Lloyd. We have had a couple of equipment challenges where Mike stepped in and gave us a couple of days of his time. He did this very quietly, along with our staff and others, but I would just like to say "Thanks Mike...you made a difference, and I am proud to have come to know you. I hope we will continue to see you at the Park in the future.” (R.G.)
CMO’S REPORT
After the successful Roundhouse opening on June 30th the mechanical work continues on. The mechanical / rail operations team’s priorities now are: • to assist in completion of the plaza area in front of the Roundhouse • to complete CPR #8 Alberta • to position appropriate collection pieces in or near the Roundhouse for guest viewing • to complete any repairs to the train set prior to the October run dates • to evaluate collection pieces for future repair requirements (including budgeting) • repair leakages from collection pieces that will allow for in Roundhouse display • clean existing equipment
We have accomplished the following as of Aug 2 –2010: • FP7A #1404 has been give a wash and moved to turntable lead track for display • CPR S3 #6503 will have some leaks attended to • CPR FP7A #4069 has been undergoing investigation for a wheel slip problem • PGE RSC-3 #561 will have a cleaning and check out of the automatic air brake valve • Troop sleeper PGE #722 is now positioned on its “permanent track” #1 • Water drained out of Royal Hudson2860 and placed back in Roundhouse for 5 – 6 weeks WCRA News, Page 10
• Hand car made available for “guest rides” on station track • Colonist Car #3514 will be washed for placing in Roundhouse • BCE GE 70 Ton #941 placed in MP shop to repair loose truck side bearings • Plans made to free up Car Shop Track 4 access to allow placing of PGE 2-6-2 #2 at south end of track (R.G.)
ROUNDHOUSE CONTINUES TO EVOLVE INTO OPERATIONS
Since the opening on June 30, the new CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre has entered operation as our newest and grandest exhibit hall. While much remains to be completed, and while full public opening is not yet achieved, we are now including the roundhouse on a guided tour of the Heritage Park.
The tours, put together by our summer students Lisa and Lathan, have been very popular and depart the Mac Norris Station hourly from 1100 through 1500. In the building, guests get a bit of an overview of the structure and view the Royal Hudson, tour the business car British Columbia and the newly opened troop sleeper 722. The tour has become a highlight of our summer guest visits to the park.
Other exhibits are progressively being added, and we hope to be able to get the fencing access done by fall so the building can be properly opened within the Heritage Park parameters for access by guests only. Special Events are also starting, with a wedding being held in July and the BC Rail Pioneers holding their annual “picnic” there on July 15th.
TURNTABLE NOW FULLY OPERATIONAL
An exciting day occurred in early July as our turntable electrical hookup was competed and it is now fully powered. It works very well, operated by a joy stick in the control house - much better than the manual approach that was used for the opening and the move in of the Royal Hudson and British Columbia.
Track work is also steadily progressing, with “0” track between Car shop and Roundhouse now in and awaiting final ballasting. Track 8 (to the set of “dummy” doors) has been built and the second turntable lead track is also laid out for final installation. This extra track will make turntable movements easier and more flexible. Once this work is complete, the area will be leveled and graded and then it can be opened as the plaza it is supposed to be. (R.G.) WCRA News, Page 11
HELP US COMPLETE THE ROUNDHOUSE
Although we have now opened the new facility, several items remain for the future as we just do not have the funds needed to complete them. These items include the elevator to the upper levels (stairs are in now), the supplementary air circulation system, additional electrical detail lighting, and the servery finishing. We will undertake these projects as they can be funded, hopefully all to be completed in 2010.
Our biggest challenge remains the funding. While people continue to come by and drop lavish words on what we have accomplished and how great the building looks, we have to remember that we have not finished the job nor have we fully paid for it. We still must meet our 2010 fundraising goals or we will have a continuing crisis on our hands.
The total gap to finish the turntable installation and complete the outstanding items on the building remains at around the $1 million mark. Our new fundraising target for 2010 was set at $1.4 million, and we have achieved only about $300,000 of that so far. We continue to work to find the naming sponsors needed to close this gap, and bring this great new facility to full completion. We must have your help here if we are to succeed.
Naming Opportunities—these will name specific exhibit areas in the building as well as the plaza out front, and suggested amounts are indicated.
• Heritage Plaza (centre court in front of the building, around the turntable) - suggested naming sponsorship amount $500,000. This will be a major plaza area and scene for many activities such as introduction of new rail restorations, outdoor concerts, car shows etc • Upper Level Viewing Deck and Gallery—this is the indoor / outdoor deck on the WCRA upper level of the building, which will provide great views over the Heritage Plaza of the event site as well as the Mac Norris Station main track. Also a wonderful reception location for events. Suggested naming sponsorship $250,000 • John Hardie Mitchell Gallery—Named! This area, off the main entry lobby, is used to exhibit special collections , such as art shows or photography. Exhibits will change regularly, sponsorship taken by the John Hardie Mitchell family foundation. • Tracks 1 through 7—each of the seven exhibit tracks will carry a sponsor name, each track will house one of our collection’s prize pieces of rolling stock, suggested naming sponsorship $50,000 per track (all seven still available). • Board room—there is also an opportunity to name the board room on the mezzanine level of the building. This will be a good and very useful room and will be set up to accommodate up to 24 people around a nice sized meeting room table.
If any of you have interest (or know of any one who might) in such a permanent legacy please let us know. Contact Don Evans at 604-988-3435 or [email protected] office at 604-681-4403. WCRA News, Page 12
6060 AT MOUNT ROBSON PRINT DONATED TO ROUNDHOUSE
The front entrance of the roundhouse is graced not only by the bell presented by CN, but also with a signed print by artist Max Jacquiard featuring locomotive CN 6060 at Mount Robson.
The print was presented on opening day by Dave Emmington on behalf of the artist and his agent, Henry Rees. It is a wonderful addition to the new facility and is seen by everyone entering the building. Our thanks to Max and Henry for this, and to Dave and his neighbour Brent Harlton for getting it to Squamish for the presentation. (Don Evans photo)
ROYAL HUDSON 2860
ROYAL HUDSON CLASSIC TRIP RETURNS OCTOBER 2, ONE DAY ONLY!
The Royal Hudson has not operated with passengers on the North Vancouver to Squamish run since 1999—eleven years ago. But, it will make this trip once again on Saturday, October 2, 2010—one day only! Here is your chance to get on board and ride the beautiful run that made the engine famous - the run it operated for 25 years until needed boiler work at the end of the 1999 season sidelined her. The rest, of course, is history and now WCRA brings back the WCRA News, Page 13 classic trip.
Saturday, October 2 will be a charity fundraiser to help the WCRA and to help fund the work done to preserve this classic engine this year. The train will depart North Vancouver at 0930 and travel to Squamish, where guests will be delivered right to the Mac Norris Station platform at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Guests will enjoy a lunch (included) in the new CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre as well as have access to all Heritage Park exhibits (also included). Mini rail rides will be available at a cost of $3.50 as well. Train departure will then be at 1400 hours for the return trip to North Vancouver. Note that bus transfers to and from Vancouver’s Waterfront station will be available for just $5 extra.
Please note that trips are one way train and one way motorcoach, at a fare of $125 including HST ($99 children)—a real bargain these days given the cost to operate the steam train. For the real fans, a round trip train fare is available at $239. All fares include lunch, as well as Heritage Park admission and exhibits. This structure is necessary in order to generate enough passengers to fund the cost of the steam operation—by using one way train / bus we effectively double the number we can handle and thus can keep the fare reasonable.
Consist will be all WCRA equipment, we will have the 2860 / generator car 9622 / four coaches and open observation car Henry Pickering. Note also that motorcoach passengers north will be able to see the train arrive in Squamish, while southbound motorcoach passengers will see the train depart, so visuals of the steam train will also be part of the trip.
Reserve your seats now by calling West Coast Rail Tours at 604-524-1011 or 1-800-722-1233. Please note that we need 400 bookings in order to operate this trip. It has been 11 years since this great ride was able to be done, and we don’t know when it may come next. So, climb on board the Royal Hudson Classic trip now for a great Saturday of steam and memories.
2860 TO HEADLINE STEAMFEST SEPTEMBER 11 AND 12 AT HERITAGE PARK
Royal Hudson #2860 will headline SteamFest 2010 at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, with train rides from the park to the south end of the Squamish yard. The train ride is part of the SteamFest ticket, but cab rides will also be available at $75 per trip. (more on page 17)
FUNDRAISING
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Summer has proven very slow in the fundraising field, with efforts focusing on both covering the work on the Royal Hudson and working towards completing the roundhouse. As we head into August, efforts will continue as we have a great need at this time and are doing everything that we can to come up with funds to get back on track. WCRA News, Page 14 Funding Asks Made • Several roundhouse sponsorship asks
Major Funding Received • Roundhouse donations $2,700 • Roundhouse debenture $50,000 • Royal Hudson donations $500 • General donation $500 • Donation of Expenses $4,738
Month Total $ 58,438 Year to Date Total $956,260 General purposes $186,834 Roundhouse $684,341 Alberta project $100,000 Royal Hudson $2,905 Other Significant Activities • Roundhouse sponsorship asks ongoing • Interviewed candidates for Heritage Park GM job and for WCRA Finance job • Met with Molson’s in Toronto
DEBENTURES STILL AVAILABLE
Do you want to help but are not able to donate? Please remember that the WCRA still has debentures available for purchase. These make an excellent investment and really help us with our capital projects, including the completing the final details on the roundhouse and the repairs to the Royal Hudson. Three year term investments are available paying 5% per annum. Contact Don Evans (604-988-3435) or Jim Brown (604-985-7249) for more details.
WEST COAST RAIL TOURS
TOURS - ROYAL HUDSON OCTOBER 2 AND MORE
The Tours Committee continues to meet one week prior to the monthly general meetings and is now working the program for 2010—2011. We are always looking for new ideas and potential tour guides so if you qualify consider joining us. We meet at the WCRA office, 4529A Hastings St. Burnaby at 7:30 PM.
The October 2, 2010 Royal Hudson Classic trip (North Vancouver—Squamish) is now taking reservations, phone Matt at 604-524-1011 to reserve your seat. A Fraser Valley trip on SRY is also anticipated (with diesel power). To keep informed of upcoming tours and special excursions submit your e-mail address at www.westcoastrailtours.com . That way you will get up-to-the-minute news on special deals and new trips. (M.C.) WCRA News, Page 15
MALAHAT CIRCLE TOUR - Daily except Saturday - all year – 2 days
Depart from Pacific Central Station at a time of your choosing aboard Pacific Coach Lines scheduled service to Victoria. We supply vouchers to take you to the Queen Victoria Hotel—a few steps from the bus depot. You are on your own for dinner. Breakfast is served at 7:00AM in the hotel’s restaurant, then their van shuttles you to the VIA Rail station at 7:30 AM. Board the train for an 8:00 AM departure to Qualicum Beach where it arrives before noon. Enjoy this quaint town with its interesting beaches and restaurants. After lunch (on your own) we ask you to board the southbound train at 2:00 PM and get off at Nanaimo at about 3:00 PM. A waiting, pre-booked taxi takes you to Nanaimo’s bus depot for the 4:30 PM departure of Greyhound’s scheduled service to Vancouver. Dinner on the ferry is available. Arrive at Pacific Central Station at 7:15 PM.
FARES: $227 Children 2-11 $199; BC Seniors (Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays only) $189. (Otherwise, $227). Ask about special pricing if couples travel together. Single supplement $71. GST/HST extra. Low season and budget hotel bookings save you more.
West Coast Rail Tours - The “Rail” Way To Go
WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK Home of the Royal Hudson
BEST WISHES TO NATHAN PINFIELD
Ongoing reorganization of the West Coast Railway Heritage Park means that we say goodbye to Nathan Pinfield after over 2 years of great service as Guest Services and Communications Manager. During that time, Nathan has helped to create the dynamic guest services team and has undertaken all our Park generated ads, publications and has brought us into the world of social media by setting up the very popular Twitter and Facebook pages which connect the Park to over 300 individuals and groups around the world. Nathan has brought a real skill of being able to proof read all of our communications and saved us time, money and embarrassment by ensuring that what we sent was of the best quality... We were fortunate to have had Nathan and his love of the Hudson with us for these past couple of years and wish him nothing but the best in the future. (S.S.) BCR PIONEERS HOLD ANNUAL EVENT JULY 15, 2010
The BC Rail Pioneers held their annual get together and “picnic”, this year in the new CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre. The event drew a great crowd, and was organized by Marion Payette. As noted earlier, the group got a first look at newly restored PGE 722. WCRA News, Page 16
Russ Grycan photo, July 15, 2010.
2009 ECONOMIC IMPACT SETS RECORD
The 2009 economic impact of the Heritage Park to the Squamish community has set an all time one year record. Ongoing construction and operations at the Heritage Park resulted in an impact of $5.54 million in 2009, bringing our impact to the community almost to $20 million since we first started work back in 1991. The 2009 numbers were bolstered by the huge amount of work in that year building the roundhouse, and the year 2010 will likely match it again. The Heritage Park is a huge economic generator for Squamish and its businesses.
TEDDY BEAR PICNIC EARNS “DAFFODIL”
The Squamish Community’s Teddy Bear Picnic was held at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park with almost 300 in attendance….and earned the following note in the paper….”Sending a great big train of daffodils to Dave Thomson and his fabulous team of staff and volunteers at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Our annual Teddy Bear Picnic was a smashing success due the amazing venue we had! Thanks to all those who helped out and came out to enjoy a fabulous event”. (D.T.) WCRA News, Page 17 STEAMFEST 2010
A Unique Festival for Southwest British Columbia Saturday, September 11 and Sunday, September 12, 2010 West Coast Railway Heritage Park - Squamish, B.C.
Your Day Pass to Adventure includes live steam in action and exhibits: • The spectacular Royal Hudson locomotive presents a “Symphony in Steam” • Climb aboard and take a ride on the Royal Hudson train from the Heritage Park to the Squamish yard south end and back • Steam traction engines put on a show and demonstrate early power • Vintage automobiles • Steam railway crane and logging engine on display • Model steam locomotives operate on the miniature railway • All regular Heritage Park Exhibits • The spectacular new CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre with its new exhibits • Model trains, entertainment, activities and lots of fun for everyone
Things to ride (extra cost): • Try your arms out and pump the handcar along the track ($3.50 person / $10 family) • Ride the 3km Mini Railway around the Heritage Park – see the Garden Railway ($3.50 person) – live steam on both mini rail and garden railway • Take a cab ride aboard the Royal Hudson on one of its runs, $75 per person, limited availability (Max. 2 per trip)
Gift shop, and much, much more! Cameras and recorders welcome. Bring the family; bring the grandkids - nostalgia, drama and fun for everyone.
All Day Adventure Tickets at the gate (hours 9:30AM to 5:30PM) $15 adult, $12 senior, $10 child, $40 family * Free Parking Watch www.wcra.org for more information
A Special Note to our members:
SteamFest is a high cost special event and therefore members are required to pay admission as everyone else. Having lost our gaming grant for Heritage Park special events this year, and incurring the high cost of steaming the Royal Hudson and including the train ride with the admission, admission charges for this event apply to everyone. We have reduced the admission this year (SteamFest was $20 in 2009) to help with this. SteamFest is a very unique and special exhibition and well worth a visit. We hope to see you there on September 11 / 12. WCRA News, Page 18 FEATURE ARTICLES
BUSINESS CLASS—A VIA / AMTRAK / AIR CANADA COMPARISON - by Don Evans Not surprisingly, this article last month generated some other opinions….
This man’s opinion…... by Dave Emmington
I cannot agree with Mr. Evans’ comparisons of service on Air Canada, Amtrak and VIA Rail. First and foremost the West Coast Railway Association is a railway enthusiast group dedicated to, among other things, passenger train travel; focused primarily on Canadian railways. I realize Mr. Evans was not using VIA Rails transcontinental trains in his comparison, which in my view meet an exceptionally high standard in all regards.
I take exception to putting Air Canada in the mix; Mr. Evans’ frequent flier status affords privileges not extended to the occasional flyer. My experience with Air Canada is quite different, flying economy and booking a meal online before departure provided the same service anyone else would receive on board, a crusty sandwich, a big box store fruit cup and as a special treat of a short tube of Pringles. I would suggest the food and service on a luxury cruise from Vancouver would be better even though taking longer to Montreal. Just not a fair or reasonable comparison.
I am reminded of West Coast Rail Tours advice to passengers, “if all was well, tell everyone, if not, please tell us.”
A RAILFAN IN TURKEY - By John Day
John Day is a Chartered Accountant in Vancouver who has been travelling the world in search of trains for forty years. John may be familiar to some readers as the proprietor, head driver and chief bus washer of Blue & White Bus & Coach Ltd., whose buses appear from time to time at WCRA functions.
It was time for another adventure and an email from Germany late in 2009 started my mind thinking about Turkey. I knew I had missed the big steam show there in the 1970’s when “Skyliners” and “Kreigsloks” ruled but here was an offer for a week’s worth of charter WCRA News, Page 19
steam on secondary, non-electrified lines in Western Anatolia – the part of Turkey that separates the Black Sea and Mediterranean. The email had an urgent tone to it, one of those
“last chance” sort of things: in this case, it wasn’t the last chance to see steam in action, it was that the period-appropriate rolling stock was fast disappearing and it might not be possible to recreate a 1950’s or 1960’s freight train again in the future.
My wife (who never accompanies me on my steam junkets) insisted that if I travelled as far as Turkey, I should at least plan on seeing some of the historic (non-railroad) sites in the country, and so a two-and-a-half week journey was planned. May 2010 came around soon enough, not before I had absorbed the contents of the relevant Lonely Planet and Frommer’s, and studied the rather cumbersome TCDD (Turkish Railways) website. My departure on Lufthansa to Frankfurt was delayed several hours by mechanical issues, which meant that my scheduled connection to Istanbul was lost, but I was rebooked on the last flight of the day, arriving at Istanbul after 2 a.m., local time. Fortunately, my hotel had received my email and still provided a car to pick me up, saving a taxi ride in the middle of the night. Tearing through the back streets of Istanbul in the dark, I was awake enough to realize that this place had rail transit in several locations, and I vowed to explore further once rested.
Next morning found me in the ancient quarter of Sultanahmet, and I duly visited the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia before being drawn to the streetcars running down the main street. Istanbul’s transit system looks like the equipment was chosen by a railfan, there was “some of this” on one line and “some of that” on the next. The surface streetcar runs using modern Flexity cars in two-car trains, (photo, page 20) with in-street loading from platforms protected by turnstiles. There is always a train in sight and the load factors are high. The dividing line between streetcar, light rail and metro is very blurred in Istanbul, and I later found other routes that were nominally “metro” using cars that had formerly been used on the streetcar route, Light Rail Vehicles produced in 2008 by Hyundai, making them structurally very similar to the WCRA News, Page 20
Canada Line cars which were produced by the same builder at the same time, as well as older high floor cars which I would estimate at twenty years old.
Crossing the rebuilt Galata Bridge, famous for intrigue and general naughtiness in years past, I found a different Metro line with newer, but more conventional, cars on another subsurface route, as well as two funicular subways including one over 100 years old, though recently reequipped with new cars. At the top end of the older funicular, I emerged into the Taksim district to find the first of the two heritage tramways in Istanbul, this one using four wheel cars of 1920-1930 appearance. (photo page 21) These run as the only non-pedestrian traffic on the main shopping street. (A second heritage tramway, using second –hand East German Gotha cars from the 50’s & 60’s, operates on the Asian side, but I ran out of time to explore it..) WCRA News, Page 21
The rooftop terrace restaurant of the small family hotel that I used in Sultanahmet provided views over the Bosphorus, with a nice view of the TCDD European main line running along its shore. This of course was the route of the Orient Express, but traffic these days is confined to some rather mundane suburban electric multiple units, and one or two international trains a day. The station at Sirkechi is very quiet for a European city station; most of the remaining passenger trains leave from the Asian side, using Haydarpasa station. Still, Sirkechi has a nice little museum of the Orient Express and its architecture is just what you’d expect for a station that has seen so much romantic intrigue attached to it.
All too soon, it was time to move on from Istanbul. It was here that I encountered the first of several challenges involved in trying to travel by traditional forms of transport in Turkey. The WCRA News, Page 22
plan was to take a high speed ferry across the Sea of Marmara, connecting with the advertised daily “Pullman” to Izmir, as I was to join the main group at the Izmir airport. Fortunately, I went to buy my ferry ticket the afternoon before, only to find that the sailing was either cancelled or sold out – I never found out which. Needless to say, a small panic set it as I was faced with the “you can’t get there from here” problem. And I took the easy way out, finding a travel agent and buying a ticket for the one-hour flight on an airline I’d never heard of. My mother warned me about such folly! Nonetheless, all proceeded according to plan, and I spent about four hours waiting for the German group to arrive – most of that time being passed on the platform of the train station serving Izmir airport, where a half dozen short passenger trains stopped. Catenary has been erected and the track improved for a suburban rail service but as yet this is not operating; only the rural trains stop here, ranging from modern two-car Rotem units built in 2008 to older FIAT diesel sets which date from 1961 and certainly have more character than the fairly sterile newer trains. Eventually the tour assembled and we spent several hours in a charter bus heading into the Anatolian hills, arriving after dark at our first destination, the town of Uşak. Uşak is headquarters for the remaining Turkish steam fleet. We had been promised a pair of class 56 2-10-0’s, built for the TCDD by Nazi Germany in 1943, and delivered in the middle of hostilities, apparently in an attempt to foster good relations with a nominally neutral nation. It was quickly obvious from the state of repair of the second cold loco that there WCRA News, Page 23
would be no doubleheading, but we did have one very fine 2-10-0 in steam. A number of older locos, including some that looked as though they could easily be made serviceable, were lying around the yard, although there was also a dead line of hulks similar to those seen all round the world as steam ended. We were to be accompanied throughout by a diesel loco which would do most of the work on the steeply graded line. Fortunately, it was discreetly uncoupled from the train at each runby, so that we could get authentic photos without the diesel. Our train consisted of red oxide box vans and open cars, along with a pair of four wheeled conductors’ vans which would serve as our accommodation for the daylight hours of the next week. Each day we would move up or down the line, making numerous runpasts, and, if required, our personal belongings would be moved to the next hotel by bus.
WCRA News, Page 24
At first we descended towards Izmir, progressing as far as Alasehir (ancient Philadelphia), then returned uphill to Uşak, continuing eventually to the busy junction of Afyon, then turning south for Karakuyu and Isparta. This covered a week of “work”, during which time we saw dry scenery much like the Okanagan, as well as greener, flatter valleys where a principal crop is the opium poppy, cultivated legally to help Turkey provide fully one-third of the world’s morphine supply. (photo page 23) The cultivated poppies are mainly white with a few purple ones thrown in for good measure; growing wild across many of the fields were a smaller red poppy, the sight of which in May is unforgettable. Many other wild flowers, including some of which have been cultivated and imported into Canada as nursery plants, were seen, as were some less pleasant thistles, some larger than a man.
Time was made for a half-day side trip to Pamukkale, an outcropping of travertine, caused by water from the hot springs losing carbon dioxide as it flows down the slopes, leaving deposits of limestone. The layers of white calcium carbonate, built up in steps on the plateau, give rise to the name “Pamukkale”, meaning “Cotton Castle”. The thermal pools formed on the terraces can be trodden in bare feet and it was very pleasant to climb the hill, moving from one warm pool to the next. The more adventurous tourists came fully equipped with skimpy bathing suits and were quite happy to plunge into some of the deeper pools. At the top, the ruins of the ancient spa town of Hierapolis awaited those who were prepared to leave the pools for the scorching sun, but it was well worth the effort.
As the railway lines used for the steam excursion were chosen by the organizers for their light traffic, few regular trains were seen though there was a daily passenger train to Izmir, with half a dozen coaches pulled by a French designed, but Turkish built, diesel. With the exception of the Istanbul-Ankara corridor, trains do not figure much in the travel plans of the average Turk. The mode of choice are the inter-city buses, which are very good, running many times a day from well-organized bus stations more reminiscent of modern airports than anything we would WCRA News, Page 25
think of as a bus depot. With such competition, it is amazing that any passenger trains survive at all, my guess being that the trains appear to be even cheaper than the already economical bus services, and so are really the bottom-feeders of the intercity market.
One of the highlights for me was the “barbeque”. Upon arriving at the designated station I was puzzled to see nothing vaguely resembling a barbeque. I was able to join a small group including our Turkish guides on a journey into the nearby village, shopping for beautiful vegetables and fruits, olives, breads, and chicken in the street market. Upon return to the train, the food was loaded into the locomotive cab, and it became plain that we had been carrying the perfect barbeque coals with us all the time – the chicken was cooked on the fireman’s shovel, in the searing heat of the loco’s firebox. Sandwiches containing fabulous chicken, tomatoes, cucumber and lettuce were soon being turned out, to be accompanied by local cherries and slices of local watermelon, washed down by the local Efes beer. All this sitting on the loading platform of a freight station, watching our loco simmering in the sun, and engaging the locals in a mixed Turkish-German-English-sign language conversation. WCRA News, Page 26
After a week of travel, I was quite happy to contemplate the end of the steam excursion. For our last day, a special trip down the seldom-used branch to Burdur being planned. Not only were we unable to make this last journey but the trip came to an abrupt end after two closely spaced incidents. The first was the train nearly ran down a flock of goats that had wandered onto the track; fortunately they were able to avoid the engine which was braking hard to avoid them. Only a few minutes later, as we were steaming to a junction with the Burdur branch, the brakes went into emergency, sending most of the passengers in the improvised accommodation in the van flying to the floor. At first we thought we had hit a car at a grade crossing but on scrambling out of the train, we discovered that the train had derailed at a switch, sending a couple of freight cars onto their side and damaging the locomotive’s tender. It appeared as though, due to bad trackwork and perhaps a little over-enthusiastic driving, one of the four wheeled freight cars had bounced at the switch, with the flange of one wheel riding at first on the railhead before slipping off, catching a switch, demolishing a switch stand and ending up heavily damaged itself. WCRA News, Page 27
After a quick survey, the excursion was declared terminated, and the buses were summoned.
We did get a very fast response from a nearby TCDD track crew who rolled up in a well equipped Mercedes high-rail truck, followed by an excavator borrowed from the nearby village, which was to be used to rerail the derailed cars.
Many members of the group were to leave from Izmir airport the next day, so to move them closer to their final destination, we travelled about four hours by bus to the pre-arranged hotel. Next morning, prior to departure, a visit to an impressive railway museum in the village of Çamlik was arranged. Here were about two dozen locos of various classes, nicely laid out and in reasonably good condition. I finally got to see a “Skyliner” in the flesh, (photo) though of course it was “stuffed and mounted” rather than spouting steam and smoke. Çamlik still has passenger rail service and we were able to enjoy a fast lunch in an outdoor restaurant with a good view of the station, observing the Rotem two-car diesel units running in either direction as we ate. Rather than proceed to Izmir, I was dropped by the bus in the town of Selçuk, where I had booked a room for the night. WCRA News, Page 28
The big attraction of Selçuk is the ancient city of Ephesus, which is accessible by a short cab ride or a long walk. Suddenly St Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians came to life: the place is steeped in history and is almost impossible to adequately describe. It is simply something that has to be experienced.
The next morning, it was time to return to Istanbul and I attempted to make the train journey that had proven impossible at the start of my trip. It was easy enough to travel to Izmir from Selçuk – I had gotten up early to use the older local train and its 50 year old FIAT trainset rather than the express with its new Rotem cars. Upon arrival in Izmir I encountered more lovely third world travel frustrations. At first I was told that the “September 6th Express” departed from Alsancak station, not Basmane (another point: you have to know the names of the stations in the cities, much like “Waterloo” and “Euston” in London). But I could buy a ticket in Basmane at window #4 when it opened in a few minutes. Then, at window #4, I was told “no train”. No explanation, just “no train”. No-one had enough English, and my Turkish is non-existent, but it was obvious that I was sunk. (On checking the TCDD website, the train still shows, so I can only presume it was a one-day cancellation due to either trackwork or mechanical failure).
Not to worry, in Turkey there’s always a bus going somewhere, so a quick cab ride to the “Otogar” (bus station) left me asking for a bus to Istanbul, to which the response was “yes, sir, in two minutes”, and sure enough, I had just enough time to find the Pamukkale company’s platforms, hand my bag to the junior service attendant (as opposed to the senior one, and neither of those was the driver), and so I was off in a modern bus, with a crew of three and about a dozen passengers for a nine-hour ride. I was surprised to see the bus deviate from what I thought was the main highway near the end of our trip, but soon discovered that our road journey was to include a short ferry ride from Yalova to Gebze across an arm of the Sea of Marmara, cutting off nearly 100 road kilometers with a 20 minute ferry journey. This was WCRA News, Page 29
a very slick operation, with six medium sized ferries shuttling back and forth in a continuous convoy. With negligible tides to worry about, the ferries simply lowered their ramps onto a sloping quay, vehicles moved off and on quickly, and we were away. Total wait time from
arrival in the terminal: less than five minutes.
I spent another couple of days in Istanbul, balancing historic sites such as Topkapi Palace with the urban transport system, which I found fascinating. It was soon time for the long journey home, commencing with a flight from Istanbul at the insane hour of 5:55 a.m. and ending with a Canada Line train and Translink bus ride to my door 19 hours later.
I didn’t know what to expect of Turkey. I found a friendly country with interesting sights and ancient charm; excellent food and clean, safe streets. Accommodations were fairly priced and more than adequate. There was plenty to see and do and it was easy enough to avoid the tourist throngs around the main attractions. Getting around by train was “interesting” and you must certainly have a “Plan B” at all times. Don’t go expecting to see steam trains – there aren’t any, other than those organized tours, and these are rare and hard to find out about. But don’t let that stop you. Next time I might even take my wife along.
LOCOMOTIVE 374 PAVILION
JULY REPORT
The number of visitors recorded for July 2010 was 3,405 as compared to July 2009 with 2,899 Year to date visitors to end of June is 36,767. Discounting the 2010 Winter Olympics visitors, the year to date visitor count is 13.1% higher than last year. A full roster of volunteers and the positive effect of the Roundhouse Canada Line station along with good weather in July are key factors in this increase over last year.
Roundhouse Stories and Photos Wanted
Roundhouse Community Center plans to assemble ‘The Big Roundhouse Story’ for Vancouver’s 125th celebration in 2011 and we are looking for stories from folks from the time WCRA News, Page 30
of 1888 until present day! No story too small! We would like to hear from you. Please email [email protected] with your name and contact info.
We will contact you with further information!
John Atkin: Historian in Residence
John Atkin is an author, historian and heritage advocate. A photographic exhibition which John has researched and curated will be displayed at different times at the Roundhouse. Go to www.roundhouse.ca for specific dates.
Volunteering for the 374 Pavilion
We are always looking for Volunteers to work at the 374 pavilion. Volunteers are the backbone of the 374 Pavilion. We would not be able to open and present the 374 pavilion without the help of our caring and enthusiastic volunteers. As volunteers you will have the opportunity to greet guests who come from all over the world to see the CPR 374 engine. Duties include: opening, closing the building and most important of all presenting the historical background of the 374 to visitors. Last year over 21,000 visitors came to the “374” and only through the efforts and dedication of our volunteer group were we able to accommodate them. We offer free parking and a very flexible schedule, either one day a week or two days a month whichever works best for you. If you are interested in assisting us and greeting a wide range of visitors please contact Jim Brown at 604-681-4403 or 604-985-7249 or e-mail at [email protected] (J.B.)
RAILWAY NEWS
AMTRAK ORDERS NEW CARS
Amtrak has ordered 130 new single level cars, its first major rolling stock order in a decade. The new cars will replace pretty much all the remaining cars in Amtrak’s “Heritage” fleet, plus supplement the existing single level fleet. The order consists of 25 sleeping cars, 25 dining cars, 55 baggage cars and 25 baggage-dormitory cars for crew accommodations. They will be built by CAF (of Spain) USA in Elmira, NY, and are expected to resemble the Viewliner fleet.
AMTRAK CASCADES SETS RIDERSHIP RECORD
Amtrak Cascades has set its best quarterly ridership numbers since 1994 this April—June period, carrying a total of nearly 215,000 riders in the period—a 12% growth. Part of the growth is attributed to the second Vancouver—Seattle train. The Cascades corridor serves Vancouver, BC to Eugene, OR with Seattle—Portland seeing the greatest loads. (TOL) WCRA News, Page 31
SECOND QUARTER SEES GROWTH
CN had a good second quarter and set an amazing operating ratio…...carloads grew 27% compared to last year, with growth in most freight sectors. The railway also achieved an amazing operating ratio of just 61.2 for the quarter. (TOL)
NEW CN TO EMERGE UNDER NEW CEO
CN will take a more diversified approach to supply chain logistics under its new CEO Claude Mongeau, and will be a kinder CN in dealing with its customers. CN will seek partnerships through trucking and freight forwarding sectors, looking to eliminate bottlenecks that affect the supply chain to become true supply chain experts. The railway will not leave its successful scheduled service approach, but will work more with its customers to meet their needs as well as the needs of the railway.
MP 15’S ON MAINLINE
In a move not anticipated by me, the multiple purpose part of the MP15DC model of CP #1440 and 1442 was exploited at Port Coquitlam recently, as on 2010-07-26 they (with 1440 leading cab-first) took a 29-car train to the BNSF "new yard" at New Westminster and (with 1442 leading cab-first) brought a 21-car train back, the first mainline service for that type of unit in this area of which I am aware. The CP MP15DCs, although equipped with ditch lights at each end, do not have road pilots, so are restricted to 25 mph when leading, and that fits well with the 20 mph permitted on the Westminster sub.
In earlier years, CP 1440 alone worked the Kraft switcher assignment at Castlegar, and made one trip to Trail and back to handle some re-railing, otherwise the only mainline action the MP15DCs have seen is deadheading around the countryside, never leading. I sure wish I had been around to hear 1440+1442 on the road. (J.M. / K.P.)
MIXED TRAIN
A new definition of a mixed train departed eastward from Deltaport July 21 with CP 8861 point / 8580 mid / 9805 rear working 63 doublestack container cars and 124 empty coal cars— total 187 cars and a length of 11,000 feet. (J.M.) WCRA News, Page 32
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER CAR RETURNING ON VIA
Rocky Mountaineer Gold Leaf car 9503 is on its way west with VIA #1 on August 6th….consist is Locomotives VIA 6406 ,VIA 6411 , VIA 6427 then cars RMRX 9503 , VIA 8615 , VIA 8101 ,VIA 8138 , VIA 8106 , VIA 8502 , VIA 8408 , VIA 8501 , VIA 8339 , VIA 8318 , VIA 8342 , VIA 8305 , VIA 8209 VIA 8219 , VIA 8204 , VIA 8203 , VIA 8221 , VIA 8309 , VIA 8516 , VIA 8414 VIA 8330 , VIA 8306 , VIA 8334 , VIA 8710. (J.M.)
DERAILMENT DISRUPTS SERVICE
A CN derailment on the Fraser sub disrupted Rocky Mountaineer service July 21. The southbound Gold Rush route train was turned back and rerouted to the Lower Mainland from Red Pass Jct., thence back through North Vancouver to set up for its July 26 schedule north from Whistler. (J.M.)
OTHER NEWS
WEST COAST EXPRESS NEW CARS ARRIVE
The first two of the new order of additional cars for West Coast Express left the Thunder Bay plant on CPR train 401 of July 24, and were scheduled to arrive Coquitlam on July 26th. Cars are BCVX 401 and 402. The arrival of the new cars will allow overhaul of the present fleet to commence as well as add additional capacity to the service. (J.M. / K.P.)
PORT ALBERNI STEAM NEWS
Alberni Pacific steam loco #7 has been given a clean bill of health and is now operating the 2010 season. Number 7 may be 81 years old, but it successfully underwent its boiler inspection with the BC Safety Authority and is off and running and well through its season as this copy of WCRA News reaches you.
In other news, it is reported that the Western Vancouver Industrial Heritage Society of Port Alberni is adding another steam loco to its fleet. Canfor 2-8-2 #113, which has been based at WCRA News, Page 33
Woss Camp, is Port Alberni bound. Built in 1920 as Oregon-American Railroad # 102, this locomotive was famous for having seen excursion service at Woss from 1984 to 1994. She has not yet been moved from Woss, but Port Alberni is a great new home for her. (BL)
NORTHWEST RAILWAY MUSEUM MOVES AHEAD
Congratulations to the Northwest Railway Museum at Snoqualmie, WA on two fronts. The Museum successfully won funding from the Partners in Preservation Seattle Initiative after members of the public voted the restoration of Chapel Car #5 Messenger of Peace the most significant project to deserve funding.
And just recently, the museum completed construction of its massive new Train Shed exhibit building. The building, about the same size in square footage as WCRA’s new roundhouse, will provide indoor exhibition and protection to many pieces of the collection at Snoqualmie and will enhance interpretation. As we go to press, the building awaits construction of the three tracks into it and then the move in of the rolling stock. (SDR)
Business Car CPR #16 British Columbia (1890) now looks right at home in the new CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. (Don Evans)
WCRA News, Page 34
Royal Hudson #2860 gleams in the sun in front of the roundhouse at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park on July 28, 2010 as she is drained from her recent operation at the June 30,
2010 opening event. (Don Evans photo)
WCRA News, Page 35
CREDIT LINES ISSN 1204-072X
Vol. 49 Issue 9 Editor Don Evans Distribution Jeremy Davy & Donna Simon
Contributors: H.B. Howie Biehl J.B. Jim Brown M.C. Mattias Christianson J.D. Jeremy Davy R.G. Russ Grycan J.M. Jim McPherson K.P. Ken Perry S.S. Susan Steen D.T. Dave Thomson
BL Branchline SDR Sounder TOL Trains On Line
Send contributions to the WCRA PO Box, direct to the editor at #28 - 2133 St. Georges Ave., North Vancouver, B.C. V7L 3K5, on the Internet to
Contact us: Tours 604-524-1011 / 800-722-1233 Heritage Park 604-898-9336 Office 604-681-4403 CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre 604-898-1082
BACK COVER
Top—PGE Troop Sleeper 722 is carefully positioned on the turntable by PGE RSC-3 #561, photo July 13, 2010 by Russ Grycan.
Bottom—PGE Troop Sleeper 722 is snug inside the CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre on track 3 where the new exhibit was opened to the public on July 16th. (Don Evans photo)
TRIVIA ANSWER
The last spike on the E & N was driven by Prime Minister Sir John A. MacDonald on August 13, 1886—on his only visit to British Columbia.
Published monthly by West Coast Railway Association ISSN 1204-072X PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2 Vol. 49 Issue 9 www.wcra.org http://twitter.com/WCRailway Canada Post, Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40007853