August 2012 News.Pub
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WCRA NEWS AUGUST 2012 EVENING OF MUSIC & WINE, FRI. JULY 27 WCRA FAMILY DAY & PICNIC AUGUST 19 AT HERITAGE PARK WCRA News, Page 2 GENERAL MEETING NOTICE The General Meeting of the West Coast Railway Association will be held on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 1930 hours at Rainbow Creek Station, Willingdon and Penzance, in Burnaby. Entertainment will be announced at the meeting. ON THE COVER Rocky Mountaineer ran a charter business special train from Whistler to North Vancouver on Wednesday, July 11. The consist had two locomotives, generator car, three coaches, lounge car, Henry Pickering open car and three more coaches. Photo southbound at Squamish just after noon by Russ Grycan . AUGUST CALENDAR • West Coast Railway Heritage Park open daily 1000 through 1700k • Friday, July 27—Drop in to the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre and enjoy a summer evening of wine and music , 1730 to 2000 hours, free admission for all. • Friday August 10—Deadline for items for the September 2012 WCRA News • Tuesday, August 14—WCRT’s Rails of Northern Oregon tour departs • August 18 and 19—Vancouver Island Model Engineers celebrate 40 years, everyone welcome at their Saanichton track on Vancouver Island • Sunday, August 19—WCRA Members Family Day and Picnic, Family Day all day, picnic in the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre at 1730 hours. • Sunday, August 19—Canadian Route 66 Association picnic at the Heritage Park, classic cars on show 1100 to 1500 • Saturday, August 25—WCRT’s West Coast, Chemainus & Victoria tour departs • Tuesday, August 28—WCRA General Meeting, 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. Membership prices are as follows, Please note that HST must be added to all fees: Senior $50 ($56), Individual $55 (61.60), Family $65 (72.80) E Members (electronic newsletter only) are $35 ($39.20) Senior, $40 ($44.80) individual and $50 ($33.60) family. Other categories are: - Junior Member (age 18 and under ) $ 30 ($33.60) - Sustaining Member $100 (tax receipt) plus membership type regular fee - Life Membership $700 ($784) individual life / $1,200 ($1,344) 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 ALWAYS SOMETHNG NEW One of the WCRA’s key strategies is to always be trying (and exhibiting) something new. It is part of how we remain fresh as an attraction, and also part of how we work hard to keep our guests returning. And, 2012 is no exception as we head through our busy summer season. On the exhibit side, the major new addition has been the opening of the restored CN Shovel Operators Bunk car (photo page 10) which is now open to explore on track zero by the Roundhouse. Just behind it is the newly completed Lions Club car, a new location for their “clubhouse” and a lovely looking part of the collection for everyone to view. Inside, the restored John Deere Crawler on loan from the Holly burn Heritage Society is very popular. In the “Things to Do” category is the return of the pump car ride . Everyone can enjoy the exhilaration of pumping this unique vehicle along the railway tracks just as railway maintenance workers did in years gone by. Want something more relaxed, then don't miss our Summer Evening of Music and Wine on Friday, July 27. This free admission event is meant to provide an opportunity for all to discover the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre, while at the same time introducing our newly donated Yamaha Grand Piano which will be demonstrated throughout the evening. Come for a few minutes, or come for the evening— everyone is welcome at this event. On the fun quotient side, our Summer Railway Camp is up and operating all summer for kids ages 7 to 11. The group enjoys sports, exploration, field trips and even a sleepover in a railway car. A fun and unique way to enjoy summer while school is out. Lastly, for your palate—we have expanded the offerings from The Beanery for more and healthier variety of food service this summer. Check out our new wraps—a great and tasty meal for just $5 each. And our snacks menu has also expanded with some new options but don’t worry—our signature hot dogs are still available too! Ahead, major changes in our use of technology—check out our Facebook page (click link from our website home page) - and coming before the end of the summer, a totally new website for West Coast Railway Association. There’s always something new at WCRA! Don ASSOCIATION NEWS FROM THE JUNE GENERAL MEETING Chair Jeremy Davy called the meeting to order at 19:33K, with a quorum present of 32 WCRA News, Page 4 members, 1 guest & 1 Staff, at Rainbow Creek Station, Burnaby. Recording Secretary – Colin Dathan Corrections were noted to the circulated minutes of meeting 29 May – Dave Emmington & Ron Anstey names misspelt under Business arising & under Collection Don Evans will discuss CP 8000 with BCIT . With these corrections Ryan Cruickshank moved & Ed Harkness seconded a motion to approve – motion carried Reports • President - Don Evans reported on a very smooth & successful Day Out With Thomas event at the Heritage Park in early June. Guest numbers at 10,750 were up from 2011 however while finances are also expected to be improved the numbers are not yet available. Don expressed thanks to Craig McDowall & all the willing volunteers and staff • Don advised that at the Board meeting in May movement of Loco 6520 & Coach 5569 from Toronto was approved & will take place shortly. The 2 nd loco (6508) will be sold to pay for the moves. Matched with a member’s debenture it is expected to exceed the required funds & any balance remaining will be deposited in the Endowment Fund. • Security has been a major issue & all operating coaches had to be rewired for Thomas. The matter was discussed with Squamish & CN Police & the recommendation is for new lights at the north end of the property. A grant request has been submitted to Squamish to help cover the costs of this work. • Finance manager Krista Oster has resigned for personal reasons. It has been decided to contract out much of the work & a bookkeeper (Irina) is now working at the Park now on data entry. Day to day matters are being handled by Don Evans & Ken Tanner . • In response to a member question, Don explained how the Endowment Fund is an asset, & will follow up on bylaws issues raised • Don is now concentrating on fundraising with $155,000 raised to mid June; & mentioned a donation of memorabilia from Jean Cullen & a donated Dominion of Canada flag which will be on display on Canada Day • A 1949 tracked John Deere Tractor in now on display, on loan from The Hollyburn Heritage Society • Paul Roy questioned the cost of Wall of Fame listing at $50 (up from $35). Don advised it is under review. • One summer student has been funded by The Government for the Heritage Park & an unnamed benefactor has agreed to finance a student for the 374 Pavilion. • A grand piano has been donated & will be inaugurated at a musical event in the Roundhouse Friday, 27 July. • Mechanical – Jeremy Davy read Russ Grycan’s report, noting all the work required to run the Thomas event, thanking the Operating & Mechanical train crews. In particular he mentioned Dave Thethi who, while still not back at work, lent a much appreciated hand. In particular the tremendous amount of work to rewire the vandalised coaches was appreciated. Thanks to Greg Robertshaw & Richard Courage 6503 is now doing most of the switching movements around the Park & was the back-up for 561 during Thomas. The WCRA News, Page 5 Henry Pickering was also rewired & is operating well on the Rocky Mountaineer. • Run-a-Loco programs continue, two held in June & two more scheduled. • Heritage Park – Ken Tanner outlined an exciting Summer, with several upcoming events – Canada Day, Kids World Day, The PGE 100 Conference, BC Rail Pioneer’s lunch, The Teddy Bear’s Picnic, a float in the Logger’s Parade & the Member’s picnic. • The hand-pump car is again an attraction this Summer, & the newly restored Shovel Operator’s Bunk Car is an attractive exhibit. • The Gift Shop is being made more rail oriented & the Beanery has a new menu offering less junk food, a move much appreciated by parents! • Bunker C Bear has been reactivated with plenty of volunteers & Ken is looking to have volunteer docents positioned around the Roundhouse & Park to explain historical matters to guests & answer their questions. He points out that staff can’t be everywhere & such help would be greatly appreciated. • Collection/CC&RC – Mike McGaw reported on the monthly meetings & a sub- committee who are looking into a refocusing of what the collection should be. A report is expected in the fall. He mentioned 2 cars approved for scrapping however there are no dealers interested at this time. 960 restoration work is ongoing, one air tank has been pressure tested OK & work is ongoing on the 2 nd .