WCRA NEWS DECEMBER 2013
PETER COX REMEMBERED THE POLAR EXPRESS IS COMING! NOV. 30 / DEC. 1 AND DEC. 7 / 8 CHRISTMAS AT CANADA PLACE DECEMBER 1 TO 31 ANNUAL DINNER NOVEMBER 26 WCRAWCRA News, Page 2 GENERAL MEETING—PLEASE NOTE!
The General Meeting of the WCRA will be our Annual Dinner and Awards Night, which will be held at 6:00PM (Dinner at 7PM) on Tuesday, November 26, 2013. Note new location—Starlight Banquet Room at 170 W. 3rd Street, in North Vancouver. Price is $40, spouses and friends are most welcome. NOTE- Reservations are required—please make yours today through our Tours Office at 604-524-1011 or the Heritage Park in Squamish at 604-898-9336 as we must advise numbers for dinner in advance. Credit cards welcome or cash at the door.
ON THE COVER
A Peter Cox photograph from the Grant Ferguson Collection shows CNR GMD-1 #1001 at Deerholme on Vancouver Island, taken July 22, 1968. Peter passed away October 18th, leaving behind a legacy of one of the great railway photographers and historians of our time. WCRA is pleased to house the Peter Cox Archive at our West Coast Railway Heritage Park. See page 5 for a remembrance on Peter.
DECEMBER CALENDAR • West Coast Railway Heritage Park open daily 1000 through 1600k • Sunday, November 24—Squamish Winter Market, CN Roundhouse, 1000 to 1700 • Saturday, November 30 / Sunday, December 1 and Saturday, December 7 / Sunday, December 8—Polar Express event—trains depart at 1000, 1200, 1400 and 1600 each day. See page 13 for info, tickets at www.wcra.org • Sunday, December 1 —Deadline for items for the January 2014 WCRA News. • Sunday, December 1 to December 31—Mini Rail at Christmas at Canada Place each day, hours to be finalized. Contact Jeremy [email protected] if you can help out • Saturday, December 14—Winter Refresh Market, CN Roundhouse, 0800 to 1700 • Sundays December 15 and December 22—Squamish Winter Markets, 1000 to 1700 • Tuesday, December 17—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 as follows, Please note that GST must be added to all fees: Senior $50 ($52.50), Individual $55 (57.75), Family $65 (68.25) E Members (electronic newsletter only) are $35 ($36.75) Senior, $40 ($42.00) individual and $50 ($52.50) family. Other categories are: - Junior Member (age 18 and under ) $ 30 ($31.50) - Sustaining Member $100 (tax receipt) plus membership type regular fee - Life Membership $700 ($735) individual life / $1,200 ($1,260) 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. WCRAWCRA News, Page 3 EDITORIAL
ANOTHER OF THE GREATS IS LOST—BUT HIS LEGACY LIVES ON
With the passing of Peter Cox, WCRA’s first President and one of the great railway photographers and historians of our generation, we are reminded about the need for all of us to preserve and protect our own collections, as well as preparing them for the ultimate passing on to others for future generations. It is in this regard that Peter stood tall among us.
His talents set high standards and his detailed cataloguing and packaging of the collection made it easy for others to pick up and continue the preservation efforts. It also set up our ability to maintain and share the collection easily and effectively as a part of WCRA’s archival collections.
This mission, of preserving precious collections for future generations, is the most important thing that we—through organizations such as WCRA—can do. Without these efforts, stories and documentation of the past is lost forever. As a heritage organization, we shoulder this duty of care and responsibility to future generations.
Failure to provide for the future of our collections, and failure to provide an organizational home with care for these collections, means that our mission is for naught and the history we work so hard to record is lost. Let us remember Peter for not just being an avid railfan and railway history recorder, but also for doing it right and thinking of the future. Because of this we will have cause to remember him forever, and will be able to share his legacy with others. DonDonDon
ASSOCIATION NEWS
FROM THE OCTOBER GENERAL MEETING
Chair Bill Johnston called the meeting to order at 1935k with a quorum present at Rainbow Creek Station in Burnaby. • A moment of silence was observed in memory of the late Peter Cox • Heritage Park—Ken Tanner for Gordon Bell The main focus of operations during the month of October has been on the sales and logistics of hosting a new event for the WCRHP entitled “Mystery of the Magic Pumpkin”. The final ride of the event goes tomorrow at 10:30 with 280 guest on board. Total ridership for the event will top 1,300 riders. This non –branded event is a first of its kind for the park and has been a great success with many happy children and parents and teachers. In addition to the Magic Pumpkin event, we hosted 3 birthday parties, 2 BCIT Practicum days, 3 seniors tours, and The Sea to Sky Family Fair that saw 700 people attend WCRAWCRA News, Page 4
In addition to all our events and event prep during October we hosted a major volunteer work party that stretched over the 10 days of our burning permit and translated into a much cleaner park and shops. We are now focused on Polar Express preparations and look forward to seeing everyone at the park during the upcoming Christmas season. • President Report - Ken Tanner Polar Express plans are in progress – first two weekends of December. Merchandise inventory is being shipped to the park. Booking of site resources ( sound, lights, etc.) will be completed next week. Current bookings exceed $25K – about a quarter full. Full TV promotion to start during 2nd week of Nov. Minor amount of print advertising has been booked. Social media will be our main promotion tool. We expect to be running the mini-rail at Canada Place again this year. Part of a “winter wonderland” theme with indoor skating rinks and the like. Will run the minirail for 3 weeks just before Christmas in the lower floor of Canada Place ( cruise ship boarding area). Bookings for the Roundhouse for 2013 and into 2014 continue to accelerate. Afterglow Art Show will be in November ( 600 guests). Negotiating with a major Vancouver promoter to do a New Year’s Eve event. Major conferences in 2014 are solidifying plans – Harley Davidson convention and Rotary International. Many weddings and repeat customers ( Winter Market, Crave, Sea-To-Sky, Teddy Bear Picnic, etc.) Dinosaur Train planned for spring break this year – but we won’t run every day during the period – are looking at selected days ( eg; weekends plus Fridays?). Planning the Annual Awards dinner for Tues Nov 26th . • Dave Manzer offered the new book Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway - The Diesel Era book for sale to members for $50 hard cover / $40 soft cover, with a donation component to WCRA • BCER 960 - Bill Marchant Work presently underway on the main brake cylinder • Fundraising - Don Evans September and October have been solid months for fundraising, we are having a typical year that will end up in the $500k range Debenture holders are being asked to consider donation of interest or some of their debenture principal to help us assure a good positive year end and help with current mortgage negotiations with financial institutions. It was noted that a windstorm in Squamish has destroyed our entrance sign to the heritage Park. Funders to help replace it were sought. An offer was made by Norm Shepherd that he would fund the lowest of three bids to replace the sign. Norm was thanked and the park instructed to obtain three bids as soon as they can. • Annual Dinner & Awards Night Will be held in Tuesday, November 26 at the Starlight Banquet Room, 170 W 3rd Street in North Vancouver. Price will be $40, reservations required. • December Meeting—will be held Tuesday, December 17, 2013 WCRAWCRA News, Page 5 • Locomotive 374 Pavilion - Bill Johnston Good visitor numbers in August, Thanks to George Game for doing a great job of cleaning and paint touchup on the locomotive • Mini Rail and Events (Jeremy Davy’s report) WCRA has tables booked at the TRAINS 2013 Show at Cameron Recreation Centre. The show runs Nov 9th and 10th – 10am to 4pm both days. Assistance would be appreciated manning the tables to give the Association the best exposure possible. We are now asking for a commitment from you. Also Set-up is Nov 8th 4pm to 10pm … if you are free, we could use a hand. Actual “work” time for individual volunteers will be advised later next week. If you can spare time to do so please confirm availability with Bill Marchant or myself by email or phone: Bill at [email protected] or 604.925.2814; Jeremy at [email protected] or [email protected] or 604.315.5349 (cell with voicemail). If you know any members who would be willing assist but have not been contacted please pass this request along. • CHRISTMAS AT CANADA PLACE Logistical details are still being worked out so I cannot make any definite commitments as to Operating days or times. As soon as I know I will prepare a work schedule and ask for specific commitments. In the meantime if you are able to make a general commitment for some or all days in December please let me know the details. My contact information is on page 15 of this Newsletter. • Events calendar - see the newsletter • Trackside Report - presented by Bill Marchant • Raffle was held, rent was paid • Entertainment - was enjoyed by all, videos by Craig McDowall of Supertrains Calgary 2012 and of 3716 in the Fraser Valley.
REMEMBERING PETER COX
Peter Cox, West Coast Railway Association’s first President and a lifelong railfan and photographer, passed away in Edmonton on October 18, 2013. As noted elsewhere in this issue, Peter leaves behind a legacy of railway history as well as a lifetime of being a true gentleman and friend to the railway heritage community.
Peter’s daughter, Val Cox, sends the following note…..
“Hello all, I found all of your email addresses attached to the new year email my Dad sent out this year. I wanted to take a moment to reach out to all of you, knowing how much you cared about and respected my Dad. To say this is a tough time is an understatement. I was with him when he passed at 12:01 Friday afternoon. It is my belief that his dear soul had already "left the building" before he took his last breath. I felt his presence there with me, WCRAWCRA News, Page 6 and was profoundly honoured to share in the final leg of his journey with him. He was peaceful at the end and had finally surrendered, but as you would expect, it was not without a valiant and courageous fight.
"Single-minded, steadfast, vigilant, dutiful, stubborn, loving and strong. You fought a heroic battle and made us, once again, so deeply proud. Mission accomplished, Mr. Cox. Your legacy will be forever honoured with us, your girls." Please enjoy these photos of the great Peter Cox :) I am sure they'll bring a tear and a smile. The pain of this loss is sharp, and there will be many very sad moments in the weeks and months to come, to be sure. But knowing my Dad as you do, I know he wouldn't want us to be sad for long. Let's all agree to have just as many smiles and chuckles in his honour. Thank you, each of you, for being an important part of my Dad's life!
With love, Val Cox
Peter grew up in Winnipeg in a CNR family. His father had started at CN in 1923 as an office boy and worked his way up to Manager of Freight Traffic. Peter started taking black and white photos in Winnipeg in 1953. This was precipitated by a meeting with well-known rail photographer, Ernie Plant. Peter had traveled to Vancouver in 1953 to visit a school friend. Both shared an interest in streetcars and buses and one day visited the old streetcar barns on Main St at 13th Ave. Noticing the interest of the two young lads, a worker suggested that they meet Ernie Plant. This was arranged and Ernie asked Peter if he could take a few shots for him in Winnipeg. Well a few shots turned into a life long hobby and interest and resulted in the Peter Cox Archive. Peter’s only regret in assembling his collection was that he did not start taking colour slides at an earlier date than he did. He felt that many important subjects deserved to be captured in colour as well as in the black and white format
Peter’s family moved to Vancouver in 1956 and Peter continued to take photos. In the course of his travels he met up with most of the local railfans. Bob Gevaert was a new friend who WCRAWCRA News, Page 7 introduced Peter to most of the locals. When the WCRA was formed in 1961, Peter was the first President of the club. At that time the club was known as the West Coast Railfan Assoc. Peter was instrumental in the acquisition of the British Columbia and was dispatched to CPR in Calgary to inspect the Mountain Observation cars when we were taking steps to preserve all three cars (WCXX 598 Henry Pickering is one). Peter was also the WCRA’s first Tours Director having organized the first fan trip over the PGE from North Vancouver to Squamish and return on August 5, 1961 using gas car #107 and open car #14. The return was powered by diesel #556 as the gas car had broken down. (Photo below, Peter Cox)
Another early trip was a trolley bus excursion using coach #2000, Vancouver’s first trolley coach, and coach #2416, the last trolley coach. Peter was also a driving force behind the trip on CN to Hope B.C. in 1964 which featured high speed mainline running with the British Columbia.
Peter hired on with CNR in 1956 and worked at the Vancouver Diesel shop until 1962. He transferred to the Express Department where he worked until 1965. He then moved to the running trades where he served as a brakeman until taking the Management training course in 1973. In 1974 he was posted to Prince George and was involved with the up-grade of the north line until 1977. He then moved to Edmonton with VIA Rail.
WCRAWCRA News, Page 8
Peter retired there and lived in Edmonton, devoting his spare time to the Edmonton Radial Railway Society operation at Fort Edmonton. Peter has previously donated several important artifacts to the WCRA, and then in 2004 his photo collection was donated and became named the Peter Cox Archive at WCRA’s library and archives in Squamish, BC.
Peter suffered a stroke on January 3, 2005. The outlook was optimistic, although it slowed Peter down and prevented him from continuing his usual activities. Still he remained communicative in his always gentlemanly way, and continued to share photos with many as his interest in railway things never waned. Peter will be missed by all of us at WCRA, and by the entire railfan community.
PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP
If your address label reads 10 31, you need to renew now. If your label reads 08 31, this is your last issue. We need you as members—please renew.
NEW MEMBERS The WCRA welcomes to membership: • Jason & Emilia Burnett and family of Britannia Beach; • Dougal & Camille Graham and family of Brackendale; • Georrg Jost and family of Squamish; • Goran Lifuenborg and family of Surrey; • Gawain O’Connor and family of Bellingham WA; • Jeff & Melissa Warren and family of Squamish; • Stuart Williams and family of Port Moody;
WCRAWCRA News, Page 9 We welcome back to membership….. • John Jennings and family of West Vancouver; • Richard & Julie Lutz and family of Garibaldi Highlands; • Paula Palmer and family of Whistler; • Ryan Robertson and family of Garibaldi Highlands; • Kam & Sara Shinkaruk and family of Squamish; • Graham Stokes and family of North Vancouver; (J.D.)
WCRA TRIVIA #299 - by Ryan Cruickshank
The American Last Spike we all know of was driven on 10 May 1869 at Promontory Summit, Utah Territory by Central Pacific Director Leland Stanford. On what days and places did the two railroads start the drive towards the last spike? (find answers on page 27) COLLECTION
BRIEF REPORT
A brief collection report is all that is available this issue due changed deadlines: • PGE steam locomotive #2 has had its running gear lubricating completed and has been moved back to the Heritage Park. It is now in the PGE Carshop for next stage of work. • BCR Coach 623 has been painted in the British Columbia Railway two tone green and will soon return to its location near the Garden Railway where it serves as the crew and storage car for the G scale equipment and operation. • CN speeder Buster has been nicely cleaned up and is now on display as you enter the Heritage Park • The newly donated Shuttle Wagon is earning its keep and proving just what we needed for easy moves of railcars in and out of the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre
BCER 960 UPDATE
While Heather and I took a wonderful escape overseas, be it often a cold and wet excursion, Bill Marchant, and often Bob Gordon, were pressing on up at MP2 with 960's rehabilitation. After my initial disappointment of not seeing 960 shunting about up at the Park when I returned, it was great to see the bit by bit progress being made, like the massive brake cylinder torn down, and now pretty much prepped ( lots of inside rust) , ready for reassembly next week. Our special thanks to Al Broadfoot for his continued guidance with this aspect and also for his valued help regarding 960's draft gears....the rear gear rebuild is nearly ready for installing. Also thanks to Roman Metal Fabricating for straightening out the warped heavy duty retainer bars for the this rear coupler assembly.
On another front, Bob is doing his usual uncompromising work fitting in the quarter round in WCRAWCRA News, Page 10 the cab side windows, they're looking terrific. Gary Reid has provided us with new metal slide channels for the windows that we're now close to installing, at least on the left side. Mike Weys, and his crew at Haymack Autoglass in Squamish, delivered this week the balance of our needed window glazing, which are to be installed as completed work, in and around the cab, permits.
We've seen photos covering some 30 years of 960s last years of operation revealing a hand full of slight design layout variations for the trolley pole wooden roof rack... Alas, we're now settling on a final version look, allowing assembly of this unit to be completed. There are still issues to resolve topside in remaking / replacing the six very unique, but very damaged, rack hold down insulator assemblies.
Goes without saying, all the 960 crew very much appreciate the recent donation commitments that will help to keep us going forward on some of the project’s less costly aspects. Next month we could have some pictures of finished side windows, the brake cylinder and hopefully last draft gear all installed. (M. McG.)
PGE FIRETRUCK ON DISPLAY
Thanks to some work by Rob MacBeth our PGE 1946 Ford fire truck is washed and cleaned up, has air in the tires and is on display in the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre building.
It looks great alongside our two vintage automobiles! Several people and groups helped, Rob reports…..
Dave Thethi’s friend at Kal Tire inflated the tires after Dave took them there.. they are a split rim type tire and you need a cage or something like that to inflate them as they can explode. Over the last few months Gerry and Rob from Haymack Glass donated and installed all new glass in it. glass that had to be made as you can just order it anymore. Before WCRAWCRA News, Page 11 we put it in, it was given a quick wash by Kyle Harris Max Nelson, Jeanene Nelson and Devon Bailey. To put it in the round house John Jellis, Kyle, Max and Devon all helped to get it in there and it was no easy task. Now that its out and on display we hope that someone will step in and work on restoration.
This truck has been in WCRA’s collection ever since it was de-accessioned to us on the closing of the BC Transportation Museum in Cloverdale in the late 1980’s. It was displayed in a small shed in the early days of the Heritage Park, then moved across to the MP2 shop when its shed was disrupted by the start of roundhouse construction. It is good to see it again!.
SHUTTLE WAGON WORKING WELL
As noted in our last issue, the WCRA has been donated a Shuttle Wagon car mover and it is now working well helping us move railcars in and out of the roundhouse—saving the need to fire up a locomotive or use forklifts for these moves—great improvement!
This donation came via the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) who learned of our need while working with us on the training program we have been operating to train waterfront switchpersons this year. BCMEA connected us with Kinder Morgan Terminals and the donation came to be.
The 31 tonne Shuttle Wagon unit was surplus to Kinder Morgan's needs at their pulp terminal in North Vancouver. They kindly shopped it before sending it. BCMEA then donated the cost of the trucking to get the unit to Squamish and we were able to put it into service very quickly after it arrived. A new paint job for the unit is planned for the future, but it is already earning its keep.
Our sincere appreciation to both the BCMEA and Kinder Morgan Terminals.
FUNDRAISING
October was a solid month of fundraising which aided our efforts towards a good year end result for WCRA by November 30, 2013. We are particularly appreciative of some of our debenture holders who continue to donate their annual interest back to WCRA, plus several who have actually donated their debenture principal as well. These actions certainly assist us as we progressively strengthen our financial position following the construction of the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre.
Also, a special acknowledgement this month to the Mainland Modular Railway Society for a donation of $100 to WCRA. A recent tour by their president was acknowledged and a note that They plan a club visit in 2014. WCRAWCRA News, Page 12
Major Funding Received • Debenture Interest donated $2,750 • General Donations $20,100 • Donation of Debentures $23,290 • In Kind donations $7,860 Month Total $53,400 Year to date Total: $465,300 General Funds $425,927 Roundhouse Funds $200 Royal Hudson Fund $350 BCER 960 $2,050 Gaming Funds $37,000 Other Significant Activities • Continued work with Ken and board on banking
ROYAL HUDSON FUNDRAISER TO GET UNDERWAY
As we go to press, work has started on a Royal Hudson Return to Steam fundraiser. This will be the focus of our annual Direct Mail campaign this year, with a focus on donations during November and December to start the fund to allow us to re-certify the boiler on this historic locomotive so that she can steam again in 2014. Watch for details in a mail out that will arrive soon. Returning the Royal Hudson to Steam—It’s About Time!
WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK Home of the Royal Hudson
MYSTERY OF THE MAGIC PUMPKIN—OCTOBER 24 TO 29
The West Coast Railway Heritage Park’s first ever operation of the Mystery of the Magic Pumpkin was a success in all regards. Guest reaction was very positive, and the event worked pretty much as expected. More than 1,200 rode the trains and we went through 1,300 pumpkins over the course of the event.
Guests boarded the train over at the MP 2 tracks, and the train ride brought them to the pumpkin patch which was in the picnic area of the Heritage Park. The children picked a pumpkin and took it to the roundhouse, where carving stations and helpers enabled each to carve their own take home pumpkin. Other activities, including mini rail, were also available before they re-boarded the train to return to their vehicles.
Several schools attended and were enthusiastic about having a pumpkin patch right here in Squamish—Mamquam Elementary posted a “daffodil” in the Chief newspaper, and Brackendale dropped off a huge thank you card signed by each student who attended. WCRAWCRA News, Page 13
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped, and also to Nesters Market who supplied the 1,500 pumpkins (including a donation of 300 of them). (J.N., G.B.)
POLAR EXPRESS COMING— TICKETS ON SALE
Tickets are now selling for the highlight of the Christmas season. The Polar Express returns for another two weekends of great fun and entertainment. Dates are November 30 / December 1 and then December 7 and December 8 with four trips each day as outlined here.
This year’s event will be better than ever, with a magical hour long train ride ending at the North Pole where there will be Santa’s Workshop, Santa visits, mini rail rides, live Christmas music, games, gifts and more.
Tickets at www.wcra.org
What are you waiting for…….Do You Believe?
POLAR EXPRESS VOLUNTEERS
We are now setting up our volunteer schedules for Polar Express. If you would like to join in and help with this great event, contact Jeanene Nelson at 604-898-9336 or [email protected]
WCRAWCRA News, Page 14 FREAK WINDSTORM DESTROYS ENTRY SIGN
A sudden and freak windstorm on October 27 blew outflow winds through Squamish and wreaked havoc on our operations as well as our entry sign. Jeremy Davy, who was operating the mini rail for Frightfest reported two roofs ripped right off mini rail cars while the train was in operation. Operations were immediately suspended and no one was hurt.
Out front, our huge entrance sign did not fare so well. By the time it was over on Monday AM the panels were in tatters and the posts broken off. Staff completed the job for safety reasons and our entry sign was history (it had stood for just over ten years as seen below).
Considered a mandatory replacement, a fundraiser to fund a replacement new sign was announced at the General Meeting on October 29th. Before the meeting break, member Norm Shepherd stepped forward and agreed to fund a new sign at the lower of three quotes for replacement. The quotes are being gathered and we will have a new sign—with sincere thanks to Norm for his support.
CHRISTMAS AT CANADA PLACE—VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
West Coast Railway Association will participate once again in Christmas at Canada Place with provision of a mini rail train this December. Members will recall that the trains were a hit for many years until the event changed format and location at their facility. This year the event is moving back indoors to the Cruise Ship Terminal level of the facility. WCRAWCRA News, Page 15 Jeremy Davy notes: The event will be returning to the Porte Couchere (Bus & Taxi loading area) adjacent to Cruise Ship entrance. A construction crew will be required during November to construct and install the track layout.
Specific details are yet to be confirmed regarding the Actual Operating Schedule. Based on information received previously we expect the event to operate daily during all of December with the exception of Christmas Day. A media day will be held in late November to launch the event.
Once operations start we will require volunteers for train operations - possibly two shifts per day … Not all volunteers need to be Qualified MiniRail Engineers – many other talents will be required.
If you have spare time and would like to be part this much anticipated Christmas event please consider what time you may be available and the activity(s) you would like to assist us with. When you have decided you may reply by email listing your preferences to [email protected] or leave the information on my cell at 604.315.5349 (Vancouver #). This number has voicemail so please leave a message with contact phone number should I not be able to answer your call. Your assistance with our most popular Christmas activity is greatly appreciated. (J.D.)
LIFT DONATED FOR FUTURE GARDEN TRACK PLATFORMS
An electric handicap lift has been donated to WCRA and has been delivered to the Heritage Park in Squamish. This unit is ideal for use in our future accessibility of the Garden Tracks platforms and exhibits, thus making these three tracks of railcars accessible (today stairs are the only option). The lift will become part of the deign of the future Garden Tracks raised platforms and roof which will be a major addition for both access and protection of another 15 units of our collection.
Thanks go to Colin Smith for the acquisition and donation of the unit, and to Didier Samouilhan for transporting the unit to Squamish.
FIREMAN’S BALL A BIG EVENT
Saturday evening November 2 saw a crowd of 325 people (Firefighters and guests) descend on the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre for their annual Fireman’s Ball. (G.B.) WCRAWCRA News, Page 16
W INTER MARKETS RETURN
The Squamish Winter Markets have returned to the CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. These popular events are back on an essentially every second Sunday schedule—except through December when Polar Express causes some changes. Winter Markets started on Sunday, November 10 and are scheduled: • Sunday, November 24 1000—1700k • Sunday, December 15 1000—1700k • Sunday, December 24 1000—1700k
In addition, a Squamish Refresh Marketplace is set for Saturday, December 14 from 0800 through 1700 hours. All these are free community events so come on out and enjoy the markets and all they have to offer.
WEST COAST RAIL TOURS
2014 TOURS PROGRAM
West Coast Rail Tours is looking for new members on the Tours Committee. Every quarter the Committee will meet and review upcoming tours, marketing and revenue. We welcome any new ideas. Please email [email protected] if you are interested in joining!
West Coast Rail Tours is a fully licensed travel agency that supports the West Coast Railway Association and its members. We organize group tours and can book any of your independent travel including rail, air, coach and hotels. All commissions and income received goes towards our mandate to collect, preserve, and exhibit railway artifacts at our Heritage Park in Squamish. Give back to the WCRA by letting us book your travel for you!
Here are some of our upcoming group tours that need you aboard…..
Bavarian Christmas in Leavenworth, WA, Dec. 9th – 12th, 4 days SHOPPING TRIP INCLUDED! Do some Christmas shopping at the duty free shop before your winter adventure in Leavenworth. Travel to Cashmere and visit the Aplets and Cotlets candy factory. See the lights of Leavenworth, and take a sleigh ride at Red Tail Canyon farm. Double $797 (seniors $765), Single add $285—includes 1 dinner and includes tax
Butchart Gardens (Christmas) & Chemainus Theatre, Dec. 17th – 19th, 3 days Get ready for the holidays and join us on Vancouver Island and experience the spectacular Butchart Gardens Christmas lights and the Chemainus Festival Theatre. This tour also includes WCRAWCRA News, Page 17
a Victoria city tour, the traditional “It’s a Wonderful Life” play at the Chemainus Theatre, lunch buffet and the Christmas lights of Ladysmith.
Double $625, Single $735 includes coach transport, all accommodation , and 3 meals (does not include ferry/flight to Victoria or GST)
BOOK NOW FOR 2014!
Long Beach Storm Watching, Feb. 16th – 19th, 5 days Ferry to Nanaimo, visit Cathedral Grove then off to Tofino. Cozy up to a warm fire and watch the winter storms at Long Beach or venture outdoors and stroll the lovely beach at the Tin Wis Resort. Tour Pacific Rim National Park and the Amphitrite Lighthouse in Ucluelet. Visit Parksville and Chemainus followed by a buffet dinner and show at the Chemainus Theatre. Double $995, Single $1,270 includes coach transport, all accommodation, and 9 meals (does not include GST)
Magic and Splendour of Haida Gwaii, June 17th – 27th, 10 days Our most popular tour! This well guided tour explores the majestic most westerly point of Northern B.C. made up of quaint villages, secluded inlets, rainforests, and beaches. You will experience the First Nations culture closely with museum visits, native dances and authentic feasts. Includes VIA Rail from Vancouver to Jasper, on to Prince George and Prince Rupert and then ferry to Haida Gwaii for 4 days, and fly back to Vancouver. Limited space available. Pricing still to be determined. Please email [email protected] for more info. WCRAWCRA News, Page 18
T rains of the Colorado Rockies, August 8th – 16th, 9 days
Experience the majesty of the Colorado Rockies from four trains that celebrate the can-do spirit of the Old West. Scale Pike’s Peak on the world’s highest cog railway. Climb aboard an
1881 steam train for a journey through the San Juan Mountains. Travel the Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous highway in the U.S., reaching 12,183 ft. Discover the ancient culture of the Anasazi Indians at Mesa Verde National Park. Relish cowboy culture in an evening of authentic dining and entertainment. Double $2,949, Single $3,649, Triple $2,919, includes all accommodation, 12 meals, door to door pickup, round-trip airfare, air taxes and fees/surcharges, and hotel transfers
Seattle Sights and Alaskan Cruise, Sept. 12th- 20th, 8 days Amtrak to Seattle in the morning, followed by lunch and an underground walking tour. Overnight before shuttle to the terminal to board cruise to Alaska for scenic vistas and wildlife like nowhere else. Witness the massive ice chunks of Sawyer Glacier calve into the sea, take the reins of a dogsled in Juneau, and take a railroad ride on the White Pass and Yukon route in Skagway. Cruise back to Port of Vancouver and return home. From double $1,349, Single $2,499 depending on cruise rooms, includes all accommodation, 12 meals, door to door pickup, round-trip airfare, air taxes and fees/surcharges, and hotel transfers
Alpine Lakes and Scenic Trains (Switzerland, and Italy), September 12th – 21st, 10 days, Experience the enchanting Alpine cultures of Switzerland and Italy as you journey through spectacular mountain scenery and picturesque towns. Ride aboard three of the legendary Alpine railways: the GoldenPass Panoramic Train from Gstaad to Montreux; the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz; and the Bernina Pass Train, which takes you into Italy. Cruise across two of the most scenic lakes in the world, Lake Zurich and Lake Como. Relax in some of Europe’s most stunning and exclusive resort villages, including Zermatt, St. Moritz and Lake Como, Italy. Explore Lucerne, the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Enjoy traditional regional cuisine such as Swiss cheese fondue and Italian delicacies. Double $3,099, Single $3,749, Triple $3,069, includes 12 meals, door to door pickup, round- trip airfare, air taxes and fees/surcharges, and hotel transfers
Trains, Wineries & Treasures of Northern California, October 20th -28th, 8 days Experience all the uniqueness Northern California has to offer. Take in Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge. Marvel at the beauty of one of the nation’s most beloved National Parks, Yosemite and glide on the pristine waters of breathtaking Lake Tahoe on a paddlewheeler. Discover some fascinating facts about train travel at Railtown and the California State Railroad Museum. Sip California’s wines at a wine tasting. Relax on one of the most plush historic trains, in a Pullman car, aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train and take in the beauty of the vineyards while enjoying a delicious luncheon. Double $3,099, Single $3,749, Triple $3,069, includes door to door pickup, round-trip airfare, air taxes and fees/surcharges, and hotel transfers WCRAWCRA News, Page 19
W EST COAST RAIL TOURS - YOUR EXPERT IN RAIL TRAVEL
Phone: 604 524 1011, toll free call us at 1-800-722-1233 Fax: 604 876 4104
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.westcoastrailtours.com (J.Mi.) -
374 PAVILION
LOCOMOTIVE 374 REPORT
As expected, October visits dropped off a fair bit despite the good weather. October 2012 saw about 3,000 visitors while this year the typical monthly number was almost 3,500. Year to date total is 37,000 compared with 29,000 for last year. We have shortened the hours now to 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM to reflect the lower number of morning visits and the colder weather. The number of foreign visitors has dropped considerably. George Game has installed another video display this time highlighting activities at the park, especially special events.
Volunteers are still needed to relieve our dedicated loyal weekly participants from time to time. If you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering at the CPR 374 Engine Pavilion contact Bill Johnston at: [email protected] or 604-522-9068. Your interest in railroads and meeting people will be put to good use for the Association’s benefit. Public transport to the area is excellent with the Canada Line Yaletown – Roundhouse station just a few steps away. We have a training program and provide drinks and free parking, at the adjacent Roundhouse Community Centre when volunteering. (B.J.)
FEATURE ARTICLES
FROM THE STEAM CHEST NOVEMBER 1961 - by Craig McDowall
A Thumbnail History of the Great Northern Railway
(MCM note: This installment dedicated to Arthur Irving!)
A Charter was granted by the Minnesota Legislature in 1857 for the Minnesota and Pacific Rly. The line would run from Stillwater, MN to St. Anthony (now Minneapolis), MN and a second route from St. Cloud to St. Vincent on the Canadian border. After numerous delays, the M & P rights were passed on to the St. Paul and Pacific Rly. The company set to work and had the first ten miles of track between St. Paul and St. Anthony in regular operation by July 2nd, 1862. James J. Hill, then in the steamboat business, watched and learned and in 1866 WCRAWCRA News, Page 20
b ecame the agent for the First Division of the St. Paul & Pacific.
In 1878, Hill with three partners, acquired the St. Paul & Pacific. During the previous decade Mr.
Hill had been doing business in both the fuel and steamboat industry. In 1879, he re-organized the railway into the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Rly. and by 1881 had 695 miles of rail lines in operation. The 'Empire Builder' (as Hill was known) was just starting his drive to build a railway to the West Coast. (this moniker stuck and became the name of one of GN best known trains) By 1887, the SM&M had been extended into Montana and Mr. Hill had also built a few lines in the Pacific Northwest. In 1889 Hill changed the name of his main railroad to the Great Northern Rly. Co. and this was incorporated a year later. By the end of 1890, there was a total of 3,260 miles in operation.
From 1890 to 1892, the railway pushed west and the last spike was driven at Scenic WA (in the Cascades) on January 6, 1893. By mid summer, regular service was being operated over the entire system. In 1890 the first Cascade Tunnel was opened. It was 4.23 kms in length and reduced the height of the mainline summit from 4,068 feet to 3,383 feet and thus eliminated many switchbacks and some 4% grades.
During 1901, the Great Northern and Northern Pacific acquired control of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Rly, thus giving the GN access into the Chicago area.
Then in 1905, the GN & the NP formed the Spokane, Portland and Seattle Rly, which built a line from between Spokane and Portland. (see photos taken on this line in 2013, back cover) The SP&S was subsequently extended through Oregon by the construction of new lines together with the acquisition of existing short lines. In 1910, GN & NP, through trackage agreements, had a direct connection between Seattle and Portland.
WCRAWCRA News, Page 21
In the years that followed, Hill pushed a number of lines north across the international boundary into the mining area of southern BC in a running battle with the Canadian Pacific Rly. In 1909, the Great Northern purchased most of the property of the Midland Railway in Manitoba which had lines running from the US border to Portage La Prairie and Morden, Manitoba. The railway was then jointly controlled by GN and Northern Pacific with a major terminal in Winnipeg. The Great Northern eventually disposed of its line in 1927 and the line was eventually abandoned.
In 1912, GN traded its line along the Fraser River to the Canadian Northern Rly (now CN) for trackage for trackage rights into Winnipeg. GN gradually withdrew from many parts of British Columbia, but its line into Vancouver via New Westminster was to stay.
James J. Hill died in 1916 but had built a sizeable and well run railway. He had become well known throughout the territories connected by his railway for assisting both farmers and businesses becoming established as he realized by doing this, it would be beneficial to the WCRAWCRA News, Page 22 continued success of his railway.
In 1927, the second Cascade Tunnel was completed in Washington state. At 12.54 kms in length, it was the longest tunnel in the Western Hemisphere and lowered again the elevation of the line down to 2,881 feet and eliminated 13 kms of snow sheds and five complete circles of track previously incorporated in adapting to the elevation of the line.
In 1928, The Great Northern Rly built a line south and east from Portland to Klamath Falls, OR. In 1931, the line had been further extended to Bieber, CA and then, via a Western Pacific connection, gave the GN a direct route in to San Francisco and the Bay Area.
The Great Northern 'Coast Line' The GN route from Seattle to Vancouver was initially a combination of three separate rail lines. The Seattle and Montana was the last one built just north of Seattle to Fairhaven Junction. The line from there to the international border was built as the Fairhaven and Southern Rly. From the border to the south bank of the Fraser River, the line was built by the Fairhaven and Southern Rly. A steamer boat connected that terminus to New Westminster until the railway bridge was built in 1903/04 connecting the line to Vancouver. WCRAWCRA News, Page 23 MCM note: some interesting GN sidebars: • The Great Northern Rly was the only completed US transcontinental railway privately funded with no federal financial support or land grants. Unlike most major US railroads, it had very few subsidiaries having incorporated most of its acquisitions under the GN banner. • The town of Wellington, located next to the west portal of the original Cascade Tunnel on the GN mainline was the location of the worst avalanche in US history when a slide came down on March 1st, 1910 and 96 people died. The town's name was changed to Lyle to eliminate the connection to the slide. Lyle was abandoned in 1929 when the second Cascade Tunnel was built.
A final interesting note re the acquisition of the CB&Q back in 1901. GN was incorporated into a new company in 1927 in order to merge GN and NP and lease SP&S and CB&Q. The Interstate Commerce Commission approved the merger on the condition that GN and NP divest themselves of the CB&Q - a condition that GN and NP were unwilling to meet. More than four more decades passed before the merger finally went through on March 2,1970 (with the CB&Q included) and ironically it became part of the name of the newly merged company - the Burlington Northern Railroad.
RAILWAY NEWS
CN to start service on major portion of bankrupt Kelowna Pacific Railway Ltd. rail lines after reaching agreements with bankruptcy trustee, customers and Teamsters Canada Rail Conference units
VANCOUVER, Sept. 26, 2013 — CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today plans to start freight service on approximately 75 per cent of the rail network operated by bankrupt short-line Kelowna Pacific Railway Ltd. (KPR) in southern British Columbia after reaching trustee, customer and labour agreements that support resumption of operations.
KPR, which leased its network from CN in 1999, entered receivership on July 5, 2013, and halted operations. CN this week reached mutually satisfactory agreements with the line’s trustee to take it out of the bankruptcy process, Tolko Industries Ltd., the main customer on the line, and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) and TCRC-Maintenance of Way Employees Division (TCRC-MWED). The TCRC and TCRC-MWED represent approximately 35 locomotive engineers, conductors and track maintenance workers employed by the insolvent B.C. short-line railway. Jim Vena, CN executive vice-president and chief operating officer, said: “I’m pleased to say that the parties were able to come together to assemble the right business and labour WCRAWCRA News, Page 24 conditions to justify the resumption of rail traffic on the major portion of the KPR as well as a sizeable capital investment required to protect rail service in the region. We are targeting the resumption of operations as soon as we can ensure the track to brought back to a standard to ensure safe train operations.”
CN will resume operations on 97 miles, or approximately 75 per cent, of the network KPR operated running from Campbell Creek, B.C., located approximately 10 miles east of Kamloops, to Vernon, Lumby Junction and Lumby, B.C.
CN will discontinue track KPR operated between Lumby Junction and Kelowna, B.C., because of insufficient freight traffic. The 60-day discontinuance process under the Canada Transportation Act will start later this week.
BUSINESS CAR PAINTED
One of CN’s former Illinois Central business cars ( a heavyweight car) has been painted into a new version of CN green / black and gold with oversize lettering on the lower panels. (TJ)
CAPE TORMENTINE MOVES
Former VIA / CN sleeper—buffet—lounge car 1089 “Cape Tormentine” was moved on a flat car in June from the Florida Gulf Coast RR in Tampa to Assinaboia, Saskatchewan. It is owned by a private collector and will be displayed at the Southern Prairie Railway for now.
REBUILT BUDDS RELEASED—HEADING OUR WAY?
60 year old RDC'-2’s #6219, 6208, & RDC-4 6251 have been released after going through a 2million$+ rebuild each, rebuilt by CAD industries operating out of the former Industrial Rail inc shops in Moncton NB, Atlantic Canada, along with a few rebuilt LRC cars…They were tacked onto the rear of VIA Ocean #15 out of Moncton, NB on October 29.
Note that the 6219 & 6208 are each now modified and equipped with 2 remote controlled wheelchair lifts under the control cab end (on each side, & heated for winter), with accessible washrooms & wheelchair tie-downs as well. They also sport a new headlight below the traditional RDC lights, similar to the third lights added to VIA’s F40PH-3’s Rumours have them on the way to Jasper, Alberta to become the new "SKEENA" service between Jasper and Prince Rupert, complete with a Panorama car on the rear. (J.M.) WCRAWCRA News, Page 25 WCRAWCRA News, Page 26
E XTRA LONG CANADIAN
VIA Train 001-19’s consist terminated in Edmonton on the 22nd, as the CN mainline was still closed. Passengers were presumably bused to the consist of 002-18 which had terminated in th Jasper on the afternoon of the 19 . Train 001-22 (2 units + 14 cars) then picked up the 2 units and 13 cars of 001-19 behind its own two units and ahead of its baggage car. So 001-22 is now a train of 4 units and 29 cars heading westbound from Blue River at 0233 Saturday AM October 26. (J.M.)
OTHER NEWS
BCSME SETS RIDERSHIP RECORD
Congratulations to the BC Society of Model Engineers on their setting a ridership record for 2013 –an all time high of 66,474 riders in 66 days of regular season running.
RAILFANNING THE EX S.P.& S. ALONG THE COLUMBIA
Your editor had a few hours on a beautiful sunny afternoon to railfan the BNSF along the Columbia River, on the ex SP&S line. (reference our feature article on Great Northern for a bit of the history). This is a high speed single track mainline these days, with long passing sidings and well coordinated meets (I saw lots of them in almost constant traffic on the day I was out there) While the ubiquitous orange GE’s were ever present, a surprise was a matched set of warbonnet GP60’s on what appeared to me to be a military container train. Their passing in run 8 with a long train at 50mph+ will not be soon forgotten. See photos on our back cover.
WCRAWCRA News, Page 27
CREDIT LINES ISSN 1204-072X Vol. 52 Issue 12 Editor Don Evans
Distribution Jeremy Davy & Donna Simon Contributors: G.B. Gordon Bell J.D. Jeremy Davy B.J. Bill Johnston M.McG. Mike McGaw M.C.M. Craig McDowall J. Mi. Jennifer Mitchell J.N. Jeanene Nelson
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
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 www.wcra.org
REAR COVER
Action on the BNSF’s former Spokane, Portland & Seattle line along the Columbia River between Stevenson, WA and the bridge to Hood River, OR. (Don Evans photos taken October 4, 2013.)
TRIVIA ANSWERS
The Central Pacific ran eastward from Sacramento, California starting 8 January 1863 using mainly Chinese labourers while the Union Pacific ran westward from Council Bluffs/Omaha, Iowa/Nebraska starting 10 July 1865 with ex-civil war soldiers. The final telegraphers notice was simply "Done"
CANADIAN COUNCIL FOR RAILWAY HERITAGE
The printing of this newsletter is supported by funding from the BC Gaming Commission through a Community grant. Published monthly by West Coast Railway Association ISSN 1204-072X PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2 Vol. 52 Issue 12 www.wcra.org http://twitter.com/WCRailway Canada Post, Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40007853