WCRA NEWS OCTOBER 2009 $2 MILLION TO THE ROUNDHOUSE FROM FEDERAL GOVERNMENT! WCRA News, Page 2 GENERAL MEETING NOTICE The General Meeting of the WCRA will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 1930 hours at Rainbow Creek Station in Burnaby, Willingdon at Penzance. Entertainment will be by Jeff Veniot with photos of his vists to Three Valley Gap and construction / opening of the new Canada Line. ON THE COVER Pacific Great Eastern Budd RDC-3 #BC 33 has her first outing since her repaint into her original 1956 PGE paint scheme. And, her first outing (September 2, 2009) was a great one as she delivered the official party to the platform of the Mac Norris Station for the official announcement from the Government of Canada that they were investing $2 million to the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre project. (Trevor Mills photo). Full coverage on page 8. OCTOBER CALENDAR • West Coast Railway Heritage Park open daily 1000 through 1700k • Wednesday, September 16 through Sunday, September 20—ARM 2009 at the West Coats Railway Heritage Park (see ARM Program Insert for details) • Saturday, September 19—Royal Hudson Squamish—North Vancouver and return tour departs Mac Norris Station in Squamish at 0730 • Tuesday, September 29—Deadline for items to be included in the November 2009 WCRA News • Thursday, October 1—WCRT’s Fall Circle Tour to Victoria and Seattle departs • Saturday October 16 / Sunday October 17—Mt. Cheam Lions Model Railroad Show in Chilliwack, 1000—1600 each day • Tuesday, October 20—Tours Committee Meeting • Tuesday, October 27—WCRA General Meeting, Rainbow Creek Station, 1930 hours The West Coast Railway Association is an historical group dedicated to the preservation of British Columbia railway history. Membership is open to all people with an interest in railways past and present. We are a non-profit British Columbia society, registered as a Canadian charity. Individual membership in the WCRA is $50.00 per year, family membership is $60.00. E Members (electronic newsletter, $15 savings) are $35 individual and $45 family. (Outside Canada, please remit US $) Other categories are: - Junior Member (age 18 and under ) $ 25 - Sustaining Member $100 (tax receipt) plus membership type regular fee - Life Member (one time fee) $700 individual life / $1,200 family life All memberships include the monthly newsletter, Heritage Park admission (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 GIANT LEAP FORWARD, BUT STILL QUITE A DISTANCE YET TO GO Without question, August / September were months of significant progress. Suddenly, after several months of difficulties, there were some breakthroughs. BC 33 painting was completed. We were able to receive the first two coaches of our CN Super Continental train from CN. And, the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre got the major boost forward from the Federal Government that was needed to put completion into the realm of feasibility. We are on our way once again, thanks to the wonderful support we receive from our members and friends, and for the support to our major capital project. But the challenges also persist we continue to work hard to survive what has been a very difficult couple of years. The reality of a much longer than anticipated Roundhouse construction period coupled to a very difficult economic period continues to challenge us. The extended time for the construction project has impacted day to day operations at the Heritage Park for sure. But the bigger challenge is that the anticipated revenues and contribution to operations have not materialized as the new facility is still not completed and usable. Compounding the situation are reduced tourism traffic this year (and last) and much lower than usual donations to projects and operations. It is a difficult funding time and many are choosing to support the roundhouse (at the expense of other things that need support). So, the good news this past few weeks is terrific, and we once again show we can get things done, even if it is a struggle to sometimes get there. One thing to remember: while the Roundhouse project will get up and going again now, the funds directed to this project must stay there—they can only finance that specific project. So, please don’t forget all the other things we must do and pay for while that is going on. We need your continuing energy and funds for both our major capital project and our operating projects at the same time. Yes, we have made a giant leap forward, and for this we are extremely grateful. The completion of the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre is now within reach, and we will get there. I can’t tell you how good it will be to open the facility, and then take a breather from building and operate the place while we get everything else back on track. Don ASSOCIATION NEWS FROM THE AUGUST GENERAL MEETING Chair Colin Dathan called the meeting to order at 1930K at Rainbow Creek Station, Burnaby with a quorum present of 40 members and guests: • Don Evans presented the President’s Report covering several happenings during the past WCRA News, Page 4 month to improve things, including the arrival of the two CN coaches and the word of an impending announcement by the Federal Government on September 2 for the Roundhouse • Susan Steen updated the members on the preparations for the ARM 2009 conference. She reported on a very successful mini rail day and members picnic, over 500 attended and many new members joined up. She offered thanks to Jeremy and Donna as well as Paul and Mary Roy for their efforts • Colin Smith noted that construction would resume on the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre following the September 2 funding announcement • Jim Brown noted that challenges with operating cash flow are continuing • Jim Brown and Colin Dathan talked about the special event at the 374 Pavilion for the opening day of the new Canada Line (see page 22) . Jim noted that the Pavilion is having a very good year, but some additional volunteers are needed as we now have some gaps in the schedule. • Dorothea made a $75 donation from her ongoing sale. • Entertainment 2010 books are now available, Jim Brown is prime contact. • Ron Anstey provided an update on the collection—painting of BC 33, continuing work on the Alberta, 6503 ready to operate and the Troop Sleeper project. • Bill Johnston noted that the Okanagan trip date has been changed and room is still available, the September 19 Royal Hudson trip is also selling. The September 21 Trains of British Columbia tour has been cancelled. • Dave Emmington noted that tables are booked for the Chilliwack Lions Club show in October as well as TRAINS 2009 show in November. • Colin Dathan hosted the raffle and welcomed guests • Entertainment was video of America’s Historic Steam Railroads WCRA TRIVIA # 249 - by Ryan D. Cruickshank What is the origin of the term “locomotive”? (for answer see Credit Lines, page 27) MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Memberships dated 08/31/2009 have now expired, and if your membership expired 06/30/2009, 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. Because the undeliverable messages from a Server do not bounce back to it I have no way to be proactive. WCRA News, Page 5 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 The West Coast Railway Association welcomes new members Kirsten Andrews & family of Squamish, Glenn Auchterlonie & family of Garibaldi Highlands, Suzanne Babuin & family of Squamish, Rick Bonneville & family of Port Coquitlam, Dian Cabral & family of Brackendale, Andy & Tami Capicik & family of Squamish, J S Carmel & family of Whistler, Susan Carmody & family of Brackendale, Mayuko Chaisson & family of Garibaldi Highlands, Bill Crozier of Vancouver, Tim Crump & family of Portland, Oregon, Heather Dagleish & family of Garibaldi Highlands, the Dolha family of Squamish, Nicole Florian & family of Squamish, James Gauthier & family of Squamish, Tim Gauthier & Kristy Watson & family of Garibaldi Highlands, Rina Girard & family of Richmond, Louise Godard & family of Garibaldi Highlands, Dustin Gowitt & family of Maple Ridge, Shelley Hansen & family of Squamish, Janell Hauzeneder & Tim Stevens & family of Squamish, Laura Johnson & family of Squamish, Sean Latimer & family of White Rock, Erik Lehto & Karin Dahim of Avesta Sweden, Craig Manship & family of Garibaldi Highlands, John Marinis & family of Garibaldi Highlands, Diane Maxwell & family of Coquitlam, Kevin McJannet & family of Squamish, Shandra Plested & family of Squamish, Lou Ann & George Rawsthorne & family of Squamish, Rajinder Reehal & family of New Westminster, Bev Rickert & family of Squamish, Devon Rutherford & family of Vancouver, Rebecca Salmon & family of Bowen Island, Steven Savich & family of Chilliwack, Rolf Schiller & family of West Vancouver, Tim & Angie Shier & family of Squamish, Yves St.