April 2013 News - wcra.org · WCRA News, Page 5 • Tours - Bill Johnston presented the report from Jennifer Mitchell • Closure—Meeting Chair Bill Johnston closed the meeting

APRIL 2013

WCRA NEWS

KEN TANNER NAMED CEO

GORDON BELL JOINS AS GM

GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY

DINNER THEATRE APRIL 6

THOMAS TICKETS ON SALE

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GENERAL MEETING The General Meeting of the WCRA will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 1930 hours at Rainbow Creek Station. Entertainment will be, Ian Smith with his coverage of GO called "GO Transit's Morning Rush Hour - 92 minutes at Bathurst Bridge". ON THE COVER Former McCloud River Railroad 2-6-2 #25 makes a great reflective scene on a wet winter day as she steams on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. The OCSR is planning a steam photo freight on this former Southern Pacific line in the Salmonberry River Canyon—see page 23 for details. Photo courtesy Martin Hansen. APOLOGY On behalf of WCRA News, your editor offers an apology to Bruce Harvey for the running of his story of the Fraser River Bridge last issue—without first obtaining permission to use. APRIL CALENDAR • West Coast Railway Heritage Park open daily 1000 through 1700k • Saturday, April 6—Great Train Robbery dinner theatre and train, 1830k., Heritage Park • Friday, April 12 —Deadline for items for the May 2013 WCRA news • Sunday, April 14—Winter Market, CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre • Saturday, April 20—Ivan Sayers Fashion Show, Heritage Park all day (see page 11) • Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27—Spring Clean Up days at the Heritage Park, 1000

to 1500 each day, lunch provided. • Saturday, April 27—Refresh Market at CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre (page 14) • Sunday, April 28—Winter Market, CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre • Tuesday, April 30—WCRA General Meeting, 1930k, 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.


EDITORIAL

CHANGES As you will read as you peruse this issue, much is changing this month at WCRA. Thus, we start off this issue with a lead comment from our new President & CEO, Ken Tanner…. BIG SHOES………… VERY BIG SHOES !!! When I joined the WCRA last year as your General Manager, I was struck by the commitment and dedication of the many, many volunteers and members of this organization. I encountered so many people who have incredible commitment and focus on the preservation of railway heritage in British Columbia. As I came to dig deeper into the operations of the association, it became apparent that one individual’s leadership had taken the association over more than a couple of decades from a dream to a concrete reality – one of Canada’s premier railway preservation societies. Everything I read had Don Evans’ stamp on it – the vision for growing the collection, the strategic oversight of operations, the expansion of the park, the growth of the collection, the development of the team …………… the list is endless. So much leadership and vision from one person. So I stand more than a little humbled by the accomplishments of the association under Don’s leadership for so long. Slightly nervous, in fact, of the challenge of stepping into such large shoes. Don’s creativity, connections and careful planning have helped lead the West Coast Railway Association into the elite of railway preservation organizations on this continent – a most significant accomplishment. Something that all of us should be most proud of. My commitment to each and every member, volunteer and staff is that I will do my very best

to perpetuate and grow the vision and direction that has been provided to our association. I

intend to honour our past, energize our present, and strengthen our future. Don has done all

these for so long, it is a privilege to follow in his footsteps and continue this incredible work.

Ken

ASSOCIATION NEWS

SENIOR STAFF CHANGES AT WCRA Squamish, BC – March 1, 2013: The West Coast Railway Association (WCRA) announces senior staff changes that are designed to take the organization forward. Mr. Ken Tanner is appointed President & CEO, effective immediately. In this new role, Mr.


Tanner is responsible for overseeing all of the WCRA’s operations. He will be based at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish, BC. Coincident with this appointment, the board also announces that:

Don Evans is named President Emeritus. This recognizes Don’s many years of leadership with WCRA. He will continue to be the WCRA’s fundraising lead as well as an active volunteer. (and will continue as WCRA News editor)

Gordon Bell comes on board as General Manager - West Coast Railway Heritage Park effective March 11, 2013. Gordon has an extensive hospitality and event management background, and will bring these skills plus strong marketing to our organization.

The announcements were made March 1, 2013 by WCRA’s Board Chair, Mr. Bob Philip, on behalf of the board of directors. “This is a very important day for the WCRA”, said Mr. Philip. “We are looking forward to Ken's increased leadership responsibilities and delighted that leadership transition for the future of the organization can get underway with continuity. We welcome Gordon to the WCRA and thank Don for his many years of leadership service, and for his continued involvement.” FROM THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Annual General Meeting of the West Coast Railway Station was held at Rainbow Creek Station on Tuesday, February 26 at 1930 hours. The meeting was chaired by Bill Johnston with Jeremy Davy recording as secretary.

• Call to Order at 0730 & declaration of a Quorum—Bill Johnston, quorum present • Approval of the Agenda—Bill Johnston Carried • Adoption of the minutes of 2012 Annual General Meeting—Bill Johnston Carried • Chair’s report as submitted by WCRA Chair Bob Philip was read • WCRA Strategic Plan and 2013 Objectives—Don Evans presented the plan and objectives for the 2013 year. Motion to approve—Carried • 2013 Board of Directors—Don Evans Motion to approve—Carried • Bylaw Changes—Don Evans presented changes proposed to the WCRA Bylaws and a

resolution to approve the changes was moved—Carried • 2012 Financial Statements & 2013 Budget—Don Evans presented the 2012 draft

financial statements and the 2013 budget Motions to approve were moved—Carried • President & CEO—Don Evans presented his report • Admin & Association Operations—Bill Johnston presented the report covering

Meetings, Newsletter, 374, Membership, Mini-Rail & Events, Volunteer Update & Archives on behalf himself, Jeremy Davy and Bob Hunter.

• Railway Operations—Russ Grycan presented his report covering Event Support, Operating Collection, Heritage Collection Projects & Special Events • CC & RC—Michael Batten’s report from the Collections Committee was read • Heritage Park—Ken Tanner presented his report


• Tours - Bill Johnston presented the report from Jennifer Mitchell • Closure—Meeting Chair Bill Johnston closed the meeting at 2045k

MEMBER NEWS Our best wishes to long time member and supporter Martin Jergens who is in hospital as we write this in early March. Martin is one of the WCRA’s founding members and we wish him well as he struggles at this time. Condolences are sent to Judy Modray on the passing on of her husband, Paul Modray, in February. Paul and Judy are new members and both recently were volunteers for all four days of Polar Express in December 2012. Congratulations to WCRA Director Doug Hackett whose photo of Shannon Creek has been chosen to adorn two hydro boxes in front of the Studio SQ building in Squamish. Congratulations also to member and past chair Colin Smith who recently received two distinguished awards: • The Canadian Pacific Railway Engineering Medal—presented by the Engineering Institute

of Canada in recognition of years of leadership and service to the Institute • The 2013 Rotary Community Leadership Award in the City of Victoria Congratulations to Dr. Hal Kalman on being appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. NEW MEMBERS The WCRA welcomes to membership:

• Elise Andrews and family of Garibaldi Highlands, • Eric & Caroline Armour and family of Squamish, • Gord & Dara Bell and family of Garibaldi Highlands, • John D Calimente of Vancouver • Ken Delorme of White Rock • Doron Fishman and family of Burnaby, • Kris Gagne and family of Surrey, • Alex Hadfield and family of Whistler, • Michelle Mark and family of Squamish, • Marni Morris and family of Squamish, • Clancy Palmer and family of North Vancouver, • Georgia Richards & Marty Crowell and family of Squamish, • Jason & Carrie Sherman and family of Squamish, • Jared Thoburn and family of Bowen Island,

• Nathan Uskoski and family of Squamish, (J.D.)


HST to GST CHANGES MEMBERSHIP RATES APRIL 1 Effective April 1st 2013, British Columbia changes back from HST to GST. This change in tax affects the total amount payable for a membership.

Membership Dues Effective April 1st 2013

WCRA must collect GST on Memberships sold to Canadian Residents and on ALL Memberships sold at the Heritage Park. Even after 2 years we still receive mailed dues payments from Members for only the base amount of the Membership. It is necessary for us to contact the member to request they remit the applicable GST and this action incurs an extra expense which at this time the Association can do without. If you wish to pay your dues without having received a renewal notice we thank you very much but request that you include the applicable GST amount as well. You will find the Membership Dues are listed on page 2 of every issue of the newsletter. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. (J.D.) WCRA TRIVIA #291 - by Ryan Cruickshank What is the longest combined road/rail bridge in the world? (find answers on page 27) VOLUNTEER HOURS Total Volunteer Hours for the year 2012 have tallied to 25,000—a hearty thank you to all our volunteers for what they do for WCRA. (D.S,)

lndividual + GST = Total Family + GST = Total

Lifetime Membership $700.00 $35.00 $735.00 $1200.00 $60.00 $1260.00 Sustaining Membership >>>Gets $100.00 Canadian Income Tax receipt (With Mailed Newsletter) $155.00 $2.75 $157.75 $165.00 $3.25 $168.25 (With E-NEWS option) $140.00 $2.00 142.00 $150.00 $2.50 $152.50

Regular Membership (With Mailed Newsletter) $55.00 $2.75 $57.75 $65.00 $3.25 $68.25 (With E-NEWS option) $40.00 $2.00 $42.00 $50.00 $2.50 $52.50

Senior Membership (65 yrs plus) (With Mailed Newsletter) $50.00 $2.50 $52.50 Not Available (With E-NEWS option) $35.00 $1.75 $36.75 Not Available

Youth (18 yrs or under) previously Junior

(With Mailed Newsletter) $30.00 $1.50 $31.50 Not Available (With E-NEWS option) $30.00 $1.50 $31.50 Not Available USA and Overseas Residents are not subject to GST if purchase made from home.


HERITAGE SOCIETY OF BC CONFERENCE The Heritage Society of BC will hold its annual conference in Kamloops, BC in May. Info can be found at www.bchistory.ca/conference/2013/index.html BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013 As approved at the Annual General Meeting, the 2013 Board of Directors is as follows: • Bob Philip Chair • Doug Hackett Vice Chair • Jeremy Davy Secretary • Craig McDowall Treasurer • Gerry Burgess Director • Ken Doiron Director • Greg Gardner Director • Bill Johnston Director • Rob MacBeth Director • Paul McCrea Director • Don Patrick Director • Marian Robson Director There are currently three Director vacancies which are in the process of being filled. Special thanks and appreciation were extended to Bob Griffiths who retired from the board due term limits at this meeting. We appreciate the nine years of guidance he has provided.

COLLECTION BCER 960 REPORT With most of 960's undersides reconditioned (thick grime and lots of rust removed by needle gunning scraping and wire wheeling) plus undercoating applied, we have mostly some tight areas, surrounded by jumbles of piping, to finish this up. We've digressed from the above mentioned laborious crouching confined overhead work to tackling the inside of the cab, doing much the same grunt work, but, we now get to stand with a little less crud falling and swirling all around. Bob Gordon is keen to start a project replacing the needed wood floor joists, so making a mess cleaning up ceiling and cab walls had to come first. Recent marathon days have been put in, approx 55 man hours so far, resulting in much of the hard work undertaken with only a few days left to complete this segment. I'm thinking we've done a great match for the inside green paint, so the cab will have a bright original look.


Doug Magoon has offered to give us some of his expertise and time to recondition the previous collision damage to the engineers side cab wall. The BCER lads did a quick Bondo job to get 960 back out on the line. Bill Marchant has kept his primary focus on the two compressors preparing them for test firing. Recently the valves have been removed and overhauled, plus, new compressor oil is going in this week. Once he has comfort with their performance, we will move on to the other brake equipment.

Please let us know if you can give us some hours of your time...we have the hoods and other items in need of attention. Every helping hand and hour gets us closer. Also, we' re still anxious to get our hands on another Golden Globe traction light suitable for 960. Thanks to all this past month who have helped us out, including my son Corbin, (photo) passing on his Sunday morning gym in exchange to do a 960 upper body work out ( the cab ceiling) . "Dad, can't believe you guys do this stuff for fun." (M.McG.)

WCXX 9622 MCDONALD CREEK Randy has completed the bottom edge repairs on this side of the power car. The other side is finished. This work included replacing steel sections (plates cut and supplied by member Gary Read) and quite a bit of sanding and primer paint. The next part of the process is painting and decaling. This will start after the Dinosaur Train Days, as the car will be used for the train operation. (R.G.)


BC MARTIME EMPLOYERS RAIL TRAINING March 4 to March 9—we have been involved providing track and shop locations, a locomotive (6503) with engineer, and cars to a group from the BC Maritime Employers Association. The trainers are providing instruction on the many aspects of safely switching cars to long shore workers. This is another great example of the kind of training activities that we are capable of performing, as well as the needs for such services. (R.G.) (photo, Russ G.)

CMO REPORT Components have been received for the WCXX 598 Henry Pickering trucks (first set). When servicing is complete, the trucks will be replaced under the coach, after which we will inspect the second truck. We replaced one set of wheels. We should have the unit ready to go by the end of April for its usual seasonal operation with Rocky Mountaineer’s Whistler Sea to Sky Climb service. We have a traction motor servicing/inspection program going on with Pacific Great Eastern engine RSC-3 #561. Servicing will be done as required after an oil leak into the traction motor area was discovered. CPR FP7A #4069 has been started up after dropping the water for the winter season. We will be putting a 3 - coach train together for the Dino Days. The guest staff has been preparing many surprises for the kids that are sure to enhance their Spring Break experience.


PGE 623 BEING UPGRADED Former PGE Coach 623, which came to us from BC Rail as a rules instruction car, is being upgraded. The car has been used as a working home for the Garden Railway for some years now, and is in need of upgrade and repairs. The first work will be the roof and that should get underway very soon in the capable hands of the Garden Railway group. (R.G.) THANKS • To Peter Vandersar of Mara Lake, BC for the donation of railway related documents for

archives or disposal as appropriate • To Sean Keating for the donation of 450 litres of diesel fuel which has been used in

powering our locomotives and other diesel engined equipment • To Lane Boyd for the donation of some high quality machining tools in excellent

condition. These will be usable by our shop forces.

FUNDRAISING February saw fundraising start to pick back up after a very slow January. This is our toughest time of year financially and 2013 was certainly no exception. A renewed focus on fundraising resulting from our staff changes will see things rise progressively as we get back on track now. An increased level of activities will further support us in growth in operating revenue. This change is not optional, it is mandatory and we look forward to the support of our donors and benefactors as we work through 2013. Watch for renewed fundraising announcements. We will also be working towards getting a Royal Hudson fundraiser started in preparation for work towards the recertification of the boiler for another five year period. Funding Asks Made • Ask re coach sponsorship • Track sponsorship asks made

Major Funding Received • General Donations $20,500 • Life Insurance Premium donation $1,445 • Debenture Interest donation $2,000 • Debenture donated $25,000 Month Total $53,945 Year to date Total: $95,675

General Funds $95,575 Roundhouse Funds $ Royal Hudson Fund $100

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WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK Home of the Royal Hudson

GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY APRIL 6 All aboard as the West Coast Railway Heritage Park presents its first dinner / theater / train rise event. The Great Train Robbery takes place on the evening of Saturday, April 6 (see poster on rear cover). Enjoy an evening of fabulous food, music, fun, theater and a champagne train ride. Starting at 6:30PM in the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre, enjoy an opening reception with live piano followed by a sumptuous candlelit dinner. The suspense starts as we board the train for a champagne ride and mystery theatre—this will be fun for all. Get your tickets now through www.wcra.org or call the Heritage Park at 604-898-9336—tickets just $75 or $600 per table of eight. (K.T.) DAY OUT WITH THOMAS TICKETS NOW SELLING Day Out With Thomas 2013 tickets are now on sale for Thomas the Tank Engine’s annual visit to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. This year it is “A Larger Than Life Train—for the Ride of their Life” as the Thomas 2013 event theme. Dates will be June 1, 2 and June 8, 9, 2013. This year’s event will feature all your favourite Thomas activities plus some new themes. Ticket prices for 2013 are $23 + HST and fees and are available via <www.wcra.org> FASHION SHOW COMING APRIL 20 On April 20 there will be an interesting Ivan Sayers fashion show (runway style with theatre seating on the sides), with 200 attendees expected in the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre. Start time 2 PM on the 20th . This is an entertaining Fashion Show by well known Historian and Costume Collector, Ivan Sayers and company from Vancouver, featuring hats and fashions from the 1900s to the 1970s. The presentation parallels the Social, Economic and Political times and the influence they have on the fashion industry. The title of the show will be Belles and Whistles and will include fashion for men and women from work wear, especially railway, to Sunday best. Tickets are now on sale through the Anglican Church in Squamish for $25 each. (J.N.) HERITAGE WEEK THANKS Thank you to all that participated and visited over Heritage Week at the Park. There were volunteers throughout the week in period costumes displaying our exhibits and doing demonstrations all around the site. Dr. Ernie Ledgerwood and his wife Lynn had a display of woodworking and knitting. Ernie completed a hand knit sweater which was raffled off at the end of the week. Donna Fourchalk was available for tours through the Brightbill House, Bill WCRA NewsWCRA NewsWCRA NewsWCRA News


McEnery was in the Rail Post Office Car, Chris Forget, Kyle Harris, Rick Taylor and Aaron Gruber worked on the Patricia Anne and the model railway. Barbara Stover was a help with the High Tea and in costume as a new immigrant traveler from the year 1905. Lorraine Black was on board the Car BC from 1890 and welcomed visitors throughout the week. John Jellis presented the Royal Hudson. We also had displays and demonstrations from Vanessa Cunningham who did spinning and weaving. Tsawaysia Spukwus (Alice Guss) did First Nations Drum Making, Cedar Bark and Wool Weaving. Howie Tichauer and Tom Barss continued their work on the mini rail. High Tea was served on board the Alberta car, patrons were welcomed to the station by John Wikkerink and then aboard the car by Lloyd Black. Serving were Miles Jensen, Marshall and Max Nelson, behind the scenes preparing food and tea were Judy Crowston, Barbara Stover, Robert MacBeth, Julie Jensen, Dorothy Wikkerink and Lynne Lucas.

Photo—Lynne, Danielle, Julie, Jeanene, Howie and John take a Heritage Week break! (R.G.) As with all of our projects and special events this could not have happened without the efforts of our volunteers. Plans are being made to make next year even more successful by including school and other special interest groups. (J.N.)


SPRING CLEAN UP APRIL 26 & 27 We have selected a couple of days for Spring Clean Up at the Heritage Park, April 26 & 27, Friday and Saturday 10-3. We will provide lunch and coffee breaks. There are many projects around the park that we can tackle depending on the turnout of volunteers and also weather depending if we could focus or energy outside or in the Round House. Also if anyone has a special project they would like to focus on please feel free to send the suggestion and perhaps we can arrange a few volunteers to help, for example maybe there is an area of the park or part of the rolling stock that could use some special care. (J.N.)

HERITAGE PICTURES INSTALLED ON UPPER DECK Several large Squamish Area Historic photos are being applied to the upper deck area, above the windows. This work is being done by the Monday Crew - supported by Donna Fourchalk. Once installed, a local historian will caption the images. They make a great addition to the former vacant wall space on the Upper Deck, soon to be opened!


Thank you to Roy Crowston, John Jellis, Tom Bruvall, Lloyd Black, and Don Lawrence. We now have the heritage pictures of old Squamish hung up. They look great and now have a home. Thank you to John Jellis for helping me get them seven years ago and to Dave Thethi who has made sure they have stayed dry and protected. They were a big hit during the Heritage Week at the Park. (D.F.) REFRESH MARKET APRIL 27 Refresh Market is a unique combination of traditional European bazaars, indie craft fairs, vintage flea markets and the ever-changing nature of retail pop-up shops that bring a new experience every single time. Most of our vendors are handpicked to offer local flavour as well as a wide range of new, handmade and vintage clothing, accessories, home decor, children’s items and more. The event is held biannually at the West Coast Railway Park’s CN Roundhouse,& Conference Centre, located just minutes from the scenic Sea to Sky Highway in Squamish BC. The beautiful 21,000 square foot space offers tons of natural light and ample space for our vendors, attendees and onsite programming. This spring the event will showcase 50 vendors – a day-long event being held on April 27th 11 AM- 4PM. Our markets average 1,500 visitors and showcases the work of 25-30 vendors from Pemberton to the Lower Mainland. We are proud to have raised approximately $1,000 for Community Christmas Care to date.

WEST COAST RAIL TOURS

2013 TOURS PROGRAM West Coast Rail Tours announces our 2013 tours program and encourages your participation and feedback. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested on joining the Tours Committee or have some ideas on upcoming tours. The committee will meet every second month now through the winter to develop plans for another great year of travel. Here are the tours for 2013 THE VERY POPULAR Totems of Haida Gwaii (Limited space available) - 7 days or 10 days Explore 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. Some trail and beach walking is required. A spectacular ride on VIA Rail across Northern BC is part of getting there.


May 28 – June 6, 10 days – Rail Vancouver to Jasper, Prince George and Prince Rupert and then ferry to Haida Gwaii for 4 days, fly back to Vancouver Double $2,499, $2,749 Single, includes 13 meals, rail, airfare and door-to-door pick-up and drop-off in the Metro Vancouver area. May 31 – June 6, 7 days – Fly Vancouver to Prince George, rail to Prince Rupert and ferry to Haida Gwaii for 4 days, fly back to Vancouver Double $1,499, $1,649 Single, includes 11 meals, airfare and door-to-door pick-up and drop-off

Rails of Northern Oregon – 5 days Board Amtrak’s Cascades evening train to overnight in Seattle, then continue on the Coast Starlight to Portland, “The City of Roses” to view the Rose Test Beds, Chinatown, Washington Park, Timberline Lodge, and the Columbia Gorge,. The next two days are planned with scenic tours including a narrated excursion on the Mount Hood Railway, a visit to the Bonneville Dam, and a 2-hour excursion on the Portland Spirit Luncheon Cruise. August 6-10 Double $1,299, Single $1,549 includes rail, tours and 7 meals and door-to-door pick-up and drop-off

Trains of the Colorado Rockies NEW TOUR! 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. Ride aboard the famous Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through southwestern Colorado's San Juan Mountains. Journey on the world's highest cog railroad to Pike's Peak, a stunning backdrop for Colorado


Springs. Spend two nights in Durango, a fun-filled cowboy town where you can relive the excitement of the Old West.

August 30 – September 7, 9 days Double $2,799 , Single $3,429, Triple $2,769 includes airfare, rail and 12 meals and door-to-door pick-up and drop-off** Trains, Wineries & Treasures of Northern California NEW TOUR! 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 the breathtaking Lake Tahoe on a paddle wheeler. Discover some fascinating facts about train travel at Railtown and the California State Railway 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. October 20-28, 9 days Double $2,999 , Single $3,839, Triple $2,969 includes return airfare and 13 meals and door-to-door pick-up and drop-off**

For more detailed itineraries or bookings please contact Jennifer Mitchell at

[email protected] or call 604-524-1011 Note: All pricing does not include tax unless stated with an **. Door to door pick-up applies only to lower mainland passengers. Because of the reimplementation of the GST and PST, all bookings made prior to April 1st will be charged HST (12%), bookings made after April 1st will be charged PST & HST (11%).

BOOK WITH US

We can also customize any kind of individual travel you like including:

♦ Amtrak: Vancouver to Seattle return - from $108/person Vancouver to Portland return

♦ VIA Rail Canada


♦ Rocky Mountaineer for 2013:

⇒ B.C. - Kamloops, Quesnel

⇒ Alberta- Banff, Calgary, Jasper, Lake Louise

⇒ And NOW Seattle, Washington

Don’t forget that West Coast Rail Tours is a certified IATA travel agent for booking any of your travel needs including all rail, hotels, bus and major airlines. Commissions realized benefit the preservation of our railway heritage. (J. Mi.)

FEATURE ARTICLES

LEAVE A LEGACY TO WCRA—YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU DID By Don Evans It has been some time since I have written about making a lasting financial contribution to the WCRA (or any organization you love and support). So it’s time to raise that topic again and present some options for all members to consider as a way to make a lasting legacy to the group. There are many ways to do this, and almost everyone can participate. You have been a member of the WCRA for some time. You have participated—or watched from afar—as the organization works to preserve the railway history and heritage that have been a part of your life. No matter what else has happened, WCRA has been able to save a great collection of heritage railway equipment, develop and build a home for it to preserve it beyond today, and has established a long term sustainable operation that will help take our work forward for others to enjoy in the future. Who is responsible to see that all this gets done—the answer is, each and every one of us shares that obligation—and have the ability to help see that it is achieved. So how do we do that—and is there something we can actually afford? The answer is a resounding yes, there is something that everyone can do—ways to make lasting contributions come in all shapes and sizes. We will classify these as Planned Giving and Direct Support—all steps that anyone can take to leave a positive legacy to the organization that we care for. PLANNED GIVING So called, because it identifies that you plan a gift to WCRA in the future. • Bequests—This is the process of simply designating some amount of funding to WCRA in

your will. When that time comes, then the amount or percentage that you designate from your estate will come to the WCRA as a permanent gift that will assist the organization’s

West Coast Rail Tours West Coast Rail Tours West Coast Rail Tours West Coast Rail Tours ---- The “Rail” Way To GoThe “Rail” Way To GoThe “Rail” Way To GoThe “Rail” Way To Go


long term future. Sometimes we don’t event think to do that—but the alternative to having no will is not having your say in where you want your funds to go on your death. It’s your choice, leave something to the WCRA (or others you wish to support) when the time comes—or to the government—which would you rather do? This requires no work on the part of the donor other than identifying the planned gift in your will. We are aware of a few members who have made this type of provision—how about you?

• Gifts of Life Insurance—This is a good value option where you wish to benefit the WCRA

with a gift, while paying for it over a period of time and getting charitable receipts as you go. You simply take out a life insurance policy and name WCRA as the beneficiary. The premiums you pay each year are immediately tax receiptable, and the WCRA gets the beneficiary payout upon your passing. Thus you end up actually paying only a portion of the real premiums yet WCRA gets the full beneficiary payout in the future as your legacy. There is currently one such policy in existence that we are aware of.

There are other ways as well—for more information contact the writer and we will send you out our Planned Giving materials and provide any answers or assistance that you might need. DIRECT SUPPORT WITH NAME RECOGNITION WCRA has a number of ways to make a direct contribution (direct donations of course are always welcome), that provide a lasting legacy recognition. Some of these are: • Track Sponsorship—CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre. Each of the seven tracks in the

roundhouse is open to a permanent named sponsor, identified with a plaque mounted on the spectacular window wall of the facility at the head of each track. The engraved glass on walnut plaque can simply name the donor or donor family, or it can tell a related story and / or memorialize someone very special. Currently we have three of the seven tracks sponsored—price is $35,000 each. Next time you are there, check out the plaques.

• Name a Coach—Each of the WCRA’s operating fleet coaches is open for a naming

sponsorship, where they carry a name on the car side and a plaque in the interior telling the story of the donor. Probably the best known of the these is the open observation car Henry Pickering—named in honour of a family member who worked as a station agent over the years. Other examples include the WCXX 9622 McDonald Creek power car, and coaches WCXX 5596 Paul D Roy and WCXX 3218 Bill & Dorothy Lahr. There remain several coaches available to be sponsored—including WCXX 3223, WCXX 5569, and WCXX 5652—all coaches used in our operating train and events such as Day Out With Thomas—so they get very high exposure. Cost to sponsor a coach is $20,000.

• Heritage Park Sponsorship—This is a new program to secure named sponsors who support


the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. This is aimed mostly at companies, and is an annual sponsorship fee with the company receiving branded identity at the Park entry. Sponsor levels are $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 for an annual season and these are available now for the 2013 year.

WEST COAST RAILWAY ENDOWMENT FUND The gift that keeps on giving—The West Coast Railway Endowment Fund is administered by the Vancouver Foundation as a fund that will provide ongoing funding to WCRA in perpetuity. This truly is the gift that keeps on giving, as donations to the fund are never touched (the capital value of the fund keeps growing as donations are made). The funds are invested by the foundation and the interest earned is returned to WCRA quarterly and can be used for any of the charitable purposes of the society. The fund balance is currently around $1.4 million. CONSIDERING YOUR GIFT All of these kinds of support come with excellent tax benefits, and can be designated by yourself or can be in memory of someone dear. Regardless, your gift provides the vital assistance we need and the recognition is proudly displayed into the future. Leaving a Legacy to the WCRA is available to any member or friend of the Association and a key part of ensuring that our collection and the story of how the railways of Canada created our communities is preserved forever—for others who come after us to learn from and enjoy. Remember, the future of our Association and the legacy of what we have created and achieved is up to us—let’s leave our mark and see that railway preservation remains a focus forever. So, leave your legacy—whatever it may be and however you prefer to do it—you will be glad you did. Call Don Evans at 604-988-3435 at any time or e mail me at [email protected]

THE STORY OF THE HI-BALLERS - Thanks to Craig McDowall The Steam Chest – March 1959 – Part 1 MCM note: The next two issues will describe the start of the Hi Ballers Club which of course was the embryo of the West Coast Railway Association The Hi-Ballers Club Inception Our club was the result of the efforts of Doug Cummings' efforts to form a railfan group for the purpose of preserving steam locomotives, to promote railroading and also to to establish a meeting place for fans to see films, slides etc. The idea was started back in 1956 and really


didn't get rolling 'down the track' until 1957. One key motivator was the fact that steam locomotives were getting scarce and too few were finding permanent homes, other than the scrap yard. In 1957, Doug met Keith Anderson at the CNR diesel shops in Vancouver and shortly after, they discussed plans to form a club. In November of the same year, the idea took a further step when Roger Burrows and Bill Brown, together with a friend of Keith's, John Morton, were asked if they were interested. John did not join 'the club' at this point as he wasn't interested in steam but only diesels. But a year later, John mellowed a bit and decided he didn't want to be excluded and joined the group March 22nd, 1958 was the date of the first official meeting of what would become the Hi Ballers Club. Officers were elected with Doug the unanimous choice as President but he declined as he wanted to be Superintendent so Keith became President and Roger became Sec. Treasurer. At the April meeting, Bill Brown was elected VP and a few months later, Rusty Savage joined and became Asst. Superintendent and was placed in charge of the Traction Dept. A few months passed after that first meeting in 1957, with much discussion about naming the club. It was finally decided to name it the Hi Ballers Club. And 'The Steam Chest' was thought of as a way to keep members informed of the club's activities and rail news from around the area. The first issue was published in March 1958 and the first three issues were produced using carbon copies which was very time consuming. The fourth was reproduced using a mimeograph machine. Those copies of the first three issues are deemed collector's copies as so few were produced. And since Doug was the conduit for the mimeograph machine, he became the editor of The Steam Chest! This method was costing the club less than 1/4 the cost to get the issues printed commercially. Our first 'out of town' members started to join in April, 1958 and club crests were sourced and membership cards were printed as we really wanted to become a more active group by attracting more members. During May 1958. our first official out of town trip was a tour by 6 members down to the Seattle, Tacoma and Auburn area in Washington state to see the Northern Pacific’s remaining steam locomotives. Making prior arrangements with NP, the six members went down from May 17th to 19th and toured the various NP roundhouses and shops and then also to see the steamers that were donated to the cities of Auburn and Tacoma. In total, the group saw 45 steam locomotives, 3 former BCER interurbans and untold number of diesels (very few photos were taken of the latter!). Back in Vancouver, we read about the Kinsmen Club of Vancouver and how it wished to operate a small railroad to raise funds for their charities. We contacted them to offer our


services in any meaningful way, and at first they wanted to operate a kiddies style railroad similar to Disneyland with a gas powered locomotive. They purchased one but it was stolen one night shortly after purchase. Through the efforts of the Inspector of Railways, a small 0-4-0T was acquired in June. But the loco arrived sooner than expected, without warning, in July and we were charged with the responsibility to find a storage location for it and hopefully overhaul it. The loco was nicknamed 'Fernie' (as this narrow gauge loco had originally hauled coal in Fernie, B.C. for the Crows Nest Pass Mining Co.'s Elk River Colliery. In September, a company offered storage on their property and the engine was move but a month later, the company asked who was going to pay the $25 month storage cost! The Kinsmen weren't prepared to do so, so the locomotive was sold to Gerry Wellburn on Vancouver Island (MCM note: a previous issue of the Steam Chest described the members travelling to Gerry's and

riding the Fernie). In July, 1958, BC Electric donated interurban car #1223 to the Burnaby Historical Society and we offered assistance to them and spent many evenings and weekends that summer on the restoration of the car. On November 30th, the tram was officially dedicated to the City of Burnaby and it was located at Kingsway and Edmonds. Further work is planned for the summer of 1959. Pacific Coast Terminals two spotless 0-6-0's inspired us to shoot four minutes of colour movies on one of the two - #4012 and this film is available for loan. During July, as a result of our trip south to North Pacific, the railroad offered us a 4-6-0 #1372 for a price of $3,730. Although we doubted we could raise this amount, we nevertheless wrote letters to Trains and Railroad magazines in hope of support. We received lots of letters of support but very little financial offers so reluctantly turned down NP's offer. During August, 3of our members travelled to Calgary for 6 days in the search of steam. They found 78 dead CPR locomotives, including many just over 10 years old!. Many of the CPR's pride and joy were there including 2-10-4 Selkirks and even 4-6-4 Royal Hudsons.. The CNR was a more positive experience as we found 7 active steamers on both freight and passenger trains. A humorous incident occurred on our return trip as our train was delayed 4 hours because the diesels couldn't get through a small mud slide which was only 4-6 inches deep, which a steam locomotive would have had no problems with! Part Two next month . . . . .

374 PAVILION The number of visitors up to the end of February 2013 totaled just over 2,200. This a bit fewer than February 2012 but for year-to-date (4,000+) is ahead of last year’s figure. More help is


always welcome on a regular basis so if you or anyone you know is interested in assisting us at the Roundhouse Community Centre location please contact Bill Johnston at 604-522-9068 or e-mail at: [email protected] A full indoctrination program is provided and while at the pavilion coffee and parking is free. Access by public transport is good with the Yaletown – Roundhouse Canada Line station but a few steps away. Members are welcome to come and visit any time between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM to see what is involved. These are our shortened winter hours due to the fewer number of visitors and cold temperatures at this time of year. We will revert to normal hours of 10 to 4 in April. (B.J.)

RAILWAY NEWS JIM VENA APPOINTED SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND COO CN has named Jim Vena as its new Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. As President & CEO Claude Mongeau noted, “Jim knows our railroad from the ground up. In his nearly 35 years with CN, Jim has done it all, starting as a brakeman and working in numerous operating jobs ranging from yardmaster, conductor and locomotive engineer to trainmaster and superintendent, among other duties. He has also served in Marketing. Jim has been in positions of increasing responsibility, including Senior Vice-President of all three of our regions. I have every confidence that he will leverage his skills and solid leadership qualities to help guide CN in our continuing transformational journey.” He replaces Keith Creel who moved to Canadian Pacific in February. NEW LOCOS OPERATE IN WEST CN’s newest locomotives, the new ES44AC units, are being assigned to the west and turning up locally. CN 2808 visited Thornton yard, arriving on train 355 from Prince George Feb. 28, then returning north with train 354 later that evening. CN 2807 was in the consist of a CN freight departing Squamish northbound on March 1 at 1230k. (J.M., T.M.) We can expect to see these new GE units 2800—2834 as well as the new SD70ACe’s 8100—8129 in our part of the world, as CN puts it first AC power to work in the mountainous terrain of British Columbia. Also being seen locally a lot now are the repainted and rebuilt SD60 “Oakway” units. These are renumbered in the 54xx series and are out in service now in their CN livery. Your editor observed a southbound freight through West Vancouver on March 9 at 1045k with a power set of a 54xx and two CN SD40-2’s on the point.


NEW DIRECT SERVICE A new direct container service will start in June, connecting the container terminals at both Vancouver and Prince Rupert to Indianapolis, IN in the US. The service is in partnership with the Indiana Railroad, which is building a new container terminal. The service will take trucks off the congested Chicago Indianapolis highway network. (SDHSE) CP CRUDE OIL TRAINS TO OREGON Canadian Pacific has commenced operation of direct trains of crude oil from Saskatchewan to Port Westward, Oregon (near Portland). The trains follow an interesting routing, with CPR power taking them all the way. The trains originate at Stoughton, SK (former CP Tyvan Sub., now Stewart Southern Railway), then they are handed off to CPR at Regina, SK. From there they follow the CPR mainline to the BNSF interchange near Vancouver at Sapperton, then follow the BNSF route south through White Rock and Seattle to Portland, OR. Here they hand off to the Portland & Western for final delivery to Port Westward. So—we see a mainline heavy haul train originate on a shortline, then follow CPR / BNSF, and complete on another shortline. The CPR power takes the train the entire way over four lines! (SDHSE)

OTHER NEWS OREGON COAST SCENIC RAILROA D PLANS PHOTO FREIGHT Here is a trip many have been waiting for. The hardworking crews on the Oregon Coast Scenic RR have been busy opening up the former Southern Pacific Tillamook Branch all the way up to Salmonberry itself. As part of this line clearing we were able to retrieve some great freight and log cars that were stored along the line. This can only mean one thing --- A Steam Photo Freight up The Salmonberry River Canyon! Martin Hansen will be running this train on Saturday May 4, 2013 using as power McCloud River Railroad 25, 2-6-2 (ALCO Schenectady 66435 / 1925). We will all ride in the vintage caboose as most of this area is inaccessible to all but rail traffic.


This will be an all day trip. Plan on an early departure from Garibaldi, Oregon. We will high-ball in the dark up the line so we can spend our time shooting in the canyon. There have been a few excursions over this line before it washed out in 2007, but this will be the FIRST EVER Steam photo freight on the line! Martin attached a couple photos of Mc C. R. R.R. 25 on the OCSR. (Cover, and Garibaldi below) As you can see this is a rugged and beautiful area to shoot photos. The cost is $300.00 each for the all day event. Space is very limited. As with all my trips, this is on a first to pay, first to be reserved basis. This one should sell out fast.

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad: http://www.ocsr.net/ BURNABY CENTRAL RAILWAY—20 YEARS IN CONFEDERATION PARK The BC Society of Model Engineers is celebrating 2013 with a special logo noting that their 7 1/2” gauge Burnaby Central Railway is now in its 20th season at Confederation Park, in Burnaby. The move from the former site in Central Burnaby (where Burnaby Heritage Village is today) allowed the railway to greatly expand and grow. Congratulations BCSME!


BNSF RENEWS ITS NEW WESTMINSTER YARD BNSF Railway has completed a remake of their “New” yard (just north of New Westminster), and in the course briefly shifted operations west to Vancouver while the work was underway. The yard was upgraded with new ties and ballast in a blitz that started in January and completed mid February. The yard was cleared of all cars during this period, with BNSF operations continuing west to Vancouver over CN and using the former BNSF Vancouver South yard (west of Clark Drive) while the work at New Westminster was in progress. This resulted in a surge of traffic on the Vancouver to New Westminster line, as BNSF freights were travelling regularly to the temporary yard location in Vancouver. BNSF also ran an inspection train over the route on January 22, consisting of ES44AC 7218, power / sleeper car 50 Stampede Pass, Business car 8 John S Reed, and theatre/lounge car William Barstow Strong. (SDHSE) DAVE THETHI—THANKS FOR 10 YEARS OF WCRA SERVICE! Dave has been a valuable part of the WCRA staff now for ten years. He can be found in any of a myriad of activities, but most often working on WCRA mechanical and motive power needs. In the past week, he has been operating our ex CPR S3 #6503 for the BC Maritime Employers Association training program at our shops in Squamish. (Russ Grycan photo)


CABBOOSES POSE DURING HERITAGE WEEK Two vintages of Pacific Great Eastern cabooses pose in the CN Roundhouse during Heritage Week—left is PGE #1817—blt Squamish in 1955 (from a stock car) and right is BCOL (nee PGE) 1859—blt new in Squamish 1969. (Russ Grycan photo)

WCRA News, Page 27WCRA News, Page 27WCRA News, Page 27WCRA News, Page 27 CREDIT LINES ISSN 1204-072X Vol. 52 Issue 4 Editor Don Evans Distribution Jeremy Davy & Donna Simon Contributors: J.D. Jeremy Davy D.F. Donna Fourchalk R.G. Russ Grycan B.J. Bill Johnston J.M. Jim McPherson J. Mi. Jennifer Mitchell T. M. Trevor Mills M. McG. Mike McGaw J.N. Jeanene Nelson K.T. Ken Tanner SDHSE Sandhouse

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 <[email protected]>, phone news to

(604)988-3435(res) or fax to (604) 986-7660. Check us out on the Internet at <www.wcra.org>

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 Plan to take in a great evening of food and fun as the West Coast Railway Heritage Park pre-sents its first Dinner Theatre production—The Great Train Robbery— on Saturday, April 6. TRIVIA ANSWER The cable-stayed "Wuhu Yangtze River Bridge" in Wuhu, Anhui, China was completed 30 Sep 2000. The main span measures 312m (1024'), while two sidespans are each 180m (591') and when adding the approaches totals 10521m (34518') or over 6miles. The 18m wide upper deck carries four lanes of the G5011 Wuhu-Hefei Expressway, while the lower deck sports a twin track mainline.

The printing of this newsletter is supported by funding from the BC Gaming Commission through a Community grant.

CANADIAN COUNCIL FOR RAILWAY HERITAGE

Published monthly by West Coast Railway Association ISSN 1204-072X PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2 Vol. 52 Issue 4 www.wcra.org http://twitter.com/WCRailway Canada Post, Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40007853

Documents

April 2013 News - wcra.org · WCRA News, Page 5 • Tours - Bill Johnston presented the report from Jennifer Mitchell • Closure—Meeting Chair Bill Johnston closed the meeting