JUNE 2015

WCRA NEWS

ROYAL HUDSON 75th

ANNIVERSARY GALA and

CELEBRATION JUNE 27

NEW RIDES and

ACTIVITIES FOR SUMMER

WCRA News, Page 2

GENERAL MEETING

The General Meeting of the WCRA will be held on Tuesday, May 26 at 1930 hours at Rainbow Creek Station, Willingdon at Penzance in Burnaby. Entertainment will be announced at the meeting. ON THE COVER

If you haven’t seen our PGE #2 steam loco for a bit, you will be in for a grand surprise! This shot, taken in April 2015, shows just how clean the boiler has become—as John Jellis is inside the firebox and the tube sheet is positively shiny! This will be a wonderful exhibit on how a steam locomotive works when it is completed by the fine work of the “Monday Crew”, making great progress! (Mike Lloyd photo)

JUNE CALENDAR

• West Coast Railway Heritage Park open daily 1000 through 1700k • Wednesday, June 10—Deadline for items for the July 2015 WCRA News • Friday, June 19 / Saturday, June 20—Canadian Northern Pacific Last Spike Celebration

event, Kamloops (see page 6) • Saturday, June 27—Royal Hudson 75th birthday event and Summer Gala (see page 10),

Royal Hudson—photos on turntable and cab visits, hear the whistle blow! Speeder rides, mini rail and new exhibits admission $28.60 per family all day.

• Saturday, June 27—Royal Hudson 75th Anniversary gala, 5:30PM, CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre, $99 per person (includes fabulous buffet dinner and live entertainment, also good for daytime admission and activities before the gala starts)

• Tuesday, June 30—WCRA General Meeting at 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. 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.

WCRA News, Page 3

EDITORIAL

BUSY AND EXCITING TIMES

Busy Times—but also very Exciting Times - as much is going on these days both at WCRA and in our industry. The weather is good, the Heritage Park is coming to life for its summer season, and there are things happening all around. Your editor recently participated in the Association of Tourist Railways and Railway Museums (ATRRM) Spring Conference in York, Pennsylvania. This provided a chance to visit the wonderful Strasburg Railroad again, as well as to visit several other heritage railways and attractions for the first time. It is always great to see and learn from what others are doing. Look for our feature article starting on page 20. Thomas the Tank Engine is arriving shortly for his annual visit to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. This year our Day Out With Thomas event will operate for five days, and—as we go to production—ticket sales are running well ahead of last year. Once again we need all volunteers on hand as we expect to host more than 10,000 guests! West Coast Rail Tours is also set to go with its first tour of the season, departing May 12th for Jasper, Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii. We are most pleased that this tour has sold out, and the second operation in July has only two seats left. Our specialty rail tours are a delight and serve the purpose of both helping WCRA as fundraisers and providing our guests with some very unique rail travel. Congrats to Rocky Mountaineer as it celebrates 25 successful years of operation. The story of this leading railway tourism operation is amazing, from its small start 25 years ago to now setting the standard for luxury rail travel as The Most Spectacular Train Trip in the world. WCRA has been pleased to partner with Rocky Mountaineer in many ways over the years, and as all this happens our open observation car Henry Pickering is back on the rails for another season between North Vancouver and Whistler. (Be sure to check out its new photo history panels). Lastly, mark Saturday, June 27 on your calendars as we launch summer—and the start of the Royal Hudson fundraising campaign to return the classic locomotive to steam once again. There will be a full day of activities at the Heritage Park, the 2860 will be out in the sunshine and then make a grand entrance into the roundhouse in front of a gala crowd in the evening. It’s Time—to Bring Back The Royal Hudson. So climb on board—lots is happening and you need to be part of it. All Aboard!

Don

WCRA News, Page 4

ASSOCIATION NEWS

FROM THE APRIL GENERAL MEETING

Chair Bill Johnston called the meeting to order with approx 25 members and guests present • Gordon Bell provided a report from the CMO Robert MacBeth, noting:

• Work on CN FP9A 6520 has been progressing very well, plans are to use the unit as the prime motive power for Day Out With Thomas

• Coach 5569 body work is complete and paint being started • Business Car Alberta is getting some final kitchen work done and then will be ready

to roll • The open observation car Henry Pickering is ready for Rocky Mountaineer… thanks

to David Walmsley for his help with this work • Trevor is starting to work towards the replacement of the broken water jacket in PGE

RSC-3 #561 and a full restoration of this PGE RSC-3 unit • Gordon also reported on Heritage Park activities:

• Thomas the Tank Engine will be here soon • Major spring cleanup work is underway, fences around the Mac Norris Station are

being replaced • A water catchment system is being installed to help irrigate the Rotary Garden • A new Washhouse exhibit is being planned to go adjacent to the Brightbill Heritage

House and will house the restored 1928 Maytag washing machine • The CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre is now booking events into 2018 • Telus TV did a nice piece about the Heritage Park, it will run on their website and

Optik TV services • Ken Tanner sent a financial report, noting a slow start to fundraising for 2015 bur revenues

looking good for 2 quarter as Thomas sales are brisk. He also noted that our 2014 reviewed financial statements have been completed and forwarded to the bank

• Don Evans talked about fundraising and encouraged members to support the collection projects that are underway. He noted two big dates coming up—Saturday, June 27 for the Royal Hudson's 75th birthday and Saturday, August 1 which will be a celebration of the business car British Columbia's 125th birthday

• Bill Johnston provided a Tours Report, noting that the Haida Gwaii tours (2 seats left on July) and the White Pass & Yukon tour are doing well

• Bill Johnston also reported that the Locomotive 374 Pavilion has now gone on summer hours, and the May 17 celebration is ready to go

• Jeremy Davy noted the continuing work on the West Coast Mini Rail line, but it is now up and in good shape for the busy weekends when Thomas visits

• Bill Marchant and Ryan Cruickshank provided Trackside Reports • The calendar was reviewed • The draw was held • Entertainment was a video of Stevens Pass—BNSF’s historic Great Northern route

WCRA News, Page 5

NEW MEMBERS

We welcome to membership: • Tammy Brockmeyer and family of Bowen Island; • Joseph Debono and family of North Vancouver; • Priscilla DeMarchi and family of Garibaldi Highlands; • Alan Falt and family of Armstrong; • Dean & Diana Hancock and family of Delta; • Rodney McTaggart of Vancouver; • Daryl Moore and family of Garibaldi Highlands;

• Vince Warry and family of West Vancouver; Welcome back to:

• Geoff Gooderham and family of Vancouver; • Trudy Hellenes of North Vancouver; • Monique Napier and family of Squamish; • Trent Scarlett and family of Garibaldi Highlands (J.D.)

PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP

If your newsletter label says 4/30/2015 your membership has expired, if it says 01/31/2015 this is your last issue of WCRA News.

WCRA TRIVIA #318 - By Ryan Cruickshank

What were the first three railways in Canada? (Answers on page 26) HECKMAN’S CANADIAN PACIFIC—A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY

Announcing a new large format, hard cover photo book, featuring historic pictures from the Canadian Pacific Railway’s Joseph Heckman Photo Collection. Foreword by John Geiger, CEO of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society – and Introduction by Nick Richbell, CPR Corporate Archivist. The book features 380 photos taken coast-to-coast by this noted photographer, over his career that spanned 1898 through 1915. It includes the main line from St. John, New Brunswick to Vancouver, British Columbia, including the DAR in Nova Scotia and the E&N on Vancouver Island. Heckman also photographed branch lines in New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario, the Quebec/Windsor main line, as well as the Crowsnest Pass route. You can pick a copy up at your favourite hobby retailer or order online at www.cvrco.com

WCRA News, Page 6

CNoPR LAST SPIKE CENTENARY CELEBRATION—LAST CALL

Sponsored by Kamloops Heritage Railway Society, Canadian National Railways Historical

Association and the Canadian Northern Society

The organizing committee is pleased to report details are being finalized for the Last Spike Event. Please note some changes and very significant additions in the attached itinerary. • We welcome CN’s support and participation by providing diesel locomotive CN 2141 for

photo opportunities during the day and evening. • Hotel space is available at the Howard Johnson Inn, 530 Columbia Street, Call 800 533

9233, ask for the Last Spike Rate, of $75.00. • Kelly’s Kaboose at 634 Victoria Street will be open extended hours, offering a 10%

discount. • A buffet dinner, catered by the Fric&Frac Tap house will be in the Desert Gardens Seniors

Community Centre, 540 Seymour Street the cost is $25.00 • A Barbeque will be held at the KHR Steam Shop when returning from the railfan tour to

the Basque area., Cost is $10.00. • The railfan tour is full, we are sorry but cannot accept additional participants. • The closing date for registrations is now, May 22, 2015, Please see the attached Revised

Itinerary and forward your application to Les Kozma.

Schedule Highlights

19 June - Kamloops

10:00 KHRS Shop Guided Tour / Steam-up of #2141 13:00 Train consist moves to Lorne Street Station platform 13:30 Opening Presentation / Ticketed Passengers board Special Excursion Train 14:00 Train departs Lorne Street Station 16:00 Train arrives back at Lorne Street Station / Passengers disembark 19:00 Evening Meal and Dinner Presentation

20:15 Keynote Speaker – Barry Sanford, Brookmere, B.C. Informal Slide Presentations to follow:

23:00 Night Photography Session 20 June–Kamloops

08:00 Meet at KHRS Shops (address above) 08:15 Depart KHRS Shops by private (car-pooled) vehicles for railfan tour of the scenic

Thompson Canyon between Ashcroft and Spences Bridge, including what is believed to be the location of the last spike 13 January 1915 near Basque BC.

16:00 Return to Kamloops KHRS Shops

WCRA News, Page 7 REGISTRATION and TICKET INFO

We require a modest CDN $25.00 non-refundable registration fee – per person - to defray some of the expenses for the celebration. This assures you of handouts, a guided tour of the KHRS shops, steam-up of #2141, a train ticket, dinner presentation, participation in a night photo shoot. A special agreement is in place at the Howard Johnson Hotel in the 500 block of Columbia St, rooms with 2 queens for $75 + tax, quote “Last Spike” for the special rate. For more info:

CNoPR Last Spike Centenary Celebration C/O Les Kozma 228 Warwick Road, Edmonton, AB T5X 4P9

lkozma@telusplanet.net (780) 405-4021

COLLECTION PGE #2 UPDATE

A compilation of several updates that have been forwarded since our last issue… People have asked about the fan mounted on the front end of #2's boiler smoke box for the last month, it has now been removed but was applied there to draw out the dust and paint fumes and give a plentiful supply of fresh air to Herb when he was working in the confined area of the boiler’s fire box. A second man was present in the cab, outside the firebox door at all times that Herb was in that firebox to observe that all was progressing in a normal manner.... More picking and cleaning in the cab interior before it passes inspection by Roy for the

painting to start.... Because the heavy rebuild/repair work is now complete and turned out so well, the gang is not going to accept any second class finishing work that will take anything away from our little

WCRA News, Page 8 engine. 'Our Little #2' has quite a few battle scars from her many years of hard work that has left many dents, dings and repair rough spots all over her, too many on the cab for John to accept so some more TLC has been applied that will make her look more like a movie star and less like an old tin can.... This type of quality workmanship is going to take a little longer but will certainly make a difference when done. These pictures (Cover photo) taken from March the 7th to April 20th show the clean-up work done by 'Herb', our boiler maker... He has now started on the front end smokebox. The old sooty boiler interior is now starting to look like a show piece and illustrating the workings of a locomotive boiler and how it works.. Just another step down the path of our little project. (M.L.) BCER 960 UPDATE

The fun and hard work continues. Normally there will be two of us in MP2 working on the little beauty, but recently we had a four man crew getting into it, where Bob Gordon focused on fitting and levelling the replacement wood floor joists, with Bill primarily prep painting the woodwork, (Bill apparently is at his limit for grey paint applications) . Peter Layland led the tear down of the two brake stands with myself keen to help and learn. So, the floor joist project is now finished and we're onto the back deck woodwork soon, along with the sourcing of appropriate cab flooring tongue and groove. We're pretty happy with the Automatic Brake Valves looking to need only a partial replacement gasket set for each. However, the Independent Brake Valve controls were seriously seized, one is now freed up, cleaned out, and in operable condition with some new seals installed. We're on to freeing up the second unit which appears more challenging. Optimism prevails regarding the full serviceability of 960's braking components. Roy and his craftsmen at Roman Metal have been fabricating needed replacement side panels for the two hoods, exciting to see some fresh steel work up in the shop. Not too far along now, and we will be doing a rear hood new side panel pre assembly mock on the shop floor... Plenty of hood and deck alignments to get right before we assemble on 960. We still have to sort out the old or potentially a new service battery set up ( they situate under the rear hood ). The rear truck is not reassembled since we're still looking for the best option to better seal the clam shell gear boxes. This seems to be an issue overlooked by a few traction restorers and now they're dealing with gear lubricant leaking issues. It appears many a traction piece, in their very last years of operation, were not blessed with even a basic attention to gear box sealing. Regardless, we're determined to find a workable solution to mitigate future gear lube slopping out. That's the basics for now. (M.McG.)

WCRA News, Page 9 BRITISH COLUMBIA 125TH CELEBRATION

Our Business car CPR #16 British Columbia will celebrate 125 years on July 31, 2015. There will be a special 125th birthday celebration at the Heritage Park on Saturday, August 1—mark your calendars now. Not only is this the oldest piece in our collection, this is also the very first piece of rolling stock to be owned by WCRA—it is what got the whole thing started. HELP RESTORE CN 6520

Exciting news to report this month as work continues on the restoration of CN FP9Au #6520—the unit has been operating well and will be given a good workout operating the Day Out With Thomas trains in May. This will give the locomotive a good test, our CPR FP7A #4069 will be the backup motive power. Our historical photo journey of this unit continues. This month’s photo (thanks to Don

McQueen) shows the unit after its rebuild by VIA to an FP9Au, now numbered VIA 6306. The location is Banff, Alberta and a gleaming blue and yellow VIA 6306 is on The Canadian

at Banff on July 22, 1984. Fundraising continues for #6520 as WCRA works to return the unit to her 1957 Canadian National Railways paint scheme and full operational status.

WCRA News, Page 10 WCXX 5569

This coach is nearing completion in the PGE CarShop, thanks to the work of both staff and volunteers. The car was being painted into its CN 1954 colours the week of May 4th and was looking good. Upon completion of painting, the windows will be reinstalled and it will be part of our Day Out With Thomas trainset. Watch for it—this is the first of our three ex Waterloo & St. Jacobs cars to be fully refurbished. This coach is available for sponsorship and would look great with a name - meanwhile it will remain WCXX 5569. THANKS

• To Ryan Cruickshank for the donation of a menu from Frisby’s Railcar Restaurant (which was in Gastown in years past) - today it is our business car #8 Alberta

WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK

Home of the Royal Hudson

ROYAL HUDSON 75TH / SUMMER KICK OFF EVENT

June 27th needs to be noted on your calendar as that is our “Kick off to Summer” party at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. This summer we are upping our game at the Heritage Park by offering guests a more interactive experience. Be the first to come out and experience the newest guest experiences that we are offering—including speeder rides, mini rail and new interactive activities. We will also celebrate the 75th birthday of Royal Hudson #2860 on that day. The beautiful locomotive will be pulled outside and posed on the turntable for photography, the cab will also be open to visit—and you may even hear its whistle echo through the Squamish Valley. The fundraiser to return the Royal Hudson to steam (next phase of work) will be launched as well. Make sure you are there—admission on this day will be just $28.60 for the whole family—membership privileges apply during the day time—10AM to 5PM on June 27. ROYAL HUDSON 75TH BIRTHDAY GALA

Following the day time event, a major gala event will take place at the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre to celebrate the 75th birthday of the Royal Hudson and launch the fundraiser for the next phase of restoration work on this beautiful locomotive. The event starts with a champagne reception (1730k) on the Canron Upper Deck, where views of the Royal Hudson posed on the turntable (and rotated a couple of times) will be spectacular. Then the real excitement begins as guests will head down to the main floor (where dinner

WCRA News, Page 11 seating will be set) and a grand entrance by the locomotive will get things underway. Live music by a guest pianist and a choir singing the ``Good Old Royal Hudson`` will cap this scene and things will be rolling for a grand evening. A fabulous buffet dinner by Chef Gregg van

Hierdan will be next, and there will be Royal Hudson memory stations and artifacts throughout the main floor. A series of special fundraising opportunities will be available along with an auction—it will be a relaxed but exciting and fun evening. Gala tickets are $99 per person (includes champagne / dinner and all activities for the evening—tables of eight are just $750. Note that gala tickets are also good all day for entry to the daytime events, rides and activities. Gala tickets need to be pre-booked by calling the Heritage Park at 604-898-9336 or the Hastings office at 604-524-1011. HERITAGE PARK PINS ARE BACK

A beautiful stock of West Coast Railway Heritage Park pins is back at the gift shop—the logo featuring the Royal Hudson is very distinctive. Get yours for just $4.99 MONIQUE NAPIER FUNDRAISER A SUCCESS

The fundraiser for Monique Napier was extremely successful. We had three sittings of the High Tea and raised just over $1,000 (after expenses) which we presented to Monique for her 'Ride to Conquer Cancer' . It was a very special day. Everyone that worked the event donated their time and the servers also insisted on donating their tips back. Thanks to the many local businesses that donated: Nesters, Billies Flowers, Lucas Teas,

Treasure Boutique, Black Sheep Rentals, GrandDee Cakes.

Thanks also to our great volunteers Lloyd Black-greeter, Lorraine Black-food prep/server, Barbara Stover-advertising, food prep, room prep, server, Robert MacBeth-tea brewing, Max Nelson-dish washing, Miles Jensen-waiter, Marshall Nelson-waiter, Darlene Neilson-transportation, Aaron Gruber-(best signs ever), Kyle Harris-clean up/room set up, Cat

Jamieson-lawns cut and gardens , and Kate Mahaits-photography. (J.N.) TEA ROOM RETURNS AFTER THOMAS

The Tea Room in the Mac Norris Station will be resume being open on Friday's and Saturdays 1:30-4:00 the weekend after Thomas. Great tea and snacks in a wonderful setting—what could be better? Lastly, thank you so very much for the generous donations of items for the Tea Room. The response has been overwhelming and it is so exciting when we get new dishes, each of them

WCRA News, Page 12 will be cared for and loved. (J.N.) STATION GETS NEW FENCE

The new fence was finished around the Mac Norris Station May 6th, except the painting which will happen soon. Thanks Jay Lyons, Landon Lyons, Marshall Nelson, Max Nelson, Malcolm, Mitchel McArthur for their hard work. (J.N.) DAY OUT WITH THOMAS IS HERE

Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is back for 2015, as Thomas the Tank Engine arrives at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park for his annual visit. Day Out With Thomas—

the 2015 Celebration Tour—will be held for five days this year, the May long weekend (May 16, 17 & 18 as well as the following weekend May 23 and 24. Tickets are available at www.wcra.org or call the Park at 604-898-9336 if you need help. Walk up tickets will also be available by phone 604-898-9336 and at the gate (train ride space may be limited). WASH HOUSE BEING ADDED TO BRIGHTBILL HERITAGE HOUSE EXHIBIT

The Brightbill Heritage House exhibit is being expanded, with the addition of a Wash House outbuilding being added on the south side. The Wash House will house the newly restored 1928 Maytag electric washing machine and other related artifacts. Watch for the fence to move to the south, the exhibit structure to go up and this new exhibition to come to life for the summer.

FUNDRAISING

PLANNED GIVING—REMEMBER WCRA IN YOUR WILL

Have you considered a gift to the WCRA in your will? This is an easy way to make sure that organizations you love and wish to have future success are looked after in the future. It also generates a major tax savings for your estate and takes just a few minutes to put in place. Simply put, Planned Giving is about planning for a future gift to WCRA. The ability to make such a gift is based solely on the assets that you have available to be directed to someone or some organization when the time comes. You can only choose to leave your estate items (value) to three places—to others (eg. family), to charity (such as WCRA or others you support), or to the government. The choice is yours!

WCRA has a Planned Giving package that we would be happy to send out or discuss at your

WCRA News, Page 13 request, as well as access to independent advisors if you wish to discuss this with someone. Don Evans has the info and will be happy to send it to you. Call Don at 604-988-3435. A very special thanks to several members who have now advised us of their plans to leave a future gift. Thank you for making your choice and letting us know. ENDOWMENT FUND MATCH OFFERRED

The Canada Cultural Investment Fund (Department of Canadian Heritage) is offering to match donations made to qualifying Endowment Funds—and the West Coast Railway Endowment Fund (held by the Vancouver Foundation) qualifies under this program. Matches are up to a dollar for dollar basis for all endowment fund donations made between now and November 30, 2015. If you wish to support our Endowment this year, please let Don Evans know as an application needs to be filed with the Vancouver Foundation and Canadian Heritage in order to get the matching gifts. The West Coast Railway Endowment Fund provides quarterly interest to the WCRA (currently we see almost $60,000 annually) while maintaining the capital—so it produces for us long term and secures our future. The endowment fund currently stands at more the $1.4 million. PAVING FUNDRAISER CONTINUES

We still need donors to see this project completed, another $5,000 is needed. When we see the huge improvement that resulted from the paving of the west side we know what a difference this will make. If you can help with this, please let us know. We would really like to get the east side around the roundhouse paved soon as Spring is now approaching. PAUL D. ROY MINI RAIL SHOP

Site preparation has started as we commence the work to construct the new Shop and storage facility for the West Coast Mini Rail. Sourcing of the two 40 foot shipping containers, which will form the core structure for the new facility, is also underway. Fundraising is still ongoing—we have raised $18,400 of the estimated $25,000 needed to complete this new facility, which will be named after the founder of the West Coast Mini Rail, Paul Roy. Thanks to the Roy family for their lead gift.

374 PAVILION

As of the end of April, the visitor count at the CPR 374 Pavilion is up slightly from last year. 2014: 10,798 2015: 10,868 so we are off to the start of another good year of visitation at our Yaletown site.

WCRA News, Page 14 Preparations for this years 128th anniversary outing for the CPR 374 Locomotive on May 17 are underway. The band has been secured, volunteer staff are scheduled, Bill will be picking up the cakes in the morning. The Roundhouse staff will be supervising Arts & Crafts events for the children. As in previous years the locomotive will be pulled out at 10:00 AM. After the engine is outside the Pavilion, Event Power will connect power to the boiler. Tom Pruden will connect the water supply and we should have a working Steam Whistle between 11:30 - 12:00. The band will also be set up and playing their first set at noon. We will have the official welcoming ceremony at 1:30 with Bill Johnson as MC. Cake cutting will follow while the band begins their second set. At 3:15 we will start to bring the engine back into the Pavilion. If you can make it please come and enjoy the party. The City of Vancouver Heritage Event has also contacted us to bring the Locomotive out again on May 23. I have met with various committees involved in this event, nothing has been confirmed at this time. The Heritage Event would cover all costs associated with a pull out. This would be the 374's Official Anniversary date. When further information becomes available, it will be posted at wcra.org (G.G.)

WEST COAST RAIL TOURS

A BUSY 2015 NOW UNDERWAY

West Coast Rail Tours is looking for new members on the Tours Committee. Are you an avid train traveler? We need your expertise to help us shape the tours business for 2015. The next committee meeting is set for July 27 at the Hastings office at 1400k (2:00PM) INQUIRE NOW ABOUT THE FOLLOWING TOURS PLANNED FOR 2015

Fulfill you train travel bucket list on a unique rail journey with West Coast Rail Tours. All WCRT tours include home pick-up and drop-off, all accommodation, transportation (including rail, coach and airfare) and most meals. Our two 10 day Magic & Totems of Haida Gwaii tours are now completely sold out. If you are interested in being on the waitlist or want to book now for next year, please call the Tours office.

Magic & Totems of Haida Gwaii – Wait List, tour now sold out!

Take VIA Rail’s the Canadian overnight through the Rockies to Jasper and spend the day in scenic Jasper. Then take VIA’s Skeena to Prince George and Prince Rupert each for the night. From Rupert take the daytime ferry to Skidegate. Spend 4 days touring museums, quaint

WCRA News, Page 15 villages, secluded inlets, rainforests and beaches. Our guide on this tour is none other than the Mayor of Masset! This well-guided tour includes authentic native dancing and 2 feasts featuring deer meat and trout in a local’s home. Due to the remote location only small tour buses can fit on some of the roads, therefore there is a limited number of guests for this tour. July 14, 10 days from $2,699. FEATURE TOUR – ONLY A FEW SEATS LEFT!

White Pass & Yukon Steam

Spectacular, July 9-13, 5 days

Fly Air North from Vancouver to Whitehorse and take a 2.5 hr scenic tour along the Alaska Highway to Miles Canyon and onto Whitehorse for the night and the Frantic Follies vaudeville show. Take a mini coach service to Skagway, stopping in Carcross and Fraser then board the Fraser Meadows Steam train to the White Pass Summit and Fraser Meadows. Ride the Yukon Adventure steam train and venture back to Whitehorse from Skagway. Return in the evening flying back to Vancouver from Whitehorse. July 9 departure, from $1,799 "This is the greatest tour I have been on in my whole life!", Peggy Murray 2014 passenger

Call 604-524-1011 for a copy of our new brochure or visit www.westcoastrailtours.com

Book now for a last minute August adventure aboard the Historic Trains of the Colorado

Rockies. This jam packed trip from Vancouver to Denver return. Journey to many of the Colorado hot spots including:

• Arches National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado National Monument, Mesa Verde National Park, San Juan National Forest and Rio Grande National Forest.

• Ride 4 of Colorado’s historic trains; the Georgetown Loop Railroad to Devil’s Gate high bridge, the Durango and Silverton narrow gauge railroad through the San Juan Mountains, Canon city’s Royal Gorge Railroad, and Pike’s Peak Cog Railway.

• Tour the National Monument, Garden of the Gods, wine country, Denver, Vale, Silverton and Colorado Springs, and feast on an authentic cowboy meal outdoors by the fire.

August 14, 9 days from $3,149

WCRA News, Page 16 How about some European rails……..? The Heart of London & Paris (with Eurostar Train)

Fly to London and tour Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Windsor Castle. Take the Eurostar High-Speed Train through the Chunnel to France. Once in Paris visit the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, Place Vendome. September 17 departure, 8 days from $4,439

Alpine Lakes & Scenic Trains (featuring cruises on Lake Zurich and Lake Como and

scenic trains of Switzerland and Italy)

Fly to Zurich and experience train journeys through spectacular scenic mountains and picturesque towns, unlike anywhere else in the world! Ride aboard three of the legendary Alpine railways: • GoldenPass Panoramic Train from Gstaad to Montreux;

• Glacier Express from Zermatt, the base of the Matterhorn to St. Moritz;

• Bernina Pass Train, to Italy Then, cruise across two of the most scenic lakes in the world, Lake Zurich and Lake Como. Explore Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake” and enjoy traditional regional cuisine and Italian delicacies. September 18 departure, 10 days from $5,139 each

France Magnifique (featuring a Wine Tasting and Train Journey)

Fly to Paris and enjoy a dinner cruise along the River Seine. Tour the Arc de Triomphe, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Place de la Concorde, Place Vendome, and the Champs-Élysées. Then head to the Normandy coast and visit the Memorial Peace Museum and the Omaha Beach Cemetery. Visit the Sainte Mére Eglise and Airborne Museum. Journey to Chateau du Close Luce, Amboise and winery in Vouvray before boarding the high speed TGV Train to Avignon, then explore the sights of Monaco, and Nice. October 1, 12 days from $4,769

Bella Italia (featuring Venice, high speed train to Florence and Rome tour)

Fly into Venice and explore St.Mark’s Square and the Clock Tower then take the high-speed train to Florence and tour the Piazza Del Duomoe, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistry and Pizazza della Signoria. Enjoy wine tasting in the Tuscan countryside of Florence and Deruta, Umbria. Journey to Rome and tour the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus and Arch of Constantine. October 17, 9 days from $4,759

WCRA News, Page 17 Other Tours….

Check our website or call Jennifer at the Tours office directly about some of these

partnered 2015 tours:

• Cactus Blossoms of the Desert (Palm Springs & Las Vegas), April 3, 14 days • Great Wolf Lodge Washington Family Rail Tour, April 24, 4 days • Springtime Zephyrs in the Rockies, May 23, 7 days • Portland Rose Festival (with Seattle & the Oregon Coast), June 4, 6 days • Kootenay Hot Springs & Rail Heritage, June 7, 6 days • Peaks & Rails of the Cascade Mountains, July 8, 5 days • West Coast Vancouver Island, (Alberni & Pacific Rim Ntn’l Park), July 21, 3 days • Belugas & Hudson Bay Heritage (with Churchill Rail Tour), July 28, 7 days • Luxury Train to Santa Fe, Aug. 9, 7 days • California Rail & Hearst Castle, Sept & Oct, 3 days • Hudson Bay, Buggies & Bears, Oct. 11, 7 days

Call Jennifer Mitchell at 604-524-1011 or email tours@wcra.org

for individual itineraries and pricing on ANY of these tours West Coast Rail Tours, Your expert in train travel www.westcoasrailtours.com

FLASH MOB AT TOURS PRESENTATION

At one of the regular tours presentations, held April 29 in Kerrisdale, the presenters (Ken Tanner and Jennifer Mitchell were surprised when a flash mob broke into the Good Old

Royal Hudson song during the presentation. These were members of the Kerrisdale Seniors Choir who had seen the note about the presentation and decided to have some fun! They have been invited to perform the song at the June 27 gala event!

FEATURE ARTICLES

SQUAMISH SHOPS IN THE SIXTIES—A LITTLE INCIDENT

- by Joe Carroll The rugged terrain and relatively new construction of the PGE line was such that every season brought problems for section crews and train personnel. At the south end rain and frost caused both minor and sometimes major problems. Despite having patrol speeders ahead of most trains, occasionally serious incidents occurred. It was not unknown for rock falls to occur between the speeder and the following train. I think this was what happened to a southbound freight south of Porteau. Riding just above the waters of Howe Sound and snaking through a curve the crew saw a large rock the size of an automobile ahead of the long front hood. The engineer put his controls into emergency and

WCRA News, Page 18 held on as the locomotive glanced off the rock and rolled its right side, putting the right hand radiator and pilot into the waters of Howe Sound. The brakeman and fireman had leapt from the left side running board with, I think, just a sprained ankle. In the cab of 590, one of the railway's newer locos, the engineer reportedly rode her down the bank and didn't even get his feet wet. A bunch of us from the shops went down to the site and the engine looked pretty unstable, as if it could go in any time, but fortunately it stayed put. It was in a smallish kind of bay or inlet, the whole area looked tight to work in. As usual the Squamish wreck crew were on the job, they were a very capable gang, but they decided that 590 could not be replaced on the rails. The solution decided on was two cranes on barges, and at least one more barge. The loco weighed 120 tons and it needed to be lightened for the cranes to lift it. The crew took off the pilots and steps and the trucks. Then they removed the fuel tank and air reservoirs. With the help of the tide they set her upright and lifted her onto the barge. The right side of the engine had suffered a lot of damage. After a tow to Squamish the crew set 590 back on her trucks on rails, loaded all the other bits on a flat car and took everything to the North Yard. An assessment of the damage was made and it was decided to do a major upgrade on 590 to bring her closer to the specifications of the newer chop-nosed locos that had recently started arriving. In addition to the wreck damage the loco would receive roller axle bearings, dynamic braking and major other mechanical and electrical work. Months later she was in the old paint shop, resplendent in forest green with orange script (her original colour was orange with a dark green band with orange script). The paint shop was on the south end of the old (now in the W.C.R.A. Museum) Car Shop. The paint shop occupied half of an old WWII “Quonset” shed, the other half was the Carpentry shop. Somehow a fire started with 590 still inside! This had the makings of a disaster, but the shop's fire crew worked miracles and the loco was removed and the fire put down and the 1914 timber Car Shop was saved! #590 had some damage, but she was again repaired and repainted . As far as I know 590 went on to have a long life for the PGE, she and her sisters were renumbered into the 600 series. There was little the PGE work force could not handle and the saga of 590 is typical. They could operate a railway, fix a railway, put out fires , you name it! A suitable postscript for 590 would be that neither rocks nor water nor fire could destroy her! (PGE #590 was an MLW RS-18 built 1958. It was renumbered PGE 604—BCOL 604, went through the CAT re-engining, and served into the CN takeover, disposed of by CN in 2008)

WCRA News, Page 19 FROM THE STEAM CHEST - APRIL 1962 By Craig McDowall

Club Notes: The West Coast Railfan Association held elections on Feb. 17th and elected to the board were Peter Cox, Roger Burrows and Bob Gevaert. Positions as President, VP and Secretary Treasurer will be determined later. Bob G would like to remain as Sec. Treas. After much discussion, it was decided that except for the Sec. Treas., there would no longer be a President and Vice President but rather have just a Board with a Chair to preside over the meetings. It was then decided to alternate between Peter and Roger as Chair but all functions would remain the same as in the past. Balance Sheet: Where is it?? Due to a last minute discovery that the books had mistaken items recorded incorrectly (MCM note: . . was still happening on occasion until a couple of years ago when doing FYE statements - thanks to Ken, this is no longer an issue!). So our financial records need to be re-checked by a competent person and a comprehensive balance sheet will then be mailed out to our members. We regret this delay but want to assure the membership that no dishonesty is involved. It is due rather to too many people handling payment of bills for various departments of the association. Club Happenings Our plans for a trip from Vancouver to Prince George on the Pacific Great Eastern Railway during the Easter holidays has been cancelled by the PGE for safety reasons. We originally intended to have to passenger cars placed on the tail end of a freight train but the PGE believed there would be too much jostling of the cars during the many stops en route. They fear someone may fall down or thrown against the wall if not aware of the impending stops or starts. We suggested placing the cars on the head end of the freight but that is against company policy. It was agreed in a vote to have our association host a display at the National Model Railroaders Convention which will be held in Vancouver during August. The purpose is to encourage new membership and make ourselves more widely known. We also decided not to have a display this year at the Pacific National Exhibition's hobby show this year. It was thought it was would too time consuming to explain to the general public what a railfan and railfan club are to the 'uninitiated'. Some 8 x 10 photo enlargements of steam engines and a few builders plates are hardly effective enough to convert 'Mr. Public' into becoming an enthusiastic rail supporter (MCM note: Wonder if the club members in previous similar events weren't happy with the response to their hosting a table etc.?). PGE Bolo Ties The WCRA is offering for the price of $2 PGE themed bolo ties. The tie clasp is approximately the size of a fifty cent piece and emblazoned around the border are the words

WCRA News, Page 20 'Pacific Great Eastern' with the centre image being a raised head of a Caribou. ATRRM MEETS IN PENNSYLVANIA

by Don Evans

After our Amtrak experience getting to Washington, DC and back, we ventured on towards the real reason we had travelled east—that being to attend the Spring Conference of the Association of Tourist Railroads and Railway Museums (ATRRM). We spent a lovely Sunday in Baltimore, enjoying the lovely harbor area and getting about with a day pass on the Water Taxi’s. It was a beautiful day and the area was alive and vibrant (little did we know that just two weeks later it would be quite a mess with riots). On Monday, April 13 we headed out of the city towards Pennsylvania and enjoyed some pleasant backroad driving, exploring the Susquehanna River and visiting small historic towns like Port Deposit (where we saw a Norfolk Southern freight with a long line of flatcars loaded with new John Deere tractors). The rolling farm country was very pretty, and soon we were in Amish country where we saw the black horse drawn buggies on the roads and the ploughing of farm fields by teams of horses. After an interesting morning, we ended up in historic Strasburg where we walked the town (many buildings dating to the 1700’s) and had lunch. The afternoon was again spent travelling and exploring backroads of this unique area. Tuesday morning we visited an Amish Farmhouse and heritage centre to learn more about this interesting culture. Then we headed back towards Strasburg, arriving at a railroad crossing where there was a caboose motel and railcar restaurant. A look up the tracks revealed a plume of steam, and shortly a whistle was heard. Towards us came a steam train, with locomotive # 89 tender first leading a train of seven wooden passenger cars. After recording its passage, we headed in for lunch, knowing that the train would be back in about 40 minutes. Sure enough, it was right on time and the sights of a steam train in the rolling Pennsylvania farm country presents a real time warp as 2-6-0 #89 chugs past. (Photo, back cover). Next was a visit to the Strasburg Railroad, and we were met by Linn Moedinger there and given a terrific tour of the shops and the property. An impressive steam shop, but even more impressive was how every staff person took the time to talk with us—all were wonderful ambassadors for the railroad. We saw wooden car restoration, steam locomotives in restoration, custom part fabrication—and even Thomas the Tank Engine (the real steam one) getting his safety valves set! Then it was time for a train ride, and we enjoyed the ride to Paradise and back on board the classic parlour car Marian (photo back cover). It was a great experience and Strasburg

WCRA News, Page 21 continues to present an authentic steam train experience that is one of the best. Back at the station in Strasburg, we were just in time to see wooden motorcar #10 load up with a private party and head out on the line. Wednesday morning, and

time to head for York, PA. Once again we travelled the backroads, following the Susquehanna River to Harrisburg where we walked downtown, the State Capitol and had lunch. Then on to York where we checked in to the historic Yorktowne Hotel, site of the ATRRM Spring Conference. Thursday was spent in meetings. Friday, our group of just over 100 was off for three very different heritage railway experiences. First stop was at Middletown, PA where we visited and rode the Middletown and Hummelston Railroad. Nicknamed the “Milk and Honey Line”, the ten mile ride was quite enjoyable. Our three car train was powered by GE centre cab #2, pulling ex commuter passenger cars. A unique feature was the modern cab control conversion of one of the cars—a push pull operation with vintage equipment (Photo page 22). Our next stop was Harriburg, and a visit to the restored Harris Tower where we not only saw the restoration of the old interlocking plant, but at the same time were treated to a steady parade of Norfolk Southern freights. Did a double take as one trundled by with Canadian Pacific ES44AC 8834 on an intermodal train. Amtrak also provided a show here with former Metroliners as cab control cars and what must be the last few AEM-7 electrics in operation, as Amtrak 928 glided by with one of the Harrisburg—NYC trains.

WCRA News, Page 22

From Harrisburg, we returned to York and had lunch and a visit at the fascinating Agricultural and Industrial Museum. They had a wide variety of exhibits from many industries, including Pullman automobiles, an old telephone exchange, an EMC centre cab switch engine, a 72 ton ammonia compressor and a working grist mill (all indoors!). Our last stop of the day was Steam Into History at New Freedom, PA—a spot where President Lincoln stopped on his way to deliver his famous Gettysburg Address. This is a replica train that operates on a stretch of the original North Central Railroad to Hanover Junction. The train ran to Hanover Junction in reverse, then returned upgrade to New Freedom after a stopover and photo session. (photo page 23). The equipment is all new built, including the lovely 4-4-0 locomotive #17 “York”. The ride, while pretty, was slow and long—not helped by the fact that the “passenger” cars were built on freight car frames and trucks (very hard riding on the jointed rail). The scene, however, was very nice. Saturday consisted of seminars in the morning, followed by an afternoon visit to Muddy Creek Forks—a small town on the Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad. It was like a step back in time, with the mill, the general store, residences all in period context. (Photo page 23). This was a real highlight as the costumed interpreters did a wonderful job. The last locomotive bought by the “Ma & Pa”, SW9 #82 was displayed. A ride on the railroad was accomplished with a four car train of speeders—it was great fun!

WCRA News, Page 23

And thus ended another very interesting and successful gathering. Our congratulations are extended to the Maryland & Pennsylvania Preservation Society (hosts of the event) for a great conference. It is always valuable to see other sites and meet other railway preservationists, and this time in the east was time well spent.

WCRA News, Page 24

RAILWAY NEWS NEW GE’S KEEP COMING CN ES44AC deliveries: CN 2954, 2958, 2949, 2959, 2953, 2957, 2953,

2955, 2952 were delivered to Mac Yard by CN 422 on March 23. CN 2951, 2956, 2960 were delivered to Mac Yard on March 25. CN is receiving three batches of locomotives this year from GE: • 2925-2950 are ES44AC T4C (Tier 4 Credit units). CN 2925-2934

were originally delivered as 3025-3034.—Delivery of 2925-2950 was completed on 3/22 • CN 2951-2975 are ES44AC non-certified. These are not EPA certified to any Tier so are non-compliant in the USA and are restricted to Canadian service only. Delivery of 2951-2975 started on the same day. On March 30, CN 422 departed Fort Erie with 2969,

2968, 2970, 2971, 2967, 2966, 2965, 2948, 2964, 2963, 2962, 2961. • CN 3000+ will be ES44AC T4 (Tier 4), coming in the second half of the year. (TJ)

KOOTENAYS CHANGES

Big changes for CP operations in the Kootenays…...apparently Cranbrook will be reduced to one large siding plus an additional track, roundhouse will be demolished and turntable filled in. The Boundary and Rossland subs will become the Columbia Sub with mileposts starting at Nelson. The Nelson Sub will be renamed the Kootenay Sub.

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER CELEBRATES

25 YEARS

Congratulations to Rocky Mountaineer on the celebration of 25 years of operation. The event was marked with a gala event in Vancouver on May 9th, and the 2015 season is up and running. An amazing journey over 25 years from a small start to becoming one of the world’s top private tourism rail operations. Congratulations to Peter Armstrong (the visionary) and the entire team that has created, built and operated this successful venture.

CANADIAN BACK TO TRI WEEKLY SERVICE

VIA’s Canadian returned to three times a week frequency as of May 1,

2015, and officially launched its new Prestige Class service. The trains have also lengthened up for the summer service, with 20+ cars once again the norm. The April 29 arrival at Vancouver had three locomotives and 26 cars (some deadheading to fill out the third trainset).

WCRA News, Page 25 SQUAMISH TERMINALS FIRE

Some scary moments as the east dock at Squamish Terminals caught fire and the creosoted pilings burned for some time. Thankfully, the only damage was to that dock (which will be rebuilt) and Terminal operations resumed in a couple of days using the west dock (which is newer and built of concrete). (M.C.M., T.M.) TORONTO PEARSON BY RAIL….Finally it is here, but not cheap! $23 will be the fare, Toronto Union Station to Pearson airport! (B.J.) THE RAILWAY CHILDREN

Heading to the United Kingdom? Then don’t miss The Railway Children now playing at Kings Cross Station until September 2015…..(P.T.)…. ....”steaming” from York Rail Museum to Waterloo Station and now to Kings Cross Station. Set in a brand new, purpose- built 1,000 seat venue, this show features a stage built around a real train track and a beautiful 60 tonne vintage locomotive which steams into the theatre to delight all ages. A truly unique theatrical experience, The Railway Children returns to London at the Kings Cross Station Theatre (behind Kings Cross Station) Join Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis on the adventure of a lifetime as they tell the story of how they came to be the Railway Children. The play was originally staged in partnership with the National Railway Museum on location at the museum in York in 2008...the production transferred to Waterloo Station in the former Eurostar Terminal and is now at the Kings Cross Station featuring a real live steam engine dating back to 1896, complete with a vintage carriage., Whether you are 8 or 80, and you find yourself in the UK, this show should not be missed.

WCRA News, Page 26

CREDIT LINES ISSN 1204-072X

Vol. 55 Issue 6

Editor Don Evans Distribution Jeremy Davy & Donna Simon Contributors: G. B. Gordon Bell J.D. Jeremy Davy D. E. Dave Emmington G. G. George Game B. J. Bill Johnston M.L. Mike Lloyd T.M. Trevor Mills M. McG. Mike McGaw M.C.M. Craig McDowall J. N. Jeanene Nelson P.T. Patricia Treadwell 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 <news@wcra.org>, 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

TRIVIA ANSWERS

1 July 1836 Champlain & St. Lawrence RR ( S.E. of Montreal ) 2 - 19 Sept 1839 Albion Mines Railway ( Stellarton NS *) 3 - 19 Nov 1847 Montreal & Lachine RR *Stellarton NS is also the home to the oldest surviving Canadian steam locomotive. The 1838 built 0-6-0 "Samson" ( Timothy Hackworth's Soho Works, Durham England ), located in the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry. The locomotive was commissioned at the same time as Her-

cules and John Buddle which didn't survive the scrapper, however Samson languished on the line until 1893 when it was displayed at the Chicago World's Fair. Later it was acquired with a passenger coach by the B&O Museum until 1927 when returned to Nova Scotia ( the passen-ger coach stayed at the B&O Museum ).

WCRA News acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia

CANADIAN COUNCIL

FOR

RAILWAY HERITAGE

WCRA News, Page 27

Published monthly by West Coast Railway Association ISSN 1204-072X

PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2 Vol. 55 Issue 6

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