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OCTOBER 2011OCTOBER 2011OCTOBER 2011OCTOBER 2011

WCRA NEWS

50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

EVENT—OCTOBER 22

HALLOWEEN FRIGHTFEST

OCTOBER 27—30

WCRA News, WCRA News, Page 2WCRA News, Page 2WCRA News, Page 2

GENERAL MEETING NOTICE The September General Meeting of the WCRA will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 1930 hours at Rainbow Creek Station in Burnaby. Entertainment will be video 'Sacramento Railfair 1991' the 10th anniversary of the California State Railway Museum, with lots of visiting Steam Locos, large and small, a great event! ON THE COVER BC Electric Railway electric locomotive #960 works at Carrall Street yard in this great shot by Peter Cox. Note the Vancouver Sun tower in the background. The unit is switching a wooden refrigerator car, likely to one of the many food warehouses near the Cambie Bridge at the time. #960 is now part of the WCRA’s collection and is the next loco to enter the restoration process at Squamish. See more on page 9. OCTOBER CALENDAR • West Coast Railway Heritage Park open daily 1000 through 1700k • Saturday, October 1—HarvestFest at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, all day

event with a fun sock hop in the evening. Daytime regular admission for special shows and displays, members discount on admission. Cover charge $10 advance / $15 door for evening dance event. For details see page 13.

• Tuesday, October 4 —Deadline for items for the November 2011 WCRA News • Tuesday, October 18—Tours Committee meets. Details thru office at 604-524-1011 • Saturday, October 22—Roundhouse of Dreams—a Celebration of 50 Years event,

gala banquet, live music, dance and auction, CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre. For details see page 19.

• Tuesday, October 25—WCRA General Meeting, 1930 hours, Rainbow Creek Station • October 27 through October 30—Annual Halloween Frightfest event at the West Coast

Railway Heritage Park, 5:30PM to 8:30PM nightly.

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

GREAT EVENTS HEADLINE OCTOBER AS WE WIND DOWN OUR 50TH YEAR October will feature the third of three major events to celebrate the 50th anniversary year of the West Coast Railway Association, and once again it will be in a format different to the previous two. WCRA goes forward into it future having built a very proud legacy for all involved, and is set to ensure that the work we have all done will survive into the next generations. Preserving British Columbia’s railway heritage is what we are all about. Our next and final 50th anniversary event will be an October 22 gala, but one quite different from the first one held in February. Roundhouse of Dreams—A Celebration of 50 Years will be held that evening and we hope you will all come out. It will be a celebration of food and drink, of wonderful heritage, of good live music and more in a unique round the room format. Pricing will be $100 per person, coming in lower than our February gala. Dress will be more casual as well, but the fun and food and activities will be top notch. For details, see page 19. Of course, we hope you all come out as well for HarvestFest, being held on Saturday October 1 with an all-day event and then a Lost in the 50’s Tonight sock hop in the roundhouse in the evening. This is a very affordable and fun day open to everyone. In the projects category, you will read in this issue about the work getting underway on the restoration of BC Electric #960. BCER 960 will be 100 in 2012! - wouldn't it be great to roll her out of the shop looking like new! Also planned for the fall is the development of the business case for Royal Hudson 2860 and our plan to tackle her ongoing upgrade and maintenance over the next ten years. It is my hope that as many of our members a possible will get involved as we move forward. We have accomplished much in the first 50 years, but much remains yet to be done.

Don

ASSOCIATION NEWS

FROM THE AUGUST GENERAL MEETING

Chair Bill Johnston called the meeting to order at 19:35 with Colin Dathan as recording secretary. A good crowd of 43 members were present:

• A moment of silence was observed to honour the passing of member Robert Keill • Don Evans – President Emeritus. Don advised that the GM Finance Dave Umbach was terminated during his probationary period. A new person is expected to be hired in September, meanwhile Don is handling finances. While general fundraising has met targets


operationally Capital funding continues low. The outlook is good however with several asks looking promising. August is a particularly hard month with 3 Staff pay days so any donations would be greatly appreciated – a donor has offered to match new donations up to $5,000.00! Expenses & revenue to the end of June are tracking on budget, however the challenge is catching up on payables. At the 20 Feb 2011 meeting a motion was passed allowing a refinancing proposal to be pursued however the named financial organization withdrew. Now there are two other possibilities thus a motion was proposed by Alf Spence, seconded by Karl Anderson to replace the named institution by the words “A Canadian financial institution”. Passed unanimously. Considerable discussion followed Don’s explanation of his newsletter editorial concerning copper theft & a recent insurance claim & the costs to WCRA. • Dave Thompson - Heritage Park report. He started with a report from Donna Fourchalk describing some very successful fund raiser teas in the Brightbill House raising $350 to date. She is looking for volunteers for the Sock Hop & Harvest Fest 1 Oct – anyone wishing to help should contact her at the Park or email [email protected]. There will be a work Party 24th Sept, again please contact her to confirm helping out. Dave outlined the many special events held over the summer & since We were unsuccessful in obtaining a Summer Student which put a significant load on the other staff & volunteers. Their hard work is much appreciated & a major factor in the success of them all. He outlined particularly the Day Out With Thomas event with over 200 volunteers. While attendance was slightly down from 2010 cost savings through improved efficiency & increased retail sales gave a result similar to 2010. Of note – there were only 4 requests for refunds – an indication of high guest satisfaction. Thanks to member support we now have 25 round tables & 120 chairs & other materials available for rent. A new storage area has been improvised using an Atco trailer left from a movie shoot. Thanks to Tomo’o & Randy for their work in making this & other storage areas secure.

• 374 – Bill Johnston advised that our summer student Leslie has now departed however her work on the gift shop is paying off with improved sales. Guest attendance is also up, many tourists being told about it while riding the on/off Trolley tour buses

• Events – Bill Johnston outlined a special mini-rail event to celebrate Brentwood Mall’s 50th anniversary. He thanked the volunteers who carried 516 people & raised $850

• Collection – Russ Grycan outlined the status of much of the collection in shops & under restoration. All 7 Roundhouse tracks are currently full. Royal Hudson 2860 is a star attraction however the cost benefit study for the required inspection is not yet complete. 4069 will be used for the Run a Locomotive program in September. The CN Bunk car is coming along well thanks to Chris Forget however donations are required to purchase EPDM roofing material. Russ reminded potential volunteers that members are covered by insurance, non-members should sign a waiver.

• Dave Emmington advised that The Collections Committee is being reformed as a Conservation & Restoration Committee. They will meet in October to formulate plans.


Anyone interested should contact Dave or Russ Grycan. 5 people have shown interest to date. They are looking for new revenue sources to be dedicated to their projects. • Tours. Bonnie & George Game are handling the Tours Office for 6 months in Mattias Christiansen’s absence. Bonnie has a background in Cruise Ships so fits in well. She reminded members that we are a full travel agency & can handle all travel needs. Bill Johnston reported on a successful White Pass & Yukon tour. An email has been sent to a list of some 4000 people on the tours list advising of an Okanagan Steam & Wine Tour. It is being conducted in conjunction with Chemainus Tours & with 15 signed to date is a sure go. Other Business • Saturday 22 October will be the third & final 50th anniversary event. It will be a gala in the

Roundhouse – “Roundhouse of Dreams, a Celebration of 50 Years” Cost will be $100 per ticket

• The Annual Festive Dinner & Awards night will be held at Cheers Restaurant in N. Vancouver on 22 November (note change of date due to a booking problem). Cost to be finalized however should be within a dollar or two of last year ($38). Reservations can be made by calling The Heritage Park or Tours Office or by email to [email protected] or calling Colin Dathan at 604-298-3734

• Dorothea Matewish had a big basket of apples which were enjoyed by all – She also donated $250 from her endless Royal Hudson garage sale. An available item of note – a dining-room table with 2 leaves & 6 Chairs going for $500!

• Following discussions the monthly draw will be revised slightly. The first ticket drawn will receive $45 (matching the $45 rent). If there is any extra cash it will be held to be used on nights when sales are below $90. If there are additional donated prizes they will be awarded to subsequent tickets drawn.

• Mattias Christianson is on 6 months leave of absence in Mexico with his partner & we learn of the recent arrival of son Mathias

• George Massey advised of the Pringle Farm Steam-up to be held in Westwold in October Trackside Reports • Ryan Cruickshank & Bill Marchant gave their usual informative reports • Bill Johnston presented the Month’s calendar as in the Newsletter • Entertainment was a slide show by Don Evans of a recent trip to Belgium (Brussels &

Brugges) & Amsterdam

WCRA TRIVIA #273 - by Ryan Cruickshank What distinction does the Railroad Pass Casino in Henderson, Nevada hold? (for answer see page 27) MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Memberships dated 08/31/2011 have now expired, and if your membership expired


06/30/2011, this will be your last issue. Please check the label on your newsletter and renew today. Remember that renewals are being accepted for memberships with the E–Newsletter—check page 2 for current membership rates. Is your email address current???? It is particularly important that those of you who have registered for access to the Members Only area keep your email address current in the Server. Each time a new issue is posted the Server sends a notice to the email address you supplied when you requested access. If you have changed your email address, or think the one we have is out of date because you do not receive notices, please send your current email address to Jeremy at [email protected] and the server will be updated as required. (J.D.) NEW MEMBERS The West Coast Railway Association welcomes aboard the following new members:

• Wasin & Alison Akhtar and family of Surrey,

• Vlasta Aracki and family of Squamish,

• Shaun & Nicola Baines and family of Whistler,

• Howard Brock and family of Vancouver,

• Kevin Eva & Betsy Agar and family of North Vancouver,

• Tobias Finke and family of Delta,

• Jacek & Jo Gromadzki and family of Vancouver,

• Robin Halingten and family of Burnaby,

• Natasha Heslop and family of Garibaldi Highlands,

• Mariner Janes and family of Vancouver,

• John Jennings and family of West Vancouver,

• Calvin Lim and family of Richmond,

• Faye Liu and family of Vancouver,

• Adrian & Tara Lucas and family of Squamish,

• Damian Maharaj and family of Surrey,

• Don & Monica McDonald and family of Squamish,

• Don McFee and family of Squamish,

• James & Donna Nelson and family of Pt Coquitlam,

• Brian Newman of North Vancouver,

• Craig Noordmans and family of Bowen Island,

• Paul Paddon and family of Vancouver,

• Tanya Petraszko and family of West Vancouver,

• Brett Piggott and family of Coquitlam, WCRA NewsWCRA NewsWCRA NewsWCRA News


• Michael J Popil and family of Pitt Meadows,

• Rachel Pottinger and family of Vancouver,

• Nicolas Procos and family of Oakland CA,

• Pierre Romano and family of Vancouver,

• Ritch Seeley and family of North Vancouver,

• Walter & Lynda Sellmar and family of North Vancouver,

• Brian Sholdra and family of Port Moody,

• Kyle Taylor and family of Vancouver,

• Susan Whitehead and family of Garibaldi Highlands,

• Marla Whittaker and family of Squamish,

• Don & Marguerite McGregor of Langley (J.D.) MEMBER NEWS—We are saddened to report on the passing on August 11, 2011 of member Robert T Keill. Robert had been a WCRA member since 1989 and had been in palliative care

since June of this year. (J.D.) Happy Birthday Dorothea! A very special 90th birthday greeting to Dorothea Matewish who turns 90 on October 14th! Dorothea has been very active with WCRA for many years, and her perpetual garage sale has raised many dollars towards her favourite project, Royal Hudson #2860. She is a tireless advocate for the Hudson throughout the community, and brings countless friends and dollars our way for this important project. Photo left by Frank Rogers—2860 and Dorothea at White Rock in February 2010.


WCRA ANNUAL DINNER DATE CHANGE—NOVEMBER 22, 2011 Please take notice in advance that our Annual Dinner and Awards Night will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at Cheers Restaurant in North Vancouver. This is one week earlier than it would usually be. Details in our next issue. (C.D.) EVENTS COORDINATOR SOUGHT West Coast Railway Association needs a volunteer coordinator for events in which we participate. This is a Lower Mainland role, and is needed to assure we file our paperwork to organize tables for us to promote and exhibit our activities at shows such as the annual TRAINS model RR show, and other events at which we are regulars. Without such a role, our opportunities to participate will be reduced to the detriment of the WCRA. Please contact Bill Johnston if you could assist with this at 604-522-9068 or see him at any general meeting. ROYAL HUDSON FRAMED PRINT FOR SALE A private owner has for sale a framed print (40 / 120) of the Royal Hudson #2860 by Dan Sawatzky of Chemainus, BC. The price is $150 inclusive of packing and shipping. Contact the owner (Judy) directly at 250-675-3732 or [email protected] , and a successful sale will also result in a donation to WCRA. PRINGLE FARM STEAM-UP IN WESTWOLD, BC—OCTOBER 16 If you like steam, especially steam farm equipment, make sure to catch the Pringle Farm steam up in Westwoild, BC on Sunday, October 16. The farm is on the Merritt-Westwold road (The Douglas Lake Road). The road leaves the Old Merritt Kamloops road, #5A, 3 or 4k north of Quilchena. Douglas Lake itself is probably about half way to the site from downtown Merritt. From the site, it is another 10 or 15 K to Westwold. It will be easy to find, as there is a vintage sawmill on the South, and there will be lots of cars being parked by the 4H kids, last year $2, a fund raiser for their activities. The site can also be accessed from either Kamloops or Vernon on highway 97.Westwold is about half way between Kamloops and Vernon, and the farm is about 15 k up the hill west from Westwold. For more info, just Google “Steam Engines in Westwold” or “Pringle Farm Steam”. (G.M.)

COLLECTION

LUMBER NEEDED The collections group is in need of a load of lumber to help them with several projects


currently underway as well as for some maintenance and safety work at the site. A donation of $600 would enable a lift of the needed lumber to be purchased. Contact Russ or Dave at the Heritage Park if you can help here. BCOL CABOOSE 1859 Work on the restoration and repaint of steel caboose BCOL 1859 continues. Lots of elbow grease by volunteer crews is the order of the day. We can’t wait to see the car emerge in the classic British Columbia Railway two tone green. (R.G.) CN SHOVEL OPERATORS BUNK CAR 65940 Chris Forget continues his great work on the CN Shovel Operator's Bunk car #65940 on track #2 in the PGE Carshop. The car is looking wonderful, now that it is painted and mostly lettered. It saw the external light briefly on September 8 during some switching moves, see the photo on our back cover. Detail painting and installation of some of the external pieces (grab rails, ladders etc.) are yet to be done. The inside is also being spruced up so that the exhibit is top notch once finished. We are pleased to say that a donation by Jim Saunders to the project will allow the purchase of the EPDM material for the roof, which will ensure good weatherproofing. (C.F., R.G.) It was built for the Grand Trunk in 1912, so will be 100 years old next year! 65940 was originally built in 5/1912 by Western Steel Car & Foundry as GTR 20274 and renumbered to GTW 339474 sometime after 1923. It appears that this car became CN 65940 in 1948, and it was officially stricken from the roster in 3/1983 (this is when the "D" would have been applied). (Ian Cranstone / R.H.)

BCER 960…. An initial meeting was held with several volunteers who are planning a restoration project for BC Electric Railway locomotive #960. After scoping out a project plan, this project will move forward now as our next locomotive project. Still under evaluation and discussion is the final details of the project plan, but things have progressed far enough that the unit was moved into the Service Building at the MP 2 shop in late August. (photo, Russ G.)


The locomotive was built by Alco / General Electric in July 1912 as Oregon Electric #22, then came to British Columbia in June 1946 to become BCER #960. On arrival BCER converted the locomotive from 1200 volts to 600 volts. The unit weighs 125,300 pounds, has 31,500 lbs. Tractive effort, is 37’ 5” in length, and trucks have a wheelbase of 7’ 2”. A special feature are the spoked wheels on which she rides! She will be 100 years old next year! She served in freight service on the interurban line until the very end of the electric operations, ending her career as one of the two last electric units on the line, working the Carrall Street yard in Vancouver (cover photo). She was saved as part of a Provincial collection, and was then turned over to the WCRA for preservation in 1993, making the trip to Squamish by truck and was one of the first rail pieces at our site—arriving before the tracks onto the property were completed! As a piece of trivia, #960 hauled at least one passenger excursion train as seen in this Labour day 1953 photo by Pierre Morin’s father. She is seen here upgrade just after crossing 33rd Ave. in Vancouver with a train of three CPR wooden coaches and an open observation car. The excursion was for the LMRR group (Lower Mainland Rail Road Club?). Note that the unit is in her red paint scheme, which predates the BCER yellow seen on the cover.

The restoration project team consists of members Martin Jergens, Bill Marchant, Mike McGaw, with help from Bob Hunter and Frank Donnelly.


LIONS CLUB CAR Some of you may note next time you are at the Heritage Park that the Lions Club car has moved. The former BCOL business car Discovery was moved to the MP shop where the Lions Club of Squamish will work on roof repairs and a complete re-painting of the car. Plans are to paint it into PGE Mineral red and letter name it Lions Club. (Thanks to John Jellis and Roy Crowston for their assistance). (R.G.) THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS • A volunteer day saw some Park spruce-up projects completed. (Thanks Donna Fourchalk

and her gang!) • to Rob and Kevin for their efforts keeping our grass and mini-rail sites groomed. This is a

continuing project this summer with the rain – lots of growth! • Devin continues his work to replace and paint site fencing (first coat complete) and is

painting the columns at the entrance to the Squamish Station. Chris Forget did a great job on the Brightbill House picket fencing, and the garden (really growing)

• We welcome Bill Parks from Georgia who comes up to lend us his woodworking skills for 10 days…Thanks Bill!

• Richard Courage keeps the 2860 shining with his polishing and attention • Howie Tichauer and Jeremy Davy continue maintenance work on the mini-rail – and

played a major part in the Mini-Rail Days held in August • Randy Lucas and Tomo’o Oshikawa continue to provide both Park and guest experience

technical expertise for maintenance and support of Guest Events and meetings (R.G.) THANKS FOR DONATIONS • to Howie Biehl for the donation of many books, magazines, DVD’s, C\D’s and Tapes of railway events over the years. Howie has also donated a framed Max Jacquiard print “Royal Hudson—Then and Now“ which depicts the classic locomotive in both Canadian Pacific and Province of BC service. This painting has been installed in the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre as a part of the display alongside #2860. Thanks Howie! • To George Plant for the donation of two CPR Subdivision Charts, the Pacific & Prairie Regions 1943 and the Eastern & Atlantic Regions 1963. George also donated a CPR Mainline profile from 1915 and The Day Program from the inaugural run of the Pacific Great Eastern operation form North Vancouver to Dawson Creek in 1958. These items are all in mint condition and a fabulous addition to our archival collection. (B.M.)

WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK Home of the Royal Hudson

RUN A LOCOMOTIVE We are pleased to report that we have now completed several of these exciting new guest


experiences, available at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Run A Locomotive is an opportunity for members and guests to get in the engineer’s chair of one of our operating diesel locomotives and operate it on the WCRA’s trackage in Squamish. Advance reservations are required as an operating crew needs to be called for this service and, naturally, all moving operations are under the full supervision of one of our qualified engineer / conductor crews. The two hour session costs $250 for operation of RSC-3 #561 or S-3 #6503, we also offer FP7A #4069 but with a $50 premium as a third operating crew member will be along to assist with rearward visibility. Fees are to be paid in advance, book with Russ Grycan at the Park. The session will then be scheduled for an agreed on time with a meet time set up to start at the MP 2 tracks (locomotive shop) and will consist of: • Orientation of trackage, radios, hand signals etc. • Locomotive walk around and safety inspection • Locomotive cab orientation and controls • Observation in the cab as locomotive engineer moves the unit forward and backwards • The guest then takes the seat for 60 minutes of operation that will include coupling to

freight cars in the MP 2 yard, and single locomotive operation to the turntable, a turntable spin around, mainline for photo pose at the Mac Norris Station, and return to the MP 2 yard to end the session with a Certificate presentation

A special Run a Locomotive session was held mid August. Doug and Rochelle Magoon from the Vancouver area purchased this in the auction at the February 50th Anniversary gala. The assigned engine was FP7A CP 4069. John Jellis (Engineer / Trainer) and Russ Grycan - on the ground, guided Doug through his hands-on, safe operation of the engine while Rochelle handled fireman duties on the left side. Switching duties were performed for over 2 hours. After a run over to the MP Shops and switching a tank car over there, Doug brought 4069 back to the Station, and received his Certificate of Operation from Russ. As an added bonus we waited for a few minutes to salute the southbound Rocky Mountaineer train on it’s way south from Whistler. (R.G.) Doug comments, “Rochelle and I spent the afternoon at the Park participating in the “Run a Locomotive” program. We want you to know that it was a fantastic experience and one that we will always look upon with great fondness and excitement. Russ and John did a super job of providing a safe, informative and enjoyable experience. They are very dedicated, professional and capable ambassadors for WCRA and the Heritage Park. The program helped reinforce for us the breadth and depth of experiences that are available to visitors to the Heritage Park. It is a special place that deserves the strong support it receives from its members and the public at large. Thank you all for a great experience! Keep up the good work.”


BOOK A FABULOUS GOURMET EVENING OUT— DINNER ON THE 1890 CAR BRITISH COLUMBIA The West Coast Railway Heritage Park offers a fabulous private gourmet dinner experience, dinner for a private party of four to six aboard the beautiful 1890 built railcar British

Columbia. Here is a unique opportunity to hold a very special private evening with friends or guests in a most unique setting, aboard the beautiful vintage railcar in its now spectacular and comfortable setting in the new roundhouse building. Each event, scheduled for a mutually agreeable date and time, will be hosted personally by one of our senior team volunteers—Don Evans, VP & GM Dave Thomson or Chief Mechanical Officer Russ Grycan. The cost is $100 per person, inclusive of wine, catered gourmet meal, and personal service, minimum group size of four and maximum of 6 for now (we will add the car Alberta soon and we will then be able to accommodate groups to 12 in size). Your private evening consists of: • Welcome with wine and appetizers in the observation lounge • A custom tour of some of the Heritage Park facilities (based on your requests) • Dining Room service with fresh salad and gourmet main course served on clothed table

with monogrammed china and crystal settings. Choice of wines or non alcoholic beverages to accompany

• Dessert and coffee served in the observation lounge HARVESTFEST—OCTOBER 1 AT THE HERITAGE PARK It’s almost here…..plan now to attend a great event on Saturday, October 1, as HarvestFest debuts as a new annual event at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. The event will run all day, with great fun, activities and exhibits all day, and then a fun Lost In The 50’s Tonight

sock hop in the evening. HarvestFest kicks off at 10:00AM, and through the day there will be: • Live music on the site • Heritage train rides on our own tracks • West Coast Mini Rail rides (one ride included in admission) • Fresh harvested food available, Beanery treats available • Roundhouse Tours • Brightbill Heritage House • Hay Rides (one ride included in admission) • All the usual great Heritage Park exhibits and gift shop The whole family is invited, admission prices for the day event are just $10 adult / $8member and senior / $5 child or $25 family. Members, note that you receive discounted admission to this special event.


Then join us for the Lost In The 50’s Tonight sock hop event in the evening in the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre. This is an adult only event, and runs from 7:00PM to 1:00AM and offers the following for great fun all evening: • Live music (with a DJ between live sets) • Classic cars (automobiles) on display in the roundhouse • Full service bar available all evening • Food—classic hamburgers, milkshakes and fries for purchase • Dancing and fun • 50/50 draws and other things from the era of the 50’s Admission for the evening event is just $10 pre-purchased at the gift shop (call 604-898-9336 to order tickets) or $15 at the door. 50’s dress is encouraged. (D.T.) SQUAMISH ROTARY GARDEN DEDICATED AUGUST 23 The new Squamish Rotary Garden at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park was dedicated on Friday, August 26 in a lovely garden party attended by more than 50 Rotarians and friends. The garden project has transformed the south end of the “berm” into a wonderful floral display, along with a winding trail up the hill to a great new viewpoint that overlooks the Heritage Park’s Mac Norris Station, Howard Lyttle Park and roundhouse plaza. After champagne and appetizers, Squamish Rotary President Ron Anderson officiated in the short ceremony, declaring the garden now open for everyone who visits the Heritage Park. The garden design and construction was led by Brian Finley and the actual garden development and plantings by Rose Fast and her team. (photo by Russ Grycan)


LOG BOOKS PAGES ARRIVE A container holding the “pages” for the Squamish log books arrived on site on the 16th of August. The future will see the 28 pages matched up to the 14 plinths (in place) at the northwest corner of the property – near Mason Station. Funds for the installation and completion of this exciting new exhibit are now being sought. (R.G.) VISITOR STATS CONTINUE STRONG The West Coast Railway Heritage Park continues to have record visitation this year, with August numbers continuing the growth trend. August saw a total of 4,143 guests, up from 2,228 this month last year, bring our total year to date to 34,430 (22,239 last year). Our goal is to hit 50,000 for the first time ever—it remains a stretch but we will be close. (D.T.) DONATIONS FOR CHAIRS CONTINUE Thanks to the most recent donor (Don Patrick) who has supported the purchase of the badly needed chairs for the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre. this donation will add the ability to purchase another 30 chairs, bringing our total just above 150, but we want to continue until we get to 200 total. Each donation of $200 buys another ten new chairs. Donations can be made at the Heritage Park or through Don Evans at 604-988-3435. Other great donations continue to build our inventory of items to support meetings and banquets held in the facility. Thanks to Paul & Mary Roy for the donation of tablecloths that will be most helpful. Thanks also to Gregg Van Heirden for many small items to help equip the servery for caterers. Additional cutlery and kitchen supplies courtesy of Donna Fourchalk. Four large folding tables thanks to the Squamish Yacht Club. These donations are greatly appreciated and are extremely helpful in a year where we still face financial challenges in getting things caught up and operational. (D.T.) STORAGE SPACE BEING ADDED A creative solution to the need for storage space for our tables and chairs has been found. An ATCO trailer that has been sitting unused on the property has been moved alongside the east wall of the roundhouse building, located on a foundation and is being refurbished and weather proofed. When complete, this will provide a convenient and safe storage for our tables and chairs etc, allowing them to be stored off the floor of the building. Thanks to Randy Lucas and his helpers for this very useful project. (D.T.)


FUNDRAISING

AUGUST REPORT Funding Asks Made • Ongoing work re roundhouse asks

Major Funding Received • 374 Pavilion donations $375 • General Donations $6,300 • Endowment Interest $13,250 • Expenses Donations $5,350 • Chairs Donation $600 • Debenture Interest donation $2,500 • Royal Hudson Fund $250 • Mini Rail donation $1,000 • Bunk Car donation $1,000 Month Total $30,625 Year to date Total: $1,021,757 (General purposes $529,957, Roundhouse $491,800)

WEST COAST RAIL TOURS

CHANGES AT THE TOURS OFFICE Thanks to Bonnie and George Game for filling in while Matt is away…..Our 2011 group tours are now complete and work begins on plans for 2012. Meantime, don’t forget WCR Tours can book your independent travel at any time—we meet the best prices and your bookings result in commissions to the WCRA. The Tours Committee continues to meet one week prior to the monthly general meetings. To keep informed of upcoming tours and special excursions submit your e-mail address at www.westcoastrailtours.com . That way you will get up-to-the-minute news on special deals and new trips. Check out the special Alaska cruise offer in this issue. Let us help put you on board the travel of your choice in 2011. (B.G.)

PORTLAND ON AMTRAK CASCADES—any time year round Are you in the mood for some US shopping (or just a delightful visit to the great city of Portland)? Why not take advantage of the strong Canadian Dollar? Travel to one of the most


environmentally friendly cities in the world by rail, the most comfortable method of transportation. Departures from Vancouver every day at 6:40 am, arriving in Portland at 2:55 pm. Return train departs Portland at 2:50 pm, returning to Vancouver at 10:50 pm. Round trip rail tickets start at $110 (Seniors $93.50). We also book your hotel in the downtown area starting at $100/night. You decide how many nights you want to stay. PRINCESS CRUISE TO ALASKA—DEPARTS MAY 19, 2012 NEW for 2012. Princess Cruises has offered West Coast Rail Tours a one-time only Alaska Cruise on the Diamond Princess. Round trip from Vancouver, Alaska’s most popular cruise itinerary Great-tasting food is one of this ship’s highlights, Sabatini’s, a popular Italian restaurant makes freshly prepared pasta creations daily. In the elegant dining rooms, you’ll find sommeliers to help you enhance your meal with paired wines. Poolside, the hand-tossed pizza is always served fresh out of the oven. Movies Under the Stars® and Sanctuary, an adult only retreat, have recently been added to Diamond Princess! Combine your cruise with a rail excursion on the "Scenic Railway of the World". A 41-mile round-trip rail excursion in Skagway offers an unforgettable journey to the White Pass summit, a 2,865-ft elevation.

7 night Alaska Inside Passage Round-trip from Vancouver

Daily Itinerary: May 19 Depart Vancouver 4:30 pm May 20 Day at Sea May 21 Juneau 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm May 22 Skagway 6:00 am - 8:15 pm *Optional , White Pass & Yukon Route Rail Excursion

May 23 Tracy Arm Fjord scenic cruising May 24 Ketchikan 8:00 am - 4:00 pm May 25 Day at Sea May 26 Return to Vancouver 7:30 am Prices: Inside Cabin from $849 CAD per person Oceanview Cabin from $1,049 CAD per person Balcony Cabin from $1,449 CAD per person Notes: Government Fees additional $85.00 per person, Canadian Dollar is at Par with US Dollar for all Princess 2012 itineraries*

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


Fun with West Coast Rail Tours…..the Rails of Northern Oregon tour group pauses in

Portland on their July 7 to 10, 2011 itinerary.

LOCOMOTIVE 374 PAVILION Visitor counts continue at record levels with almost 3,800 people dropping by in August. The year to date total of just over 25,000 now exceeds the number of visitors for all of last year (Olympics excluded). About half were from overseas with most of those from the UK, Germany and the rest of Europe. At least another 20% come from the USA. Our summer student Leslie Lessad worked until August 20th and the Canada Summer Jobs grant will be forthcoming – which pays a portion of her remuneration. An improvement in the selection of gift shop items (most notably Thomas stuff for children) has increased kiosk sales considerably. The work on the turntable plaza is nearing completion and an event is planned to dedicate it in mid-October. Volunteer custodians are still needed to fill in some weekdays and occasional Saturdays. Please contact Bill Johnston at 604-522-9068 or e-mail: [email protected] if you are interested. Full indoctrination, free parking and coffee are supplied. (B.J.)


FEATURE ARTICLES

ROUNDHOUSE OF DREAMS GALA - CELEBRATING 50 YEARS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 Make your plans now to attend our final 50th Anniversary event, a gala event with a difference that will be held on Saturday, October 22 in the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre. This event will be different in format and a bit less formal than the gala held in February this year, with an evening full of great food, fabulous live music, and fun for all. And, it will also benefit the WCRA and our work to get the roundhouse completed and doing all that it is capable of for us and the community. Enjoy the CN Roundhouse (that was part of our dreams), showing off its finest with: • Food stations around the venue for you to taste a variety of special freshly prepared dishes • No host bars featuring your favourite beverages (your choice, alcoholic or non alcoholic) • Live music for your listening and dancing enjoyment by Circle of Friends • Silent and live auctions with some great things to bid on • A special art commission by Paul Ohannesian featuring the business car British

Columbia and the Royal Hudson (prints also will be available for sale) Dress will be “classy casual” (jacket and tie not required) - come dressed for fun! Note: A special bus will operate from Vancouver at a cost of $25 per person round trip. Tickets for this great evening will be just $100 + HST each (table of eight $800 + HST) and are available by calling the WCRA office at 604-681-4403, the Heritage Park in Squamish at 604-898-9336. A charitable tax receipt for $25 will be included with each ticket purchased. We look forward to a great celebration to cap off our 50th year and hope that you all join with us as we move forward into the future. AUGUST 5, 1961—WCRA’S FIRST EXCURSION As Gary Oliver noted in his item in our August 2011 issue, “The 1st WCRA Official Excursion was operated on Aug. 5th, 1961 to Squamish, utilizing the PGE gas electric #107 with open PGE coach #14. It sold out and the trip went fine northbound, but on the southbound trip, the generator on #107 died near Shannon Falls. A call went out to Squamish and a GE 70 tonner came down and towed it back to Squamish before running around the train and returning it to North Van. That was the last time that #107 ran.”


Here are three photos from Peter Cox that capture that historic day well:

PGE 107 and train at North Vancouver before departure

PGE 107 and open car northbound near Squamish, note the Woodfibre mill smoke!


GE 70 tonner tows the train southbound back to North Vancouver

HOW DO THEY DO IT? - (West Coast Mini Rail) - story and photos by Russ Grycan As our WCRA members and friends have read about over the years, and perhaps have seen in person, our WCRA Mini-Rail has a portable version that travels to assist in out-of-town events. The events could range from a birthday party to sharing in a “Golden Spike Anniversary”. There is always a logistics story to pull these events off, and it is a story worth sharing. The opportunity generally starts with a call that will end up on Jeremy Davy’s desk. “Can you bring your mini-rail to help us celebrate our 50th Anniversary?” After reviewing The Squamish Heritage Park event calendar to ensure there are no conflicts for the mini-rail resources and people, Jeremy will start the process by seeing if he has enough volunteers to help. Usually he has no trouble getting certified operators to help. Then the “logistics” start. At the WCRA Heritage Park site, Jeremy and Howie will usually make sure the engine and rolling stock are ready for the remote operation. This time the engine is the Southern Rail Link 124 plus 4 SRY Cars. These are loaded onto a trailer, one at a time, with a special tie-down procedure to guard against moving while in transit. The portable track is usually left on another trailer, and is readied for the trip.


The most recent event attended was a Saturday August 13 at Brentwood Town Centre in Burnaby. This was to help the mall celebrate their 50th Birthday. Jeremy and Russ G. started out at 6:30 with the track trailer

and train-set trailer and off we went (photo above) We met up with the other volunteers about 7:45. We started to lay the 24 sections of track, and also started bolting the track together, to ensure a smooth run. (photo below)

After the track is laid out, it is time to start the train unloading process. The engine is first off the trailer. The trailer is centered over the rail, and then a special section of track is attached to


the trailer. Three straight sections of track are then supported by wooden blocks, and the engine is the first unit unloaded – very carefully (photo below). It has a small winch line tied to the engine to prevent the locomotive from running away. Once the engine is on the track, the balance of the 4 coaches are off-loaded and readied for service.

With the engine is on the track, the driver car (in Jeremy’s van) is manually lifted out, placed behind the engine and powered up. Then the coaches are unloaded down the ramp track, dusted off, and hooked up to the engine. We make a couple of test trips with the volunteers as passengers and then we are ready for the passengers. Once we are ready to go Jeremy starts to sell tickets for the train ride. The day starts off around 9:30 with a special friend discussing pricing with Jeremy. A little later in the day the special guest will take a train ride with us. There are many events for parents and children in the parking lot on this day. A local group was playing 50’s and 60’s music. Young people of all ages were using the Bounce machines. And there were other games going on as well Throughout the day (9:30 – 5:00) we carried over 516 passengers, Moms, Dads, Grandparents and children. They really seemed to enjoy the ride. Besides our riding guests, there were


probably another 1,000 that were exposed to the Mini-Rail and the WCRA. This is another benefit to the WCRA when we take the mini-train setup on the road. Letting people know about the Heritage Park, the 374 Pavilion, and us.

Photo—Jim Saunders takes his trainload around the circuit late in the afternoon

A wonderful crew of volunteers worked during the day to provide assistance to our passengers. Many had questions, and most were answered. A loose wire gave the operating crew a little concern in the morning, but after tightening the wire, all ran well for the balance of the day. Around 5PM the crew began the loading process for the trip home. After the engine, cars and track were loaded and tied down; we all said our thanks for a good, safe day and headed home. This was the 3rd time this season that we had portable min-rail out. And each time, the same process is followed to provide our guests with a fun ride. The work is appreciated by many, and we get valuable exposure opportunities at the same time. We have fun too! Thanks to Jeremy and all the volunteers. You make a difference! (crew photo, page 25)


RAILWAY NEWS ANNIVERSARY TRAIN IN SEATTLE Amtrak’s 40th Anniversary Train was in Seattle October 22 and 23 as part of it’s nationwide tour celebrating the anniversary of the creation of Amtrak in 1971. (R.C.) SECOND VANCOUVER—SEATTLE TRAIN TO STAY Good news is that the Canada Customs and Border Agency has agreed to continue serving the second daily Amtrak Cascades train that operates between Vancouver and Seattle. As a result this operation will now continue into the future instead of ending his October as threatened. CN OBSERVATIONS Train 72251 of August 17 departed Thornton with Illinois Central 2715 / CN 2656 / BNSF 4445 as motive power, train was 125 loads of coal for Ridley Terminal in Prince Rupert. (J.M.)


SCHEDULED GRAIN SERVICE CN is implementing a “scheduled grain service plan” as grain loads to west coast ports reached record levels in the 2010—2011 crop year. 125,000 cars of grain were moved by CN to grain terminals at Vancouver and Prince Rupert during the period, setting an all time record. A key driver of this was loads of canola, a product that is growing very rapidly. The scheduled grain service plan was first introduced in January 2010, and achieved an 81% success rate in its first year. (CN Release) CRANBROOK AREA OBSERVATIONS On a recent visit to the area, Bill Marchant noted that the Cranbrook CPR station is empty and plans are underway to restore it to its past glory. Behind the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel a new siding has been built on which the Royal Canadian Pacific train can be parked. The new CP crew centre at Fort Steele results in fewer trains parked in Cranbrook. On the recent trip, three freights were seen near Moyie Lake, all seven units involved were Union Pacific units. (B.M.) IOCO TURN Agreement was reached between the local municipalities and CPR that the local train operating the Ioco branch would not operate at night—an effort to reduce noise in the surrounding residential areas. Your editor observed a train heading to Ioco on September 4 at Port Moody, with a pair of GP38AC’s pulling 20 tank cars.

WCRA News, Page 31WCRA News, Page 31WCRA News, Page 31WCRA News, Page 31 CREDIT LINES ISSN 1204-072X Vol. 50 Issue 10 Editor Don Evans Distribution Jeremy Davy & Donna Simon Contributors: R.C. Ryan Cruickshank C.D. Colin Dathan J.D. Jeremy Davy C.F. Chris Forget B.G. Bonnie Game R.G. Russ Grycan R.H. Bob Hunter B. J. Bill Johnston B.M. Bill Marchant G.M. George Massey J.M. Jim McPherson D.T. Dave Thomson

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 REAR COVER Upper—CN Shovel Operator's Bunk Car #65940 briefly saw the sunshine on September 8, 2011. The restoration of the car is progressing very well under the leadership of Chris Forget. Originally built for the Grand Trunk Western, the car will be 100 years old in 2012. (R.H.) Lower—Doing exactly what it was meant to do….WCXX 598 Henry Pickering is filled with happy guests as the Rocky Mountaineer Whistler Sea to Sky Climb train passes Garibaldi on its northbound trip BC Day, August 1, 2011. (Russ Grycan photo) TRIVIA ANSWER

The 120 room, 300 slots casino holds Nevada’s oldest state issued gaming license. The casino, built in 1931, carries license #4, #1 and 2 were never issued, and #3 didn’t last! MGM bought the Mandalay Bay for $7.9 billion in 2005 and with it came the Railroad Pass Casino!

Published monthly by West Coast Railway Association ISSN 1204-072X PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2 Vol. 50 Issue 10 www.wcra.org http://twitter.com/WCRailway Canada Post, Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40007853

october 2011 news - wcra.org · shows and displays, members discount on admission. cover charge $10...

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