August 2011 News - West Coast Railway Associationthe West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish, BC. (Dave has been General Manager— Heritage Park since July 2010.). In his new

AUGUST 2011AUGUST 2011AUGUST 2011AUGUST 2011

WCRA NEWS

DAVE THOMSON

APPPOINTED VP & GM

MINI RAIL DAY / MEMBERS

PICNIC AUGUST 7

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

GENERAL MEETING NOTICE The July General Meeting of the WCRA will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 1930 hours at Rainbow Creek Station in Burnaby. Entertainment will be the Mo Morrison video on the CPR Rogers Pass Line which was pre-empted last month by another show. Come and enjoy riding the SD40-2’s in the mountains. ON THE COVER How could one not print a shot like this! - an incredible shot on a great day. Photographer Jim Thomas records Southern Pacific 4-8-4 #4449 at speed along the Columbia River, east of Portland, Oregon on BNSF rails on Sunday, July 3, 2011. Jim reports, “60 mph eastbound at North Dalles, OR. You should have been there. Maybe next time”. Thanks to Bill Marchant for forwarding this along. AUGUST CALENDAR • West Coast Railway Heritage Park open daily 1000 through 1700k • Sunday, August 7—Mini Rail Day annual event at WCRHP—1000 to 1700k • Sunday, August 7—WCRA Member’s Picnic, WCRHP, 1730 hours • Saturday, August 13 —Deadline for items to be included in the September 2011 WCRA

News • Sunday, August 14—Heritage Park work party, come out and help with a variety of

projects, free lunch provided. Contact Donna at 604-898-9336 • Tuesday, August 23—Tours Committee meets. Details thru Matt at 604-524-1011 • Wednesday, August 24—WCRT Vancouver Island’s West Coast tour departs • Tuesday, August 30—WCRT Lake Whatcom and Agassiz Railways tour departs • Tuesday, August 30—WCRA General Meeting, 1930 hours, Rainbow Creek Station

The West Coast Railway Association is an historical group dedicated to the preservation of British Columbia railway history. Membership is open to all people with an interest in railways past and present. We are a non-profit British Columbia society, registered as a Canadian charity. Membership prices are as follows, HST is added to all fees: Senior $50, Individual $55.00, Family $65.00. E Members (electronic newsletter only) are $35 Senior, $40 individual and $50 family. (Outside Canada, please remit US $) Other categories are: - Junior Member (age 18 and under ) $ 30 - Sustaining Member $100 (tax receipt) plus membership type regular fee - Life Membership $700 individual life / $1,200 family life All memberships include the monthly newsletter, Heritage Park admission (except Special Events), mini rail rides and discounts on food and merchandise. The Association holds a monthly meeting on the last Tuesday of the month at 1930 hours in Burnaby at Rainbow Creek Station in Confederation Park. Apply through www.wcra.org or mail to WCRA, PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2.


EDITORIAL

ON TO THE FUTURE As you know, changes are afoot at WCRA in terms of the start of a transition in leadership. This is an important and exciting step for our organization, and one that has my full support. Our world is continually changing, and with it so must we. One thing we absolutely need to do is make sure that the efforts that all of us have made over the years are not only preserved, but also built on, so that things we have done go forward stronger and better for future generations. We must always remember that all the things we do in preserving British Columbia's railway heritage are all about making sure new generations come to understand and appreciate this valuable history we are saving and presenting. Thus you will read about the new leadership appointment, with Dave Thomson taking on additional responsibilities in WCRA as its new chief staff officer, responsible for all aspects of operations. The prime goal here is to build on and ensure that WCRA continues to move forward with strong and sustainable leadership. I very much look forward to supporting Dave in his new role, and to helping ensure continuity as we move the group ahead into its second 50 years. I will continue to be active, but in different ways and without the operational responsibility. My focus will be on the fundraising area, and also on enjoying many of our accomplishments from an active volunteer role. I may even have time to railfan again! One thing that does not change with all of this is the newsletter. I can tell you that writing and editing our monthly publication is one of the volunteer tasks that I enjoy the most. I look forward to my active continued involvement in WCRA, and to staying in touch with all of you as the years move forward. Thanks for all the support you have shown me and WCRA over the past years. We couldn’t have done what we have without you.

Don

ASSOCIATION NEWS

FROM THE JUNE GENERAL MEETING 40 members and guests were present, the meeting was chaired by Bill Johnston: • A minute of silence was held to observe the passing of member Brian Deegan • Don Evans presented the President's Report and reviewed fundraising to date. He noted

the recent media features of the WCRA in the Vancouver Board of Trade’s Sounding

Board publication, the Whistler Traveller feature on the Heritage Park, and the Vancouver Foundation’s June magazine feature article.

• There was no report this meeting from the Heritage Park as no one from Squamish was


present. Don noted that our application for summer student help at the Park was declined this year, so interpretive programs will have to be scaled back from pervious years and we will have to cope with our regular staff and volunteers. • Bill Johnston reported on activities at the Locomotive 374 Pavilion, noting that we have

Leslie (a BCIT Tourism student) there for 8 weeks this summer thanks to a summer student program Federal grant (we were successful here, but not for Squamish)

• It was noted that fall events are shaping up—the CN Family Day has been set for September 11 and WCRA will participate; the TRAIN 2011 show will be held in November as usual and will include a visit to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. The WCRA is still seeking a volunteer events coordinator for event participation in Vancouver.

• Bob Hunter noted that we again have some surplus books for sale from the library. These sales have been doing well and are allowing us to clear duplicates form our books collection.

• Bob Hunter noted the continuing review of the rolling stock collection for the purpose of setting work priorities.

• Mike McGaw talked about the project that is forming with a group who will tackle the BC Electric Railway steeple cab locomotive #960. This will likely become our next locomotive restoration project. The project plan is currently being put together following a site assessment meeting at the locomotive.

• Bill Johnston noted that the Discovery Coast tour is our next one to depart • Bill Marchant presented his Trackside Report, noting the recent flooding and derailment

of a CN train from this in the Chetwynd area on June 27. He noted some great historic photos that have been put up on the CPR’s website in conjunction with Vancouver 125.

• Dorothea Matewish presented a $50 donation to the Royal Hudson Fund from her ongoing garage sale / yard sale activities

• Entertainment was a video on Steam in Cuba, thanks to Howie Biehl for this. WCRA TRIVIA #271 - by Ryan Cruickshank What is the only grand Canadian railway hotel to be built by an American railway company? (for answer see page 27) MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Memberships dated 06/30/2011 have now expired, and if your membership expired 04/30/2011, 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:

• Rick & Kitty Ashe and family of Vancouver,

• Gord & Dara Bell and family of Garibaldi Highlands,

• Gerry Burgess of Pitt Meadows,

• Jeanne Cameron and family of Squamish,

• Richard Craig and family of Garibaldi Highlands,

• Andrew Davenport and family of Vancouver,

• Diane Johnson and family of New Westminster,

• Trevor Johnston and family of North Vancouver,

• Vera Milligan and family of Sherwood Park AB,

• Peter Murphy and family of Mission,

• Daniel Priest and family of Richmond,

• Tim Ryce and family of North Vancouver,

• M. Schuss and family of North Vancouver,

• Mark Urbanowski and family of Garibaldi Highlands,

• Tammy VanHierden and family of Garibaldi Highlands,

• John & Tracey White and family of North Vancouver, Also, we welcome back to membership Brian Dodge and family of Langley, and Jennifer KIngi and family of Squamish . (J.D.) MEMBER NEWS Congratulations to member Ron Pajala on the occasion of his 75th birthday! We are sad to announce the passing on of another WCRA member. Brian Deegan, of the Isle of Wight in the UK, was a long time member and an active one from so far away. It was Brian who wrote the office of the Queen Mother in England back in 2002 when WCRA acquired the Royal Hudson lomcotive, and received a response form her office noting her pleasure in this and her fond recollections of her 1939 trip across Canada. The original is in our archives. Brian passed away on June 16 from a brain tumour, following diagnosis in March. Your editor talked with him in April and he was in good spirits and going back to volunteering at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. I fondly remember a visit to the Isle of Wight in December 2006 and the wonderful hospitality he showed me. (Photo shows Brian in a First Class carriage Dec. 2006.)


DAVE THOMSON APPOINTED VP & GM The West Coast Railway Association (WCRA) announces the appointment of David Thomson as Vice President & General Manager, effective immediately. In this new role, Mr. Thomson is responsible for overseeing all of the WCRA’s operations. He will remain based at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish, BC. (Dave has been General Manager—Heritage Park since July 2010.). In his new role, Dave reports directly to the WCRA Board of Directors and he will manage and oversee all WCRA staff and their respective functions. Coincident with this appointment, the board also announces that Don Evans is named President Emeritus. This recognizes Don’s many years of leadership with WCRA. He will continue to be the WCRA’s fundraising lead as well as an active volunteer will mentor Dave. The announcements were made July 8 by WCRA’s Board Chair, Bob Philip, on behalf of the board of directors. “This is a very important day for the WCRA”, said Mr. Philip. “We are looking forward to Dave’s increased leadership responsibilities and delighted that leadership transition for the future of the organization can get underway with continuity. We thank Don for his many years of leadership service, and for his continued involvement.” The changes are an important step in the succession of leadership to take WCRA forward into its future.


AUGUST 7 - MINIRAIL DAY AND THE MEMBERS’ PICNIC This year the Annual Mini Rail Day and the Members’ Picnic will take place at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park on Sunday, August 7th. (Note Date change

from previously

published

information)

MINIRAIL DAY Come out for this fantastic annual event that will once again see engines operating continually from 10am to 5pm on the West Coast Mini Rail line. Invitations have been issued to other engine owners. This is always a fun day for the whole family. (See poster). (J.D.)

MEMBERS’ PICNIC The Members Picnic will held in the CN

Roundhouse and

Conference Centre starting at 5:30PM – no longer a need to worry about the weather. The Picnic is free for members and their families and is being organized and hosted again this year by Donna Simon and Jeremy Davy. We look forward to seeing all you – however we ask that you let us know in advance that you are coming so we will prepare enough food for all. RSVP requested by August 4th to Donna at 604-484-2791, to the Heritage Park at 604-898-9336; or by e-mail to [email protected] (please include the total number of family members who will be

attending). (D.S.)

MINIRAIL DAY 2011

Multiple MiniRail Trains will be operating all dayCome and ride one or ride all …

view the Garden Railway

Sunday August 7th

SQUAMISH BC

10:00 AM to 5:00 PMWest Coast Railway Heritage Park

– Information –604.898.9336 or www.wcra.org

Visit the Exhibits in the

CN Roundhouse and

Conference Centreincluding the Royal Hudson

Sponsored by West Coast MiniRail

Regular Admission and MiniRail Ride Prices apply

Then see our collection of over 90 pieces of full size rolling stock ~ many restored ~


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.

COLLECTION

CMO’S REPORT—DAY OUT WITH THOMAS Late May 2011 saw the mechanical group in final preparations for the two Day Out With

Thomas weekends of train operations. By the time they were over more than 10,000 guests had been safely on the ride with Thomas the Tank Engine on four June days. The work that follows included the preparations that were made prior to the first departure at 0930 on June 4, 2011…... • Notify CN about the upcoming dates and use of Track 7. Contact was made with CN Work Order Centre each day we ran the train. • The 6 car train was assembled and tested for electrical (HEP) and sound continuity. The train was also given a full brake test and pre trip inspections. • Cars were tested to see if we could activate air conditioning – we did get 1 coach (Paul D

Roy) working. The other cars need compressor work and 2 needed a different type of refrigerant – not able to fix in time but will look at for future years. • Locomotives PGE 561, CPR 6503, and CPR 4069 were made ready and fueled – as was the Power Car 9622. • Daily pre-trip safety briefings were held with the train operating and car attendant groups at the start of each day of operation • Coaches were cleaned by cleaning contractors • Track switches were spiked on the train route. • Crossings were cleared of dirt in the flange ways ( Keep Thomas on the Tracks!) • Neighbours / renters were notified re lots of parking spaces to be utilized in MP yards during the four days of the event. • Directional signs were placed on roads to help guests find us • Track was inspected - checked for gauge, loose track joiner hardware, and switch performance • 33 successful trips were made over the 4 days!!! • After DOWT the trainset was taken apart and all cars were moved to longer term positions (out of the weather, and for work purposes.) Great event, with thanks to all who participated. (R.G.)


BEST WISHES DAVE Our best wishes to Dave Thethi who had major shoulder surgery in Mid June – and will need 60 - 90 days to recuperate. The surgery was successful, now Dave just needs the healing time required from such work (and the patience to give it the time!). BCOL 1859 WORK UNDERWAY Work has started on prepping BCOL steel caboose #1859 for painting (lots of elbow grease by volunteer crew) in the Service Building at the MP 2 shop. The car, which is in full operational condition and often used in service for events such as BCIT Conductor practicum's and Polar Express trains, will be repainted in the British Columbia Railway two tone green paint scheme. The steel caboose was built new for the Pacific Great Eastern railway in 1969 at the railway’s Squamish shops. ALBERTA FINAL DETAILS BEING COMPLETED WCXX #008 Alberta continues to have its final details completed and is pretty much ready to roll out on the road when the opportunity presents itself. Recently the diaphragm has been installed on the kitchen end of the car so the passageway between cars is complete and safe. Randy L. is currently fabricating the open platform railing extension (which will be bolted in place for any road operations to meet Transport Canada regulations for railing height). The car still needs its new brake cylinder (on the way) and some details such as extinguisher and emergency exit decals. Finally a full electrical start up and water seal testing and she is ready to go! The car will then return to the Roundhouse for display when not in operation. SHOVEL OPERATORS BUNK CAR Chris Forget continues work on the restoration of the CN Shovel Operators Bunk car. A recent inspection showed siding installation complete on three sides leaving one to go. The new roof membrane will then need to be installed, and final details and painting completed. MARK WILSON COMMENTS….. Last month (on page 8) we noted a donation of artifacts from Mark Wilson…. Well Mark dropped by the Heritage Park to deliver the items and then sent the following note: “Thank you for alerting Mr. Grycan that I would be calling at the Heritage Park—he was very welcoming. “It was with astonishment that I toured the roundhouse. It is a splendid facility and a fine home for the 2860. It is decades since I first saw that locomotive. It was in storage at Drake Street prior to its purchase by Joe Hussey. A friendly hostler had a switcher yank it out over


the turntable and run it back and forth, claiming that you need to see it in motion to appreciate what an impressive machine it is. (ed. note—isn’t that the truth!) “Later, I took the late Lord Garnock to see it. He at the time was owner of an ex LNER mogul called The Great Marquis. He modestly said that his engine was just a baby compared to 2860. True, but The Great Marquis and others of the K4 class were deservedly applauded for the work they did on the Scottish line.” For those of you who may not know Mark, he was a long time Province newspaper reporter. He covered several stories about trains over the years in the paper. However, my all time favourite headline was one he wrote in 2000 when we first opened the Mac Norris Station—his headline read “The Train was On Time, But The Station is 85 Years Late!”

WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK Home of the Royal Hudson

RUN A LOCOMOTIVE We are pleased to report that we have now competed two of these exciting new guest experiences, available at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Run A Locomotive is an exciting 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. The two hour 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

• Certificate presentation


We are taking bookings now; call the Heritage Park at 604-898-9336 and speak with Russ Grycan to make your booking. Happy guests have now operated both 6503 and 4069! (R.G.) 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 DAY OUT WITH THOMAS 2011 Day Out With Thomas—Leader of the Track Tour 2011—was a great success. Following up on last month’s report, the second weekend was again successful and crowds were very appreciative of the efforts of all our volunteers and staff. An estimated 10,500 guests took in the event, and more than 200 volunteers participated in some way. It was just outstanding to see the Heritage Park once again swarming with people having a great time. Even the weather generally cooperated, with spring like temperature and only a touch of rain at the end of one day. The final numbers from the event are still being tallied, and we will report them once they are reconciled and we are comfortable they are all correct. Meanwhile, following are several reports filed with your editor…..


DON PATRICK WRITES… Don Patrick, WCRA Director and a volunteer throughout the Day Out With Thomas event writes….”Just like to add that the volunteer cooperation this year was so rewarding. What a great group of people we have attached to the WCRA and we really have to maintain the good work of keeping them all motivated and in a good mindset. Donna (volunteer coordinator) is such a positive and energetic person that it was impossible to say no, and Dave (GM and our event manager this year) was there at every turn. We had Rich Coleman (Provincial Minister) there on Sunday (July 12) and it appeared he had a good read on the activities—he was in the “grandfather” role setting up the family for Father’s Day I assume. Russ was also one of those folks always at hand and had the train operations running very smoothly. I crapped out at the 2PM run on the final Sunday, but Craig was right there and stepped right into the role. Gone now for there weeks to Europe.” (D.P.) MINI RAIL at Day Out With Thomas The Mini Rail numbers during DOWT are in and this year once again the results were most admirable. This year the Garden Railway is again included under the Mini Rail umbrella as it has become an integral part of the Mini Rail experience for the guests. The 7 1/2 inch gauge trains were running flat out for the four days, and the crossing gates were very well exercised as the trains passed by constantly, and the Garden Railway also ran continuously thanks to Les Duke. Thanks to all involved for their invaluable assistance with Mini Rail/Garden Rail during the Thomas event this year. West Coast Mini Rail greatly appreciated the loan of additional equipment for the event by BCSME (CN 9000 and 5 Cars); Lindsay McDonnell (CPR RS3); Jerry Wolf (Mini Thomas) and Donna Simon & Jeremy Davy (BCR 646 and 4 Cars). Without this assistance we would have been unable to meet expectations of the stream of happy riders. We were fortunate the weather was relatively good this year. Gross revenue generated was just short of $15,600. The total rides this year exceeded 4,900; an average of nearly 1,230 per day. The intrepid Team Mini Rail kept between 4 and 6 trains running each day (plus 4 on the garden railway) continuing to show the stamina and spirit of volunteerism of those involved. Again thank you to the volunteers (several new this year) for helping uphold the reputation and traditions of the Mini Rail and Garden Railway ... Tom Carr; Jeremy Davy; Les Duke; Anne Forsyeth; Brandi Foster; Russ Grycan; Fay Lighthall; John Lighthall; Doug Hicks; Joe Holman; Doug Magoon; Rochelle Magoon; Dave Manzer; George Massey; Catherine McDonnell; Lindsay McDonnell; Bill Mellors; D’Arcy Nelson; Galen Olsen; Bob Philip; Elaine Pruden; Tom Pruden; Mary Roy; Paul Roy; Jim Saunders; Deanna Simon; Donna Simon; James Simon; Kayla Simon; Howie Tichauer; Bruce Williamson and Jerry Wolf. It was a pleasure working with you and sharing this invaluable part of the success of A Day Out

With Thomas. (J.D.)


LETTERS TO THOMAS One of our very special features, unique to our event, is Letters to Thomas. Thanks to the volunteer efforts of the Canada Post Heritage Club, our little visitors can write a letter to Thomas or one of his friends, mail it in the Railway Post Office car, and receive a personal reply back by return mail. The Letters to Thomas received a nice photo and coverage this year in the Chief Newspaper. By the end of the four days of the Thomas event, more than 2,000 letters had been written, cancelled in the RPO and sent off for replies! (J.D.) The Canada Post Heritage Club writes, “Thank you for giving the Van-Fraser (Heritage Club) volunteers the opportunity once again to support the WCRA and to do something for the kids that is done nowhere else in the “Thomas world”. This opportunity also supports one of Van-Fraser’s primary goals, supporting literacy”. For us at WCRA, it is another wonderful partnership that helps benefit our guests in so many ways. We really appreciate their participation. VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION We couldn’t do what we do without you, the hard working, dedicated volunteers of the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. On Sunday June 26, Park staff hosted a BBQ under the shadow of the Car British Columbia

in the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre to honour the 200 plus volunteers who signed up for shifts during our very successful Day Out With Thomas 2011 event. Around fifty volunteers were treated to a hamburger BBQ cooked by Squamish local five star chef, Gregg Van Hierden, with all the fixin’s, salad and beverages. There were over twenty draw prizes won compliments of Danielle Fourchalk and the Heritage Park store as well as a great slide show showcasing some of the treasured moments over the four days of Thomas this year (thank you to Rob Fourchalk for its creation). (D.T.) There was even a presentation by one of our newest volunteers, Travis, who had, under his own idea, collected money from all the volunteers during Thomas to buy a nice card and small gift for Dave Thomson and Donna Fourchalk in appreciation for all they did in leading and coordinating such a great event. DAY OUT WITH THOMAS GENERATES $750,000 ECONOMIC IMPACT Not only is Day Out With Thomas a great event for the Heritage Park, and a major event in Southwest British Columbia, it also delivers a very significant economic impact to the region. We don’t always remember that events like this are a significant economic booster to our community, and that community businesses and residents also benefit greatly.


Consider that: • 9,000 of our guests came to Squamish for the event from elsewhere • Most of the 11,000 guests ate at area restaurants for some meals • Several volunteers and guests stayed overnight at local hotels • There were 200 volunteers providing 3,000 volunteer hours at the event • Most suppliers to the event were local to Squamish • The business generated directly by the event had to be supported through wholesalers and other suppliers to the contracted businesses When all was said and done, the event is estimated to have generated $750,000 for the community of Squamish. June 4/5 and 11/12 were very busy days in town! HERITAGE PARK WORK PARTIES SCHEDULED Mark these dates on your calendar July 23rd, Aug.14th, and Sept.24th. If you would like to help us clean, paint, garden around the park etc. we have set aside these dates for work parties, and lunch will be supplied. We have many areas and projects that we would like to get busy on and could sure use as much help as possible. If you can't make any of these dates and would like to help any other time I would love to talk to you as we have a list of things that always needs to be painted, washed. Gardening is always an enjoyable project. Please contact Donna Fourchalk at the Park 604-898-9336. TEA AND SCONES TUESDAYS IN THE BRIGHTBILL HERITAGE HOUSE Starting July 19th we are going to have Tea and Scones at the Brightbill House every Tues. afternoon from 2:00pm to 4:00pm for the summer months. We invite visitors and members to come and enjoy tea with us. Listen to news reports, music and old radio shows ie Green Hornet, Shadow etc of the 1930's to 1940's. Volunteer's will be dressed in costume to serve and chat with the guests as they would have in 1937. (D.F.) BRIGHTBILL HERITAGE HOUSE GARDEN FLOURISHES I bet not one person that has been to the Heritage Park lately hasn't noticed the wonderful vegetable garden at the Brightbill House. A lady from the Squamish Photography club wanted to photograph the garden today as she was so impressed. Thanks to Chris Forget for this wonderful display of vegetables and flowers. He and Barb Stover have also been working hard on repairing the fence and painting it. I believe they also have a little Elf (Randy L.) who has given them a hand. (D.F.) THANK YOUS To all the volunteers who come faithfully whether it is Tours, Collections, Mini Rail, Gardening or what ever the passion thank you. Your smiles and hard work around the park make it the amazing place it is. (D.F.)


SQUAMISH CAN DONATES NEW BIKE RACK Squamish CAN (Celebrate Action Network), has donated a new bike rack to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Russ Grycan acknowledged the donation to coordinator Ana Santos, “On behalf of the West Coast Railway Association I would like to thank you and your organization for the recent donation of The Bike Rack. We have placed it very close to our <Mac Norris> Station and located it where users will remember they are at a railway museum (with the crossing signals display). It is also placed in a safe position that will prevent any accidental damage from vehicle parking. More info at www.squamishcan.net HERITAGE PARK VISIT STATISTICS STRONG The West Coast Railway Heritage Park continues to have record visitation as we enter July. Our June numbers came in very strong with a total of 13,224 guests (thanks to Thomas!), however the total was also up over the same month in 2010 where we saw 11,758 guests. So, year to date end of June we have had a total of 27,809 guests—up 8,716 from the same six months in 2010. July is off to a very strong start and promises to keep the trend going…...to July 8 we are almost double the same period last year, and with several children's events, the BC Rail Pioneers lunch, the Woodfibre Reunion and a wedding during the month yet to come. We should be doing very well by July 31. (D.T.) JAGUAR / MG CLUB SENDS THANKS A very nice letter of thanks (and a donation) was received from the Jaguar / MG Club that visited in May with a show of about 30 cars and included a tour and lunch. Although it was a somewhat gray and rainy day, the event was a great success. “Many of us became ambassadors for the Associaiotn that day and have suggested and encouraged other members and friends to enjoy a day in Squamish and visit the Heritage Park. Please send our special thanks to all the staff and volunteers that went out of their way on that cool and wet Saturday morning to make us feel welcomed and conveyed to us the passion that they all have for the railway”, writes the club treasurer Doug Haakonsen. ROUNDHOUSE FULL WITH EXHIBITS The CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre frequently changes exhibits as events and pieces of the collection go on display in the facility. For example, at July 1, 2011 we had a full house with the following set up…...Track 1 (east side) Algoma Central FP7A #1404; Track


2 1890 business car CPR British Columbia; Track 3 CPR Colonist Car #3514; Track 4 Pacific Great Eastern Troop Sleeper 722; Track 5 Pacific Great Eastern Troop Sleeper #714 Bud Butterworth ; Track 6 BC Electric GE 70 ton locomotive #941; Track 7 Royal Hudson steam locomotive #2860 (R.G.) JOHN HARDIE MITCHELL GALLERY GETS LOGO EXHIBIT Thanks to a donation of CN “noodle” logo artifacts by Doug Kibble, the John Hardie Mitchell Gallery has a new permanent exhibit telling the story of the CN logo and its power as a brand identity. Check it out next time you are at the Park. The display case of artifacts is easy to find, just look for the large stainless steel CN (off one of the former Reading RR “Crusader” train cars CN had for Expo 67) on the west wall. ROUNDHOUSE CHAIRS STILL NEEDED Thanks to all those who sponsored the purchase of round tables for the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre. The fundraiser has been very successful and we have now reached our target of having a total of 25 tables available in house. This allows for seating up to 250 total people for a banquet type event. But we still need your help. While we now have the tables, we still need chairs. Currently we have 60 of our own chairs, and have to rent any additional that events need. So, our goal is to increase our banquet chair count to 250 as well. This can be done with donations in the amount of $200, each of which will allow us to purchase ten more chairs. So, if you can help us in this way it will be really appreciated. Contact Dave Thomson in Squamish or Don Evans in Vancouver, or send in your donation with a note of what it is for, and help us get the roundhouse better equipped. Update—we received a new $1,000 donation in June (thanks Paul & Mary Roy) , and have now purchased 100 new chairs. This brings our total now to 160, so we need 100 more to meet our goal. We’re getting there!

FUNDRAISING

ROYAL HUDSON FUND DONATION Thanks to Dorothea Matewish for her ongoing Yard and Garage Sale in North Vancouver, which benefits the Royal Hudson Preservation Fund. Dorothea presented yet another $50 at the last General Meeting. As we get our plans to continue forward with 2860 put together, there will be a significant new fundraising effort needed.

WCRA News, Page 18WCRA News, Page 18WCRA News, Page 18WCRA News, Page 18 JUNE FUNDRAISING June was another active month in fundraising and we appreciate everyone who has made contributions:

• General Donations $32,150

• Debenture Interest donations $4,200

• In kind donations $13,362

• Sustaining memberships $600

• Wall of Fame $280

• Roundhouse Chairs donation $1,000

Month Total $ 51,512 Year to Date Total $874,507

General Purposes $382,707 Roundhouse $491,800 VANCOUVER FOUNDATION Check out www.vancouverefoundation.ca for a great article on WCRA in their Spring 2011 magazine.

WEST COAST RAIL TOURS

TOURS FOR 2011 WELL ON THEIR WAY 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. Meantime, don’t forget WCR Tours as can book your independent travel at any time—we meet the best prices and your bookings result in commissions to the WCRA. Let us help put you on board the travel of your choice in 2011. (M.C.)

2011 GUIDED EXCURSIONS VANCOUVER ISLAND’S WEST COAST 5 Days Wednesday, August 24 5-Day Tour $949 (Adult) $899 (Senior) Steam train, Budd car and ferries are all included in this trip. Travel to Victoria for a welcome dinner and overnight. Next morning ride VIA Rail’s Malahat Dayliner north to Qualicum Beach where you transfer to a motorcoach taking us to Port Alberni. Next day we sail on the coastal supply vessel “Frances Barkley” to Ucluelet for the night. We then tour the Tofino area and the Pacific Rim National Park before going east to Port Alberni. Next morning the steam


train will pick you up right at your hotel and take you to the steam-operated McLean Mill before a return to Nanaimo and home. LAKE WHATCOM & AGASSIZ RAILWAYS 1 Day Tuesday, August 30 Day Tour $159 (Adult) $149 (Senior) Highlights: 10-12 Hour Day Tour, Agassiz Railway Museum, Lake Whatcom Railway. A motorcoach will pick you up at designated locations throughout the lower mainland and then take you to the Agassiz Station Museum for a visit and some snacks. Continuing you will go back to Abbotsford and cross the US Border in Sumas. Lunch is included before arriving in Wickersham, WA where you will board the train for the 1.5 hour journey. The passenger coaches are from early 20th century. Upon returning there will be time to visit the museum, which includes wooden freight cars from the Great Northern Railway. There is also a 100 year old handcar available for rides. Before returning to Vancouver, a stop will be made for dinner.

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. The return train departs Portland at 2:50 pm, returning to Vancouver at 10:50 pm. Round trip rail tickets are as low as $110 (Seniors $93.50). We will also book your hotel in the downtown area starting at around $100/night. You decide how many nights you want to stay. All Aboard with West Coast Rail Tours—call us at 604-524-1011 0r toll free at 1-800-722-1233, or check us out at [email protected]

LOCOMOTIVE 374 PAVILION This June saw almost 2,500 visitors come through the Pavilion doors. The total so far this year is just over 17,000 guests—about twice the number over last year. Our application for a granted summer student was received favorably by Employment Canada’s Student Summer Jobs program and we are pleased to note that Leslie Lessard, a BCIT Tourism Marketing student, has been hired to welcome guests. She will also be assisting in some other duties as required both at the Pavilion and at Squamish. Say hi when you next stop by. (B.J.)

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


FEATURE ARTICLES A Hi-Ballers Profile - Gary Oliver - by Craig McDowall Gary has a wealth of early info on the High Ballers—much of it captured

here in the latest installment celebrating the WCRA’s 50th anniversary.....

There were actually three additional members of the earliest High Ballers. Bill Brown was the 1st VP and Gary Cram was the club's first historian. And the third early member was Gavin Murray. These three were not members at the time WCRA was incorporated in 1961, but they certainly helped us get the Hi-Ballers rolling. The club's first meeting was in Sept./Oct. of 1958. Gary first met some other members of the group (Bob Gevaert, Larry Russell and Keith Anderson) when touring the CNR Museum Train when it was on display in Vancouver in 1958 and Gary went with them up to Rusty's place the same day. In 1958, the group would meet in Doug Cumming's basement, then moved the meetings to the Shingle Weavers Credit Union at 8070 Oak Street. The Steam Chest was produced by Doug


and copies were run off on Doug's dad's mimeograph machine. Gary was the Assistant Editor of Steam Chest and was the 'go to' guy in getting the club incorporated as a non profit society. The club meetings were held twice a month on Saturday nights at the old GN station and then moved to the GN Freight House. (photo page 20, second anniversary of the Hi Ballers at the

GN station, l to r Brian Biddlecombe, Larry Russell, Doug Cummings, Roger Burrows, Hugh

Little, Keith Anderson, Glen MacGregor)

In Jan. 1959, the Hi-Ballers ran their first unofficial excursion to Lillooet, riding northbound on the Budd cars and returning on the mixed train from Lillooet . The boys on this trip included Gary Oliver, Roger Burrows, Keith Anderson, and Glen MacGregor. Pacific Great Eastern steam locomotive #160 was still in boiler service at the Squamish Roundhouse (near where the Railwest Mfg. Plant was located in later years). The 2nd unofficial trip occurred on Easter Weekend in 1959 when 'the boys' traveled to Vancouver Island to Gerry Wellburn's property (Glenora Western Railway) where he had a lot of ex McMillan Bloedel logging equipment including a narrow gauge locomotive. A total of 7 members (Doug, Keith, Martin Jergens, Glen, Roger, Gary and Max Tschumi) went on this trip in Max's Hillman!! (MCM note: no seat belt regs in those days!). They stayed in one of Gerry's logging bunkhouses and they took a tour of the entire area of other logging railroad sites with Gerry as their tour guide—and found time to ride the handcar along the rails (photo).


As time moved on, the boys wanted to do more of this. They also wanted to give the club a more professional 'look' and also to enable them to operate public excursions etc. They set up the club as the West Coast Railfan Association with the incorporation date of May 17, 1961 (the 50th anniversary of which we are celebrating this year). 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. The club tried to see it they could get it donated but PGE wanted the prime mover from the car, and cut off the front end to get it out before it was scrapped. (Gary notes, “On our fan trips we always tried to provide a little extra entertainment…….photo below, a 1967 trip on PGE knocks a Volkswagen out of the way at a Whistler grade crossing).

The next Excursion was operated on August 25th, 1962 using a Pacific Coast Terminals steam engine. The trip operated from the Kitsilano Yard to New West and then up Kennedy Hill. But the engine couldn't climb the hill and the train was spit into two to climb the hill using diesel assistance from BC Electric from New West. The engine then got a hot bearing on the Hill. (Apparently Bob Swanson had insisted on new bearings for the loco even though PCT's


operating division didn't believe this was necessary—and the new bearings seized up.) The trip didn't get back from Abbotsford until midnight and the batteries in the coaches died so the opened all the doors of the coaches and the diesel's headlight beamed through the entire consist (MCM note: I remember this as I was on the trip and parents of all the kids on board were waiting around the Kits Yard for hours as no one was around to update them on the expected arrival time). (ed. note—and no cell phones!) The Association the ran two Winter Trips at the end of December, 1962 using the CN Business Car 'Pacific' and then again in Dec. 1964 using the CN Business Car 'Metis' (MCM note: this car was recently purchased by a short line operator in the Maritimes and was in Amtrak Certified condition and was sold complete with appropriate CN china and silverware). Future excursions were not possible as CN wanted to charge the equivalent of full First Class fares to deadhead the equipment from the east. The Association also booked a number of members and guests on the second to last run of the CPR ship Princess Elaine on her normal coastal run. The tours tradition continues to this day with West Coast Rail Tours!

RAILWAY NEWS A CHALLENGING MONTH June was a challenging month for CN operationally, as several uncontrollable events impacted train operations in various parts of British Columbia. Up north it was severe flooding, as late Spring runoff bolstered by rains made northern rivers into raging torrents in late June. The most significant impact was on the former BC Rail trackage along the Pine River, which unleashed its water power and washed out the mainline in a couple of places, including at MP 636 where train 473 just happened to be at the time. The river came up and seemed to just swallow the train. (see photo, back cover). The highway was also severed in several places. Most damage was between Kennedy and Chetwynd, BC. The flooding also left the town of Chetwynd covered with debris as waters swept through town and then receded. Flooding also impacted Dawson Creek and cut the Tumbler Ridge highway at one point. (T.M.) The on June 30, there was a fire on the deck of the Cisco bridge that crosses the Fraser River. This closed the bridge for several days, but the bridge was reopened to traffic within the week. For this period the CP line carried as much traffic as it could handle. (T.M.)


CN / GAZ / WESTPORT TO DEVELOP LNG LOCOMOTIVE CN has teamed up with Westport Innovations and Gaz Metro Transport Solutions in the development of a liquid natural gas (LNG) powered locomotive. GMTS will provide the power solution with CN providing locomotive expertise and testing of the prototype. The unit is expected to be in trials by 2013. (BL) REPORT UNSAFE BEHAVIOUR CN used Rail Safety Week in May, 2011 to launch a new campaign urging citizens to report unsafe behaviour at railway crossings and along rail lines. Named “See It—Report It”, the campaign asks citizens to call 800-465-9239 if they witness unsafe behaviour connected with the railway. The campaign is an effort to reduce an increasing number of injury and fatal incidents involving trains and people. (BL) EMPRESS 2816 MISSES VANCOUVER TRIP CPR’s Steam locomotive #2816 was sidelined with a mechanical problem in early July and was unable to make the scheduled trip west to Vancouver for the Vancouver 125 celebrations and subsequent events planned for July. The problem is reportedly with the #3 driving axle bearing.

The railway’s Facebook page posted the following comment…… "We wanted to ensure that you were some of the first to be made aware that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the 2816 Steam Engine will not be in a position to travel for community events in the coming weeks. There is a mechanical issue with the locomotive that we will be addressing to ensure the proper care for this 80 year old piece of history in addition to ensuring it continues to operate safely for the public and our employees. We look forward to having the majestic locomotive back in service as soon as possible. In the meantime, our heritage fleet will still travel to Vancouver for the 125 celebrations next weekend and for public train rides across BC and AB between July 13-18, 2011. All tickets sales continue to benefit the Children's Wish Foundation. We look forward to hosting all guests who booked tickets."

The train came west on schedule with FP9A 4107 / FP9A 4106 / F7B 1900 as power and the Vancouver 125 trips operated Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10 between Vancouver’s Waterfront station and Port Moody. The train was observed at Port Coquitlam late Sunday afternoon where it was tying up before heading east on its planned schedule.


RMR UNITS TO THE RESCUE

On Saturday, June 18, 2011, about 06:45, southbound CN train 546 stalled on slippery rails at Squamish Sub MP 10.3. The crew was unable to get the heavy train started again and had to split the train into North Vancouver, creating a delay for the Rocky Mountaineer Sea to Sky

Climb train, which was due out at 0800. After CN 546 was able to bring the first 28 cars of its 88 car train into the North Vancouver yard, the two locomotives off the now delayed Rocky Mountaineer train were tacked onto the north end of the 546’s locomotive consist to run back and help rescue the rest of the train. The combined 546/RMR consist then brought the remaining 60 cars of the 546 train into the North Vancouver yard, and the Rocky Mountaineer train finally left its platform at 09:40, about 1.5 hours late. The back cover photo shows the rescue train consist pulling the remaining of the CN 546 train through West Vancouver and into ex BCR North Vancouver yard. Motive power shown is CN (IC) Dash 9-44CW #2721, BCOL Dash 8-40CMu #4624, BCOL Dash 8-40CMu #4608, RMRX GP40-2 #8018, and RMRX GP40-2(W) #8015. (C.D.) NEW PAINT BECOMING THE NORM The Rocky Mountaineer’s new paint scheme is definitely taking hold as the repainting of the fleet continues. The Whistler Sea to Sky Climb train is completely in the new scheme, with this year’s locos being 8015 / 8018 and consist of power car / support coach / two Silver Leaf glass topped coaches / open car Henry Pickering / three Red Leaf coaches. To see the last of the older scheme, the Rainforest to Gold Rush consist (Whistler to Jasper) is a place to look—this train has older scheme paint on both locomotives and all the single level coaches—only the power car and Gold Leaf dome are in new paint at this time. This train is stored at WCRA’s Squamish shop tracks usually from Thursday evening to Monday mornings between its operations. ROCKY MOUNTAINEER TO ADD SEATTLE IN 2012 Rocky Mountaineer has announced that it will start Gold Leaf service between Seattle and Vancouver, as a means of tapping the Seattle cruise ship market and linking into the Rocky Mountaineer routes. While details of the new Coastal Passage route are sparse at this point, it appears that the service will be Gold Leaf only, and that the packages will be based around a three day Seattle / Vancouver / Rockies itinerary. We’ll keep you posted as things develop.


ANNACIS ISLAND BRIDGE KNOCKED OUT SRY’s bridge that connects to Annacis Island was knocked out by a gravel barge on June 28, 2011. The collision left the centre swing span knocked off its base, and severed all rail traffic to Annacis Island. This is an important rail link for SRY, as the bridge across the north arm of the Fraser River typically handles as many as four trains each way every day, including lots of auto traffic to the main railcar auto unloading facility for the Metro area which is on the island. Work is underway at full pace to effect bridge repairs as quickly as they can be done. SRY PARTICIPATES AT E & N DAYS SRY ran its two GP9’s from Nanaimo to Parksville for the E & N Days celebration, which was held July 9 / 10 at Parksville. The E & N Division of the CRHA had its equipment there and WCRA provided the SRY 124 mini rail train with rides in the station parking area.

OTHER NEWS DOWNTOWN HISTORIC RAILWAY OPERATIONS RESUME The interurbans on the Downtown Historic Railway along the south shore of False Creek returned to operation in July, 2011. It is good to have them back. Operations are between Granville Island and Leg in Boot Square.

WCRA News, Page 27WCRA News, Page 27WCRA News, Page 27WCRA News, Page 27 CREDIT LINES ISSN 1204-072X Vol. 50 Issue 8 Editor Don Evans Distribution Jeremy Davy & Donna Simon Contributors: M.C. Mattias Christianson C.D. Corwin Doeksen J.D. Jeremy Davy D.F. Donna Fourchalk R.G. Russ Grycan B. J. Bill Johnston T.M. Trevor Mills D.P. Don Patrick D.T. Dave Thomson BL Branchline.

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 Top—Delayed CN train 546 passes through West Vancouver on June 18, 2011 behind a five unit locomotive set, including two Rocky Mountaineer GP40’s. The units were called out that rainy morning to rescue the stalled freight train near Horseshoe Bay. (Corwin Doeksen photo) Bottom—The power of Mother Nature was shown again in late June 2011, when the raging Pine River near Chetwynd undermined the former BCR right of way and trapped this CN freight train in the middle of what had become a rushing torrent. TRIVIA ANSWER The Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, was built by the Great Northern Railway and opened on July 25, 1927. The 86 room hotel is located on a promontory overlooking Upper Waterton Lake, a site chosen in 1913 by James Hill’s son Louis.

Published monthly by West Coast Railway Association ISSN 1204-072X PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2 Vol. 50 Issue 8 www.wcra.org http://twitter.com/WCRailway Canada Post, Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40007853

Documents

August 2011 News - West Coast Railway Associationthe West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish, BC. (Dave has been General Manager— Heritage Park since July 2010.). In his new