JANUARY 2011

WCRA NEWS

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR !

WCRA ENTERS ITS 50TH YEAR—LET’S CELEBRATE

WCRA News, Page 2 GENERAL MEETING NOTICE The December General Meeting of the WCRA will be held Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at Raibow Creek Station (Willingdon at Penzance) at 1930 hours. Please note this date. Entertainment will be announced at the meeting.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE ON THE COVER Could you get a nicer winter day? A family poses in front of the WCRA’s Polar Express 2010 train as it readies for its second departure from the Mac Norris Station on Saturday, December 4, 2010. The snow on the ground adds to the scene and makes for the perfect environment. More than 2,000 people took in our third annual event, and the feedback was superb. See page 17 for more details (photo by Don Evans) DECEMBER / JANUARY CALENDAR • West Coast Railway Heritage Park open daily 1000 through 1600k • Friday, December 17 through Wednesday, December 22—Christmas Lights in the Park

at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, 1730 to 2030 each day. • Friday, January 7 —Deadline for items to be included in the February 2011 WCRA News • Tuesday, January 18—Tours Committee meets • Tuesday, January 25—WCRA General Meeting, 1930 hours, Rainbow Creek Station in

Burnaby

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: Individual $50.00 ($56.00 with HST) , Family $60.00 ($67.20 with HST). E Members (electronic newsletter are $35 individual ($39.20 with HST) and $45 family ($50.40 with HST). (Outside Canada, please remit US $) Other categories are: - Junior Member (age 18 and under ) $ 25 ($28 with HST) - Sustaining Member $100 (tax receipt) plus membership type regular fee - Life Member (one time fee, HST included) $784 individual life / $1,3,44 family life All memberships include the monthly newsletter, Heritage Park admission (except Special Events), mini rail rides and discounts on food and merchandise. The Association holds a monthly meeting on the last Tuesday of the month at 1930 hours in Burnaby at Rainbow Creek Station in Confederation Park. Apply through www.wcra.org or mail to WCRA, PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2.

WCRA News, Page 3 EDITORIAL THOUGHTS ON WCRA’S TURNING 50 The year 2011 will be a momentous one for the West Coast Railway Association, as our organization enters its 50th year with its original mission intact—the Preservation of British Columbia’s Railway Heritage. In fact, even the WCRA logo is the original one from 50 years ago. The exciting part of all this is that our society is alive and well, and even better, that many of our founding members remain active with us to this day. Our gratitude and admiration is due all of them for their foresight in starting the assembly of what is Canada’s second largest heritage railway collection today. You can watch for some special features as the year unfolds towards the actual anniversary in May. One will be a series of stories by some of our founding members, recounting some of their memories on how the WCRA got established and some of the activities that it did in those early years. Craig McDowall will interview some of these members and we will run one feature in every other issue of WCRA News through 2011. Without the efforts of these people we would not have the collection that we have today, nor would we have the opportunity to be involved in our efforts to see this heritage preserved. As for all of us today, well our mandate remains as important as ever. Our job is to see that our collection continues to be preserved, as well as to see that we get new members involved to continue the efforts of both our founders and the WCRA today. That’s a big job, but we wish to see our organization flourish and grow into future generations. The obligation to work to see that this is achieved rests with all of us. CORRECTION An error crept into last month’s issue—the gentleman from Calgary who assisted with the transport of the donated bell (page 10) was Kevin Quigley (not Trevor). Apologies!

Don ASSOCIATION NEWS FROM THE NOVEMBER GENERAL MEETING The November meeting was the WCRA’s Annual Festive Dinner and Awards Night, held once again at Cheers Restaurant in North Vancouver. 75 members and guests were in attendance, and Don Evans acted as master of ceremonies. The meeting opened with the introduction of the Directors and Staff who were present, and

WCRA News, Page 4 then Judy Board looked after sending us table by table to the terrific buffet. It was a fabulous spread that got accolades from all in attendance. Following dinner, the awards presentations were held. This year’s award plaques featured a photo by Deb Sankey of Royal Hudson 2860 on the newly installed turntable taken June 30, 2010—the day of the opening of the new CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre. The recognition plaques and framing was done by Paul Ohanessian. Here are this year’s award winners…… CORPORATE SUPPORT AWARD Winner – Cardinal Concrete / Coast Aggregates This year’s winner is an organization that has worked with us, supported us, and been a donor ever since we started our Heritage Park project in Squamish. One need only visit our site to see that we have huge amounts of gravel, and now concrete!; around our site and now in the new CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre. What many of you may not know is that our track to the north connection with CN also runs across a piece of Bob’s property with his permission allowing us to have this interchange connection – just another example of the long term support we have appreciated. The award will be presented to Bob Fast as he wasn’t able to attend due a bout with the flu. Past winners: Southern Railway of BC, BCR Properties, BNSF Railway, All Pro Services Ltd., Continental Power Services, Duro Construction Ltd., Mountain Retreat Hotel & Suites, Canadian National, Canada Post Corporation, Rocky Mountaineer Railtours, Tim Horton’s Squamish, Howe Sound Inn & Brewing Co., BC Tel Education, Dairyworld Foods, BC Rail, Amix Salvage, Canada Place Corporation. MEDIA AWARD Winner – The Chief This year’s media award winner is a repeat winner, but this organization has – and always is – there for us. They consistently provide outstanding coverage in the community of our activities; they also provide space for a monthly column and generously donate a significant amount of advertising for us each year. Recently, their readers voted the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre the best place to hold a wedding reception in Sea to Sky. Our winner this year – the Chief newspaper. Past Winners: Marke Andrews b- Vancouver Sun, SNAP Sea to Sky, Cable 10’s “My

WCRA News, Page 5 Squamish”, Vivian Moreau, The Province (Damian Inwood), Soul Image Communications, Art Jones & Co., BC-CTV, Squamish Chief, Global TV News, Seniors Scene, www.wcra.org, Squamish Chief, Bill Hughes, Squamish Chief, Mountain FM, Eleanor Godley. BEST CONTRIBUTION TO THE NEWSLETTER

Winner – John Day This year’s winner has made several feature article contributions over the years, and continues to do – as he makes his international travels. This year the story of note was of a visit to Turkey, and the experiences there. He is also helpful to us in other ways with his Blue and White Bus Co., which we use whenever we can to support a fellow member

of WCRA. Our winner this year is John Day (photo above with Director Bill Johnston and Don Evans) Past Winners: Patricia Treadwell, Jim McPherson, Bill Johnston, Craig McDowall, Grant Ferguson, Dave Emmington, Jim McPherson, Richard & Margaret Harvey, Paul Ohanessian, Allan B. Peden, Bill Yeats, Win Oliver, Art Hamilton, Randy Rand, Bill Yeats, Ryan Cruickshank, Patrick Hind VOLUNTEER AWARD Winner – Howie Tichauer Our 2010 Volunteer Award goes to someone who has become a Heritage Park regular. He is there several times a week and can often be seen as engineer on the popular mini rail trains. He is also there for every event, and often puts in several days in a row to see that our guests are looked after. Our 2010 volunteer award goes to Howie Tichauer. Past Winners: John Jellis, John & Fay Lighthall, Jeremy Davy and Donna Simon, Chris Forget, Irena Erdos, Kevin Smith, Joe Kerr, Ken Mason, Glen Wideman, Percy Fairhurst, Nick Monkhouse, Dusty Rhodes, Devon Generous, Paul & Mary Roy (twice), Bill & Dorothy Lahr, Marcie Phillips.

WCRA News, Page 6 MOST SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO RAIL PRESERVATION Winner: Robert Hunter Our award this year goes to a long time WCRA member, someone who works quietly and consistently behind the scenes, and always with the long term preservation of our collection in mind. Much of his time is spent in the archives, and he has scanned thousands of photos from collections such as the David Wilkie Collection into digital format for their preservation and accessibility. He is also a active member of our Collections Committee, and an advocate reminding all of us of our real core purpose – the Preservation of British Columbia’s Railway Heritage. Our 2010 Preservation Award goes to Robert (Bob) Hunter. Past Winners: Chris Forget, Dave Emmington, The Troop Sleeper gang, The 6503 team of Greg Robertshaw, Michael Batten & Richard Courage, Peter Cox, Richard Courage, Bob Spencer, Paul Ohanessian, Fred Dannells, Ron Anstey, Kevin Pruden, Dave Simpson & Judy Lunn, Barbara Brown & Bruce Mackay, Devon Generous, Gerry & Jo Black, Ron Anstey, Ken Paget. NEW GENERATION AWARD

Winner: Kayla Simon Our New Generation Award winner for 2010 is someone who has helped at the Heritage Park for many years, in fact we have watched her grow up as she has often participated by volunteering. This year, she was back again volunteering at events as usual,

helping on the mini rail – whatever needed to be done. In fact, she has done so well that we even hired her as a summer student where, true to form, she excelled in her duties. Our winner this year is Kayla Simon (photo above, with her grandfather and WCRA Director Jeremy Davy and Don Evans.) Past Winners: Connor Park, Rob Misjak.

WCRA News, Page 7 This year, in addition to our usual annual categories, we were pleased to present two special awards……. SPECIAL AWARD This year there is clearly one project that has shown the outstanding capability of a motivated volunteer team. Not only did they take on a very significant restoration project, but they broke new ground on both quality of interior design and new generation electronics that appeals to a younger audience. The project has been opened in the new roundhouse and has been a real hit – that project, of course, is PGE Troop Sleeper 722. This year’s first special award goes to the 722 Troop Sleeper Gang. The award was accepted by Donna Fourchalk and Roy Crowston on behalf of the whole gang! SPECIAL AWARD It was the last Sunday of our Day out With Thomas this past June, the first train of the day departed as usual, but then news came that locomotive #6503 had stopped up at the end of the track. We were horrified when we weren’t able to get it going, and our guests had to walk back. Another 2,500 were coming – would we lose the entire day? A few frantic calls and a gentlemen came to the rescue, found the fault, and then spent the rest of the day riding with the engine and holding balky relay closed so no other trips were lost. Phew! Since then, Mike Lloyd has also volunteered on in his area of expertise to assist us as well with projects including electrical troubleshooting on 4069 and the exciting new simulators in PGE 722. So, a 2010 Special Award goes to Mike Lloyd – with appreciation for his efforts. That ended the awards. Following the presentations, a couple of brief announcements were made, and then George & Bonnie Game looked after the prize draws. The evening ended around 2011 hours. Thanks also go to Colin Dathan for organizing the evening. WCRA TRIVIA #264 - by Ryan Cruickshank What railway station sits on Mile Zero of the Trans Canada Trail? (for answers see page 27) MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Memberships dated 11/30/2010 have now expired, and if your membership expired 09/30/2010, 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.

WCRA News, Page 8 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 membership@wcra.org and the server will be updated as required. (J.D.) NEW MEMBERS The WCRA welcomes new members:

• Susan Carmody and family of Brackendale, • Chris Checkwitch and family of Vancouver, • Maria Conway and family of Vancouver, • Matt & Shelly DesBrisay and family of Whistler, • Max & Sonya Hufton and family of West Vancouver, • Rany Ratushny and family of North Vancouver, • David A Thomson and family of Squamish, • Daniel Wallman & Dagmar Roth and family of Whistler, • Vince Warry and family of West Vancouver,

We welcome back to membership:

• David Price and family of Vancouver, • Cliff & Linda Wood and family of Garibaldi Highlands,

And a very special welcome to our newest Life member, Kalel Harrison of Vancouver. (J.D.) MEMBER NEWS Further to last month’s note re George Blakley, we can report that he is recovering from his injuries and is with daughter Cindi in Saskatchewan for the coming months. He was lucky to come out of it as well as he did, but will be several months recovering. We send along our very best wishes to him. SPENCERS STORE TRAIN—CAN YOU HELP? A question as run last month…….. As you know, Eaton's for years had a miniature train on the toy floor during the Christmas shopping season in Montreal and Toronto. The Montreal train is at the ExpoRail in Montreal, we don't know about the Toronto train. But, apparently there was also a miniature train in the 1940s at Spencer's Department Store as well.

WCRA News, Page 9 Spencer's was a Vancouver store that had first been established in Victoria. Spencer's eventually built a large department store on the northwest corner of Hastings and Richards. The store was bought out by Eaton's in 1948. When Eaton's moved to the northwest corner of Robson and Granville, Sears took over the old Spencer's building. The building today houses the downtown campus of SFU. Perhaps someone from the WCRA can answer some questions about the Spencer's train. What scale was it? What happened to it? Perhaps Eaton's took it over when they bought out the store? For how many years was it in operation? Does anyone have photos or remember? Arthur Irving reports….. The Spencer’s train did indeed exist in Vancouver. It was on the Toyland floor and was partitioned off from the rest of the floor. I recall it being a “cave like” setting, dark and with many figurines along the ride. It probably was 12 inch to 15 inch gauge; you sat right inside the cars. The engine was shaped like an electric (Milwaukee Bi Polar?), with a big grille on the front, painted silvery gray and red, and lighted. The train was well advertised in the local newspapers during the Christmas season. Gordon Harrison reports….. Spencers Store at the S.W. corner of Douglas and View Streets in Victoria ran a H.O. scale track powered model of the Santa Fe Super Chief diesel locomotive and Pullman cars around their 1937 Christmas display window on Douglas Street. The train was owned by my brother Bryan Harrison who also had brass models of the Hudson and Pacific and other H.O. trains. NEW DVD RELEASED Another great steam DVD has been release by Elevation Media….this one titled iconic Canadian Steam—Hudson Class. It features coverage of the Royal Hudson 2860’s trip in February to White Rock and return (as well as Squamish to Vancouver for that trip) and also coverage of Canadian Pacific’s Hudson #2816. It is of high quality and well produced. Get it at local hobby shops or the Heritage Park gift shop.

COLLECTION ANOTHER BREAK AND ENTER RESULTS IN MORE COPPER THEFT An unfortunate incident in mid October saw thieves cut through the chain link fencing on the dyke side of the Heritage Park. They cut and removed copper cabling from some of the exhibit cars on the Garden Tracks north of the station. These cables were not in service so the

WCRA News, Page 10 operation of the cars as exhibits was not affected. However, a second incident occurred and this time some cable was taken from the open observation car Henry Pickering. This required repairs to the cabling which have been completed. Both incidents were reported and the fence repaired. Increased surveillance has been instituted, as well new lighting and an overnight resident were added into the area. (R.G.) A SPECIAL VOLUNTEER VISITOR Early in November member Bill Parks from the State of Georgia in the US arrived in Squamish to spend a week with Roy and Judy Crowston. They "volunteered" their Squamish home as a place for Bill to rest after his workday. His workday involved an 8-4 shift working with CN Bunk car repair "volunteer" Chris Forget. Chris was really enthused to have Bill's excellent woodworking skills available to help assemble the window frames for the bunk car. Bill jumped right in on day one and became part of the Heritage Park Car Shop crew. Bill has enjoyed coming to the Park for a few years now and was really pleased to see the progress being made on the Alberta. While we really have great volunteers around our Park and the 374 site, it is a real plus when our volunteers travel long distances to help us out. Thanks for your time and invaluable contribution Bill. Thanks to Roy and Judy for hosting. And thank you Chris for your efforts on the Bunk car as well as your other projects around the Park. (R.G.) NOVEMBER A BUSY MONTH The month of November was very busy for different reasons on the mechanical side: • We reviewed the Roundhouse Floor cleaning requirements with a Pro Cleaning Service

and had the floor “washed’ prior to hosting an event • We had a visit from Bill Parks to help Chris Forget with his siding re-facing project on

the CN Bunk car • We had a very strong windstorm that blew down ½ our front sign (thanks to Randy Lucas

for repairs) • We had 17-20 cm’s of snow and rain, which played havoc with our switches and power.

We had to invest a fair amount of effort on cleanup including switch snow and ice removal.

• We held a very successful BCIT Conductor’s School (5 days) – held in really poor (but railroader realistic) weather!

• We had a movie group (rental revenues) involved in the 3rd floor of our MP shop. This saw Dave Thomson and Russ Grycan spend several hours in the morning and evening to provide secure access to the property.

• We moved FP7A #1404 and BCER #941 outside to allow for Roundhouse preparation for the Polar Express events in early December

WCRA News, Page 11 • We tested, worked on and assembled the operating train coaches in preparation for the

Polar Express. • We performed mechanical tests of Engine 4069 to prepare the unit for Polar Express. • Greg Robertshaw and Richard Courage completed repair work on #6503 that allowed us

to use the unit in the BCIT Conductor’s School. This engine worked with our PGE 561. • We put a special trainset together for an elementary school group visit • We provided the use of 2 of our coaches to an SFU student who was producing a mini-

movie for her school work • Russ attended a BC Safety Authority meeting. This is an annual “open house” session that

allows the Authority to ask for suggestions as well as pass along current and future safety program information.

• We held a review meeting with Transport Canada Representatives to discuss Locomotive 2860, present and future regulatory requirements.

• We helped Bill Johnston with a slide presentation at the Trains 2010 Banquet – more exposure to railroad friends!

• Car Alberta was returned to the Car Shop (from MP 2) for the last of the project work to finish the car. The car will be dedicated in January.

• S-3 #6503 was drained and placed in the Car Shop for display • We moved engine 2860 to the service shop at MP2. This allowed Andy Faris to do a

running gear inspection and final prep for an early December trip. We continue to work to protect those assets that need protection, as well as work to support the guest service side of the Park. In preparation for December train movements, the Roundhouse space for Polar Express, and the Vancouver 2860 trip the following moves were made …(status on November 30) • 6503—Drained and in the south position on Track #3 inside the car shop • 4069 - in the car shop Track # 3, ready for fueling. • 2860 - in the MP Service shop for underside inspection and addition of water - fueling later in the week • Capilano coach still under the tent - track 2 Car shop - prior to hooking up to train for Polar Express • Power car on Roundhouse lead, fueling on Thursday • BC 21 - on the Roundhouse lead near turntable • 1404 outside Roundhouse Track #3 open up area for Polar Express events on weekend • BCER 941 outside Roundhouse on Track # 6 same reason • Henry Pickering open car inside MP 2 • BC33 inside MP 2 • Bunk car inside Car-shop #2 ( Bell Island at South end for viewing) • 561 inside the wash bay at MP shop • BCOL caboose batteries being charged outside MP shop ( used on Polar Express train) • 3218 - 3223 - Paul Roy coaches on station track south end.

WCRA News, Page 12 • Alberta in Car-shop #1 south end • Troop Sleeper #710 Bud Butterworth in MP shop • Troop Sleeper #722 Roundhouse # 1 (on exhibit) • Car BC Roundhouse # 2 (on exhibit) • Colonist car Roundhouse # 7 (on exhibit) BCIT RAILWAY CONDUCTOR PRACTICUM, NOVEMBER 2010 Light rain; heavy rain; wind; cool; cold; dark and cloudy! While this sounds a lot like a weather forecast, these were the working conditions that the students of the November 2010 BCIT Railway Conductor’s class faced as they worked through 40 hours of on the ground practical training at our Squamish site. Under the very experienced guidance (over 125 years collectively) of Roy Crowston, John Jellis, Rob MacBeth and Dave Thethi, 13 students spent a week at the WCRA Heritage Park site learning the practical skills of being a railway conductor. These students were introduced to getting on and off cars; turning switches; planning switch moves; giving and receiving hand signals. They were also exposed to using proper radio techniques; receiving dispatcher information regarding train movements; reporting for “work” at different hours; working at night (lanterns); following applicable “on the ground” rules and many other tales of experience from the instructors. The key points put across to the students every day was the need for total awareness while on the job, as well as the first priority of working SAFELY to protect yourself, fellow workers, the equipment, and the public. John Howarth from BCIT (Retired veteran locomotive engineer) spent two days on the site with early shift signals and rule instruction and testing. On the last day of the week, Dave Thomson provided the group with a weekday pass to the Squamish site. The class was very impressed with their tour of the facilities, seeing the Royal Hudson up close and taken for a mini-train ride by Russ Grycan. The week went very well. The class was very eager to learn and work. The instruction was excellent. And the weather…very real! The WCRA is very pleased to be associated with BCIT and their Railway Conductor program. On behalf of the instructors and the Heritage Park team, we wish all the students much success in their chosen railway careers. (R.G.) BRITISH COLUMBIA LEATHER REPAIRS Good news is that the somewhat tired leather on the seats in the business car #16 British Columbia have been repaired. They look much better now than they did. Check it out for yourself on your next visit to the new CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre.

WCRA News, Page 13 ROYAL HUDSON 2860 MAKES TRIP TO VANCOUVER FOR PRIVATE EVENT Royal Hudson #2860 and train made a special move under steam on Tuesday, December 7 as part of an opportunity to participate in a significant private event which was held Wednesday, December 8 at the Vancouver Rocky Mountaineer station. The event is for the International firm Louis Vuitton, and they wanted a vintage train to be part of the ambiance. A call from the event host, Rocky Mountaineer started the wheels turning that ultimately led to the trains’ trip to Vancouver. After discussions and conceptual verification that the train would fit the bill, the production company McNabb Roicke events out of Toronto arrived west with representatives from Louis Vuitton New York and London (UK) to have a look. They visited the Heritage Park on November 5. CMO Russ Grycan and his crew put together a short train and powered up the generator car WCXX 9622 Macdonald Creek so they could see the interior of the coaches at night (their event was to be in the evening). That all looked good, then we went into the PGE Carshop to check out the steam locomotive—we walked through the door and they let out a yell—it was perfect for what they wanted. So started a process to put together a project with all involved that saw the train travel from Squamish to Vancouver on Tuesday, December 7. The CN crew was called for 0800, and departure south carded for 0900. Consist was Royal Hudson #2860, generator car WCXX 9622 Macdonald Creek, coaches WCXX 3223, WCXX 5596 Paul D Roy, WCXX 5652 Capilano, WCXX 3218, and open observation car WCXX 598 Henry Pickering. Water was taken in North Vancouver en route, and the train arrived at Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver around 1515. More details re the event in next month’s issue. Thanks to all involved who helped make this happen—CN for transporting the train, Rocky Mountaineer for providing the venue, and McNabb Roicke Events / Louis Vuitton for the opportunity.

HELP US COMPLETE THE ROUNDHOUSE Although we have now opened the new facility, several items remain for the future as we just still do not have the funds needed to complete them. These items include the elevator to the upper levels (stairs are in now), the supplementary air circulation system, additional electrical detail lighting, and the servery finishing. We will undertake these projects as they can be funded, hopefully all to be completed in 2011.

WCRA News, Page 14 Our biggest challenge remains the funding. While all who come by drop lavish words on what we have accomplished and how great the building looks, we have to remember that we have not finished the job nor have we fully paid for it. We still must meet our capital fundraising goals for this year and next year before the project can be declared completed. The total gap to finish the turntable installation and complete the outstanding items on the building remains at around the $900k mark. Our capital fundraising target for 2010 was set at $1.4 million, and we have achieved only about $500,000 of that so far. We continue to work to find the naming sponsors needed to close this gap, and bring this great new facility to full completion. We must have your help here if we are to succeed. Naming Opportunities—these will name specific exhibit areas in the building as well as the plaza out front, and suggested amounts are indicated. • Heritage Plaza (centre court in front of the building, around the turntable) - suggested naming sponsorship amount $500,000. This will be a major plaza area and scene for

many activities such as introduction of new rail restorations, outdoor concerts, car shows • Upper Level Viewing Deck and Gallery—this is the indoor / outdoor deck on the

WCRA upper level of the building, which will provide great views over the Heritage Plaza of the event site as well as the Mac Norris Station main track. Also a wonderful reception location for events. Suggested naming sponsorship $250,000 • John Hardie Mitchell Gallery—Named! This area, off the main entry lobby, is used to

exhibit special collections , such as art shows or photography. Exhibits will change regularly, sponsorship taken by the John Hardie Mitchell family foundation.

• Tracks 1 through 7—Tracks 4 and 5 Named! - each of the seven exhibit tracks will carry a sponsor name, each track will house one of our collection’s prize pieces of rolling stock,

suggested naming sponsorship $50,000 per track (five tracks still available). • Board room—there is also an opportunity to name the board room on the mezzanine

level of the building. This will be a good and very useful room and will be set up to accommodate up to 24 people around a nice sized meeting room table.

If any of you have interest (or know of any one who might) in such a permanent legacy please let us know. Contact Don Evans at 604-988-3435 or president@wcra.org or the office at 604-681-4403. ROUND TABLES NEEDED FOR THE ROUNDHOUSE WCRA is seeking donations to help us equip the new CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre. Perhaps you can’t handle a major sponsorship, but you can still contribute and be

WCRA News, Page 15 recognized. Consider a donation of $200, which will cover the purchase of one round table for use in the facility. We would like to acquire at least ten more of these, so we can provide for more functions without having to rent tables. A plaque acknowledging the donor will be affixed to each table that is sponsored. Every little bit helps, and this is a way that you can get involved. Want to know more, just call Dave Thomson at the Heritage Park at 604-898-9336. Your support will be very much appreciated.

FUNDRAISING PRESIDENT’S REPORT November wraps up our fiscal year 2010, and it was a stronger month than the past few. However, we end the fiscal year still well behind our overall fundraising target and still facing the challenges of completing the roundhouse project which was our major goal for the year. We thank all who did support us in 2010, but we will have to continue our efforts now well into 2011. One significant assist in the month was significant donation of debentures which will certainly help our year end results. Funding Asks Made • Many asks re Roundhouse • Direct mail 2010 out

Major Funding Received • Roundhouse Track 4 Sponsorship $35,000 • In memoriam donation $13,000 • Sustaining Memberships $600 • General Donations $16,500 • TRAIN 2010 donation $100 • Endowment Interest $12,840 • Debenture Donation $140,000 • In Kind donations $1,500 • Debenture Interest Donations $3,950 • Wall of Fame $420 • Direct Mail Donations $1,360

Month Total $225,270 Year to date Total: $1,449,904

• General purposes $508,075 • Roundhouse $842,041 • Alberta project $100,000 • Royal Hudson $19,828

WCRA News, Page 16 Other Significant Activities • Ongoing work with finance committee • Lena Shaw Elementary School visit • Applied for Community Futures assistance

WEST COAST RAIL TOURS TOURS UPDATE The Tours Committee continues to meet one week prior to the monthly general meetings and is now working the program for 2010—2011. 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. (See page 20) We also offer the following tours on a year round basis so you don’t have to wait for 2011 for some enjoyable rail travel. (M.C.) MALAHAT CIRCLE TOUR - Daily except Saturday - all year – 2 days Depart from Pacific Central Station at a time of your choosing aboard Pacific Coach Lines scheduled service to Victoria. We supply vouchers to take you to the Queen Victoria Hotel—a few steps from the bus depot. You are on your own for dinner. Breakfast is served at 7:00AM in the hotel’s restaurant, then their van shuttles you to the VIA Rail station at 7:30 AM. Board the train for an 8:00 AM departure to Qualicum Beach where it arrives before noon. Enjoy this quaint town with its interesting beaches and restaurants. After lunch (on your own) we ask you to board the southbound train at 2:00 PM and get off at Nanaimo at about 3:00 PM. A waiting, pre-booked taxi takes you to Nanaimo’s bus depot for the 4:30 PM departure of Greyhound’s scheduled service to Vancouver. Dinner on the ferry is available. Arrive at Pacific Central Station at 7:15 PM. FARES: $227 Children 2-11 $199; BC Seniors (Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays only) $199. (Otherwise, $227). Ask about special pricing if couples travel together. Single supplement $71. GST/HST extra. Low season and budget hotel bookings save you more. PORTLAND ON AMTRAK CASCADES—any time year round Are you in the mood for some Christmas shopping? 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.

WCRA News, Page 17 WEST COAST RAILWAY HERITAGE PARK Home of the Royal Hudson CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN THE PARK The annual Christmas Lights in the Park event will be held December 17 through December 22, 2010. Ride the ever popular mini rail trains through a fairyland of decorated lights and scenes. Enjoy the Light o Rama show, the Christmas gift ship and more. Event open each evening from 1730 through 2030, admission just $5.00 per person (m embers just $3.00). POLAR EXPRESS GETS RAVE REVIEWS The 2010 version of the Polar Express was a real hit with the train ride and the excellent work that Dave Thomson and his Guest Services staff did with ticket sales and the great “North Pole” experience in the CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre. The entire event came together very well, and was aided by the fabulous winter weather that set the scene so perfectly. (see cover photo). Guests were treated to a wonderful train ride from the Mac Norris Station out through the Squamish Estuary to the Squamish Terminals gate, and then back again. Along the way the scenes from the movie unfolded, chefs with hot chocolate and cookies, the conductor and his magical ticket punch, and entertainment and fun for all.

Once back, the guests walked to the wonderful warmth and ambiance of the North Pole—set up in the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre. (photo left) Here they could visit Santa and

WCRA News,

WCRA News, Page 18 Mrs Claus, write letters to Santa, ride the mini rail, shop for crafts, enjoy snacks, do children's crafts and more. It made for a great festive environment, and everyone seemed to have a good time. Our thanks have to go out to all the volunteers and staff who did so much to make the experience a pleasant one. Our volunteer coordinator Donna Fourchalk did a terrific job of organizing us all, as did Dave Thomson and his Heritage Park staff. Everyone was going full tilt all day, from before the first departure at 1000 to the guests leaving around 1800 after the last arrival. We also extend our thanks to those who made the train operation possible—to Hal Coleman, John Holliday and Paul Ubhi, all members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference – Division 105. Hal (2 Days) and John and Paul (1 Day each) operated our 6 Car Polar Express train professionally for 8 trips carrying close to 2000 passengers. They donated their time and we are very grateful to have their experience helping us provide safe trips for our guests. We were fortunate to have other retired professional railroaders acting as train conductors and a very special thanks to Rob Payette for his outstanding work as “The Polar Express Conductor” with the all the passengers. Our thanks also to CN - for allowing our Polar Express train to operate for 8 trips (2 days) on their passing siding through Squamish yards down to the Squamish Terminals. The RTC and WOC groups helped keep our train and passengers safe and we had smooth operations on both days. There were many more outstanding efforts through the weekend, including Dave Thethi and Tomo’o Oshikawa who worked extra dayshifts to make sure the train ran smoothly, and Randy Lucas who helped with last minute platform modifications. It is easy to take for granted that the train will be ready, but in the winter time, with older cars and locomotives, the right decisions need to be made to assemble the train, test the brakes, and keep the power car and coaches heated for the guests. Thank you to all the train operation people for helping to provide a safe and successful weekend for our guests. (R.G., D.T.) Our guests were very pleased with their experience, here is one e mail received…. “I would just like to thank you and everyone involved in making this years Polar Express such a wonderful family experience. The golden tickets, the Christmas crafts, everyone involved being so friendly just to name a few of the highlights. Our favorite memory from this weekend had to be our conductor in the 1st class train. My three year old son was absolutely convinced that he was the real conductor from the movie. He said to me Santa is kind of fake but the conductor is the real one. From his mustache to his ticket punching, and when the train would stop to change track he would tell us we stopped to let Billy on and then when we stopped again he said the caribou were on the track. The conductor had everyone, even my father, singing Christmas carols.

WCRA News, Page 19 His energy was contagious—even my 5 year old niece who says "trains are boring " had a great time and wants "to come back every year." The family sitting across from us had never seen the Polar Express movie but after the ride they said they were inspired to watch it if only to see the conductor. My family lives in Mission and the drive to Squamish was long but the experience was worth anything. The entire day was fantastic, the first class package was well worth the price, so thank you to everyone for helping us create a very magical family memory. I hope there will be another Polar Express next year and I look forward to once again taking my entire family. Enjoy This Holiday Season and Thank you”. WIND STORM CAUSES HAVOC NOVEMBER 22 November 21, 2010 was a day to remember. Not only was the outside temperature around –10 degrees C, but the wind blew—and blew—all day. By the end of the day, some damage was done, but overall the Heritage Park survived it for the most part. Russ Grycan files this report:

• I was into the Station about 7 AM, the smoke alarm on the top floor hall was going off. No smoke! I contacted the security folks, talked with a technician and figured we had to replace 2 of the units. Replacements were purchased and installed. • The wind blew (and blew, and blew) all day! • Temperature in the car shop was minus 1 on the scale • At Lunch time Dave Thomson received a call from security that we had an alarm in the car shop. As Dave and I were off the site we contacted Tomo'o to confirm no smoke or water damage (sprinkler system!) Called the technician who came in to reset the alarm and confirm we had a weak battery in the system, which he replaced • At approx 4 pm we lost power on the whole MP Shop side of the property. Apparently the cause was a blown transformer. Due to the fact that power restoration may not have happened quickly, Dave Thethi went to work and drained the water out of the locos, and ran water in the shop taps. (The power was back on at 6:50 this am (November 22) when I arrived) • Dave Thomson was signing movie contract when the power went off in the Roundhouse. It looked as though it was off for about 15 minutes or so, as I saw the lights start to come on as I left the park • Received a call from Dave Thethi around 8 PM to say the diesels had been drained. At that time the power was off in both our homes and much of Squamish • This morning (November 22) at 7 am arrival the main sign has suffered major damage. The 8" support pole broke off at the ground. (Subsequently Randy Lucas was able to repair and reconstruct the sign) see photo page 20 • Main gate fence blew out of position but stayed locked. Will need strengthening. • Parking lot light blew over, lamp broken. • Part of the roof blown off/ separated on Twin Cedars station - will look to repair today. • Car shop temp at minus 3 this am.

WCRA News, Page 20 • No alarms going off this morning, Dave in and has Christmas Music going in the R/house. • Clear skies reduced wind - still cold - minus 10 on my windshield thermometer. (R.G.)

LENA SHAW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VISIT The Heritage Park hosted a school group visit on November 9, 2010, and it offered and opportunity to test out some new ideas for class visits. 66 students and their escorts from Lena Shaw Elementary in Surrey were our guests, and they split into three groups to explore and do projects about our railway heritage. The trip included a ride on the train—in this case, FP7A 4069 and a coach, and they watched for identity signs along the way. Others were with costumed volunteer interpreters as they explored the Brightbill Heritage House, Colonist car etc. and learned about how settlers came to Western Canada. Others enjoyed time in the new roundhouse and visited the Royal Hudson steam lomcotive. The school was most complimentary to our efforts and we hope their visit of the grade 5 class will become an annual event.

WCRA News, Page 21 A DONATION FROM THE HEART Not your everyday visit would describe the day that young Kalel Harrison (grade 5) came to visit. He has liked trains since he was very small, and this was not his first time to Squamish. So, when asked what he wanted to do for his birthday it was, it was visit the Railway Park (he has been coming there from Vancouver since kindergarten). But, when he got there the rest of the story was discovered—he presented the Park with a donation of funds, the money that would have been used for his birthday present. The donation was most gratefully received and, in return, Kalel was given a lifetime membership to the WCRA. We hope he will continue to grown with his interest and one day, be a great volunteer member with us. (D.T.) MOVIE FILMED AT MP SHOP The Heritage Park was involved in a short movie shoot in November, as Hanger 14 came to the site. INnaddition to using some BCR Properties buildings, they did some office shoots on the third floor of MP 2. One unique challenge - it snowed during the filming time and the movie was set in Los Angeles! However, they got their shots and we got the offices painted when they were finished. Thanks to the folks at the Heritage Park for working with this, and to Patrick Doiron of Industrial Film Works for acting as our agent and contractor with the film company. (D.T.) BRINGING ARTIFACTS TO THE HERITAGE PARK West Coast Railway Association wouldn’t be where it is today without our donors, including those who think of us when they have artifacts to dispose of. However, sometimes artifacts end up being duplicates or of little value to our collection and mandate. That is why we have a formal accessioning process, which is used to officially add items in to the collection, as well as to review and accept items to be acquired. We ask that items not be delivered or brought to the Heritage Park without some degree of process. We need to be sure that the item is, in fact, appropriate to our collection and, if it is, we also need to properly record the donation so the donors wishes are respected. Contacts for this are our Archivist Trevor Mills for records, paper materials and photos, and Collections Director Ron Anstey for larger items and rolling stock. WCRA AT TRAIN 2010 The West Coast Railway Association was once again a participant at the annual TRAIN Show. This year’s show was held at the Cameron Rec. Centre on November 13 and 14. We had our usual tables for display and sales, and we also provided the banquet speakers—Bill Johnston and Russ Grycan. WCRA received two donation in conjunction with the show, a $100 stipend from the show organizers plus $303.32 from the Vancouver HO Model Railway Club, which represents the remaining proceeds as they have closed up shop. WCRA says thanks. (B.J.)

WCRA News, Page 22 LOCOMOTIVE 374 PAVILION RECORD SETTING YEAR FOR VISITORS Even without the Olympics, the number of visitors to the Locomotive 374 Pavilion at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown will set a new record. To end November we have hosted a total of 46,286 guests—remove the 25,000 from the Olympics and we are at 21,286 (compared to 20,445 last year). (B.J.)

FEATURE ARTICLES WCRA News from 28 Years Ago - December 1982 MCM note: In future issues of the this submission, I will highlight some of the more interesting meeting notes that were part of the newsletter from the same month. WCRA's November meeting notes: The meeting was chaired by Larry Russell in the absence of Grant Ferguson In the continuing battle over locomotive #16, we were told that a letter from Pacific Tour's lawyer offering return of the car "British Columbia" in consideration of our dropping all outstanding claims. The "BC" is in very poor shape and reportedly has to be moved from its present storage site on Chrysler property in South Vancouver. Decision was deferred until the January meeting. Bob "Mr. Corduroy" Gevaert outlined the history and status of CPR #374. The initial priority is to get this historic locomotive away from Kits Beach and placed under cover. Drake Street roundhouse, at this point, is the logical location. A proposal is being drafted that the World's Fair in 1986 be opened with a world class 'steam event' close to the Expo grounds. Invited would be operating steam locomotives from participating countries. Apparently the British have already offered to bring The Mallard over. The WCRA's assistance is being solicited. Craig McDowall noted that he will move the Colonist Car (which he purchased last summer) from its present location on the E & N in Victoria to the ex-Dominion Bridge siding in Burnaby. (MCM note: 'small world' as that property became the Bridge Studios and my daughter works there as Post Production Supervisor for the 'Stargate' TV series). Local News The BC Society of Model Engineers have submitted a plan to Burnaby Council to extend their miniature railway from 290 to 3660 metres by running the track around Deer Lake. If

WCRA News, Page 23 approved, it would make it the longest miniature railway in the world - 3.6 kilometres! The cost is estimated at $100k and could be feasible now that the Okalla Prison has been closed. BC Hydro Rly The Kitsilano trestle is all but gone. Minor parts such as railings and fixtures were removed in November. On Dec. 1st, a bulldozer went to work on the supporting wooden trestle approaches. Ties will be sold and the centre span will be offered as a possible logging bridge to interested parties. The centre span was lowered to a barge on Dec. 7th.

BCR The wake left behind by the Provincial Govt's 'testing the waters' rumour that the Royal Hudson may not operate in 1983 has had some interesting results. Three private operators have expressed an interest in taking the popular steam train off the govt's hands by operating it on a lease basis. They are Gray Line Tours of Vancouver, Harbour Ferries (which currently operates the rail/sea option of the daily trips to Squamish) and David Gibson's Granville Transportation Consultants. The governments calls these 'expressions of interest' premature and meanwhile 2860 is resting comfortably in the warmth of the Squamish Shops while politicians ponder her future. CP CP recently replaced a bridge at Sicamous, BC on their line to the Okanagan. As a result, during the replacement, trains bound for Kelowna and Lumby had to detour via Kamloops then over CN from Campbell Creek and Armstrong. The detours lasted almost five weeks. Oct. 1st marked the end of an ear as CP operated its last passenger train on its system. The train was #255, a commuter run out of Windsor Station in Montreal and ended 101 years and 5 months of passenger operations. Train #255 consisted of a FP7A and bilevel commuter cars and due to delays caused by press coverage and photographers, left late and thus was operated as a 'passenger extra'. CN Further follow up to the wreck at Armstrong on July 19th which has now been determined as caused by vandalism. Four GP-38's were involved with three of them (#5601,5605,5606) being sent to Transcona with wrecked underframes. The fourth unit (#5604) is also at Transcona with fire and underframe damage. Whether the units will be repaired is still being determined. CN"s track geometry car (#15000) was in town Nov. 11-15th. The car rides on six wheel trucks and is painted VIA yellow and blue but lettered CN in white. A WB freight was spotted in Fort Langley with a GP-38-2 , a GP9 and a F7A for power. This

WCRA News, Page 24 same set was spotted working the Okanagan line a month ago. GP 9 #4404 is back working the 'Valley Switcher' run from Port Mann to Chilliwack following completion of a rebuild at the Transcona shops. CN GP 9 (ex NAR) made a trip out west still in NAR colours but has the yellow band blacked out but the name 'High Prairie' still on the cab. It arrived in Port Mann on Dec. 4th and then left EB in a big power lash up of six units. An empty CN sulphur train derailed 23 cars at MP 66 of the Clearwater Sub on Dec. 7th. The accident shut down the mainline for over two days. Express freights were held rather than re-routed. CN GMD1 #1002 arrived at Port Mann on Dec. 10th - fresh from a rebuild at Transcona and is presumably headed for Vancouver Island. VIA An accident on the E & N in mid November resulted in major damage to RDC-1 #6134. The Budd car tangled with a back hoe just north of Koksilah (near Duncan) and the engineer and several passengers were shaken up. Damage was estimated at $20k+ and could not be repaired in Victoria so was sent to CN's Transcona shops in Winnipeg for repairs. RDC-1 #6133 will 'run solo' on the island until #6134 returns. VIA's 'Skeena' derailed on CN's northern mainline on Sunday, Nov. 28th. The EB #10 is believed to be the victim of a tampered switch. The F unit and six cars derailed but there were no injuries to the crew or a grand total of 16 passengers on board (guess you didn't need a reserved seat on that trip!). Canada's Auditor General cited a serious lack of accountability and lack of an Operating Plan for VIA. Currently subsidies amount to $50 for every passenger carried by VIA. To expect VIA to pay its own way on straight operating costs is unrealistic. Performance standards and future route determination are keys to keeping subsidies reasonable. VIA will upgrade 11 ex CP F units with front MU, renewal of glass, improved electrical components etc. (Our #4069 was one of these) VIA has put a large number of passenger cars up for sale considered as surplus to their needs. Included are 4 baggage cars,3 baggage/coaches, 18 coaches, 7 dinettes, 6 lounge cars and 13 sleepers.

WCRA News, Page 25 RAILWAY NEWS WARBONNET ON CASCADES Interesting loco on Amtrak Cascades #513 December 5. From Vancouver BC to Portland, OR. BNSF C44-9W #646, still painted and lettered Santa Fe in the warbonnet paint, led the train!

LOGO HITS 50 The well known CN logo (seen here) will turn 50 years old in January 1961. The logo, affectionately referred to by some as the “wet noodle” logo, has become one of the top recognized identities in business and has shown its staying power. MOTIVE POWER NOTES Spottings of CN units sporting the 15 years as a private company logo, C40-8 s #2112 on Train 112 November 19, and sister #2115 on G 83451 November 20. (J.M.)…...a rare occurrence on November 14 in MacMillan yard in Toronto, when brand new CN ES44DC #2338 posed beside former CN #2338 (an MLW C-636) which was on its way to the Morristown & Erie Railway in the US. (J.M., D. McQ.) WINTER READY CN has launched a program called Winter Ready to assure smooth operations through the season. The focus is to maintain train lengths, maintain train velocity and maintain yard fluidity regardless what mother nature might throw in the way. Train length plans include increased use of distributed power and crew training. Velocity focuses on recent infrastructure improvements , some employee redeployment, and better handling of train set outs. Yard efforts will focus on having locomotives available at key locations, snow fighting equipment at the ready and yard bypass moves when possible. All of these measures are intended to keep service at consistent levels with other times of the year. (CN)

INTERMODAL CAPACITY EXPANDED CP has expanded intermodal capacity by 45% over the past two years, by lengthening trains from a max. of 63 cars to 90 cars this year. A further increase to 105 cars is planned. (BL)

WCRA News, Page 26 KEY STAFF CHANGES Rocky Mountaineer has announced a couple of key staff changes on their senior team for 2011. James Terry, who has been with Rocky Mountaineer for 15 years and overseen just about every

service and operational area of the company, will retire in October 2011 after the end of the season. He will be a Special Advisor to President Randy Powell through 2011. Coming into the company as its new Executive Vice President—Guest Services is Ed Baklor. Ed has more than 30 years of experience in hospitality and leisure, travel, including 15 years with Disney. Ed joined the team on December 6th. RESIDENT’S SPECIAL Rocky Mountaineer is again offering a BC Resident’s Special on the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb route, with pricing form $119 round trip. Call West Coast Rail Tours at 604-524-1011 for more details or to book your trip—the special ends December 24th. CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie, WA on the dedication of their new Trainshed building. The 25,000 square foot building will get many pieces of their collection into indoor exhibition space. (SDR) Congratulations also to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway on winning the UK’s national Lottery Good Causes Award for the best heritage project—their restoration of 107 year old carriage 2403. The funds will see the restoration work completed.

WCRA News, Page 27 CREDIT LINES ISSN 1204-072X Vol. 50 Issue 1 Editor Don Evans Distribution Jeremy Davy & Donna Simon Contributors: M.C. Mattias Christianson J.D. Jeremy Davy R.G. Russ Grycan B. J. Bill Johnston J.M. Jim McPherson D. McQ. Don McQueen D.T. Dave Thomso BL Branchline SDR Sounder

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 , phone news to

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

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 BACK COVER Top—The major windstorm on November 21 did some significant damage at the Heritage Park, tearing apart our entry sign, toppling lights and ripping roofs. It even knocked several freight cars off the tracks. Happily, re-railing was easy as it was only G scale! (Tomo’o photo) Bottom—The Mac Norris Station gleams in the dusk light on a beautiful December 4, 2010 evening as it awaits the arrival of the Polar Express train. (Don Evans photo) TRIVIA ANSWER The Newfoundland Railway station on Water Street in St. John’s. The station, built in 1889, is on the Canadian Register of Historic Places and has housed the Railway Coastal Museum since 2003. It is worth a visit if you are on the far east coast!

Published monthly by West Coast Railway Association ISSN 1204-072X PO Box 2790 Stn. Term., Vancouver, B.C., V6B 3X2 Vol. 50 Issue 1 www.wcra.org http://twitter.com/WCRailway Canada Post, Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40007853