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CANADIAN PRESERVATION NEWS
They have been purchased by an individual in Alberta who wishes to remain anonymous and the two are to be stored at the Prairie Dog. Bill Thomson took this shot of one the G5's m(ex-CP 1238) at an NRHS convention a few years ago on 7/20/83. Looked good except for silver painted smokebox!
BRITISH COLUMBIA Canadian Northern Pacific Last Spike Centenary Celebration in Kamloops, B.C The Kamloops Heritage Railway, Canadian Northern Society and the Canadian National Railway Historical Association celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the completion of the CNoRP in British Columbia on June 19th 2015. The railway was completed on January 23, 1915 and our fair weather event took place at Mile 1.16 on CN's Okanagan Subdivision. KHR Steam engine 2141 was nearing completion of a major refit and is expected to be in summer service July 11, 2015. (Both images courtesy of Dave Emmington).
Later, a night photo shoot took place at the KHR shop. KHR 2141 is awaiting a boiler certificate, so CN supplied a newer 2141 as a stand in. We shot them side by side! (Phil Mason)
Day 2 of the CN/CNor convention in Kamloops included a visit to the Basque Ranch (with permission from the landowner) to access the point where the Canadian Northern was completed.
No senior CNor officials attended in 1915. Because the bridges and the grade were completed at different times, there were several locations where the rails were joined in the Thompson River canyon, but research has shown that the lines were connected Jan.23rd,1915. This took place "a few yards west of Bridge 4", and there was no ceremony. Yesterday, a group of railfans, and two women who were descendants (grand niece and great grand niece) of Sir William Mackenzie made the difficult drive down to Bridge 4. As luck would have it, there was a broken rail on the CN Ashcroft Sub. just west of Basque, and CN train 417 was stopped for a couple of hours right at the last spike location. The picture of 417 on the S-curve west of the bridge shows the two ladies visiting the spot where we guessed the last spike of the CNor was driven. They had known very little of their great uncle and were touched by the acknowedgement of his accomplishments. The Trans-Canada highway marker regarding the CNorP last spike is actually some distance west of the actual site.
While visiting the site, CNo ball caps, courtesy of the CN were distributed to attendees.(CN celebrated the event on the actual centenary by hosting an employee/retiree banquest on January 23rd in Kamloops, and had some coffee cups and ball caps left over). Bruce Chapman's friend John P.Cowan is shown explaining railway history in the foreground of a picture of "Bridge 4" which shows the tail end remote of an eastbound CP grain empties on the CP Thompson Sub, with CN train 417 strung out across the bridge with a load of garbage trucks. The CP was built in the 1880's, with less engineering than CNor ,and is a very up and down railway. Starting after WW1, several CP grade changes were made in the Thompson Canyon, especially in the Ashcroft area, but the part of the CP Thompson Sub. visible behind the CN bridge appears original.
In the far background is Basque, on both CP and CN. Basque was one of the few locations were the CN and CP were on the same (south) side of the Thompson River canyon, and for many years, there was a hand throw crossover between the two railways which saw much use over the years. Finally, when "co-production" was implelemented by CP and CN whereby westbound traffic runs on the CN and eastbound traffic runs on the CP, a CTC controlled double crossover was built a mile east of Basque at CN Coho/CP Nepa. Even with this great aid to traffic control for both railways, traffic congestion can occur and you can see several trains in the far background awaiting the repair of the broken rail west of stopped CN 417. It was a fun couple of days, and I got to renew several friendships and make others. I think we did the memory of the Canadian Northern proud.
Canadian Museum of Rail Travel (Cranbrook, B.C.) CP FA-2 4090 and FB-2 4469, both 1953 MLW-builds, sit near the Elko Station in Cranbrook, BC. Cosmetically restored to their original paint schemes in late 2014 by the Cranbrook Rotary Club. Photos taken by Braedan Dunne on August 12, 2015.
CP 4090-4469 News: On July 14th, 2015 a commemorative ceremony was held to celebrate the restoration work done to the pair of Alcos. On hand were numerous dignitaries, including the current Mayor of Cranbrook Mr. Lee Pratt, celebrating the great work of all participating sponsors who supported the Rotary Clubs efforts to cosmetically restore the locomotives. NP#51-15 shows the ribbon cutting with dignitaries by the front of CP 4090. (Kevin Dunk)
Kevin Dunk photographed cosmetically restored CP FA2 4090 and CP FB2 4469 looking terrific! The pair will be posed with their restored CPR luxury passenger cars at the museum.
CP Royal Canadian Pacific CP 4107-1900-4106 near CP Cokato Mile 38.7 Cranbook sub Agust 3 2013. Photo Kevin Dunk.
Prince George Railway and Forestry Museum BCOL 6001 is a GMD-built GF6C. Braedan Dunne shot her at the Prince George Railway and Forestry Museum. She was the first of seven built between 1983 to 1984, for use on BC Rail's electrified Tumbler Ridge Subdivision. All were retired in 2000, and were sent to Tacoma, WA for scrapping in 2004. 6001 was saved before the scrapper's torch could get to it, and was donated to the museum. According to the museum operators, the locomotive is still operational if 50kV of electricity can be supplied to it. Photos by Braedan Dunne. July 5th, 2015.
Revelstoke Railway Museum The engineer's half of the cab from CP GP7u 1500. Donated to the Revelstoke Railway Museum in the late 1990’s, after CP 1500 was going for scrap, due to being heavily damaged in a yard accident in Toronto (Agincourt), back in 1991. The cab today serves as a simulator for visitors. Photo by Braedan Dunne. July 8th, 2015
Photos by Bruce Chapman before and then taken later by Bill Sanderson shows the aftermath of the GP7u’s Toronto Yard Collision on May 5th 1991.
CP SD40 5500 at the Revelstoke Railway Museum and was shot on June 29th, 2014 by Braedan Dunne.
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=3885846
Kamloops Railway Historical Society: www.kamloopsheritagerailway.com CRHA - E&N Division
West Coast Railway Association
ROYAL HUDSON 75th ANNIVERSARY GALA: Dane Nicholson shot the Royal Hudson's 75th birthdate / restoration funding campaign 'kick off' at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park (Official Fan Page on Facebook, on June 28th
June 27th marks ROYAL HUDSON #2860's 75th birthday and she will be moved outside for the day. This coincides with the SUMMER KICK OFF Event at the Heritage Park. Special Celebrations Planned. CN/PR LAST SPIKE CENTENARY - Last Call celebrations are being held June 19 & 20 in Kamloops At the former BCR Diesel Shop in Squamish, BC on February 10th 2015, Christian Vazzaz snapped the West Coast Railway Association's latest locomotive acquisition; ex-CN 6520 a GMD-built FP9A. WCXX 6520 puts on quite a show on her first start-up, after arriving in Squamish more than a year ago. Many thanks to our volunteers that helped in many ways bring her back to life! There is still plenty of work to do of course, but the big hurdle of her first start-up is now accomplished!
ROYAL HUDSON 75th ANNIVERSARY GALA: June 27th marks ROYAL HUDSON #2860's 75th birthday and she will be moved outside for the day. This coincides with the SUMMER KICK OFF Event at the Heritage Park Special Celebrations Planned. "CNoPR LAST SPIKE CENTENARY" Last Call. Celebrations are being held June 19 & 20 in Kamloops BC Please visit our web site org for more info on how you can donate to this project and get her looking brand new again! Kettle Valley Railway Society (KVSR)
Steam locomotive CPR 3716 is still alive and kicking. Norm Rajotte took these shots at the Kettle Valley Railway at Summerland, BC, on May 16th 2015. The feed water heater is actually from CNR 6015 (Jasper, AB), and she is not using her original CPR tender, but she looks lovely under steam! (Photos courtesy of Norm Rajotte).
Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver, BC The Rocky Mountaineer excursion train "First Passage to the West" makes two trips per week from Vancouver to Calgary and return. The first day of the eastbound trip is from Vancouver to Kamloops, where passengers overnight in a hotel. The second day of the trip is from Kamloops to Calgary. On that 2nd day the train in the past normally stopped at Banff only, but in 2015, for the first time, it also stops in Lake Louise, at the old log station there, every Saturday, with a scheduled arrival time at Lake Louise of 18:30h. The Tuesday trip stops at Banff only. Cor van Steenis caught the train stopped at Lake Louise on Saturday, 20 June 2015, at 16:43h. The consist was GP40-2LW No. 8012, GP40-2LW 8016, Generator Car 9632, 4 coaches, 5 dome cars, a crew car and Generator Car 9271 on the tail end. The tail end generator car was built in 1955 by National Steel Car as CNR baggage car 9234 and acquired by RMR in 1996. It was the only car in the consist not painted in the purple, gold and white RM livery; it was in a solid purple paint scheme with gold lettering and a RM logo on the end. The scheduled stop time at Lake Louise was 10 minutes; a motor coach was on scene to take passengers onward on excursions. The 10 minute stop was lengthened to allow a westbound CP freight to pass. At 19:09h the train passed through Morant's Curve and at 19:53 it arrived at Banff.
Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Museum - Surrey, BC. British Columbia Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society The Alberni Pacific Railway The Alberni Pacific Railway is a tourist railroad that is
powered by a 1929 Baldwin 2-8-2T steam engine. It runs passengers
between the restored Port Alberni station to the McLean Mill national Historic
site. ALBERTA
CPR Heritage Mail Express Baggage Mullen Trucking moved a Heritage Mail Express rail car from our yard in Aldersyde, AB to the privately owned Champion Rail Park in Aldersyde, AB. This Mail Express rail car arrived at Mullen Trucking on the rail and required 2 cranes for the offload and reload onto our equipment. This was no easy task; the dimensions of this Heritage Mail Express rail car are 83'10″ L x 12′ W x 14′ H and 117,000 lbs, which we loaded on a 13 axle dolly trailer configuration! We encountered some spring weather delays but in the end we delivered the Mail Express rail car to a happy customer! Great job to Jim, Chuck, Roy, Billy and all the support staff who helped make this move a success!
http://www.mullentrucking.com/highlights/featured-project/ Royal Canadian Pacific Luxury Train CPR 2816 CPR 4-6-4 Hudson #2816 IMAX "Rocky Mountain Express Pod Cast: Alberta Railway Museum - Edmonton, AB
Locomotives of this class were originally
used for passenger service and were among the first to operate into Edmonton
on the Canadian Northern Railway. They were the workhorse locomotives that
helped to open up the Prairies. VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZWH2h9bUXs&feature=youtu.be Alberta Railway Museum - Bieseker, AB
The museum has two MLW switchers: Ex-CP RS-23 8017 (ex- Saskferco - Belle Plain, Saskatchewan), and Ex-CN S13u 8704 (donated by CANAC). The 1911-built CPR station from Bassano, Alberta on the Brooks Subdivision was moved by road to Beiseker, AB., on July 18-19th 2012 and sat beside its new foundation for 3 years while significant structural issues with the new concrete foundation were addressed. It has now been moved onto the foundation. Other than re-installing the portion of the second floor cottage roof that had to be removed for clearance reasons on the road trip, no other station restoration work has yet commenced
Alberta Central Railway Museum - Wetaskiwin, AB
Wainwright Rail Preservation Society - Wainwright, AB
Rocky Mountain Railway Society:
The Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions - Stettler, AB APXX GMD1m No. 1118 at Stettler, AB,: The Alberta Prairie Railway acquired GMD1 No. 1118 to haul their excursion train from Stettler to Big Valley, AB., when not operating their steam engine No. 41. The engine was built in 1958 as CNR 1018 and went through various ownerships after 1997 (Canadian Railserve, Central Western Railway, CNR again who retired it in 2006). We caught it in the rain at Stettler on 06 Sep 2015. (Cor van Steenis) Photo APRX 1118 Sent to you earlier today
Alberta Prairie Railway ran its Consolidation 2-8-0 steam engine on September 6th, 2015 from Stettler to Big Valley, AB. and return, with 10 cars in the consist. The train runs on the line laid by the Alberta Midland Railway which opened on 06 July 1911. This railway had Canadian Northern as its parent company; later the line was owned by Canadian National and then Central Western Railway. In 1998 the right-of-way was acquired by the East Central Alberta Heritage Society (except for short sections in Stettler and Big Valley) and leased to Alberta Prairie Railway. At the terminus of the excursion run in Stettler we find a wonderfully restored and preserved Parrish & Heimbecker grain elevator, feed mill and coal shed. The elevator was built for Strong & Dowler in 1915 and sold to P&H in 1918; it closed in 2002 and was acquired by the P&H Elevator Preservation Society, who undertook all of the restoration work we see today. The elevator was repainted in 2013 from the P&H ‘harvest gold’ corporate colour introduced in 1991 back to the original red colour. (Cor van Steenis).
Cor Van Steenis has been coming to Big Valley, AB., population 364, every few years since 1994, shortly after the Alberta Prairie Railway started its excursion train trips from Stettler. It is one of the most well preserved examples of a small east-central Alberta prairie town, with a 1912 Canadian Northern railway station, a more modern 1960 Alberta Wheat Pool elevator and a number of historic buildings on Main Street and Railway Avenue as well as the ruins of a former roundhouse. And, where else can you find a menu with both liver & onions and a crab/shrimp cheese melt on perogies on the same menu but at the Outriders Restaurant in the Big Valley Inn across from the RR station! Photos taken on Sept 6th, 2015.
Alberta 2005 Centennial Railway Museum Society On September 17th, the historic railway station in Beiseker, AB was destroyed by a fire over.A century-old train station that was planned to be the centrepiece of a railway museum northeast of Calgary went up in flames overnight. And investigators are working to determine whether the blaze was deliberately set. Firefighters were called after midnight Friday to the railway station in the village of Beiseker to respond to a blaze. When they arrived, they found the 104-year-old building engulfed in flames. Fire crews managed to douse the fire, but the south half of the building is burned right to the ground said Fred Walters, treasurer of the Alberta 2005 Centennial Railway Museum Society, which was working to restore the station. Talking to insurance adjusters, they say it's got to come down Walters said. I don't think the insurance company is going to allow us to salvage it because of the amount of water damage inside the building. Sgt. Glen Demmon with the Beiseker RCMP said the cause remains under investigation but the fire is believed to be suspicious. There's no power to the building, Demmon added. Walters said the board members will have to discuss where they go from here. Mayor Ray Courtman said the building was vacant at the time and no other buildings were damaged or destroyed. It's quite unfortunate, Courtman said. We were kind of excited about this project. (The Calgary Herald)
Aspen Crosssing Railway
Beginning in 1999, the Okanagan Wine Train consist operated a daily excursion between Kelowna and Armstrong, BC. However, the excursion train didn’t last very long, and it was mothballed near Kelowna where it was later victimized by thieves, squatters and the elements. It was placed on the market, in hopes that Nagel Tours of Edmonton, (the owners of the train) might plug the financial drain. A number of potential buyers showed interest in acquiring one or more of the cars, but nothing came of the negotiations. However in mid-October the cars were being moved from Kelowna to Vernon by rail, being hauled by a hi-rail boom truck. CN will then take them to Kamloops Jct., and hand them off to CP for movement to Calgary, AB where they will eventually be sent to the Aspen Crossing Railway for storage. (via Bruce Harvey and Co van Steenis). Photo Bruce Harvey
The Aspen Crossing Railway excursion train runs 12 miles in each direction between Arrowwood and Herronton, AB., on the abandoned CPR Lomond Subdivision. The switcher used by Aspen Crossing to haul their excursion train is S-3 No. 8454, built in 1952 as CNR 8454 and last used by Parish & Heimbecker at their Moose Jaw, SK, grain elevator.We followed the train on both its eastbound and westbound runs on July 17, 2015 in the rain; no sun glare issues on that day!
The track goes from M0.0 (Eltham Junction) to M 22.5 (Arrowwod); Mossleigh is at M 15.3. The train station is located at Aspen Crossing, 1 mile west of Mossleigh. The train does not run on the first 10 miles of track of the Lomond Subdivision as the CPR stores about 400 grain cars there during the off-peak grain hauling season. (Cor van Steenis Photos).
BEFORE AND AFTER: Jason Thornhill of Aspen Crossing at Mossleigh, AB., has converted one of his many cabooses, in this case CPR 434395, into a caboose cabin (for rental accommodation in the campground) painted in the Northern Alberta Railway livery and numbered Northern Alberta Railway (NAR) 441203​ (Cor van Steenis photos)
Galt Historic Railway Park SASKATCHEWAN
Southern Prairie Railway
Southgate Museum - Battleford, SK A Battleford Saskatchewan Farmer and railfan Gary Southgate,
has been collecting vintage railroad equipment of Canadian Pacific and
Canadian National heritage in the hopes of establishing a railroad
museum in Saskatchewan. One piece he owns, the
"Cape Tormentine" an ex-CN lounge sleeper that was at the Florida
Railway Museum, was repatriated to Canada this summer, and has been
moved to Ogema, SK for repairs and storage on the Red Coat Road
and Rail line. This car is privately owned by a farmed railfan. He
now has 14 pieces of rail equipment purchased from owners across the
Canada and the United States, including an operational CN FP9 and
several passenger cars. But his biggest prize is Canadian Pacific
Northern 4-8-4 No. 3101. The 4-8-4, on display at the former IPSCO
steel plant in Regina since the 1960s, would head up a train of CP
equipment that Southgate hopes to acquire. CPR 3101 was
constructed in October 1928 by CP's Angus Shops in Montreal and was one
of two 4-8-4s owned by Canadian Pacific. The other, No. 3100, is on
display at the Canadian Science & Technology Museum in Ottawa. The
two CP Northern's were orphans on the roster, but worked continuously
for 25 years on overnight passenger trains between Montreal and
Toronto. Before their retirement in 1960, they were converted to burn
oil and worked freight trains in the prairie provinces. CPR 3101 was
sold to IPSCO in 1965, but instead of scrapping it, placed it on
display at the plant. In addition to the locomotive, IPSCO also saved
and displayed CP caboose No. 437034, and CP business car No. 36,
the Francis E. Shaw, built in 1929. The business car was
heated in the winter and air-conditioned in the summer so the interior
is in excellent condition. Both cars were included in the deal with
Southgate. For now, No. 3101 and cars remain at the steel plant.
To bring up the rear of his train, Southgate purchased former Wisconsin Central business car Superior. Southgate also purchased another ex-CN sleeper from the Medina (N.Y.)
Railroad Museum and is in the process of trying to find a vintage CN
cafe-diner. I've tracked one down but I'm not sure its for sale yet
Southgate says. All his CN cars will be painted in the 1954 scheme. MANITOBA
The Vintage Locomotive Society Winnipeg Manitoba
Winnipeg Railway Museum:
GET NOTICED With a BANNER! ONTARIO
The Brockville Railway Tunnel http://www.brockvillerailwaytunnel.com/
City Approves Tunnel Application for Canada's 150 Infrastructure Fund This little clip from days gone by showed up on a Facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152495172170356&set=o.2375063107&type=2&theater Those who do not have a Facebook account can view the clip HERE
Waterloo Central Railway New St Jacobs Market Station News A wonderful interview by one of our Directors, Dave Banks, speaking to Craig Norris from CBC Radio 89.1 on this morning's "Morning Edition" about our Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program grant to help build our new St. Jacobs Market Station. http://www.cbc.ca/player/AudioMobile/The%20Morning%20Edition%20-%20K-W/ID/2673916063/
All of us here at the Waterloo Central Railway are pleased to give a warm welcome to WCRX 1040, the newest addition to our caboose fleet! This caboose comes from the Essex Terminal Railway, which you may know because that is the same railway our lovely Number 9 comes from! Look out for 1040 next time you are at either our engine shop in St. Jacobs or on the train. (Photos courtesy Waterloo Central Railway)
Chad Smith clicked two former Essex Terminal Railway vans, now WCRX 1040 and 1042 waiting in CN London yard for transfer to the Waterloo Central Railway in Waterloo, and to the St. Clair SOLRS Chapter in Sarnia. August 15.
Niagara Railway Museum
Thunder Bay Museum - Thunder Bay, ON A NEW Thunder Bay Transportation Museum in the works! On January 12th 2015, 12 city
council members voted to approve the formation of a heritage transportation
committee for the purpose of investigating the possibility of the creation of a
transportation museum in Thunder Bay. Our city is one of the pivotal
transportation hubs in Canada and we have a rich and diverse history. From the
First Nations Peoples and voyageurs who used the canoe, to Great Lakes
shipping, rail and aviation, Thunder Bay has been a recognized leader in
transportation in Canada. The first meeting of the heritage transportation committee was held at 7 p.m.,
on Feb. 18th at the Unifor Union Hall at 516 S. High St. The Bytown Railway Society - Ottawa, ON
Chatham Railway Museum
Orangeville Brampton Railway "Credit Valley Explorer"
The Credit Valley Explorer at times will run with a dome, and they also have an unpowered RDC-9 used as a coach. . Cando's popular Credit Valley Explorer out of Orangeville, Ontario, is now operating with a Budd-built Dome! Originally Wabash 202, then Norfolk and Western, and finally Amtrak, the car has been totally refurbished. It is a big hit with passengers, and is seen here on Sept 27 at Orangeville, and during a brief pause at Cataract. (Steve Bradley photos).
Owen Sound Marine and Railway Museum
Ex-CN Dining Car arrives August 17 2015 (Photos Barry Westhouse)
Some History: The operators of the Marine & Rail Museum have set the wheels in motion to bring a 60-year-old train car to Owen Sound. Richard Thomas, president of the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre, told city council Monday night that the 1954 former Canadian National Railway dining car would make a great addition to the west-side museum, which is housed inside of a former CN train station. This is a bit up in the air at this point. It's going to take a bit of fundraising to bring the car to Owen Sound and then of course we will have to take a look at the tracks and where we want to put it he told council during a delegation. Thomas said the car, which a CWHC board member spotted in another Ontario community, is available free of charge to whoever is willing to pay the bill to move it. A preliminary estimate has pegged the cost to transport it to the museum in Owen Sound at about $20,000, he told council. The CWHC plans to launch some fundraisers to cover that cost. Thomas said the outside of the train car needs a paint job, but the all-original interior is in good shape and has a working kitchen and full dining area. It would fit in nicely with the CWHC's plan to make food available at the museum property, he said. A stretch of railroad tracks from the days when the city-owned former CN building was a train station were left on the museum property. A 104-year-old train car, which was converted into a caboose in 1947 and was once a birthday party venue at McDonald's Restaurant, now sits on the track. Thomas said the CWHC would like to see the dining car join the caboose on the tracks. It is one of the two large exhibits that the CWHC hopes to bring to the museum in the near future. The other is a lifeboat that was once aboard the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry and is now sitting in storage. City Coun. Peter Lemon said bringing the dining car to the museum would be a "dream come true" and would help to make the facility even more of a destination on the west side of the harbour. The greater the mass of displays you have outside, the more people it will attract to the museum, he said during the council meeting. Thomas said the CWHC would have to tweak its lease agreement for the CN station with the city before the train car arrives.
Huntsville and Lake of Bays Railway Society Elgin County Railway Museum On September 20th the ECRM held the 100th Anniversary of the MICHIGAN CENTRAL RAILROAD (MCRR) Shops with an special evening and silent auction that included guest speakers and railway heritage presentations. The railways played an integral role in the foundation, and growth of the City of St. Thomas, Ontario both economically and in population. In its railway heyday, St. Thomas was interchangeable with the term Railway City or Railway Capital of Canada as it was a North American railway hub with five different railroads steaming their way through the city. The MCRR Locomotive Repair Shops were constructed over a period of a year between 1913 and 1914. An article from the St. Thomas Daily Times on March 28, 1914 with the headline M.C.R.'s New Quarter Million Dollar Shops Nearly Completed, demonstrates the significance of this building and the impact it had on the community: The completion of these works places St. Thomas among the leading railway divisional centres, in point of equipment, on the American continent and no effort has been spared either by the Michigan Central Railway or the contractors to make both the buildings and the equipment the most up-to-date possible to obtain. This new industrial building also impacted the community economically, employing more than 400 workers at its peak. The Elgin County Railway Museum has been housed in the 52,000 square foot building since its incorporation in 1989, and purchased the property in 2010. Toronto Railway Heritage Association (and Museum).
The Cape Race is now lettered CANADIAN PACIFIC and is on display at the Roundhouse Museum in Toronto. Photos coutesy of Bob Merriam who painted it shared his photos with us. The Cape Race was built for the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1929 as the River Liard. The car was one of a series of 15 River cars fabricated at National Steel Car in Hamilton for $66,300 apiece. The opulent interiors were finished at CP's Angus Shops in Montreal and featured individual ladies and gentlemen's showers, leather-upholstered smoking rooms, ladies lounge and observation parlour as well as a small buffet to serve snacks and beverages.
Instead of the traditional open observation platform on the rear, the cars featured a high-windowed solarium furnished with eight leather chairs. In an era long before exposure to the sun's ultra-violet rays was considered harmful, CP promoted these solarium-lounge cars with their health-giving VITA GLASS Sun Parlors. The River cars were unusual in that they contained no revenue-producing space; they were completely for the comfort of passengers occupying space in other sleeping cars. The cars were built primarily for CP's Trans-Canada Limited, an all-sleeping car train between Montreal/Toronto and Vancouver that ran in the summers only between 1919 and 1930. In the winter, the cars operated on the Toronto-Vancouver Dominion as well as other CP trains. In 1931, due to the deepening Depression, CP cancelled the Trans-Canada Limited and mothballed most of the River cars since they were too expensive to operate.
Michael Berry photographed preserved CN GP7 4803 on December 26th 2014 on display at the Toronto Railway Heritage Centre, located at the former CP John Street Roundhouse, in downtown Toronto.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=512466&nseq=0
York Durham Heritage Railway
YDHR hosted "A Day Out With Thomas" which means Thomas the Tank Engine is coming to Uxbridge on August 14 to 16 and 21 to 23, 2015.
Here we see Thomas arriving in Uxbridge reay to see all his fans.
Here he is leading the train full of happy Thomas fans. (Photos Mike Jacula)
Northern Ontario Railway Museum & Heritage Center - Capreol, ON http://www.northernontariorailroadmuseum.ca/ The Canada Science & Technology Museum - Ottawa, ON. The Palmerston Railway Heritage Association
Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario (RMEO) The Guelph Junction Railway Museum Brighton Memory Junction Museum http://memoryjunctionmuseum.ca/
London MCRR Roundhouse Project: http://londonroundhouse.com/post/80303337002/some-pictures-of-the-progress-on-the-renovations
Owen Sound's Rail and Marine Museum reopens: http://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/2014/06/29/rebirth-of-marine-rail-museum-cheered
CNR 4-8-4 6167 RESTORATION UPDATE
A Brampton man who has put in countless hours restoring locomotive 6167 wants the city to shelter, fence, light and aim security cameras at the historic train that sits on Farquhar Street, on the south side of the CN rail tracks at Guelph Central Station. But the city has no plans to fence in the train saying it is following the advice of the Canadian Conservation Institution, the authority on conservation and preservation of historic items. In 2002, the institution prepared a report on the locomotive and how it should be stored after it was restored. "The report referenced a fence, but said it was more of a psychological barrier. It wouldn't do much to prevent vandalism unless it was 10-feet high with barbed wire," said Tammy Adkin, manager of Guelph Museums. "The committee decided it was up to the city and the museum to make decisions about the train, and that's what we've done." That doesn't sit well with Joe Dimech, who has fuelled his love of trains by working on the restoration. Although he doesn't live in Guelph, Dimech and many of the volunteers who did the actual restoration work were concerned with the deteriorating condition of the train and started a campaign to have the city fund its restoration. The proposal went to city council in 2002 and the city agreed to spend $350,000 to restore it. An advisory committee was formed, but Dimech said it was the core group of volunteers who actually did the restoration work. He said over the years a rift developed between the hands-on volunteers and the committee volunteers. He said he's speaking out about his concerns because he doesn't feel he's being taken seriously by city staff or the advisory committee that recently disbanded. And he doesn't want to see the train, so lovingly restored, return to its deteriorating state and become a public hazard. "I tried explaining all this to the committee, but they are obsessed with the touch and feel policy," Dimech said. "W hat other museum leaves its artifacts unprotected? Even the Civic Museum locks its doors at the end of the day." Adkin said all the ladders and other entry points to the locomotive itself are boarded up. She said there are security cameras at the train and bylaw officers patrol the area. And there will be no fence. "Joe is not happy with that decision," she said, "but he doesn't speak on behalf of the whole group of volunteers. And we trust the citizens of Guelph. There seems to be respect for heritage and heritage assets." Adkin said building a shelter for the locomotive had been contemplated but the Canadian Conservation Institution advised against it. "It can become a home for wildlife and pests," she said. "And while it would protect the locomotive from hail, it would not protect against heat and humidity." Adkin said the museum is now working with the volunteers to devise a maintenance plan so the train will remain in good repair. She said in the fall the museum will launch a series of meet and greets and a program plan for the train. She said she considers the locomotive to be a third museum site and they want to draw attention to it. Expect to see classroom trips in short order. QUEBEC
EXPORAIL - CRHA
Model Train Weekend and Used Book Sale was held August 15 and 16. Here is a photo from one of the many operating model railway layouts.
On August 2nd, 2015, Richard Young shot CP Rail M630 4563 moving under its
own power at Exporail with the preserved CP Rail C424 4237. They are being
prepped for Diesel Days in September. EXPO RAIL DIESEL DAYS September 12, 2015 to September 13, 2015 The collection's diesel electric locomotives are in the spotlight during this special weekend. Contemplate ALCO, MLW and GM models and watch the great locomotive parade on Saturday morning! During the two days, visit the cabins of some locomotives, meet railwaymen (active and retired) and enjoy this special occasion to take pictures of important pieces our collection. For the occasion, the passenger train will operate exceptionally on Saturday and Sunday. This event will require the participation of many volunteers! Rocky Mountain Express IMAX film (full length feature movie featuring steam locomotive 2816) now showing in the Exporail mini-theatre! (Modest $ 4 up-charge applicable). The English presentation is at 1:30 PM Richard Young was fortunate enough to show up at ExpoRail just as 'The Crew' were getting to put this LRC loco onto the Turntable to get access to Exporail's main track. The Mission today was to go check the reworked track (at the end of the Yard) and bring home the little CN SW1200RS 1382 all using the LRC!
Again, these are hand held, cell videos, so they are 'rustic'. But the sound of this loco is music to an Alco lover's ears. Please enjoy the vid and photos. (Richard Young).
VIDEO of the LRC at Work: Inside the engine compartment: https://www.dropbox.com/s/wby71j55d6khzlp/2015-07%20A%20tour%20inside%20VIA%206921.mp4?dl=0 Bilingual control panels:
This loco has signs inside the Cab on how to properly operate this loco; separately, and in a Consist.
Forward Cab:
Operating instructions:
A four minute video of CP C424 #4237 being turned on the MANUAL turntable at ExpoRail. The video is a little shaky as Richard Young did it rather impromptu with his cell phone. BIt is interesting to see how 'they' used to do it. I have also included a link to the ExpoRail Diesel Day that will be held in September. Details are not final yet for that day, but bookmark it and check back once in a while. We are hoping to have up to 8 locos running that day. Anybody out there still have their certificate to operate?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fg26xi2sn32vp84/CP4237%20on%20the%20turntable%20at%20ExpoRail.mp4?dl=0 AMT GP9u 1311 Start Up It is that 'Time of the Year', when the Big Boys bring out their Big Toys! So in mid-May 2015 Richard Young helped Max and Kevin bring out AMT GP9u 1311 for its inaugural Run at Exporail Museum in at St-Constant/Delson, near Montreal, QC. Click on the photo below and turn up the volume.
Streetcar Operation
Streetcar operation should resume at Exporail for the May 16th weekend with car 1959. During the winter it underwent some major repairs and preventative maintenance by staff and volunteers. The observation streetcar No. 3 is scheduled to operate on Sunday, June 7 and June 21 (weather and mechanical permitting).
Sunday Train Ride
The Sunday demonstration train ride will commence on May 17th and will operate every Sunday thereafter.
All outdoor train, streetcar and mini-train operations are subject to cancellation because of weather or mechanical breakdown. Canadian Rail Magazine
Hull - Wakefield Steam Train - Gatineau, QC
The Hull - Wakefield Steam Train with CPR G5a #1201
video from 1982.
Orford Express Tourist Train - Sherbrooke, QC QUEBEC CENTRAL / CP Valley Junction Station fund drive: http://player.vimeo.com/video/64576762
Trains Touristiques de Charlevoix (Le train du Massif de Charlevoix) http://www.lemassif.com/en/train
L'Amiral Tourist Train http://www.tourisme-gaspesie.com/en/visiter/train-touristique-l-amiral/8871890E.html
NEW BRUNSWICK
Moncton Transportation Museum: OPENING SOON http://www.moncton.ca/Residents/Recreation_Parks_and_Culture/Museums_and_Heritage/Moncton_Museum.htm The New Brunswick Railway Museum Hillsborough, NB NOVA SCOTIA
Nova Scotia Museum of Industry - Stellarton, NS
USA
CALIFORNIA: The Orange Empire Railway Museum PENNSYLVANIA: Lake Shore Railway Historical Society The Steamtown National Historic Site Steam Into History - New Freedom, PA NEW
NEW YORK
Bridge Line Historical Society
- Delaware And Hudson RR. D&H ALCO RS-11 5000 at Fort Edward, New York in July 1984. This was built for NYC, and was one of the last diesels delivered in NYC lightning stripes . NYC reneged on the order, and D&H bought them. They were the first units delivered new in D&H blue and gray. (Ron Wilbanks photo) PHOTO D&H 5000 RON WILBANKS
Adirondack Scenic Railroad NEW ENGLAND: The Railway Museum of New England Conway Scenic Railroad; Conway, New Hampshire
ILLINOIS Monticello Railway Museum MINNESOTA The Iron Horse Museum - Chicago City, MN http://www.yelp.ca/biz/ironhorse-central-railroad-museum-chisago-city
TEXAS Museum of the American Railroad http://www.museumoftheamericanrailroad.org Founded in 1982 the museum is devoted to the railway heritage of the USA. This is their latest project: The corporation purchased former CN F9A 9167 from NRE in Silvis, and it is becoming Santa Fe F7A #49 in full red and silver Warbonnet paint:
VIRGINIA Two former CPR Pacific steam locomotives, 1238 and 1286 have been stored in Virginia for years, apparently in good shape! The owner passed away a few months ago. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Canadian-Pacific-4-6-2-1238/157368094314992 WASHINGTON Cascade Rail Foundation MILWAUKEE U25B 5057 News: MINNESOTA This group is restoring the Skytop parlour-observation car "Cedar Rapids", similar in appearance to the ex-Milwaukee sleeper-observations once used by CN. You may be interested in supporting them. http://261.com/uncategorized/restoration-work-progressing-milwaukee-road-skytop-cedar-rapids/ INTERNATIONAL
BLUEBELL RAILWAY - UK http://www.bluebell-railway.com/
NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM - UK
STEAMRAIL -Australia
© CRO October 2015 | ||||||||
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