The boiler has finally arrived back into North Vancouver to be affixed to the 2816 Hudson (but not Royal). It was sent down to Oregon about a year ago, and just arrived back in the last couple of days. So the projected date is now this summer for completion (or earlier). This unit will be used on excursion trains in Alberta for Canadian Pacific. Apparently it was brought up by a Great Northern F unit (which we tried to see but were to late) it left early this morning, and we arrived at 9:00 AM only to learn it had departed. I heard two rumours and I don't know which one is accurate: some say it was an F7 and others say it was an F3.
It was Doyle McCormack's F-7, the subject of a lot of traffic on other forums. Glad the 2817's boiler is back. Looking forward to seeing her run again. Do you know the true condition of BC Rail 2860? I have heard several depressing reports, including she may never run again. Beautiful engine! ------------------ http://www.pioneer.net/~fitzrr/ Member No. 508
I have heard many scenarios. The reality is that almost every employee I know at BC Rail, and I know quite a few, don't know what is going to happen. So here is my opinion for what it is worth. First, we have a governing party which is coming up for re-election. This party has so badly managed the provinces finances and business that just about everyone is predicting it will be just about wiped out in the next election. That election is expected to be in the spring or longer, because even the politicians have come to accept the reality, so are procastinating to call an election. Canada is much harder on its political parties, we will almost eliminate a party if not happy. For example, the equivelant of the Republican party (the Conservatives) went from about 120 seats in parliament to two...lol. The same is expected to happen in this province (except a different party). Secondly, it is the provincial government who owns the Royal Hudson, not BC Rail. So it is up to the governing party to approve funds for its repair. Thirdly, it is speculated that BC Rail is posturing to get more money out of the government and so is painting a total gloom and doom picture. Fourthly, it is my opinion that funds will not be approved until after the election, if ever. The new party probably won't make a decision on it for at least a year is my bet. Fifthly, a new fad is happening on the rail roads other than intermodal, and that is the excursion train. A train in which people are willing to pay ridiculous amounts of money to take - BC Rail has discovered this big time. Sixthly, BC Rail has just introduced a new expensive excursion train to cover its most impressive geography. And this train is affecting The Royal Hudson (now called the steam excursion train). The train is being cut back from 5 times a week to 3 times a week, with many of its crew transfering over to the new exursion train. The excursion train (new) will make more money than the Hudson, we it costs about $1500 Canadian to take, versus 49$ Canadian for the Hudson. Seventhly, with the task of completing the 2816, the steam shop has its hands full so won't be able to work on the Royal Hudson until the other Hudson is completed. Lastly, the 3716 Consolidation went through a major refit about three years ago, so I am guessing they are hoping that will hold the fort awhile. When the Consolidation is down for servicing, they send out a restored F7 painted in the early maroon colours and name of Canadian Pacific. This unit was restored at the Squamish Rail Heritage park. So the Hudson's fate will be up in the air for about a year and half - is my guess - before any real decision is made.
Thanks for your insightful commentary. I had no idea that there was so much politics involved in the operation. That certainly can't help in the view of we railfans. Be thankful that you have a few Hudsons there in Canada. There are no NYC Hudsons surviving here in the US. (sob) ------------------ http://www.pioneer.net/~fitzrr/ Member No. 508
