Saturday, April 28 and we were off on an unusual but very popular tour'to Canfor's Englewood logging railway. This
tour proved very popular'it was sold out by Christmas 2000 and had a long waiting list. But for those who were along
there was no disappointment, just a legion of smiling faces as the wonders of this isolated logging railway unfolded. The
Canfor logging railway is unique in Canada, perhaps even North America, as the only company to still actively log by
rail.
Our tour departed Pacific Central station by chartered bus, travelling to Vancouver Island on the 1030 ferry from
Horseshoe Bay. We then proceeded right up Island, stopping at Woss yard for a first glimpse of the railway. In the yard
were several maintenance of way cars, the 'Grey Ghost' coach and a bench seat equipped flat car.Motive power was in
evidence as well, with locomotives #302 and 303. #302 was painted in the new red and silver scheme, and had just emerged
from the shops as the latest full rebuild. She had entered the shop around Christmas as a more than 40 year old SW1200
(with dynamic brakes) and in the course of the last five months has been re-engined with a caterpillar prime mover and
fully rebuilt for many more years of service. Of the four units on the railway, only 303 now remains original. After a good
look around, we moved on to Port McNeil and our overnight accommodation.
Sunday AM, and we're off for our day on the line. Arriving at Woss around 0900, we were met by several others who had
driven over on their own to join the tour. We are met by Mike Gaudet, the railway superintendent, Larry Knutson, our
engineer and Mike Barker who will be our conductor. Its all aboard for our special train, consisting of newly rebuilt SW
#302, the open seat flat car and the Grey Ghost coach.
We start by heading for Beaver Cove, the site of the log unloading facility. The weather is mixed, some clouds to bright
sun to heavy rain'temperature around 5 degrees and snow low on the surrounding mountains. Well along the 60 km ride,
the train suddenly came to a stop and engineer and conductor are off to cut and clear some windfall across the tracks. (It
could have been pushed off with the train, but 302 has brand new paint!) Back on our way, we note a new piece of line
through a cut, replacing a trestle. Beaver Cove is reached without incident.
After viewing 2-6-2T steam locomotive #112 on display there, we headed back with several stops en route for photo
runbys and other highlights such as Camp A. Our return to Woss Camp was around 1500, after an enjoyable and unique
six hours out on Canada's only remaining logging railroad. Everyone was happy!
This tour brings back many memories for several of our readers. Moneca Haynes sends over some clippings from Island
newspapers who covered the line in 1999. Another reader (I apologize that somehow his name has been lost) sends along
a note about the line's steam passenger forest tours in the early 1990's. The photo here shows restored 2-8-2 steam loco
#113 in 1994 backing to couple to the Grey Ghost on one of those tours. This engine is now displayed at Woss.
Will we run this tour again? It all depends on the ability to do it with the railway. One thing for sure, we know there is
interest out there to ride and the trip doesn't disappoint. Stay tuned for next year.
