2007 was again an exciting and challenging year for the portable MiniRail crew operating during the Christmas season. Plans were well underway for a Christmas operation at the 374 Pavilion when we were advised by Canada Place Corporation that Exhibit Hall C would be available starting December 16th and they would like us to run a Christmas Train until January 1st. Inside!!!! at Canada Place - too good an opportunity to pass up.
Early on Dec 16th a small but intrepid crew started setting up at Canada Place and testing the track using 4 Ride Astride cars. After the 374 Pavilion closed for the day the train was moved to Canada Place and tested as a unit. Finally in the early evening all was ready to operate from December 17th to January 1st. Thanks Crew!!!! The ride inside Hall C consisted of a large oval of track (a good length ride) with some Christmas décor spotted at spaces in the inside of the oval. Above, Colin Dathan operates a train load of happy riders on December 20, 2007. (Don Evans photo)
To add to the enjoyment of the visitors to the Canada Place venue Gordon Hall set up a model train display featuring both his Christmas Express and his newly acquired Polar Express consists.
As a fundraiser for WCRA activities Barrie Sansom set up a souvenir sales operation which featured a large selection of his Tee Shirts and as well sold Entertainment Books; DVDs and Photo Murals - courtesy of Gordon Hall; Surplus Books donated by the Estate of Dan Boettcher; Hats, Pins and Christmas Cards – courtesy of Paul Roy and Max Jacquiard Art Cards - courtesy of Dave Emmington.
At the time of writing the revenue and expenses are still being tabulated but what is known is that during the 24 days of operation we gave just short of 6,400 rides which generated more than $10,000.
Special thanks to The BC Society of Model Engineers for loaning additional track and cars for use at Canada Place, Bruce Wilson for being just a phone call away in the event of any technical problems with the train and to Lonnie VanderZalm of Art Knapp Plantland in South Surrey for donating Christmas Trees to add to the festive atmosphere of both venues. Also, thanks to CN Police for keeping us supplied with Operation Lifesaver materials which were handed out to our guests.
Thanks again to all the volunteers: Eric Anderson; Karl Anderson; Keith Anderson; Vera Anderson; Judy Board; Barb Brown; Len Brown; Gib Cavigan; Colin Dathan; Jeremy Davy; Chuck Dick; Lynn Dick; Dave Durward; Nini Durward; Don Evans; Dave Emmington; Marietta Fischer; Gordon Hall; Michelle Hall; Tim Hall; Margaret Hope; Don Knudsen; Roy Liden; Fay Lighthall; John Lighthall; Eivind Luffe; George Massey; Dorothea Matewish; Bruce McKay; Mary Roy; Paul Roy; Jim Saunders; Barrie Sansom; Donna Simon; Bernie Tully; Bruce Williamson; Bruce Wilson and Rob Woodward.
Lastly—a special thank you to Canada Place Corp. for having the train back.
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