On a very historic day for Vancouver’s transportation system, (the opening of the Canada Line service to Richmond and YVR), it was appropriate that locomotive 374 also be recognized. So on August 17th the historic locomotive was pulled out on to the Roundhouse Community Centre’s Turntable Plaza to be viewed by the hundreds of people in the area. The steam generator was fired up and there she sat as if waiting to chug away to an unknown destination.
Most visitors had ridden, or were about to queue up at the nearby Yaletown - Roundhouse Canada Line station for a free ride on the new line. WCRA volunteers were on hand to welcome over 600 guests who crawled into the locomotive’s cab blowing the whistle and ringing the bell. Another 350 or so visited our exhibits in the pavilion and enjoyed the brilliant sunshine and ambience of the day. Fuse Restaurant had food and drink available and our on-site gift shop enjoyed record sales.
The locomotive was winched out to the Turntable Plaza in the morning and returned on its 30 minute journey at 1600K. The message to most was clear that on this day Vancouver’s first train was on display only a few metres above Vancouver’s newest trains running below us in a tunnel under False Creek - on their way to Richmond and the airport. It was good to see old friends and 374 supporters drop by to honour the occasion. In addition to Vasti, our full-time summer custodian, we must thank volunteers Colin Dathan, Len Brown and Thomas Pruden for their assistance in moving the locomotive in and out of the Pavilion. Also on hand to welcome the hundreds of guests were Ed and Cathy Harkness, John and Fay Lighthall, Elaine Pruden and Bill Johnston. We would also like to thank Dave Engleman of Rocky Mountain Production Services who performed the electrical work for the 374 steam boiler. What better way can there be to welcome Vancouver’s newest trains while recognizing the vintage version?
From Karen Peterson [kpeterson@canadaline.ca]
A very good friend of mine, Pat (Pasquale) Magnolo Sr. ( may he rest in peace), used to volunteer with you, and another ex-boyfriend's father and grandfather were involved with the very first steam engines in this country - the very Scottish MacPhee's. Strikes me that one of the engines they worked with was green? does that sound right? Further - I worked at Expo 86 and looked at the train every day. It holds a special place in my heart as well—so it seemed very fitting to me that this magnificent beast be pulled out to say hello to the new train and be honored itself for being here first! Forging the way for many.
Thank you for bringing her out, for writing the article and for making the day better for all those who came by. Sincere regards, Karen.
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