The event work started weeks before, as the Steam Up Event Team along with the Hudson Rebuild Team made the joint decision that September 28 would be the official steam up date. The decision itself was not without trepidation, as much work had to be done and we were well aware of the way hidden surprises had a way of turning up in a project such as this. But the rebuild core team of Trevor Mills, Randy Shimell, Randy Lucas and Singh Biln agreed to go for it. Given that, the Steam Up Event Team of Craig McDowall, Heather Baker (Amaryllis Events), Sherry Elchuk, Jeremy Davy, Keith Anderson and Don Evans also sprung into action. The plans for the event had been set up, now was time to put them into action. With lots yet to happen, we were committed!

Much work moved forward over the next weeks and, as the event drew near, everyone got involved. This would be the biggest event in our history, and we were going to do it right! At the Heritage Park, staff and volunteers were at work setting up the tents and preparing the grounds. Our turntable contractor, Ueli Leichti and his crew did a fabulous job of providing fill around some of the construction area, and rollering it flat, then moving fencing to allow the maximum possible space for guests to view the proceedings. Don McAllister got to work and relocated some of the picket fences to set the space (in between polishing the rods on the locomotive!) Bill McEnery spent several hours grading the entire parking area helping make construction space usable for parking. Tomo’o and helpers prepared for the stage setup, and helped install the new interpretive fence banners that were prepared and remain as a legacy of the event. Kevin Smith spent hours doing a last minute site check and final clean up. Staff set up the gift shop, and many other tasks were completed b y many others.

Meanwhile, over at the shop, last minute work was underway on the locomotive itself. The 28th was drawing near, and there were lots of details yet to complete. Thankfully, our crew had been augmented by steam expert Al Broadfoot, who was able to take a three-week sabbatical from CPR’s 2816 and come and give us a hand. Al’s 25 years of experience on our #2860 at BC Rail over the years was invaluable to our crew, who now could get the answer to “how does this go” each time a question arose. All of our staff, volunteers, and crew were working flat out towards the steam up event. Additional help arrived ahead of the event when Kettle Valley Steam Railway’s Brad Coates and Andy Faris showed up and pitched in, augmented as well by steam engineer Gene Davis from Kamloops. Everyone wanted to see 2860 steam down the tracks on Thursday. On the night before we had a crew of 14!

It was the morning of September 28, and in various parts of the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, things started to mobilize towards the event ceremony, set for 11:00AM. In Vancouver, guests started their trek to Squamish, aided by a contingent of bus assistance in the form of TRAMS Flyer #334 (Transit Museum Society), Aeronca Bus #213 (Dale Laird) and Nostalgia Tours #208 (John Day). Both #213 and #208 brought guests from Vancouver to Squamish with them, then all aided us with a Parking Lot Shuttle to the gate from the BC Rail Properties parking area which they permitted us to use for the day (thanks BCRP). This aided greatly in accommodating the more than 1,500 who attended.

Over in Victoria, Harbour Air started boarding a Turbo Otter Aircraft which they graciously donated for the dignitary transportation to Squamish, thanks to Randy Wright of Harbour Air and Colin Smith who worked with them. The Lieutenant Governor’s party boarded in Victoria, and the Minister of Transportation and Canadian Tourism Commission and others picked up in Vancouver Harbour en route. The plane was due in Squamish at 10:15AM, and arrived right on time. On hand to meet the plane and transport the party to the Heritage Park were Jim Brown, Don Evans and Craig McDowall. Her Honour Iona Campagnolo, her Aide de Camp Inspector Herb Leroy and party joined Jim in the Heritage Park’s 1934 Chrysler Airflow, Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon and party rode with Don Evans, and between Don and Craig we accommodated everyone else and made our way to the Heritage Park in a small procession. When we arrived the crowd was already huge! The party exited the vehicles, and Her Honour and the Minister immediately dispersed into the crowd!

It was the perfect day—the sun was shining, the crowd was happy, the mood exciting as we prepared. The stage was set for a great event. Joining us were members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in their red serge dress—thanks to Cpl. Dave Ritchie, Cst. John Marinis, Cst. Nicole Silbernagel, and Cst. Chrisy Mohr for their assistance. We were ready to go!

The sequence of events was as follows:

• 1100 Platform party assembled led by RCMP constable: Don Evans (MC), Mayor Sutherland, MLA Joan McIntyre, Minister Falcon, Inspector Herb Leroy, Her Honour Iona Campagnolo
• 1102 MC opening remarks, Royal Hudson history
• 1105 The Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia—Her Honour Iona Campagnolo
• 1112 MC read letter from Federal Minister, the Honourable Carol Skelton MC acknowledged the pioneers present who saved the 2860 the first time
• 1116 The British Columbia Transportation Minister, the Honourable Kevin Falcon
• 1123 MC recognized those who worked on the Royal Hudson project
• 1126 The Mayor of the District of Squamish—His Worship, Ian Sutherland
• 1132 MC recognized the donors who have made the funding of the project possible, recognition items given to the top donors / project supporters Her Honour Iona Campagnolo signaled the crew to steam the train into the station 2860 arrived at the platform to the applause of everyone—right on schedule! Royal Hudson #2860 is christened with champagne to start her third career Reception tents open, Royal Hudson on display, Mini rail rides start
• 1230 Royal Hudson reverses up the track, makes a second arrival for photographers

The Mac Norris Station is all decked out in bunting, the tents are up and the crowd gathering.	Platform Party, Don Evans MC, RCMP Cst., MLA Joan McIntyre, Mayor Ian Sutherland, Minister Kevin Falcon, Her Honour Iona Campagnolo, Inspector Herb Leroy.
Griffin Wolf is excited to see the Royal Hudson back, and brought his own sign of welcome.(Paul Ohannesian photo)
Felomena Wan (WD Canada), Keith Anderson, and Robert Jang (All Pro Boiler) were some of the top supporters recognized from the podium during the ceremony.	Her Honour Iona Campagnolo sends the signal to the crew aboard 2860 advising them it is time to roll. “Is there fire in her belly?”, she asks! The crew advises the affirmative. Then steam her in is the directive!
There was no hesitation—the time was now. It is exactly 11:38 on September 28th. Steam swirls as #2860 starts towards the station with whistle blaring and cylinder cocks swooshing, this train’s a coming!	At the station, necks crane to get a good shot of the arrival, kids of all ages are thrilled to the sights and sounds of #2860 as she steams towards the station with her train of West Coast Railway generator car and coaches. Mount Garibaldi provides a spectacular backdrop!
A young railfan gets a thrill as he christens #2860 with champagne along with Her Honour Iona Campagnolo and Transportation Minster Falcon to the delight of the crowd.	At the station, necks crane to get a good shot of the arrival, kids of all ages are thrilled to the sights and sounds of #2860 as she steams towards the station with her train of West Coast Railway generator car and coaches. Mount Garibaldi provides a spectacular backdrop!
Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon looks right at home in the engineer’s seat of #2860. The Province of British Columbia supported the project by first agreeing with the District of Squamish / WCRA proposal to preserve the locomotive, and then with a $100,000 Transportation Finance Authority grant towards the project.	District of Squamish Mayor Ian Sutherland poses on the pilot of #2860. The District commissioned a task force with the West Coast Railway Association to save the locomotive which was chaired by then Councillor Wendy Magee. The support of the community was key to the success of the submission, which saw the locomotive come to Squamish in 2002 and the repair project begin.
Volunteers, contractors and staff played a huge role in our success in completing the Royal Hudson project, as well as in the ability to do it at the funding level we have achieved. In the photo above, we see (from left) Don Lawrence and Richard Courage—two of our long term regular volunteers, Trevor Mills—lead hand contractor on the project, Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon, Engineer Brad Coates from KVSR (who was at the throttle on the grand arrival) and engineer Gene Davis from Kamloops (who alternated with Brad at operating and firing the locomotive throughout the day). (Bob Brandt photo)	An aerial shot catches the scene from a different point of view. Thanks to Ueli Leichti and Duro Construction for this unique vantage point.
Another Aerial Shot
Thanks to our top supporters and donors to the project were noted at the event and a very special new Paul Ohannesian framed print was presented. The print, seen below, shows Royal Hudson #2860 pulling off the Canadian National turntable at CN Turntable Plaza, in front of the her new home, the Roundhouse & Conference Centre at the Heritage Park. This is what the scene will look like by the end of 2007 when construction is completed. Thanks Paul!
Recipients were Her Honour Iona Campagnolo, The Honourable Kevin Falcon, WD Canada (accepted by Felomena Wan), Westran Services (Hugh Little), All Pro Services (accepted by Robert Jang), Paul Turner, Bob Fast, the Vancouver Foundation, Keith & Vera Anderson and Dorothea Matewish. Thanks to you and to all donors for your incredible support. The event drew great media coverage, with great news coverage on all four Vancouver TV networks CBC, CTV, City and Global, in the Province newspaper, the Globe & Mail, many regional papers, Clear FM radio as well as the Squamish Chief, Whistler Pique, Mountain FM and many others. We appreciate their great support. There were rave reviews from those present, too many to print—but here are a couple…. Dear Don and crew: Congratulations on the great weather and arrangements for that Grand Old Lady’s entry into our midst on Thursday last—it was indeed a great treat to see the Royal Hudson once again huffing and puffing along the rails. I am sure we were all able to get some terrific shots of her, the Mounties and others. A memorable moment. A big thank you to the volunteers and the thousands of hours of work all have given, and thank you to the organizers of the reception which we, as members, really enjoyed. Chris & Patricia Treadwell. Donna Fourchalk noted the day as “the Little Association that could”! Keith Anderson, one of the WCRA’s founding members 45 years ago was there and notes, “In my 45 plus years as a member of the group this has to be our biggest day ever. Never so proud to be a member!”
It was a very special day, and to this writer there will be many memories for years to come. But when I think of the day, I think what I will always remember is summed up in this photo of a young railfan who, oblivious to the cameras and others around, has a very special moment, with a very special lady—after christening that Grand Old lady of steam. A future Royal Hudson engineer for West Coast Railway? We hope so.