I flew to Toronto on the 21st of November to take in the Toronto Christmas Toy and Train Show. I was able to distribute West Coast Rail Tours information and visit the folks from the Toronto Railway Heritage Society. Their plans for the John Street Roundhouse are progressing well, the turntable has been rebuilt, installed and is operational. The group is part of a unique partnership with the Steam Whistle Brewery and Leon's Furniture Showcase to support operations of the museum. VP Michael Guy was very kind to meet me on Monday afternoon to tour me through the roundhouse
I departed Toronto on Tuesday on VIA Number 1. Just east of Rivers, Man we hit an unidentified piece of steel taking out a traction motor gear case on the trailing unit, bursting airlines and severing HEP, At least two retention tanks ruptured and skidded wheels on five cars. Leaving the trailing unit at Rivers we proceed back to Winnipeg, arriving just after 7am. VIA canvassed the passengers for alternate travel arrangements. I opted to remain in Winnipeg and wait for Friday's train. They put us up at the Radisson including taxi and meal vouchers. I was very impressed with VIA onboard personnel and the company contingency plans. I took advantage to visit Transcona Shops and memories of 1962/63 during my apprenticeship. Two of our sleepers were added to Number 1 on Friday and we continued only to be delayed by a stalled CN freight in Saskatchewan. Time was made up by Kamloops for an on time arrival November 30th in Vancouver.
While in Jasper I was able to see the turntable loaded on a 90 foot flat car along with another car for the drive motors, centre bearing and ring rails. The turntable will be moved to Stettler, Alberta This has been an Ambitious and long awaited objective of the Rocky Mountain Rail Society and Mountain Engine CN6060.
