Tracking istory West Coast Railway Heritage Park brings B.C.’s storied railway past to life RAIL ENTHUSIASTS will think they are in locomotive heaven. History buffs will bask in the authenticity ef yester- year. Summer fun-seekers will be overjoyed with a new adventure. And educators and parents will give top marks to B.C.’s newest tourisin hotspot. By Ann Hamilton Contributing Writer The West Coast’ Railway Heritage Park recently celebrated its grand opening by welcoming politi- cal dignitaries, West Coast Railway Association (WCRA) officials and volunteers. ruil employees, and the media to its remarkable new rail facility, The park is a long-term project of the WCRA, a non-profit society dedicated to preserving British Columbia’s railway heritage. Located 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Vancouver in Squamish. at 39645 Government Rd., che muse- um is home to an impressive collec- tion of vintage rail-related ireasures. For the $3 admission price, visi- tors can climb aboard historic loco- motives, sit in a caboose, inch their way into a rail snowplough's pilot seat, view a conductor's administra- tion documents. pose for a nostalgic pic among the burlap sacks resting on the wooden floor of a staples’ car, Step aboard a freight train. see vintage railway equipment and look at plenty of old-time photos and dis- AS Specioalizirig ir: Blinds and Drapeties for over 9 years 117-949 West 3rd St. 2270 West 41st Ave. Squamish 892-5857 poe NEWS tile photo A 40-KILOMETRE train ride aboard the Reyai Hudson steam locomotive is the best way to travei from Vancouver to Squamish tc visit the new West Coast Railway Heritage Park. The museum, dedicated to the railway industry, boasts an impressive collection of vintage rail treasures. plays. Not to be missed is the Great Eastern carshop. Donated by BC Rail. the 1914 weeden structure was relocatea to its current place of honor from its Squamish site approximately one kilometre away. Reportedly, it is the largest RDOW CONDENS, DE BET BETTER 934-4161 Vancouver 264-7255 Whistler 932-6617 building in B.C. to be successfully moved intact. Probably the most precious col- lectable, however. is the magnifi- cent business car British Columbia, which has WCRA officials and vol- unteers bursting Uheir buttons with pride and is a hands-down winner fe Refers to Fabrictand Sewins Club Members with tourists. Turn-of-the-century Canadian business was often conducted in the stately rooms of the car, which rode the rails from 1890 to 1963. tors will be suitadly impressed by the car's fit-for-royal- ty elegunce — a teenaged Princess Margaret once took afternoon tea in its dining chamber. Invested in the car are 80,000 hours of fabor and a $200,000 restoration price tig, which clearly reflect the WCRA‘s commiunent to authentic restoration practices. Well-informed volunteers are available lo answer questions and encourage everyone to see the more than 50 pieces of rolling stock, including railcars a steam locomo- five and a 1954 firetruck. Situated on five hectares of grass and pebble ground, which is regu- larly splashed with the legendary Squamish winds, the park sports a magnificent West Coast mountain backdrop. Officials say the current site rep- resents the completion of phase one of a four-phase project. As is, the park is worth experiencing; howev- er, its metamorphosis will continue over the next six years. In the works are a visitors’ cen- tre, historic railcar shop, 1930s-style station, roundtable, water tower, freight sheds, museuin building, tour program using restored equip- ment, and a miniature steam-cngine locomotive.to carry passengers around the site. The West Coast Railway Heritage Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Friday, Sept. 23. In keeping with the train theine, you can seri ta Squamish aboard the impressive 2860 Royal Hudson steam locomotive, a significant adventure in itself, To obtain WCRA information, call 327-2876. Seiection will vary from Store to store