22 May 2005
Kettle Valley Steam Railway to Launch the
3716 Locomotive May 22nd
Summerland - The Kettle Valley Steam Railway (KVSR) in
Summerland, BC, is fast approaching the day that Rail Fans have been looking forward to since the
restoration of the 3716 Steam Locomotive began two years ago.
On Sunday, 22 May 2005 the 3716 steam locomotive, built in 1912 by CPR, will be back on
the rails, fully restored and ready to steam its way over the historic Kettle Valley Railway line.
"It has been two years of hard work," says KVSR General Manager Debbie Kinvig. "Our
Operations Manager and Engineer Brad Coates has done an excellent job in leading the restoration work
and team." The locomotive was given its safety certification from the BC Safety Authority in
March and then work to restore the engine's exterior beauty soon followed.
"The KVSR is planning a big launch on 22 May 2005 with two trains (10:30 am and
1:30 pm) each complete with a Great Train Robbery and Barbeque, live music and a souvenir for people
to take home," says Kinvig. "We want to share this monumental day with people from all over
the country and extend an invitation for them to join us." There will also be an area set up for
photographers who want to get an unobstructed view of the 3716 in action. Tickets will be $55 for
adults and $22 for children. Reservations are a must and can be booked at 1-877-494-8424
or online at www.kettlevalleyrail.org
3716 Background
The 84,150 Kilogram steam locomotive was disassembled and sent on five tractor trailer trucks from the
BC Rail yards in North Vancouver to the Kettle Valley Steam Railway in March of 2003. Restoration
challenges included building a new firebox, boiler jacket, side sheets and other repairs at an
estimated cost of $100,000.
The Kettle Valley Railway Society acquired the historic 3716 steam locomotive from BC Rail as a lease
arrangement of $1 a year for the next 15 years.
Built in 1912 by Montreal Locomotive Works, it was originally numbered the 3916 but was rebuilt and
renumbered as the 3716 in 1929. It spent the first half of its life in the east running out of
Montreal. It wound up out west in the 1940's when it was converted to burn oil and assigned to CPR's
Kootenay Division based in Cranbrook where it ran until 1966 and was then moved to Port Coquitlam.
In 1976, BC Rail received the engine from the City of Port Coquitlam and for the next 26 years, it was
used as a back up for the well-known Royal Hudson on the North Vancouver to Squamish
route before being retired in April 2001. The 3716 has also starred in many movies and television
commercials over the years including "The Grey Fox", a movie about Bill Miner, and
"The Journey of Natty Gann", a Walt Disney Production.
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