20 November 2005
WCRA Clarifies Story on Royal Hudson Restoration
Squamish - Editor, Thank you very much for your extensive coverage of the
10 Nov 2005 cheque presentation to the West Coast Railway Association (WCRA) ("Government stokes Royal Hudson
restoration work," 11 Nov 2005).
Your article portrayed the event accurately and provided good historical background but there is one item requiring correction. While
the $100,000 grant from the BC Transportation Authority will go a long way towards the restoration, we do require additional funds to
complete the project. With this grant, we have raised over $300,000 but all of this money has been spent or committed, primarily to
parts and materials. We require an additional $150,000 to finish the project and have the locomotive operational by next spring.
The restoration is going well and we have now completed the stripping, cleaning, and inspection of the boiler. Our initial estimate of
$500,000 has been reduced by $50,000 because the boiler is in better condition than originally anticipated. No running gear work is
required and we are now proceeding with re-assembly. The project is on budget and on track for completion by next May.
The WCRA appreciates The Chief's continued support of the events and projects at our Heritage Park in Squamish. We welcome donations in
any amount towards any of our projects. In addition, we can always use volunteers, particularly retired railroaders in the community
who have a wealth of knowledge in areas such as steam locomotives. Please see www.wcra.org for progress on the Royal Hudson and other projects at Heritage
Park. Thank you.
J. Singh Biln - Manager Major Projects - WCRA
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