13 September 2008
In the Spirit of Restoration
Ex-Canadian Pacific Railway number 1095 at Kingston,
Ontario.
Kingston Ontario - One thing they don't lack is spirit.
A group of train buffs is getting together every week in Kingston to lay the foundation for an ambitious restoration of The Spirit of
Sir John A., the old locomotive beside the tourist bureau in Confederation Park.
The Spirit is popular with children and tourists, but it's in dire need of a facelift. Rust has eaten away large sections of the old
train, window frames are rotting, and many small parts are damaged or missing.
With $170,000 in municipal funds plus another $300,000 in donations that are yet to be raised, the train buffs hope to restore the
locomotive over the next five years to coincide with its 100th anniversary in 2013.
Douglas Smith, who chairs the Kingston division of the Canadian Railroad Historical Association, said that about 10 people interested
in working on the restoration turned out for a meeting this week, and he's hoping the number will continue to grow.
Smith said he's still looking for individuals who have professional experience working with steam locomotives and could serve on a
project management team.
Organizers are also wrestling with the question of what to call themselves.
"We started the thing off as 1095 Restoration Group, as that is the CPR operating number of the locomotive, but there were those
who felt that people knew the thing as The Spirit of Sir John A.," Smith said.
Although it isn't official, the train buffs are considering a slight alteration to its original name so they would be called The Spirit
of 1095 Restoration Group.
The old locomotive was built in 1913 by the Canadian Locomotive Company Ltd. on the section of Kingston's waterfront that is now
covered with luxury, high-rise apartments. The old train was one of 500 "10-wheeler" locomotives
owned by the company and one of the most popular on the railway. The last train in the series was No. 1111 built in December 1913.
According to the railroad association's website, these sturdy engines carried both passengers and freight and were often used as
helpers when heavy freight trains needed assistance climbing steep grades.
In 1966, the Kingston Jaycees purchased No. 1095 and presented it to the city on Canada Day. The engine was renamed The Spirit of Sir
John A. in honour of Canada's first prime minister.
In addition to fundraising and renovating, the restoration group is working on a plan to move the Spirit about six metres toward the
lake to allow for more space between the locomotive and the old train station.
The group meets again on Monday at the plumbers and pipefitters hall at 25 Terry Fox Dr., beginning at 2 p. m. Interested individuals
can contact Smith at 613-548-3727 or by eMail at drgsmith@sympatico.ca.
Or visit their web site at: www.virtualKingston.ca
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