Squamish British Columbia - British Columbia's iconic Royal Hudson steam locomotive number 2860 will celebrate its 75th birthday in grand style on Saturday, 27 Jun 2015, at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish.
 
The classic steam locomotive will be displayed outside during the day on the turntable, a special treat for photographers.
 
Cab tours will be available, and a host of other activities will fill out the day including pump car rides, special exhibits, and more.
 
Hours will be 10:00 to 17:00 and a special family admission price of $28.60 includes event admission and all rides and attractions.
 
In the evening, starting at 17:30, a gala event will see a special grand entrance by the locomotive into the CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre where guests and dignitaries will be present, the Royal Hudson song will be performed, and a grand dinner enjoyed.
 
The Royal Hudson was built in June 1940 for the Canadian Pacific Railway, but is best known for its 25 years of service (1974-1999) for the Province of British Columbia on the North Vancouver to Squamish Royal Hudson excursion train.
 
After coming out of service in 1999, the Province put her up for disposition and the locomotive was then preserved by the District of Squamish and the West Coast Railway Association (WCRA), and moved to the Heritage Park which has been her home base ever since.
 
The WCRA successfully raised funds and undertook the first phase of restoration (a rebuild of the boiler) retuning the locomotive to steam in September, 2006.
 
27 Jun 2015 will mark the start of fundraising for the next phase of restoration work to keep the locomotive in operable condition.
 
The West Coast Railway Association is a charitable non-profit society and Western Canada's largest railway heritage organization.
 
Incorporated in 1961, it now houses a collection of over 90 heritage locomotives and rail cars, and operates the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, an attraction that is open daily year round in Squamish.

Don Evans.