September 14, 2012

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Downtown parking in the spotlight

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why some streets can’t get going

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Douglas’ impact on new west

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friDay

September 14 2012 www.newwestnewsleader.com

is it time for a little royal city swing? See page A17

Port Mann Bridge tolls unveiled Unlimited monthly pass, other incentives also offered Jeff Nagel

jnagel@blackpress.ca

mArIO bArteL/NeWSLeADer

andy cassidy checks out the new paint job on the old 6300 fp9 diesel engine restored by the Bc chapter of the national railway historical society.

Giving new life to a tragic train mario bartel

somewhere beneath the engine’s back right corner. “Your adrenaline is pumping,” recalls Ferguson of the day members of the B.C. chapter of the National Railway Historical Society started the 6300 in a Braid Street warehouse after they had acquired it from VIA Rail. “But now you’ve got to check if anything is seriously wrong. You don’t want to wipe out the engine due to a bad bearing or a lack of oil.” In fact, other than a seized cooling fan in a rear truck that caused the smoke as electrical

photo@newwestnewsleader.com

It was a transcendent moment when the 1,750-horsepower diesel engine turned over and the old VIA 6300 FP9 rumbled to life for the first time in six years. But there was no time for Terry Ferguson and Andy Cassidy to revel in the oily fumes wafting around their heads, the deep rhythmic quaking tickling their bellies. There were seals and gauges to check, rattles and whines to investigate. And then there was that cloud of acrid smoke wafting from

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wiring shorted out, the 1957 engine was in perfect running condition after years of sitting forlorn and forgotten in a rail yard, exposed to the elements. “There was a guardian angel looking over it,” says Rip Peterman, the society’s president, of the group’s first engine acquisition. For years, the 10 or so dedicated train buffs have been lovingly restoring and rehabilitating carriages from the 1940s to the 1960s, the peak of rail travel in Canada. Amongst the 23 cars parked in the warehouse and on

a siding at the New Westminster/ Coquitlam border are coach, observation, lounge, dining and mail cars. But whenever they were booked out for events, special excursions or even movie shoots, the group had to rely on the graces of railway companies to get the carriages where they needed to go. Getting the 6300 fully operational again allows the society to better show off their collection. It also adds to Canada’s rich rail lore. That’s because the engine comes with a story all its own. please see mAkINg rAIL hIStOry, A3

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Drivers crossing the new Port Mann Bridge will pay $1.50 a trip – half the price previously announced – as an introductory toll, and the provincial government is dangling more incentives to encourage users to sign up early. The cut rate applies for the first three months – until the end of February – but those who register for a tolling account by then will be guaranteed the half-price toll for the first year, Transportation Minister Mary Polak announced Wednesday. And those who sign up by Nov. 30 also get a $30 credit, equivalent to 20 free crossings. A further 25-percent discount previously promised for registered HOV lane users during peak hours will apply on top of the introductory rate, meaning commuters who car pool will pay $1.13 per crossing for the first year. please see AIm, A8


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