Hello again, While searching for a rail site I went to www.wcra.org to try and find the link. There I found something interesting. They are reporting that the BC Rail/ BC Government former CPR Hudson 2860 has been cleared for funding. -------------- ROYAL HUDSON 2860 GETS THE GREEN LIGHT As reported by the Squamish Chief Newspaper on March 20, 2001, the BC Provincial Government has ordered that repairs to the sidelined Royal Hudson proceed. This is good news for the WCRA as well as tourism groups who benefit from the Royal Hudson excursion. The timing and cost of the repairs have not been announced, but repairs are expected to be completed in time for the 2002 excursion program. Extensive repairs are needed for 2860's firebox and boiler. In the meantime, Consolidation #3716 will once again fill the Hudson's shoes for the 2001 season as it did last year. BC Rail's Steam Shops are currently working to complete the restoration of CP's Hudson #2816. Repairs to the 2860 will not begin until the 2816 has been completed. G.C. --------------- Now how much of that is true I am not sure, but it would be nice for the engine to be back and steaming. BTW- even if they started in August I find it hard to believe it would be running the 2002 season, or at least a majority of it.... Now the other Hudson, the CPR 2816. It has progressed quite well and now actually looks like a steam locamotive. It is still in need of a cab but EVERY other major thing is completed. The boiler, done in Portland Oregon was sad to be quite poorly done with alot of leeks, but it still made it! The 2816 will be doing its test runs on the trackage used by West Coast Express/ CP Rail. By testing on that track, as opposed to BCR track they are forced to meet lower safety standards with the locomtoive (National Standards vs. The province of BC). Happy Railroading! Dane N.
