CNR Mikado and GP9's headed out to the 30 mile tunnel last night to retrieve the Pacific and it's consist of passenger cars a total of 12 hours after RDC1 made its way to the site to retrieve the trains passengers.
Crews worked all night to get the Pacific out of the tunnel without damaging anything and keeping things in tact as much as possible. Once removed, CNR Mikado 2033 brought the CPR Pacific to the Nelson engine facility via flat car(s) to have the locomotive inspected.
Technicians are not hopeful of the CPR Pacific 1520 returning to steam anytime soon and is considering sending it to the scrappers based on a formal review.
18.5.08
A yard full of activity
Great Falls yard has been completed...and already it's full of activity!
Check out the pictures to see for yourself.
17.5.08
Tragedy in Great Falls
This week spelled tragedy for commuters from Great Falls to Nelson as CNR 3022 Pacific lost steam during the trek through the 30 mile tunnel leading out of Great Falls.
17.4.08
The Mike arrives.
The Mikado from Vancouver's Canadian Pacific roundhouse arrived yesterday pulling a consist of dump cars for the logging industry near Great Falls. Along with this light consist were three old Canadian Pacific passenger cars, including a rail post. Unfortunatley for the PGE these cars do not seem to be built for the tight curves of the PGE's mainline. During retrofits for allowing the coaches to navigate the mainline one of the coaches has been written off as salvage due to rusty trucks and floorboards.
CNR's Heavy Mountain and coaches is in Calgary awaiting her crew which is leaving on the next train from Vancouver to Calgary this week. Delivery has once again been delayed.
CNR's Heavy Mountain and coaches is in Calgary awaiting her crew which is leaving on the next train from Vancouver to Calgary this week. Delivery has once again been delayed.
13.4.08
PGE gets new additions within the week
There are three locomotives on route for delivery within the month, two of which within the week.
The new Heavy Mountain being delivered from CNR's Montreal roundhouse is on route and should arrive within the week. The Mikado coming down from the Vancouver Roundhouse can be expected as early as Wednesday.
Along with the u1d the CNR's delivery should also include a pair of coaches and a railway post car.
The unfortunate thing that came up this week is that the route that the PGE was originally taking through the lower cascades has caused some issues and is requiring additional workers.
A Shay locomotive may be needed to help out with the construction of the main line. Currently the GP9 has been assigned to this duty.
The new Heavy Mountain being delivered from CNR's Montreal roundhouse is on route and should arrive within the week. The Mikado coming down from the Vancouver Roundhouse can be expected as early as Wednesday.
Along with the u1d the CNR's delivery should also include a pair of coaches and a railway post car.
The unfortunate thing that came up this week is that the route that the PGE was originally taking through the lower cascades has caused some issues and is requiring additional workers.
A Shay locomotive may be needed to help out with the construction of the main line. Currently the GP9 has been assigned to this duty.
8.4.08
7.4.08
Great progress!
The engine facility has finally finished construction, and not a moment too soon as our 0-8-0 switcher 'Husky' has decided to give up. Repairs have begun, and hopefuly the fleet will be operational soon.
Mainline construction has been getting refined and redirected as landslides continue to pound the current low running mainline. more updates as we get them.
Mainline construction has been getting refined and redirected as landslides continue to pound the current low running mainline. more updates as we get them.
4.4.08
First passenger service to new Great Falls Terminal!
Last night at 8:00pm the RDC made its first stop ever at the new Great Falls terminal and freight yard. Towns people rejoiced as the the station enters full operation.
31.3.08
4403 arrives, consists have been planned
With news spreading about how motive power has been severely lacking on the ever growing Pacific Great Southern Railway, Canadian National surprised works today as they donated GP9 # 4403 to this Southern BC railroad.
The 4403 has recently been overhauled and got a fresh coat of CN style paint this past week before getting transported to the Nelson engine facility. (which is set to be operational by the weekend.) It is the first diesel asset in operation on the PGS and will be fulfilling its 'General Purpose' duties as a light freight and switching locomotive until 6022 is up and running. ETA on 6022 is now one month.
A new passenger depot in Great Falls is current under construction and should be ready for service in less than a weeks time according to PGS officials. RDC1 (now officially numbered as '1') will make its first commuter run soon after.
The Mikado that was to be delivered to the PGS has been diverted. Railway officials have begun to search out for alternate forms of motive power to replace the gap in the fleet. Berkshires, Consolidations, and additional Mountain Class locomotives have been considered.
Consists have been planed by railroad officials:
Train 001
To be headed by 6022, this train will leave Great Falls, BC every morning at 06:45 heading towards Fernie. Train 001 will make stops at all PGS locations along the way. Train 001 makes it return trip at 18:30 to Great Falls. The train is passenger service featuring a railroad post office and two coaches. Extra coaches may be added depending on season.
Train 002
To be headed by 311, this train will leave Kimberly, BC every morning at 08:00 heading for Lethbridge, AB. Hauling a pair of coaches and a railroad post office.
Train 003
Has yet to have a locomotive assigned. This train will make stops at the Nelson and Creston brewerys on its way to Lethbridge transporting a cargo consisting of beer. On it's return trip from Lethbridge, Train 003 will carry hops and wheat from local farms. Train is to make daily runs starting around 11:00 hours.
Train 004
Has yet to have a locomotive assigned. This trains will bring various goods along the stops of the line hauling around 9 box cars. Schedual depends on workload.
the RDC will also be making runs between stops on a regular basis starting at 06:30 and ending at 22:00 in Nelson.
The 4403 has recently been overhauled and got a fresh coat of CN style paint this past week before getting transported to the Nelson engine facility. (which is set to be operational by the weekend.) It is the first diesel asset in operation on the PGS and will be fulfilling its 'General Purpose' duties as a light freight and switching locomotive until 6022 is up and running. ETA on 6022 is now one month.
A new passenger depot in Great Falls is current under construction and should be ready for service in less than a weeks time according to PGS officials. RDC1 (now officially numbered as '1') will make its first commuter run soon after.
The Mikado that was to be delivered to the PGS has been diverted. Railway officials have begun to search out for alternate forms of motive power to replace the gap in the fleet. Berkshires, Consolidations, and additional Mountain Class locomotives have been considered.
Consists have been planed by railroad officials:
Train 001
To be headed by 6022, this train will leave Great Falls, BC every morning at 06:45 heading towards Fernie. Train 001 will make stops at all PGS locations along the way. Train 001 makes it return trip at 18:30 to Great Falls. The train is passenger service featuring a railroad post office and two coaches. Extra coaches may be added depending on season.
Train 002
To be headed by 311, this train will leave Kimberly, BC every morning at 08:00 heading for Lethbridge, AB. Hauling a pair of coaches and a railroad post office.
Train 003
Has yet to have a locomotive assigned. This train will make stops at the Nelson and Creston brewerys on its way to Lethbridge transporting a cargo consisting of beer. On it's return trip from Lethbridge, Train 003 will carry hops and wheat from local farms. Train is to make daily runs starting around 11:00 hours.
Train 004
Has yet to have a locomotive assigned. This trains will bring various goods along the stops of the line hauling around 9 box cars. Schedual depends on workload.
the RDC will also be making runs between stops on a regular basis starting at 06:30 and ending at 22:00 in Nelson.
26.3.08
Branch Line
The Brachline that winds up along some smaller suburbs of Nelson has been closed off as the RDC1 made its final trip down the scenic line. Upkeep on the branch has become too costly to maintain, and the PGS has decided to discontinue service on it at this time. The RDC1 has been reassigned to commuter service between Nelson and Great Falls (a new addition to the PGS) which will become a new mainline service once the PGS recieves its pair of coaches and railway post car from CN in April.
Steam tests on 6022 have not gone according to plan. The u1f has been showing boiler leaks, and there was vandalism to the hand rails this weekend. It may become to costly to repair for the PGS at this time, but they will be keeping in their fleet until they can invest into it. As the pride and joy of the line, the PGS will put their effort into restoring it for passenger service ASAP.
CN has made arrangements to ship another u1f locomotive from their Vancouver yard to the PGS in May. A Mikado has also been acquired which will hopefuly arrive in time for the first major passenger service on the line. Fright service is currently on hold.
Steam tests on 6022 have not gone according to plan. The u1f has been showing boiler leaks, and there was vandalism to the hand rails this weekend. It may become to costly to repair for the PGS at this time, but they will be keeping in their fleet until they can invest into it. As the pride and joy of the line, the PGS will put their effort into restoring it for passenger service ASAP.
CN has made arrangements to ship another u1f locomotive from their Vancouver yard to the PGS in May. A Mikado has also been acquired which will hopefuly arrive in time for the first major passenger service on the line. Fright service is currently on hold.
15.3.08
Developments in the Rock Mountains
u1b 311 encountered a tragedy this week as the flat bed it was being shipped on derailed within the Rogers Pass effectivley scrapping the locomotive. Surveyors and railway officials are still investigating this disaster. No formal report has been made at this time.
The u1f 6022 steam tests have been postponed for another month it seems as workers copmlete the engine facility around her. And due to vandalism from locals, another coat of paint will have to be applied, but according to recent reports, the final details will not be completed until after the steam tests have been completed.
The RDC-1 has been delievered in CN colors and has already started commuter runs on the PGS. Currently due to the lack of passenger service, our RDC has been pulling doulbe duty and running around the clock to get people where they need to be. A second RDC (probably an RDC-3) has been requested by the PGS. Repaint to BC Rail will be done once 6022 steam tests have been completed and regular passenger service starts.
UP 3324 has delievered the final parts needed to complete work on the engine facilty, but has broken down in Cranbrook on her way home. She is getting field repairs by UP with assistance from BC Rail.
'Husky' being the only operating locomotive on site has been pulling double shifts hauling supplies to Creston from Nelson so that roadworkers may start on repair of the rail yard there, while other rail officals complete work on the engine facility.
The Turntable pit has been dug out and constructed, the bridge is currently under construction. Foundation has been laid for the roundhouse, and workers are working around the clock to get the facility completed.
More updates as we get them!
The u1f 6022 steam tests have been postponed for another month it seems as workers copmlete the engine facility around her. And due to vandalism from locals, another coat of paint will have to be applied, but according to recent reports, the final details will not be completed until after the steam tests have been completed.
The RDC-1 has been delievered in CN colors and has already started commuter runs on the PGS. Currently due to the lack of passenger service, our RDC has been pulling doulbe duty and running around the clock to get people where they need to be. A second RDC (probably an RDC-3) has been requested by the PGS. Repaint to BC Rail will be done once 6022 steam tests have been completed and regular passenger service starts.
UP 3324 has delievered the final parts needed to complete work on the engine facilty, but has broken down in Cranbrook on her way home. She is getting field repairs by UP with assistance from BC Rail.
'Husky' being the only operating locomotive on site has been pulling double shifts hauling supplies to Creston from Nelson so that roadworkers may start on repair of the rail yard there, while other rail officals complete work on the engine facility.
The Turntable pit has been dug out and constructed, the bridge is currently under construction. Foundation has been laid for the roundhouse, and workers are working around the clock to get the facility completed.
More updates as we get them!
21.2.08
first progress update on the PGS
Most of the motive power for the PGS has been acquired at this point... in fact, the only remaining loco's to be purchased are Mikado's and RS11 Diesel's. Here is the fleet as of today: (pictures to follow in future updates)
u1f Mountain 6022
#6022 is currently undergoing a major refit for passenger service on the PGS. She is getting a fresh coat of paint, and being equipped for advanced operation via DCC control. Her new tender is being shipped in, and will be painted to match once the new locomotive operating controls have been tested. Her steam tests are being planned for late March.
u1b Mountain 311
the 311 is being shipped in from Montreal and is in need of a new coat of paint. Estimated time of delivery is February 28.
Budd Rail Diesel Car
A RDC-1 is on route to the PGS engine facility in Nelson BC in large part for small, but frequent commuter service requests by clients in the operating areas of the PGS. The RDC will also get a fresh coat of paint on it's arrival, and should be in full operation by March 5.
USRA 0-8-0 'Husky' #1
The Husky, as it's known among the yard workers in Nelson, has finally undergone steam tests today and is having tractive issues due to the uneven rails in the main yard. Modifications are being done to the yard to prevent this issue from getting worse in the future, as well as making sure that 'Husky' can operate at its maximum potential. She is old, and rusty, but is in tip top condition for service here on the PGS.
Union Pacific Challanger class #3324
This Challanger makes monthly trips through the PGS mainline, and is always an exciting site to see. Her size has proven to be an issue climbing the terrain and the sharper curves of this area, but her skilled operators have been able to keep her going while the engine facility undergoes its final construction. The UP has offered the 3324 to BC Rail and the PGS for extended service while construction of the facility is underway, and while larger motive power is enroute.
Canadian Pacific 'Bull Dog' Pacific Class #228
A recent donation from the CP to the PGS has ended in catastrophe today, as #228 derailed towing boxcars up the slopes to the North of the engine facility. While the rolling-stock has been recovered, the 'Bull Dog' is going to need extensive repairs until she is fit for service again. BC Rail and Canadian Pacific does not plan on providing funding for the repair or replacement of this locomotive. Local railfans have started a charity to cosmetically restore 'Bull Dog' and place her on public display in Creston BC.
Three F7 class Diesels have been found in an abandoned shed once owned by Canadian Pacific. These diesel locomotives are top of the food chain in technology today...but something is seriously wrong with these loco's. Technicians are currently investigation why they will not fire up, and why they were left here. Repairs to bring these locomotives up to operating conditions is yet unknown, but is estimated to be 'too much to worry about'. The PGS is planning on selling them to the highest bidder to fund the construction of their engine facility.
Trackage
The mainline was completed this week as workers completed construction of the tracks that lead motive power from Creston and through the mountains to Nelson. The line from Nelson to Cranbrook has been completed, but there is sever warping of the rails which will require further attention until it is cleared for operations. The yard in Creston is also undergoing repairs as the rails have started to warp due to lack of attention over the last decade.
u1f Mountain 6022
#6022 is currently undergoing a major refit for passenger service on the PGS. She is getting a fresh coat of paint, and being equipped for advanced operation via DCC control. Her new tender is being shipped in, and will be painted to match once the new locomotive operating controls have been tested. Her steam tests are being planned for late March.
u1b Mountain 311
the 311 is being shipped in from Montreal and is in need of a new coat of paint. Estimated time of delivery is February 28.
Budd Rail Diesel Car
A RDC-1 is on route to the PGS engine facility in Nelson BC in large part for small, but frequent commuter service requests by clients in the operating areas of the PGS. The RDC will also get a fresh coat of paint on it's arrival, and should be in full operation by March 5.
USRA 0-8-0 'Husky' #1
The Husky, as it's known among the yard workers in Nelson, has finally undergone steam tests today and is having tractive issues due to the uneven rails in the main yard. Modifications are being done to the yard to prevent this issue from getting worse in the future, as well as making sure that 'Husky' can operate at its maximum potential. She is old, and rusty, but is in tip top condition for service here on the PGS.
Union Pacific Challanger class #3324
This Challanger makes monthly trips through the PGS mainline, and is always an exciting site to see. Her size has proven to be an issue climbing the terrain and the sharper curves of this area, but her skilled operators have been able to keep her going while the engine facility undergoes its final construction. The UP has offered the 3324 to BC Rail and the PGS for extended service while construction of the facility is underway, and while larger motive power is enroute.
Canadian Pacific 'Bull Dog' Pacific Class #228
A recent donation from the CP to the PGS has ended in catastrophe today, as #228 derailed towing boxcars up the slopes to the North of the engine facility. While the rolling-stock has been recovered, the 'Bull Dog' is going to need extensive repairs until she is fit for service again. BC Rail and Canadian Pacific does not plan on providing funding for the repair or replacement of this locomotive. Local railfans have started a charity to cosmetically restore 'Bull Dog' and place her on public display in Creston BC.
Three F7 class Diesels have been found in an abandoned shed once owned by Canadian Pacific. These diesel locomotives are top of the food chain in technology today...but something is seriously wrong with these loco's. Technicians are currently investigation why they will not fire up, and why they were left here. Repairs to bring these locomotives up to operating conditions is yet unknown, but is estimated to be 'too much to worry about'. The PGS is planning on selling them to the highest bidder to fund the construction of their engine facility.
Trackage
The mainline was completed this week as workers completed construction of the tracks that lead motive power from Creston and through the mountains to Nelson. The line from Nelson to Cranbrook has been completed, but there is sever warping of the rails which will require further attention until it is cleared for operations. The yard in Creston is also undergoing repairs as the rails have started to warp due to lack of attention over the last decade.
Welcome! PGS History
This is the start of something special... a blog of creation, birth, and creativity. This is where, for one shining moment (or maybe two or three) each day I get to play god!
This is the start of the 'Pacific Great Southern' a fictional railway modeled in n-scale, that 'was' a subsidy of BC Rail during the 1960's through the early 1980's. This company is in a unique position, with three Class I rail-lines operating in the near vacinity of the PGS's main line connecting the towns of Nelson, Creston, Cranbrook, Kimberly, Fernie, and Lethbridge. The three Class I rail lines in operation in the area include the Union Pacific, Canadian Pacific, and Canadian National.
The PGS operated steam until the mid 1970's, with a fleet made up of mostly refurbished models from the three major railroads that were operating in the area. And of course, because of the lack of government funding for the PGS, most of the original road names and paint schemes have remained intact for the majority of the PGS's operational timeline.
The most significant part of the PGS motive power during the early 1970's consisted of a pair of Mountain Class locomotives acquired from CN Rail, built by Montreal Locomotive Works. One of these loco's was part of the u1f class that became so famous throughout Canada. The other major part of the PGS fleet are a pair of Mikado's acquired through the Union Pacific. BC Rail has a Budd Rail Diesel Car on long term loan to the PGS for commuter passenger service, while a Union Pacific Challanger makes monthly trips along the mainline to bring exports up into Canada.
Most of the 'donations' to the PGS came from Canadian National, this including numerous Ontario Northland box-cars transported cross country once purchased by CN in the 1960's, as well as a 0-8-0 switcher built by the USRA and purchased third hand by CN once the UP was done with it in the 1950's (in fact, the 0-8-0 was one of the first locomotives on site at the Nelson engine facility.)
So there you have some history on this little line... more history will be unveild weekly!
This is the start of the 'Pacific Great Southern' a fictional railway modeled in n-scale, that 'was' a subsidy of BC Rail during the 1960's through the early 1980's. This company is in a unique position, with three Class I rail-lines operating in the near vacinity of the PGS's main line connecting the towns of Nelson, Creston, Cranbrook, Kimberly, Fernie, and Lethbridge. The three Class I rail lines in operation in the area include the Union Pacific, Canadian Pacific, and Canadian National.
The PGS operated steam until the mid 1970's, with a fleet made up of mostly refurbished models from the three major railroads that were operating in the area. And of course, because of the lack of government funding for the PGS, most of the original road names and paint schemes have remained intact for the majority of the PGS's operational timeline.
The most significant part of the PGS motive power during the early 1970's consisted of a pair of Mountain Class locomotives acquired from CN Rail, built by Montreal Locomotive Works. One of these loco's was part of the u1f class that became so famous throughout Canada. The other major part of the PGS fleet are a pair of Mikado's acquired through the Union Pacific. BC Rail has a Budd Rail Diesel Car on long term loan to the PGS for commuter passenger service, while a Union Pacific Challanger makes monthly trips along the mainline to bring exports up into Canada.
Most of the 'donations' to the PGS came from Canadian National, this including numerous Ontario Northland box-cars transported cross country once purchased by CN in the 1960's, as well as a 0-8-0 switcher built by the USRA and purchased third hand by CN once the UP was done with it in the 1950's (in fact, the 0-8-0 was one of the first locomotives on site at the Nelson engine facility.)
So there you have some history on this little line... more history will be unveild weekly!
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