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.