ASSINIBOINE VALLEY RAILWAY INC.

UNFORTUNATELY WHEN THIS WEB SITE STARTED IN SPRING OF 2001 WE DID NOT SAVE THE NEWS THAT APPEARS NOW ON THE HOME PAGE. THAT OLD INFORMATION WAS SIMPLY PURGED NEVER TO EXIST AGAIN. THIS IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE INTERNET AS A VENUE FEW PRINTED RECORDS ARE KEPT OF VAST AMOUNTS OF MATERIAL. NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT TO CHANGE THIS SO EFFECTIVE APRIL 6TH, 2003 ALL INFO PURGED FROM THE HOME PAGE WILL BE STORED ON THIS PAGE.

The following information was from the home page during the Christmas run of 2002-2003 and has been saved here for your information.

Friday was the first night of the Christmas run and lots of members came. The night was cold and extremely windy so visitors were light. The "A" Channel came and video taped the light display and rode the train. 3001 was the only train to run but the others were ready if needed. 

Saturday was a nice afternoon. Bill repaired several places that deer had chewed wires and put up another 593 lights including poinsettia # 3 that is on the station. The crew started arriving at 5:30 and by 6:00 we sent out the first train. We ran 3001 and 202 doing 29 trips and moving 184 passengers. The last train came in at 10:00 pm. Never a big crowd but very steady all evening.  We had visitors from China, South America and Australia.

Sunday Dec 1st was a cold night with the temp dipping to -18 C and then -25 C overnight. As is typical the riders were down. We are behind the winter of 2001 but ahead of the winter of 2000. It is totally weather dependant. Poinsettia # 4 was completed with light but not installed. 

Monday and Tuesday nights were equally cold with temps down to -25 overnight. Thanks to scout groups having camp fires the trains were kept busy. Both nights the national judges for Christmas lights came. On Tuesday they got to ride the train.

The last few nights have seen the passengers increase each night with Saturday Dec 7th being the busiest of the season. Temperatures have been colder then last year so we are comparing the winter of 2000 as the one to beat. We hear that temperatures will be going up next week which should make us a little busier. Bill painted poinsettia #5 and half of 8 new candy canes.

The remaining candy canes were painted. Monday night and Tuesday night were very busy, three members gave 367 rides on Tuesday. Things went very well. If the weather stays warm through the weekend and if we have enough members we will run three trains this weekend. We did run three trains for about half an hour on Wednesday and it was workable.

Friday was the busiest this season with 530 riders and three trains running so waiting time was reduced. Bill welded two poinsettia frames on Wednesday and painted them Saturday. We added two new radios to our new system. Several Candy Canes were strung with lights Saturday.

On Friday and Saturday we had visitors from Japan, Africa, Iran and India. On the home front we had visitors from as far east as Newfoundland. Saturday we had a good crew and ran 62 trains with 612 passengers. We had the first for the AVR on the last train of the night with Len at the throttle and Bill doing a Christmas light inspection ride. Bill noticed the couple in the car in front were particularly attentive to each other and at the end of the ride it was announced that he had proposed marriage to her and she had accepted. The small group applauded and just as they were leaving the train the music system started to play the Hallelujah Chorus by Handel. A fitting end to a great day.  

The last week continued to be busy and by Wednesday we started to get snow thanks to a Colorado Low that hit Winnipeg. Snow had to be cleared from the driveways, trails and track on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and now Sunday. We will have a White Christmas. Passengers continued to come out and lots of members to run trains. We will need members next week. Saturday the AVR passed two mile stones. The first was carrying our 65,000 passenger since the first open house during October of 1996 and the second was our 10,000 person to tune into our web page in the 18 months it has been up. For the members: the December copy of the "Nutty Report" is now being printed and will be sent to you in the next few days unless you come to the station first.

The weekend after Christmas was very busy with the passenger numbers growing each day until Sunday the 29th when we had the largest turnout of this season and the busiest Sunday of all time! It was also our second busiest night since we started giving rides.

On New Years eve we passed our 10,000 rider for the 2002 Christmas season. There were three last trains of the night as people poured into the station at the last minute. Those members who were able to stay enjoyed a Chinese dinner and toasted Champagne after the public had departed. The lights stayed on to see the new year and it was very peaceful.

As of the end of the last Saturday we are 111 passengers short of 12,000 riders for this Christmas season. The members look forward to a short ceremony Sunday to mark the mile stone guest. Saturday Jan 4th 2003 also is the day the Christmas display received the very generous gift from Jim Ashdown of his detailed 24 foot long diorama of part of downtown Winnipeg in 1881 looking north on Main Street from the Ashdown Hardware Store. The diorama is being displayed on the main candy cane trail until Jan 10th. It will be stored until next Christmas when a new base will be built and appropriate lighting will be provided. Jim Ashdown assisted Bill Taylor and Jim Nowell in transporting the buildings to the AVR site. 

A big round of thanks goes out to all the members from the AVR and their families who helped make this years light display and Christmas run a great success.

Bill, Peter, Len, Helen, Mary-Lou, Ed, Dwight, Carmelina, Richard, David, Barry, Maureen, Andrei, Tony, Shari, Hank, Lisa, Rob, Jim, Carol, Gil, Fred, Norman and Nance plus three of our junior family members, Lee, Dain and Brandt.

In the Feb. issue of the "Nutty Report" we will publish all those statistics that Peter will produce. 

Sunday night was cooler with the odd snow flake. The crowd came early as kids start school Monday. Bill picked out our 12,000 rider for the season and took several pictures of Caley who is 3 1/2 years old along with her father Dan Dyck. as they waited for the train and with them seated in our seat of honour behind the engineer. Before the night was over we broke the all time best year set in 2001/02 with a total of 12,200 passengers carried this season. The nine members who ran the system Sunday then had a gathering in the station to celebrate the years activity and raised a toast to the success of 2003.

The AVR will be purchasing: 1500 feet of new rail,  4 new radios with 12 rechargeable batteries and charger, a metal cutting saw, materials for signal maintenance, steel for new mechanical lift, steel for the new steaming tracks near the loading area, switch parts and frogs, a new operator's flatcar, paint/batteries/small parts to complete box cab loco, more materials for west tunnel, materials to start new engine house/machine shop, gas powered leaf blower, more crushed rock and ballast, and materials for new concrete pad at steaming/unloading area.

The AVR regular members have voted that if possible we should build some new gondolas this winter. It will now be possible to buy the materials, truck castings and coupler castings for three new gondolas.

Saturday Feb 22nd was a very cold day but the group continued on with the storage building and built and erected the south wall. Back in the station Barry and Bill completed discussions on the lift and Bill is now prepared to order the needed steel. Peter showed the castings of brake details that he is making for his refrigerator car. Norm and Dain painted some of the new sign boards. The afternoon was finished with Fred and Bill building and erecting the west wall of the storage building. 

Westminster United Church in Winnipeg was donated a new Schulmerich Carillon by a member for a memorial. To make room for the new Bill was able to acquire the old carillon for use at the AVR. The equipment was disassembled and transported to the station which would be a temporary home while space in the garage was made. Upon examination we had an old system with two ancient 1949 version tube amplifiers with a roll reader and bell generator built in 1966. The system did not work. Bill spent several evenings reconnecting cables and as of Saturday was able to use one amplifier and ring bells using the roll reader. More work needs to be done and a new solid state amplifier would be a very nice addition. 

No work was done on Wednesday as it was too cold. On Thursday Bill spent the evening removing things from the work bench in the garage. It is being dismantled for future use in the new machine shop. This heated space will become the new home for the Carillon. 

Friday Bill cut up the lumber and designed the first of seven trusses for the storage shed.

Saturday was a cold windy bitter day but a group of dedicated members showed up from noon till 6 pm to continue with work. Gil, Peter, Fred and Bill using the pattern of wood cut up enough 2 x 4' s to make up seven trusses. A beer break followed to warm up and also have a lunch in the station. After lunch Gil, Norm, Fred and Bill nailed all seven trusses together. Richard arrived in time to help. Peter worked inside the station on castings he had made for the brake details on four cars that he wishes to build. Norm and Dain continued their painting project on sign boards and completed the second side of what had been started last Saturday. Dwight and Carmelina arrived. Bill aided by Fred, Richard and Carmelina took on the job of dismantling the work bench and storing it in the summer house. The bench was well built dating back to the second world war. All boards were screwed or bolted together. Upon re use we will need two new top boards but the balance are sound. The old heavy vise was taken to Dwight and deemed to be repairable with some work. Dwight used the new metal saw for the first time as he removed surplus material from the four frogs being used for four new switches that we will be building. The remainder of the day was spent in conversation in the station. During the afternoon Jim made a brief appearance to drop off a graph on Christmas runs.

Wednesday March 5th was very cold. Bill spent the morning at Westminster learning how the new carillon will work. It is very advanced in comparison to the old with its 49 bells. The old carillon has only 25 but alas the AVR can not afford the cost of this new system. It is great that the old system will live on. After the final set up of the new bells the installer from Schulmerich was kind enough to come see the old system. In a short time he was able to tell us what several of the old controls actually did and to point out some of the sequencing. His parting words were that these old units need a lot of contact cleaning and adjusting. Our best time would be spent cleaning and adjusting contacts. Armed with this new knowledge Bill went to work cleaning. At noon Gil and Bill built the east wall for the storage building and put it in place. Bill continued fixing the old carillon and now has the 3/4 and 1 hour strike of the bells working automatically.

Friday night Bill continued to work on the carillon as he was beginning to understand the operation and to find his way around the printed circuit plans. He found trouble with one of the wafer switches on the hour stem. This was repaired and before the end of the day Bill was able to have the bells ring each quarter hour. 

Saturday morning Bill continued to repair contacts and by 10:00 am had the system ringing correctly. Concern is that the contacts could be jarred when the unit is moved to the garage. We will need to be careful. Richard was the first to arrive and he and Bill cleaned up the floor where the Carillon would be going. A stop was made for lunch and while eating Barry arrived with eight side frames that he had drilled bearing holes in. Norm and Nance arrived with the two kids. Rob arrived shortly after. Rob set about shovelling the entire old main line while Bill, Richard and Norm moved the carillon to the garage. Dwight arrived and he and Norm sorted out all the ties placing enough for one switch on the table. Nance, Richard and Bill loaded eleven sheets of plywood for the storage building and went down and nailed up three.  Norm arrived to relieve Nance and Norm, Richard and Bill nailed up the remaining eight sheets. Back at the station Dwight, Jim, Rob and Gil cut up and drilled all rails needed for the first switch. The blade on the new power saw failed. William came with some food and spent the afternoon in the station. 

Wednesday March 12th, Bill spent the morning in the station and the garage working on both the carillon and computer. After 2:00 pm Peter, Jim and Bill worked on cutting up the rails to make six switches using Dwight's plan. While Peter and Jim cut rails Bill went to Princess Auto and got a replacement power saw blade plus a grinder dressing tool, new file and spare hand hacksaw blade. Bill reassembled the power hacksaw and made some changes to make it work better. Bill cut the base on six guard rails while Peter and Jim drilled holes. Later in the evening Peter ground the guard rails.

Friday afternoon Peter fastened all the guard rails onto main rails for all four switches. Bill and Peter untapped the lower part of the road arches.

Saturday March 15th was a very mild day after 8 weeks of cold cold weather. Bill started after 8:00 am to take down Christmas lights. He finished the un-tapping on the 16' road arches. Next he took down the 90' lighted train, lights in the parking area, all lights on play house, lights along the yard trails, east end and centre section of station, bushes in the front yard and lights on the top of the fence around the lower parking area. Fred arrived followed soon by Peter. While Peter files a frog for the first switch Fred and Bill carried to storage the 16-16' arches and the Christmas train. Jim, Dwight and Carmelina arrived and started to build the switch. Carmelina numbered all of the cut ties for easy length selection. Fred and Bill modified two of the trusses to be used as gable end trusses. Peter took down the lights on the car barn. Bill, Peter and Carmelina removed all lights on the dog house and the upper lights on the station except for the 200 that are on the dormers as Bill deemed that walking out on the roof was still too dangerous due to melting snow. The three then un-taped all trail lines for retrieval Sunday. Four more candy canes were carried in and stored. Dwight and Jim completed the first switch except for the points.  

Sunday March 16th Bill continued to take down Christmas lights and using large plastic milk boxes he collected up 11 full boxes of lights off the walking trails. Peter came over and prepared the second frog for the next switch. On Monday afternoon Peter and Jim assembled the second switch less points. On Tuesday Bill started taking down the lower parking fencing. On Wednesday Bill took down the last of the station lights and brought in more candy canes and other objects. He collected two boxes of lights off bushes. At noon Peter and Jim arrived with William coming mid afternoon. Together the second two switches were assembled.

Saturday March 22. Bill worked on controls for the carillon and installed a new code switch for the station canopy lights to bring them on at dusk and off at dawn. The signal circuit was added to the same system. It will automatically go off at midnight each day if we accidentally leave them on. Gil and Richard arrived before lunch and along with Bill spent the afternoon installing the roof trusses and half the roof deck. Lots of water as the snow melts quickly. Peter and Jim cut up steel for two show car under frames that Peter is building. Dwight and Carmelina spent the afternoon fine tuning the four switches. Shim plates and insulation were installed. During the afternoon William and Barry dropped over to see what we were doing.

Wednesday Bill spent the morning on electronics. At noon Gil came over and the two spent the afternoon bringing in arches from the main line. Jim came over to get some lumber to make switch machine ties for the four switches. William came over and Peter worked at home on bolsters for his new car.

Saturday March 29th,. Bill set up a slid show at the WMRC Spring Show. It will also run on Sunday. At noon Gil, Fred and Richard joined Bill and the four moved the new storage building east as once the snow melted we realized we were on the Paterson's property. We moved it east to clear the line. We levelled the four corners of the building. During the week Gil and Jim made up the long switch ties that will hold the switch control motors that Dwight has designed. After lunch Gil, Fred, Richard, Norm and Bill put on the rest of the roof deck and cut and installed the gable ends along with the facia on the south and north sides. While this was going on Jim and Dwight installed the points and completed one of the switches. Norm and Dain removed and stored all switch covers and Carmelina and Nance rolled up Christmas lights from the upper parking area. Barry came for a visit and Peter dropped in after his lily meeting and with Dwight replenished the station beer supply.

Wednesday afternoon a group of members gathered at the station. Bill and Fred took all 12' and 6' arches down from the upper road and parking area and stored them in the new storage building along with road marking lights from the same area. It was really nice saving all the time to take them down to the older storage area. In the station Jim, Gil and Peter worked on the switches with some help from William. A fifth right hand # 8 has now been built.

Thursday Peter, Jim and William installed the points on three more switches. Alas it snowed again tonight. 

Saturday April 5th was sunny and nice but the new snow was still around. Gil, Richard, Fred and Bill got out the table saw and cut up lumber for 12 mile posts and 2 x 2's for the shed door. The four then built the door frame and secured it to the building and put on the plywood. The facia was also installed on the east end. Later Fred and Bill took down and stored the upper parking lot fence. Back at the station Peter, Dwight, Rob and Jim completed all five switches and built components for a sixth switch which will be a #6 for the spur off the siding at Paterson. This spur which will run past the new storage building.

Wednesday April 9th was a great day with the temp going up to 24 degrees C at the station. For those used to F that is 75.2.  Peter and Bill started to assemble the curved # 6 that will be installed on the siding at Paterson to feed the new storage building. Dwight arrived after work and by dark the switch was completed making 6 switches built and ready to plant.

Saturday April 12 was a lovely day with sun and cloud. Bill started the morning off updating the WMRC web page and then getting 3001 out with 6 more cars. He took the first trip since Jan on the old line removing crews that had pinned the main line switches for the Christmas run. He then took a run to the end of the new line. It was decided that changing joint bar style and putting washers on the crews has allowed the tracks to expand and contract without pulling in on the corners. After a very hard winter the extra time and effort have paid off. Bill then collected three milk boxes of lights and cords along the main line. Other objects were made ready for transportation. Gil arrived in time for the last trip round. Peter arrived and he and Gil went to survey the pin near the new storage building to determine that we had pulled it far enough east to clear the Paterson's east line but that we were almost on the line going east west on the back jog of their property. 

Norm, Nance and the two kids arrived followed shortly by William and two of his in-laws. Everyone was given a ride on the main line. Peter, Dwight, Gil and Bill then tied back an ash tree that was leaning against the car barn. We succeeded in getting the eight inch tree to move off the facia board. Later in the spring we will use a come-along to move it still further. The group then went on a ride down the new line and Norm, Nance and Bill loaded the train with tools to complete the trim on the storage building while Peter, Gil and Dwight spent time contemplating how to extend the station trackage to the west.. The storage building crew then completed the facia boards and installed the soffits, returning to the station by train to get the shingles. Peter helped to load and unload the shingles. Norm and Bill then placed the first six rows of shingles with Nance and the boys supplying materials as needed. At 6:00 pm we cleaned up the area and took the train back to Charleswood station.

Tuesday April 15th, Bill ordered the steel for the lift, three steaming bay tracks and a new car top carrier for cars. 

Wednesday just after noon Gil,  Richard and Bill arrived and set about cleaning up the remaining Christmas displays now that the bush has dried up. The train was used to transport displays to the lower shed and the new upper shed. During the afternoon the steel arrived and was unloaded by Gil and Bill. Peter arrived in time for some conversation before the group left for the day. Bill worked on the carillon in the evening and on Thursday and now the roll reader plays bells automatically with the addition of some new solid state modifications.

Good Friday warmed up and our last snow fall melted. Bill cleaned up the turn circle and worked on the next issue of the Nutty Report. He then put out markers on four sidings to mark where trees are to be cleared. Peter arrived in the evening and proof read the nutty report and we went out by train on the new line to check what needs to be cleared for the sidings.

Saturday April 19 Bill and Gil cut up most of the steel for the new mechanical lift for the loading area. Richard cleaned up junk left over from the winter, worked on sign poles and took down a few remaining Christmas displays. Carmelina cleaned up the station. Gil and Bill measured the steaming track area and determined how big the concrete pad needs to be and later loaded all the remaining switch ties into a hopper car and stored them in the car barn. Peter creosoted four switches and transported two by train to Winch. Norm, Nance, Jim, Fred and Barry completed the shingle installation on the storage building. It is now ready for painting. Bill repaired 11 pagoda trail lamps by replacing the white plastic lenses.

HAPPY EASTER

Easter Sunday was not busy at the AVR. Bill arrived home after Church and family activities around 6:00 pm and was soon met by Andrei who brought a friend to see the railway. They got 3001 out and went for a ride. Later Bill repaired 6 more lamp heads and took the train out to replace all 17 tops, one socket, replaced 20 light bulbs and 6 bass poles. In all about 30 lamps were repaired that had been broken by our deer population during the winter. In order to discourage this activity some steel rods were put around the lamps in the most exposed areas to try and minimize the damage by running deer.

Monday Bill took the power sander to 13 mile post poles and then gave them a coat of white primer. Tuesday the Scouts helped by cutting down 5 small poplars on the siding at Paterson as part of their axe training. Later in the evening Bill repaired 13 more light heads. We will have some spares.

Wednesday Richard arrived in the afternoon and did some cleanup around the track and brought in a few missed Christmas lights and trail marking poles. Peter and Dwight arrived later and struggled with the interlocking trackage to the west of Charleswood Station. It was decided that two #7 switches were needed and if we could not find a #7 frog we would need to build them from scratch. Bill put the second coat of paint on the 13 new posts for mile signs. Dwight took the long hood off 3001 and Bill topped up the four batteries and put them on charge.

Thursday and Friday Bill continued painting signs and completed enough mile boards for the posts and started the second coat on a group of flanger boards and painted half the primer on all the cross- bucks.

Saturday was a grand day. Bill reassembled 3001 after it's battery maintenance. Bill cut all remaining trees at Paterson and raked out all ground cover while Gil and Fred transplanted two Amur Maples to the Poole's property line. The three then put out the splines and moved sufficient crushed rock to complete the doubling of the Paterson siding. Back at the station Peter and Dwight continued to look at solutions to the west switches onto the new line. Peter and Carmelina cut up sufficient ties for another four switches and cut 2 x 2's so Bill could construct three more deer gates.  Norm and Nance brought some visiting family and using 3001 took them for several rides. Around 6:00 pm all tools and equipment were put away.

Sunday it rained at the AVR. Bill printed numbers at the office for mile post signs and picked up supplies. Material for corners on shed, box car paint for shed sides, screws for mile post signs and 8 more light bulbs for trail lamps. Back at the AVR Bill put numbers 1 to 18 on one side of boards.

Monday the truck from Oklahoma arrived with 1500 feet of rail, 3 gondola kits, one flat car kit and other accessories. All was loaded into Bill's van except 1000 feet of rail. At home Bill put numbers on reverse side of sign 1 to 18. 

Wednesday Peter came early and spend some time fixing the curve on the switch for Paterson Spur. Bill arrived at 1 pm and after a quick lunch Peter and Bill using Peter's level racked out the siding sub-road-bed. Two loads of rock were needed to bring it up to grade. The train was used to transport ten track panels to location. Later Dwight arrived and assisted with the switch adjustment and spend the remaining evening replacing damaged bonding wires on the old line. Bill screwed on the 18 sign boards to their poles and painted urethane on 66% of the completed signs and set out to dry. 

Thursday Peter creosoted the north station track switch for the new line. Bill ordered a truck load of 3/4 clean crushed rock and it was delivered. Later Bill urethaned the remaining parts of the signs. They will be used to replace the old signs from 2 to 13 so those poles can be refurbished and put back into service on the new line. 

Friday Peter creosoted the Paterson Spur switch. Bill planted the 12 new mile posts on the old line. The old poles have been brought in. Eight can be re-used and four will be used as flanger poles as they had been broken in service and are now too short for mile posts. 

Saturday May 3rd was a great day with a little wind. Bill was at work by 8:30 and spent till noon repairing and adding to the deer fence around the yard. About six areas that deer had managed to penetrate were added to or repaired. We use 54" high stucco wire and in four places the deer have jumped over pushing down the wire. These were repaired. In order to make the wire higher it was installed about 14" off the ground. It was discovered over last summer that the deer have learned to "limbo" under this fence where the bush is thin. It was strange to see a full size adult doe at full run simply slip under the space. To fix the problem these areas are being filled. About 10 am Andrei arrived and spent his time dismantling the roof of a small shed in the space were the new engine house will go. Fred joined him and the two laboured away all afternoon. The remaining chain link fence was removed from the old dog runs including the wood top frame. The roof from the shed was dismantled, old shingles were placed in low areas on the walking trail. It was found that raccoons were living inside the roof and several pictures were taken. All usable materials were cleaned up and stored.

Peter and Bill unloaded 500 feet of rail from the van and set up the table by the garage in its summer work position. Gil arrived and helped Peter drill out rails for the Paterson siding. The four corner trim boards for the shed were cut and five new mile posts were made. The saw was moved to its summer home. The group broke for a lunch of hot dogs. 

Norm, Richard and Bill spent the afternoon till 6:00 pm digging out the fallen soil "clay" from the west tunnel excavation and widening it to accommodate the tunnel frame.  A centre line was established by Peter with clearance of 27" on both sides. An elevation line was also established from the end of  track to the location of the next diamond. As the tunnel has a grade through it we needed to establish the bottom depths where the footing timbers will be placed on a bed of crushed rock. Norm and Bill brought in by train five loads of rock and spread them on the bottom. It was essential that this be completed as now if we get more rain we will be able to work in the tunnel excavation without getting mired down in the mud. 

Peter, Gil, Nance and Carmelina began the task of laying the track at Paterson. As the new siding will follow the main line around the corner it was essential to make sure the curve at Paterson was correct so the templates were taken out and the curve checked. Then all new rails were joined together with joint bars and made ready for screwing down. The rails have been connected to the two switches at either end and the spur switch was located in a favourable place to allow the spur to run to the new storage building.

Dain and Brandt had a grand time checking out the new rock pile as only kids can do and acted as crossing signs each time the train passed by with a new load of rock. They also enjoyed walking the track and riding the train when possible.

Sunday May 4th. Peter and Ed arrived first and got supplies out for spiking down the track at Paterson. Bill arrived and the three unloaded the van of the equipment from Oklahoma. Peter and Ed went back to track laying while Bill took down the 500 lights over the upper parking area. Bill then spent 2 hours painting the east wall of the new storage building. Particle board costs less but it sure is hard to paint. 

Monday Ed and Peter continued to work on the Paterson Siding. Bill arrived after work and spent till 8:30 working on five more sections of deer fence. Rob came in the afternoon to give his son a ride. Jim and Carol brought the frame of the box cab back and showed one side of the box cab with the louvers applied and new ladders fastened. Jim has been working at home on the body.

Tuesday Peter and Ed continued to work on the siding and finished all but the last 30 feet. Bill spent an hour on deer fencing and worked with the scouts on bush projects.

Wednesday Peter, Jim and Richard completed the tie in on the east end of the switch and all is complete except for the points and switch mechanical. 

Thursday Bill purchased a roll of 6 mil vapour barrier for the tunnel footing.

Saturday May 10th, 2003. The weather had turned decidedly cold with light rain. Bill spent the first hour updating the web and then got the train out (3001 with six cars) for a 10:00 am birthday party group. Twenty guests came and rides were given to everyone's satisfaction. The rain had stopped by 10:00.  Bill then sanded and filled holes on six mile post signs and then completed the last page of the Nutty Report and printed the first six copies. Richard arrived and did some clean up and found three Christmas decorations that had not been put away. Lunch was made in the station. 

When Fred arrived the three went off to level the two side footings of the tunnel. First project was to run a string down the centre at 7" above rock level. Grade posts were driven every 18" down the centre. Norm, Nance, Carmelina and Rob hauled rock for the side levelling operation. A spirit level was used by Bill to check elevations from the centre line of posts. Fred shovelled while Richard raked it out. Rob carried in five timbers and they were test fit. Then a layer of 6 mil poly was laid out and the foundation timbers were replaced and the rock team filled in the centre space to protect the plastic. Jim joined the transportation team and they brought in all remaining timbers to the work area. Richard, Bill and Fred started to assemble the first 12' of tunnel liner. When Richard left Carmelina took over the job of holding the tape measure. By 6:00 pm we had assembled the first ten feet of frames and the liner was starting to take shape. While this was going on Peter and Ed laid out the centre line for the spur at Paterson that will access the new storage building and the upper parking area. They then turned there attention to cutting diagonal corner braces for the tunnel and made seven. Dwight spent his afternoon adjusting switches and completing switch points. For a cool day a lot got completed and the obstacle of the tunnel is being overcome.

Sunday Mother's Day. After family activities Bill spent an hour painting the south side of the storage building and ran out of paint. He then installed four pieces of fencing material on the deer fence to plug more holes to prevent deer "limboing".  Bill then sanded seven more mile posts. He then filled imperfections with plastic wood on 13 posts and after drying sanded these again. He then painted primer on all 13 posts and set to dry. Next 20 cross buck boards were given a coat of paint on the second side and seven mile boards were painted on the first side.

Monday Bill dug three flower gardens and weeded one and a half more. He then put the second coat of white paint on the 13 mile posts and a second coat on cross bucks and a first coat on more mile boards. Peter and Bill approved the final location for the Paterson spur and grain elevator. The Paterson's were consulted and Lorne will try and get some plans for an actual elevator from Paterson Grain Co. 

Wednesday May 14th, 2003. Peter and Jim completed the cutting of the 30 needed diagonal braces for the tunnel frames. Rob came over and moved some rock for support at two switch locations. Dwight and Bill arrived at about 6:00 pm and cleared trees and bush on the Winch siding. Three ornamental type trees are now ready to transplant and then rock can be placed in this area. 

Thursday Bill gave guests from his youngest granddaughter's first birthday a ride on the AVR. Later the 13 posts got their first coat of black on the bottom. 

Friday Bill put on the second coat of black and painted all sign boards a coat of white paint. He printed the rest of the "Nutty Reports"

Saturday May 17th, 2003. Bill took masking tape off the 13 completed mile posts. he put a final coat of white to all sign boards that were at that stage. He started deco paging the "CROSSING" lettering on 14 cross bucks. Peter arrived and he and Bill went around the railway counting the number for flanger, number boards, whistle and cross buck signs that will be needed. Richard arrived and took on the job of relocating the ornamental trees from the Winch siding to the Pool's east property line. The crew stopped for hot dogs in the station. After lunch the group divided into two groups. Group one headed up by Bill took on the job of assembling the tunnel frame and putting it into place. The team consisted of Bill, Richard, Norm and Rob. By 7:00 pm the structure was completed and moved into the tunnel slot. The side boards were only nailed on high enough to clear the side soil that is already in place. This keeps the structure lighter so it is easier to move this 28 foot long structure. During the three main moves all other members on site would help with the pushing and moving which was made possable using six pipe rollers and a two wheel dolly.

The second crew was headed up by Peter and started with the drilling out of the 30 diagonal braces and then cutting up 15 flanger posts and 14 cross buck posts. This crew consisted of Peter, Ed, David, Nance and Carmelina.  This crew also looked after giving a few rides to some casual visitors. Dwight worked on a new modification of spring switch points to strengthen the assembly. Carmelina cleaned up the station.

Sunday was a very wet day. No outside work but after church Bill deco paged 14 "RAIL  WAY" lettering on the opposite side of cross buck arms. He put numbers on both sides of 17 mile post signs and installed 16 of them on 13 posts. He then painted white on 24 flanger signs on both sides and completed the painting on the remaining crossing bucks. Peter replenished the station beer supply later in the evening.

On Monday, Victoria Day, Bill was up early and put the protective coat of Varathane on the 13 completed mile post signs. Mile post 1 and 19 was installed. Bill installed five more pieces of fencing along the deer fence. Later in the evening he added five more pieces to help keep the deer from feeding on bedding plants. Andrei and Peter arrived about 10:30 and re-surveyed the tunnel and centre line for the connecting sub-road-bed. As was thought the finished tunnel centre is correct at the west portal but 2 inches too far north at the east portal. Not a problem at all. We stopped for lunch and Nance and Norm arrived with their two boys. After lunch Bill and Andrei and later Richard and Rob joined to nail on all the side timbers and four rows of roof timbers. We are short seven 2 X 8's x 12' long timbers to complete the roof. Norm and David also helped with the nailing. Bill did all the cutting. 

Norm and Nance spent most of the afternoon hauling rock to the area west of the tunnel. Nance operated the train several times to try her hand at running #202. Dain also made a couple of trips and helped his dad do some switching. Later Brandt and Dain kept busy pushing each other around the old line in the black gondola. David using Peter's level set the elevation of the sub-road-bed from end of track to the west portal. Peter acted as rod man and raker. Later Norm and Andrei switched places on rock detail and Andrei started pushing the rock on the flat car by hand without using the locomotive.  All rock and grading was completed to the tunnel but only 9 of the 14 bays were filled with rock. Track panels were hauled to the area and Peter drilled out 7 rails. At one point all three locomotives were in action. Bill and Andrei un-stacked some cars and got two trains ready for a scout activity on Tuesday night. 

Tuesday Rob arrived in the morning and filled the remaining sections in the tunnel with rock. After lunch Peter joined him and the two laid track right up to the tunnel portal. At 6:30 the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers of the 82 nd Westminster group came for their windup wiener roast and train ride. Rob and Bill gave 112 rides on 10 trains. Rob took 6109 up the new track to the tunnel and Bill did double laps on the old loop with 3001. The kids and parents had a good time. Rob put trains away while Bill cleaned up food from the event. There are some left over cookies for the AVR crew.

Wednesday May 21st. Gil and Jim screwed down the 28 feet of track through the tunnel. Rob came and moved some rock. Peter started to lay out the "Y" switch that forms the western end of the tunnel cut-off. Later Dwight came over and he and Peter completed most of the switch. Bill arrived after work and with Jim they raked and used the "Weed-Eater" on the Winch siding and placed the splines and spread the first six loads of rock on the siding. 

Thursday Bill purchased 11  2 x 8's to complete the roof on the tunnel liner.

Friday Peter checked out some calculations and decided that the "y" switch under construction could be improved so with Ed and Gil's help they totally rebuilt the switch making it fit the position better. Later in the evening Peter and Jim creosoted the switch so it will be ready to install on Saturday.

Saturday May 24th, 2003. "The Real Victoria Day" Bill and Fred completed the job of putting 2 x 8's on the roof of the tunnel liner. They then put 6 mil poly all over the top and down the sides to keep mud from getting to the timbers. During this time Gil was building a hinged gate for the deer fence were the tunnel line will leave the yard. Peter, Andrei and David installed the tunnel cut off switch and interconnecting line. Norm, Nance and Rob moved rock to the siding at Winch. They used the wheelbarrow on the train plus loaded 10- five gallon pails with rock to get a good load per trip.  Andrei and David conducted a level survey on the siding and rock was added to bring it up to level. The siding is now ready for switches and track. Once the tunnel and gate were done Bill, Gil and Fred cleared all brush off the 150 feet of the Paterson Spur and raked and used the "Weed-Eater" to clear away all organic material. The first set of splines were placed and a start at moving rock was made. David and Andrei did a level survey of the line and indicated four areas were some digging will be needed. Rob left early to baby sit and returned with five kids and along with Dain and Brandt made up a train with seven children who became the first people to proceed through the tunnel and the cut off back to the station. Dwight had spent the afternoon installing a set of temporary spring points on the switch at the cut off and doing some insulating for the signal system. Before night fall all members had a chance to ride through the tunnel and back to the station.

Sunday Bill planted a whole bunch of beading plants including all the pots around the station area. He then worked on the deer fence plugging up some more holes for a couple of hours and finished the day planting mile post signs at 14 through 18. Four of the old poles will be re-buildable and two will become flanger poles. Peter, Ed and David checked out what was needed for the diamond and spent the rest of the afternoon working on the diamond. 

Monday Peter and Ed continued to work on the diamond. Many pieces of track to cut and fit. Bill spent two hours cutting grass and then plugged some more deer holes in the fence. At 8:30 Bill measured the new track for correct places to plant mile post signs from mile 19 to 37 on the new line. By the time he got to mile 37 it was too dark to read the tape. He then planted mile post signs at 24, 30, 32, and 34 using the head light on 6109 and the abundant fire flies in the area. While on the line he repaired 8 of the trail lights.

Tuesday Bill planted mile post 28, 35 and 36. Jim came over and he and Bill carried rock by train to level the reverse elevation at the switch at mile 35. They also levelled the "y" switch at the tunnel and the cut off track at mile 34. Bill purchased provisions for the station. 

Wednesday - The diamond is ready to plant. Peter, Ed, Jim, Gil, David and Dwight took turns making final completions to the new diamond and last night Peter creosoted it making it ready to plant. Richard and Gil also hauled rock for the last run to the station. Bill rolled out the last of the water line and had the big sucker truck clean out the facilities storage tank. Bill spent the remaining evening sanding and preparing 4 poles for cross bucks and four mile sign posts.

Saturday was a bright sunny day. Bill was in the station by 8:00 then spent 15 minutes chasing a deer out of the yard that had got in. Six lilies were eaten. Bill put up the lily fence and installed two new speakers for the carillon on the top of the implement shed. Peter and Gil arrived followed by Fred. Bill, Peter and Fred worked on installing the new diamond. Gil made two extensions for the deer gates. Rob and Richard arrived and together with Gil hauled rock to fill up the tunnel track. They then carried rock to fill the area between the diamond and the station track with Nance, Norm and Bill's help. Fred did a level survey of how much rock was needed. Bill, Gil, Richard and Rob dug out the five hills on the Paterson spur. Bill and Peter joined up 20 feet of track east of the new diamond but will have to wait for Sunday to be screwed down. Dwight spent the afternoon working on a #7 frog that is needed for the next switch. Carmelina spent time cleaning up the station. Dain and Brant spent the afternoon enjoying the railway and pushing cars around. 

Sunday Peter and Bill screwed down the next 20 feet of track east of the diamond and ran a train through it. Bill planted more bedding plants. Len came over to inspect the work done this spring.

Monday Bill painted the prim coat on four mile posts and four cross buck poles. After he painted the west and north walls of the storage building.

Tuesday Bill ordered a truck load of 3/4 clean rock. Standard thought they could have it delivered by Wednesday afternoon. Later the eight posts got the second coat of white paint.

Wednesday June 4th, 2003. Ed and Peter came over in the afternoon and discovered a stretch of track between the Creosote diamond and the east tunnel that had lost its super-elevation. They fixed it. Dwight completed the #7 frog so the switch needed next can be built. David found an elevation bench mark near the railway and would like to find the actual elevation above sea level for the railway. A truck load of rock was delivered in the evening. Bill put a new saw blade on the electric band saw.  Bill with assistance from Rob moved 18-5 gal pails of rock and spread them on the freshly super-elivated track. They also placed 12 buckets of rock at the west end of Old Fort where the super-elevation was always going out. Later Bill placed 14 buckets of rock at the end of track were the #7 switch will go. 

Thursday Bill painted the black bottoms on eight sign posts.

Friday Peter and Ed came over early and built the #7 switch.  Rob came over to give his son a train ride. Dwight came after work and fine tuned the switch. Bill picked up 100 nuts and bolts to fasten the lift together. Bill brought to the AVR the last two boxes of rail. Bill mounted four sets of cross bucks and one mile post sign on five painted posts.

Saturday June 7th. 2003.  The shy was overcast and rain was likely. Bill went to the station and put a coat of urethane on the five completed signs. He then began repainting the gold portions of the hand rails on #3001 and touched up some missing paint. Andrei arrived at 10:00 and got 6109 out with the work cars. He then unbolted the station cut off tracks so the road-bed could be raised. Peter and David arrived. David and Andrei took Peter's level and commenced a level survey to bring a bench mark elevation reading to the AVR. Peter put on old clothes and creosoted the new #7 switch. Richard arrived and with Bill's help lifted the station cut off tracks out of the way. Then Richard dug in the water line going between the new track and old main line. Peter and Richard finished their first tasks and it started to rain hard. Just in time for a long lunch break at the station. After lunch David and Andrei switched their survey skills to the new track area and spent their remaining time doing level shots in that area. Richard, Ed, Norm, Nance and Carmelina spent a good part of the afternoon moving rock to bring up elevations on the new track all the way to the station. Dain and Brandt spent time ridding with the rock train and pushing around a couple of gondolas. Peter supervised the progress. Bill completed his painting project and then laid out the steel base for the lift and drilled all the holes and test fit the bolts to start the foundation for the lift.  Two scout leaders came over to borrow the grill. Richard took the opportunity with Carmelina's help to clean up the area after winter's accumulation of junk. They tidied up many areas around the station making it ready for the open house. Before end of work Peter and Dwight had located the place were the next several switches need to be located. Tolerances where tight and some compromises will need to be made. Rob came over in the evening and helped. Some of the tie in track was cut to length and placed. Dwight had been working quietly all afternoon on points. A set were installed on the east switch at Paterson and one point made for the spur. Others were made for other locations but will be completed later. Bill planted the first two new cross bucks at the east station level crossing. Tools and train were put away and six of the members went out for a late supper.

Sunday Peter came over to spike down the track connecting the #7 and #8 switches. Later in the afternoon Rob and his wife Shirley came over and together the three spiked down the line and reconnected the station cut off line and Peter spiked down the first 20 feet. Bill spent the afternoon cutting grass in the yard, outer trail and upper parking area. He stopped to take seven casual visitors for a ride on the new and old lines. After supper Lisa and Bill went out and greased the whole system and then planted new crossing signs at Amur Glen and placed the mile 26 sign. Several trips were made to spread the grease. Bill used the weed eater to clean up the area around the station.

Monday was a day filled with rain. Ed and Peter cam over in the morning. Ed had his wife and grand kids so several train rides were given. At 11:00 am a senior Citizens home group came and Bill gave a double ride for a group of 14 and 13. Due to the age we put all three operator cars on one train giving us five seats with backs. Worked well. Old people loved seeing our deer including the new born. They stayed for a BBQ lunch and left about 1:00 pm. Peter stayed and in the evening when the rain stopped he connected the north siding in the station to the new track and left the south connected to the old line. It will now be possible to go completely around both lines before stopping and end up going in the same direction. Bill dismantled 3001 and removed batteries 1 & 2 as they will not hold a full charge. These are to be replaced. Bill cleaned up the car and started to modify the train rack.

Tuesday Peter was again over and with Ed's help they continued to screw down track on the station cut off and almost got to the end. During the day they also completed the tie in of the new line to the north track of the station and would have been able to run a train but Bill had 3001 in pieces all over the station and 6109 was boxed in. Bill was able to exchange the two batteries and at 5:30 started to re assemble 3001 but Peter had to leave and did not get a ride. Bill modified the train rack for the van and put it in ready for Sunday night. Rob came over and both went for a ride to test out 3001 and its new batteries and to test out the new trackage.

Wednesday afternoon Peter and Ed completed the track on the station cut off and Richard and Rob hauled rock and levelled the new track widening the base. The group took several rides on the new track. Dwight came and disconnected all the switch control mechanism from the station switch until it is relocated and needed again. Bill arrived and went out to trim weeds and long grass at both Amur Glen and Ash Grove. About 500 feet of trimming was done before it became too dark. 

Quietly and without much notice the Assiniboine Valley Railway now can run trains around both complete loops with a station pass through between. While there are still three switches and a fourth diamond needed to get the system complete it is non the less complete in that we can give passengers rides without backing up on the new line. During the spring of 2003 many members volunteered countless hours to the various projects but at the end of the day credit needs to go to one member who pushed us all on to complete the project. He was determined that nothing would stand in the way of having the loop back to the station. He was here almost every day and pushed on regardless of the weather. This single honour goes to our first vice-president Peter Abel. The completion of the line not only makes us all happy but it will be remembered as it falls on Peter's birthday. Congratulations and many more to come.

On behalf of all the members, a big thanks goes to Peter for giving us the guidance and perseverance to push ahead.

Thursday Bill planted another 10 dz. plants and did some weed eating near the station.

Friday Gil, Peter and Rob came over and cleaned the exterior of 3001 and 6109 plus cleaned the rugs and gravel from all gondolas in the dog house. After work Bill made up a project list and operating rules for this weekend's run. Rob came back and he and Bill took four black gondola loads of extra stuff out of the station and back to the maintenance building. Peter came later to assist. Bill and Rob cleaned up the gondolas that were in the car barn. Bill touched up some paint scratches on 3001. Bill did battery maintenance on 202 in the maintenance building and returned it to charge.

Saturday was a glorious day but attendance at the open house was light but steady. The numbers grew as the afternoon came. Bill manned the station and Rob did most of the runs but was helped by Bill, Len, Peter, David and Richard. In all 23 public runs were had. During the club's BBQ Rob put 12 cars on 3001 to have a very long train and it navigated our railway but we are not sure how well with 35 passengers?  Other members took on projects. Richard, Fred and Gil with assistance from Carmelina and Nance hauled most of the rock for Paterson spur. Norm and later with help from Len and Fred removed all fence posts from future locomotive house and stored them. Len wired up the car barn for sensors. In the station Dain and Brandt helped by handing out train tickets to guests. Dwight installed a switch controller at Paterson and adjusted and made additional parts. All members who could stayed for a BBQ of hamburgers cooked up by Bill.

Sunday open house, another fine day. People were waiting at the station when Len and Bill arrived. Trains were got out and rides given. Engineers today were Len, Bill, Peter, Gil, Ed and Rob.  Len, Norm and Bill emptied the contents of the old white building where the new engine house will go. Some went to new storage and some went to land file at the new tunnel. The siding at Paterson was used for the first time. Nance and the boys handed out tickets and all members enjoyed the visitors.  3001 and three cars were loaded for the west coast ramble.

Tuesday Jun 17th, Bill mixed up six batches of Round Up and with the 2 gal hand sprayer treated weeds on the entire railway with the exception of between Duck Lake and Ghosty Hollow. The area around the new engine house was sprayed along with the turn circle paving stones. Having still time on his hands Bill took the axe and cleared all brush from the siding at Chapman. As Bill was still waiting he tackled sanding the ten old mile post sign boards and after removing all the old paint he painted them with primer and also painted eight flanger boards. Then he sanded three tall crossing poles and seven mile post poles. After sanding all the imperfections, nail holes and knots were filled with plastic wood.

Due to the WEST COAST RAMBLE this weekly update will not be added to until the open house in July.

Engine #3001  attended the 2003 west coast ramble starting at Train Mountain in southern Oregon. The meet lasted a week with 240 train present at the Saturday parade. While at Train Mountain we also ran on the Over The Hill Club.  Next it ran at the Medford, Oregon followed by a trip to Kit Sap in Washington but #3001 stayed in the van. Next stop was a ferry ride from Port Angeles to VIME in Victoria, B.C. followed by a visit on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Burnaby where 3001 pulled the public and helped that club celebrate its 75 anniversary and 10th year at Confederation Park. The next day #3001 was unloaded at the Train Museum at Squamish and got to try out their new lift and run on the Mini Rail. On the way back home the AVR's #3001 became the first visiting locomotive at Airdrie near Calgary and to run on their first loop of track. #3001 is now back home after a long trip.

Back at the AVR several of the members kept projects going. Dwight fabricated and installed points on all switches that were connected to track. He also overhauled the east end station switch. The rock was completed on the Paterson spur and track panels and rail were placed and joined together ready to be screwed down. The old white building was dismantled to make way for the proposed engine house. On Friday Bill cut the grass around the station and upper parking.

Saturday July 12th, 2003 was a glorious day for an open house. People came at a steady pace all afternoon but one train was enough to handle the visitors most of the time. As a good group of members were present other projects were completed. Richard took on the job of digging the cut for the siding at Chapman. He was assisted at various times by Andrei, Barry and Bill. The soil was used to make ramps for level crossings and was transported by train. Bill put the primer paint on all posts sanded and he was assisted by Gil. Gil took the job of installing the corner trim boards on the new shed. Dwight took on the job of building a #6 switch for a spur off the spur at Paterson which will service the future Paterson grain elevator. He was assisted by Peter, David, Norm and Andrei. All members took a turn at driving, dispatching, ticket distribution and PR.

Sunday was the second day of the open house and Peter, Gil and Bill handled the guests who came to ride on the AVR. It looked like rain but unlike many areas of Winnipeg that got heavy rain and hail the AVR was spared.

Monday July 14th, Bill ordered the four Acme screws, nuts, bearings, sprockets and casters for the new lift. In the evening he bolted together the base and one of the uprights.

Tuesday Bill picked up the four casters and 300 lock nuts for joint bars. In the evening he drilled and erected the remaining three corners of the main lift.

Wednesday Richard, Gil, Peter, Bill, David and Dwight came to the AVR. Peter completed the #6 switch with Richard's help and then creosoted it. Bill with Gil's help cut up the eight brackets for the caster mounts. While Bill machined the brackets, Gil and Richard cut up the top brace steel. Bill then installed all four casters and with David's help moved the lift to the driveway area. Bill then installed the upper bracing. Dwight put a spring on the main station lead switch and rebuilt the switch points. Peter and David set out lines to look at a different way to extend the station track. At a late supper Peter, Dwight, David and Bill talked about the pros and cons of the four solutions to the station track problem.

Thursday Bill sanded and wire brushed with drill, sander and side grinder all the rust off the new steel lift frame and then applied one coat of red oxide primer to the structure. It took four hours. Rob came to inspect the progress.

Friday Bill was interviewed by the Metro News on the progress of the AVR and several pictures were taken.

Saturday Bill was in the station by 8:00 am and worked on a report on the ramble for two hours. David was first to arrive. Bill took out 3001 as a work train for Chapman and David took out 6109 for a work train for Paterson. Richard arrived and he and Bill went to get Chapman ready for its siding. Nine more 5 gal pails of soil were dug and deposited on the trails near the station. All roots and small stems were chopped out and the whole siding area was cleared with the weed eater and raked. Splines were laid out to hold the crushed rock and three loads were taken and spread but due to the heat and humidity work was slow. David, Peter and Carmelina took equipment by train to Paterson and planted the new switch and continued to screw down track on the Paterson spur. Back at the station Dwight replaced the points on the north end of the tunnel cut off and then re-used those points on the elevator spur off the Paterson spur. Bill with help from Richard and Dwight started to do the fabrication of the lift section for the new train unloader. A sudden rain brought all work to an end as we scrambled to put equipment away and not get too wet.

Sunday after church Bill continued the rock moving to Chapman siding and moved by train 70 five gal. pails of rock and moved the splines to the end of the siding. He spent one hour drilling and bolting the three spacers on the lift section of the unloader. He also measured and clamped in place the first of the lift arms. Peter, Ed and David came in the afternoon and screwed rail on Paterson spur to the 80 foot mark.

Monday Bill ordered a tandem truck of 3/4 down lime stone for road repairs and steaming bay area building to come on Wednesday. He also ordered 14 yards of soil to fill the pot holes and depressions in the upper parking area. The last item was the rental of a "Bob Cat" for Saturday to do the work. When Bill got home from work he moved 55 more pails of rock to complete Chapman siding. He raked it out and moved three splines to the elevator spur off Paterson. He then used the weed eater to clear grass and the axe to clear brush from that spur. Two small cuts were dug and the first five pails of rock were spread. Work stopped when the light failed.

Bill arrived at the AVR at 5:30 and took 3001 out and filled 20 more buckets of rock and spread them at the elevator spur. That completed it to the fence. He then used the weed eater on grass on the new spur and also 50 feet either side of the Paterson level crossing. debris was moved from the parking area in preparation for filling ruts and pot holes. Bill then measured the area were the concrete pad will be laid at the unloading area and started to remove the paving stones that are in the way in preparation for digging on Saturday. Bill then shopped for station food and four types of soft drink.

Wednesday July 23rd Bill had the day off and started the day drilling holes and installing more bolts in the lift table. He then filled 10 pails with the last of the 3/4 clean rock and loaded it on the train in case one of the areas needed additional fill.  He then supervised the unloading of 7 yards of top soil and a load of 3/4 down for road repair and steaming bay building. Richard arrived and removed the remaining 1/3 of the paving stones. Peter arrived and a level survey was conducted with Bill at the steaming bay and unloading area. A photographer from the Free Press arrived and took a picture of the three at the bridge with 3001. Two of William's sisters came with family members and Peter showed them the railway and gave several rides. Richard and Bill cleared up other stuff at the steaming bay area in preparation for Saturday. Len came over and a long discussion ensued about the west Charleswood tracks. Solution # 5 was discussed. Len and Richard left and David and Dwight arrived. Dwight made up switch parts while David, Bill and Peter made some elevation posts at the steaming bay area and then levelled the rock at the elevator spur using up half the pails of rock. We are now ready to lay track on this spur. Bill cut with Dwight's help the angle iron for the truss on the lift table.

Thursday July 24th, 2003.  Bill priced out the concrete for the unloading area pad. Costs $250.00 more to get it ready to go but saves hours of work and considering what needs to be done before the end of August the time by members might be better spent in other areas. Bill ordered the steel re-bar for the pad. At home Bill spent about three hours drilling and grinding and installing the truss on one side of the lift table. As some machining has been done the second side should take less time.

During the day on Friday Bill picked up the four Acme screws and bearings for the lift. He spent some time talking to machining companies about a price for turning the six foot long screws. He got a price to cut the eight bearing blocks but not the machining part.  Peter and David came in the evening and screwed down another 45 feet of Paterson Spur.

Saturday July 26, 2003. Bill cut down three big dead branches from the Ash tree in front of the station. He moved Paul's old car to an out of the way place in the upper parking area. The rental Bob Cat arrived and Bill started the excavation of the future steaming area where three 20 foot bays will be put. Richard arrived and took the shovel and spread or moved all the soil around the sides and around trees where the machine could not go. Bill and Richard also buried large items or got them ready for the garbage. Next the pit for the 14 foot by 22 foot concrete pad was excavated. Peter and David arrived and took 6109 to Paterson and completed the spur to the end. Dwight and Carmelina arrived and he spent the rest of the day working on switch points. Carmelina spent he time working with the track laying crew who completed the 32 feet of the elevator spur. During the afternoon two groups of visitors arrived and were given train rides on 3001.  Bill completed the excavation and while Richard caught up on the cleanup of the edges Bill used up most of the crushed rock repairing pot holes on the road with the machine. Once Richard had left for the day Bill placed rock on the new steaming area. Peter, David and Carmelina surveyed and placed six rods for elevation points for the concrete pad. Bill spread by rake all the rock on the area and placed two loads for the base of the pad. He then used up the remaining rock on the road and then spread half the topsoil in the upper parking area. While this was going on the survey crew levelled all the stone on the siding at Chapman. The whole gang went for supper at 9:30 pm. 

Sunday Peter and David arrived in the morning and spent most of the day laying out various ways to connect the new and old lines at the west end of Charleswood station. The problem is to allow the connection of the new line and old line using the same two tracks in front of the station and extend that double line about 70 feet to the west allowing for extra train storage on the old line for incoming or outgoing trains. Main problem is a tree that we are trying to preserve. Up to Sunday five solutions had been made and with Sunday's effort a sixth solution has now been found that not only preserves the tree but increases the incoming curve to 65' from 50' and allows for 70' of double line before the crossover from the new line and allows for the longest distance east of the diamond in front of the station. The solution # 6 also allows for a third track of about 50 feet to parallel the main lines to be used as storage which is needed in the area of the station. Robert Dirksen, our member from Arizona came by to see the progress. Bill arrived home from church at about 1:00 pm and finished up the Bob Cat work in the upper parking area until Len arrived and then Bill and Len built the framing for the concrete pad. The wood was cut to depth and length and many of the paving stones were lined up to get the correct alignment. Several groups of visitors arrived and were given rides. Peter and David finished off the afternoon by lifting a piece of track at lightning junction and removing a high spot in the sub-road-bed.

Monday Bill made up 8" pins and secured the back of the form. He also spread the crushed rock and put rock around the outsides of the form. He raked all the new soil then spread grass seed and raked it in again. 

Tuesday Bill replaced the bent blade on the lawnmower that was damaged on a level crossing, he then cut the grass in the yard, in the upper parking and on the nature trails.

Wednesday Ed and Peter drilled out 21 lengths of rail. Bill picked up steel for the pad. In the evening, Peter, Dwight, David, Jim and Bill tried to resolve the problem of West Charleswood. The group is leaning towards solution #6 but can it be done before the Labour Day Meet? Bill cut up 100 wire ties and laid out the steel in the pit and tied about 80 joints. Richard came and readied 3001 for his daughters wedding on Saturday.

Thursday a truck load of 3/4 clean crushed rock was delivered to the AVR.

Friday Bill picked up a 16' 2 x 6 to be used to screed out the concrete. Peter came to check on the West Charleswood switch.

Saturday Aug. 2 nd., 2003.  A great day. Bill was in the station by 8:00 am and cut up some more wire ties and put another 26 ties on the steel. He then put stones under all the intersections to raise the steel. He then installed the second truss on the lift section. Gil and Peter arrived. Peter was hoping to fix the West Charleswood switch. Gill and Bill measured out where the three steaming tracks would go in relation to the pad and nine posts were marked. Bill went off to drill out and install eight nuts and bolts at the base of the lift frame for additional strength. Fred arrived and spent his time with Gil digging the holes for the sockets that will hold the pipes holding up the steaming tracks. Of all the jobs done this day, Gil and Fred worked the hardest. When the afternoon was spent the nine holes were dug and trenches made between all ready for concrete to be poured. Back at the station Peter, Ed and David did a level survey of the switch. 

Bill got out 6109 and made up a train in preparation for wedding guests who had attended Richard's daughters wedding. Bill took two groups of guests for a ride and Richard got out the wedding train with #3001 all decorated up with flowers. When the official wedding party arrived they all boarded the special train and set out on their trip with Richard as engineer. Bill turned 6109 over to David who followed the wedding train with more guests while Bill went on foot to take pictures of the special train in all the normal spots and some new ones where pictures can be taken. Bill took another 15 guests on a last trip with 3001. The wedding guests went to the front yard for more photo opportunities on the bridge. 

After the wedding party left for the reception Bill went back to work on the lift and wire brushed rust off the lift section in preparation for painting. Ed, Peter, David and Carmelina made up two track panels and straightened up the West Charleswood switch. A discussion took place about timing and it was decided that a "Y" switch will be built to tie in both station tracks to the old line but that there may not be time to do all at West Charleswood before the Labour Day Meet but that as much as can be done will be done. Dwight adjusted some switches and carried out some other track work. Some additional paving stones were removed in preparation for Wednesday's concrete work.

Sunday Peter and Ed came over to start on the "Y" switch that needs to be built to connect the north station switch to both old and new lines. The ties were lined up and calculations made. Peter also made up one tie panel. Gil came over and cut a series of support boards for the concrete form and then painted ten sign posts and a series of sign boards. Bill picked up a new wire wheel and cleaned off the remaining rust from the lift section and put a coat of primer on the whole thing. He then touched up the white paint on the poles and sign boards where they had been resting to dry.

Monday was a holiday in our area so Bill was able to go straight to the station and begin the day on the hobby. He made up two of the pages on Railways we have visited and then repaired the wheelbarrow by making up a new front nose piece on the drill press and then installed it and tightened up all the nuts and bolts. The next project was to take the train to Paterson with the weed eater and clean up a whole bunch of long grass along the Paterson Spur and in other areas around the upper parking area. About then Gil came over to help move the steel for the three 20' long steaming tracks. 

First task was to carry the loading lift table and place it in the frame and it fit. Next we carried six channels to an area in the yard where some shade might be available. Bill cut up spacers to be welded on in two places on each unit. The other three supports will be angles that connect to the posts. Bill welded while Gil used the wire wheel to clean up the weld. After Gil left Bill cleaned all rust on one unit and painted it with primer. To have a break Bill went back to Paterson and cut down tall grass from there to mile post 26. Returned to the station area and started cleaning rust on the other two but it started to rain. A quick clean up of tools and putting trains away followed and as it was still early Bill retired to the station where 16 ten inch angles where cut for supports between channels and posts.

Barry came over to inspect lift and see if gear motor that Bill found would do the job. It was tested and looks like it will. It is 12 volt DC and will go in either direction and came out of a WW2 aircraft. It was determined that the steaming tracks will be 36 inches off the ground.

Tuesday Bill picked up the four drive sprockets for the lift and ordered the drive sprocket for the motor. He went to a metal supplier and picked up nine square sockets 18" long for the post holders. He went to a machine shop where they will cut the bearing and sprocket surfaces on the acme screws. At the AVR Bill placed in there respective holes the nine sockets using a string grid for locations. Bill ordered the nine posts and picked up the 2.75" x 2.75" x 1" steel plates for Barry to machine.

Wednesday Bill was in the station by 7:30 and worked on the web page. Then he started to install the footings for the track between the new pad and the nature trail. He also defined the elevations on the loading spur back to the main line and installed elevation markers along the way. It was decided to put up a retaining wall along the track from the pad to the nature trail. Bill moved a flat car load of concrete blocks to be used as a retaining wall. Ed and Peter came over and worked on the "Y" switch.

Gil made up a levelling template for the sockets. At 1:30 the concrete truck arrived and Gil and Bill moved and screeded the concrete making it more or less level. It was a problem getting it as smooth as we wanted. Bill filled the holes around the sockets while Gil levelled them up. It was about 6:30 when all was cleaned up. Bill carried the concrete blocks to the retaining wall and placed them. Len came over and together they brought in another load and completed the retaining wall. Barry came over with the eight bearing blocks all machined and ready to install.

Thursday Bill removed all the spilled concrete from the outside of the frame, removed all the shoring and proceeded to relay all the paving stones that had been removed on the north and east of the pad. He then loaded all the extra tools and supplies in the station onto a couple of gondolas and took them to the maintenance building. Last a quick sweep and garbage removal took place.

Friday Peter and Ed completed the slide plate and side angles on the "Y" switch. At 5:30 Bill dug a trench south of the new pad and buried a plastic conduit for the pole lamp that was disconnected. He covered the socket openings with masking tape and backfilled the entire steaming bay area right up to the pad. Bill then made a retaining wall for the first 16 feet of the loading spur and filled the cavity with crushed rock. It is now level and ready for track.

Saturday Bill got the trains out and greased certain areas of the track. He then mounted the west pedestal on the nature trail and loading spur. Len arrived and took the first four passengers at 9:30 am. The day was filled with little showers but the big rain stayed away. People came steadily until 5:00 pm. People running trains and helping for the day were, Bill, Len, Peter, Dwight, Richard, David, Fred and Carmelina. Dwight spent most of his day adding points and tuning up the "Y" switch that is now ready to creosote and plant.

Sunday Aug. 10th, 2003 marked the second say of our open house. Bill was interviewed by CJOB at 8:15 in the morning. Bill and Len arrived about 12:30 from church soon followed by Fred. The trains were gotten out and visitors began to arrive. We had 100 more visitors in three hours less time on Sunday. In the afternoon CKY TV came by and a news spot was aired in the evening and on Monday noon. They promoted the Aug. 31 st public run. The following members ran trains and manned the station. Bill, Peter, Len, Richard, David, Fred, Norm and Nance. After the public run the members of the club with other family members stayed for a BBQ. Other productive work was done by Richard and Bill who took a third work train out and brought back two loads of concrete pieces to build a retaining wall. Norm gave a hand placing the last load. After eating Fred took the kids for several rides. It was a good day. 

Monday Bill picked up the replacement saw table cable so we can fix the table saw. Bill also picked up the nine steaming bay posts and the four machined screws. In the evening he put the first coat of black on 10 sigh poles as well as some decoupage.

Tuesday Bill picked up 100- 1.25" bolts with nuts and washers to fasten the steaming bay tracks to the poles. He picked up the sprocket for the drive motor and the rods to make hangers for the idler sprockets. At the AVR he hauled in another two loads of concrete blocks and made more retaining wall. He then lifted the remaining track back to the main line and hauled 16 wheelbarrows of rock to raise the elevation. More will be needed. About 9:00 pm Bill set all nine posts into the sockets at the steaming bay and after getting provisions for the station he put on the second coat of black paint on ten sign posts and touched up the sign boards. 

Wednesday Len, Richard, Peter, Dwight and Bill arrived about noon. Len's principal job for the day was to install four bottom thrust bearing blocks on the bottom of the screws and install four upper guide bearings. The job was difficult as each had to be measured and drilled and tapped. By 10:00 pm the four bottoms were in but only two tops. 

 Bill took on the job of mounting the three 20 ft steaming bay tracks on the poles and drilling and installing all the bolts to level them off. By 9:30 both ends were installed with hangers but more are to be added for extra strength. He then cut up the steel for two unloading lift extensions to go to vehicles. 

Peter took on the job of replacing the loading spur track from the driveway to the nature trail and that was accomplished using a pre existing section that needed modification. 

Richard hauled rock for the fill on the loading spur and also placed additional concrete pieces brought in from the upper parking area along the embankment wall. Some dead trees were removed and he helped Bill carry the steam bay tracks.

Dwight completed the temp "Y" switch with points and then prepared supplies for the next "Y" that needs to be built. He measured the whole area again to determine the angles needed.

Thursday Bill ordered the chain for the lift. After work he removed the end lift channels for the lift table and Barry picked them up for drilling. Bill hauled another six loads of rock for the loading spur and filled up the large file between the retaining walls. When Barry came back with the lift pieces drilled he and Bill carried an old section of rail from Lightning Jct. and it looked like it would fit the missing rail on the loading spur. Bill cut up two six foot 2 x 6's for the lift bridge and commenced installing the track on the loading spur until 9:30 when the light failed and now needs about 30 minutes work to complete. Len came over and with our portable light mounted the remaining two top bearings on the lift section.

Friday Aug 15 Bill picked up key stock for the sprockets and 30 feet of chain. Len came over after work and replaced any missing ties on the loading spur and nailed the ties on to the lift out bridge section. It will now be possible to get equipment off the railway for the meet at Red River on Saturday.

Saturday Bill got the trailer down to the loading area. He deco paged one side of nine mile post signs and put cross bucks on one post. About six guests came from the meet at Red River and they were given a ride. Bill completed the work on the nature trail lift bridge and built a ten foot temporary bridge to go from the trailer to the loading spur. Richard with the help of Mathew brought in the last of the rock for the loading spur and added some steel bars to the embankment shoring. The repaired two sections where new sub-road-bed had settled. Richard also provided rides for three groups of casual riders. Norm re-routed the power line at the steaming bay and installed the boxes along with a switch box and a flood light box using outdoor receptacles, Bill hooked in the two duplex receptacles so we have a pair of circuits available at the steaming bay area. Gil drilled out four more centre brackets for the steaming bay tracks and bolted them in. Fred laboured with the steel cleaning wheel taking rust off the centre steaming bay so it is ready to paint. Dwight completed construction on the second "Y" switch. Carmelina did a clean up job in the station area in preparation for the meet. At about 3:15 several of the members assisted in loading 3001, the operators car, two gondolas and the caboose into the trailer for the trip to the Red River Live Steam Club. We ran trains there until after dark. About 15 members of the AVR attended the BBQ. A good time was had by all.

Sunday Bill went to Red River after church and ran trains for their public. Several other members, Len, Richard and Rob of the AVR also came on the Sunday. Barry was there both days but he is a long time member of the Red River Valley Railway and acted as one of the hosts making sure that water was available for the steamers and that the loading and unloading process went well. Trains were loaded in the afternoon and once home Bill painted the steaming bay that Fred had sanded Saturday. Bill also connected the light switch and double light so we now have power and light at the steaming bay area. A visitor from B.C. came by and was given a tour of the AVR. 

Monday Aug 18th. Bill laid out the steel for the 45" lift extension and welded it together and ground down the end pickup points. Jim came over to get the box cab parts that need yellow paint and took them home to clean. Bill completed the evening by deco paging the remaining number signs.

Tuesday Aug 19th., Bill unloaded #3001, a riding car, two gondolas and the caboose from the trailer using the temp ramp to the new loading spur. The trailer had to be repositioned four times to line up with all four tracks. Bill hopes that in the future such unloading will be simplified with the new lift. Once the unloading was complete Rob and Jim came over. Jim took all rust off the last steaming bay track and painted it with primer. Rob attempted to run a wire through the conduit but will need a fish tape. He rearranged the train and put it away. Bill laid out the 18" extension for the lift and welded it together and used the power saw and side grinder to finish it off. 

Wednesday Aug 20th, 2003 was another hot day. Bill started the day when Jim arrived at 8:00 am to get ahead of the heat. They both worked on the steaming bay with Bill drilling out the last of the spacers and fastening them. Jim took the rust off the extension pieces and painted them and also painted the remaining extensions as they arrived. The "A" television news team came and were given an interview by Bill, Len and Jim. Bill took them on the train. Later trips were given by Richard to casual visitors. Rob took on the job of working on the steaming bay with Jim and together they installed all the remaining parts. Richard worked with Matthew and fixed some elevation problems at the west Charleswood switch and west of the new tunnel. Last job was to help Bill set up our big 20' x 10' tent for the meet. Peter and David worked on a switch and made a tie panel and started the siding at Chapman putting down 30 feet of track. Dwight checked out some switches and removed the batteries from 6109. Bill made up four idler brackets, four idler shafts and cut the steel for the battery holder. Len worked on the lift. He installed anti rotation devices on the four Acme nuts and installed the two main lift arms then had the lift table installed. He mounted the four chain gears and installed the four main idler brackets.

Thursday  Bill took the two batteries into Costco for warranty and exchanged them also picking up some food for the meet. In the evening Bill made up the idler bracket next to the motor and welded up the battery holder and ground down the welds. He then welded the main drive sprocket. Jim and Rob arrived and took the train and equipment to Chapman and put down another 30 feet of track. Peter came over to check on progress. Len arrived and he and Bill worked on the lift installing the chain and motor drive and hooked up a temporary wiring connection. Len adjusted the heights of all four screw nuts and Len sat on the lift as Bill ran the motor up and down. Bill then applied gear oil to both screws and chains and then Len ran Bill up the lift to the six foot mark. With satisfaction the two pushed the lift from the station back to the turn circle. Some fine tuning still needs to be done but the unit works. Len and Bill worked till midnight.

Friday Peter and Jim came to the AVR to finish laying the track at Chapman and completed the siding by afternoon. In the evening Len, Bill and Rob worked on the lift and wiring for the coach lamps. Len drilled out the holes for the lift extensions and cut a pin from material that Bill found. Rob and Bill pulled a wire through the conduit under the steaming bay.

Saturday Bill made a chain for the pin so it could be fastened to the lift. He ground out some steel on the extensions to allow for flange clearance. To test the lift he put #202 on the centre track along with its riding car and took a picture of the event. Richard arrived and took on the job of cleaning up. Surplus wood was stored off the turn circle, the dining tables were taken out of the car barn and sent to the upper storage building. Bill welded one leg of a dining table that had broken. Matthew arrived and helped Richard for several hours. Richard filled the attic of the car barn with misc. materials to make room in the car barn for visiting equipment. The old ramp was stored away and a landing was made for the storage building door. Bill spent the afternoon working on the track water supply system and installed a 100' hose with winder and valves at Chapman and Paterson so locomotives can take on water. Bill replaced four other valves on the system. It was discovered that a nail had been driven through the pipe near the new diamond and this was repaired by Andrei. Fred and Peter spent the first part of the afternoon fixing track work around the cut off areas and on down the line to the north. Several groups of visitors arrived and were given rides. Jim spent several hours building five track panels to be used at Winch. Rob and Dwight installed the new batteries in 6109. Dwight installed the points in the switches at Chapman that can now be run using our reversing springs. He also re-installed the switch lever at West Charleswood.  He put one point in each of the switches for Winch. Peter and Rob finished the day by installing the south switch at Winch. Dwight completed his day by creosoting the switch for Charleswood. Bill demonstrated the new lift several times by first changing #202 to the west track and then putting it on the loading spur. The 18" extension was also tested. 

Sunday Peter, Norm and Nance and the two boys installed the second switch at Winch and laid about 50% of the siding. Len found a winch controller at Princess Auto and he and Bill installed it on the lift and more testing was done by hoisting #6109 to the centre bay where Bill adjusted the brakes and checked the traction motors on the loco.  

Monday Peter and Rob continued the siding at Winch adding about 20 feet to the north end. Bill replaced the coach lamp and wiring that had been moved when the pad was excavated. He installed a duplex box for additional power. He then put all three cross bucks together and the nine mile posts. ten posts were given Varathane coating while two posts are only half done.

Bill completed the cross bucks before going to work. During the day he picked up some chain. Peter and Rob completed the siding at Winch while Jim made up two more tie panels. In the evening Bill cut grass around the station, on the half mile nature trail and in the upper parking area. Rob installed chains on both ends of the lift and on each steaming bay to be used as car stops. 

Wednesday Bill did some weed eating around the station and cleaned out the pools. Dwight and Matthew came and planted the "Y" switch and tied it in to the new track. Bill dug up the leaky water pipe that a nail had been driven into. Len came and installed two guide plates to line up the lift to the loading spur. After he helped Dwight. Bill went out on the line with 3001 and planted the last nine mile posts and three crossing signs. Due to a big thunder storm we shut down operations early.

Thursday Bill picked up most of the food for the weekend meet. Back at the station the meat sauce for Sunday was prepared and refrigerated. Dwight came and cut and fitted all the rails for the tie in to the old line.

Friday Bill prepared the macaroni and tuna salad and a jelly mould plus prepared the cut up food for the BBQ. He went and picked up more beverages. Dwight completed the tie in to the old line and tested it. Rob fixed the water leak at west Charleswood. Bill completed the wiring at the loading spur to send power to the coach lamps. Peter with some help from Rob levelled the new siding at Winch. Dwight installed the points at Winch and all sidings were set to right hand running. On inspection it was found that the water line east of Creosote Crossing was leaking. Bill dug several exploratory holes and felt it was half way between the diamond and the level crossing but this was not a connection point. Norm arrived with the family and he dug to the connection under the diamond and ruled it out. Bill and Rob dug at the mid point first suspected and a crack was found. Rob and Norm repaired it while Peter went for more hose clamps. At six Bill started cooking food for the 16 people in attendance. Near dark we got 3001 and 202 out and set up the first double opposing operation on the new line with a meet set for Chapman, Winch then Chapman and back to the station. We all enjoyed it so much we had a meet at Amur Glen, Ash Grove, Amur Glen. After several minutes of conversation in the station we did a double run in the dark on both lines with a total of 7 meets including one at Charleswood. We look forward to having all the signals in so we can do multiple trains in opposite directions.

Saturday the members gathered for pancakes and sausage for breakfast then made up one very long train with both F-7's back to back and took it around the whole main line stopping at Paterson for a photo opportunity. We had lunch of soup and sandwich and then set out cars all over the railway. Ed made up a card order system and the members and guests spent most of the afternoon switching cars from area to area interspersed by a few passenger trains for visitors. The challenge of switching the various siding was great fun. Super was chicken fingers, fried rice, vegetables, tossed salad, macaroni and tuna salad, jellied salad, cookies and water melon. After supper the group ran several two directional trains using the sidings for meets then retired to the station for a slide show on the 8' by 8' screen of part of the trip to Train Mountain. After that another double trip was taken in the dark. During the fun Dwight spent time updating some switch points and Len cut carpet for new car rugs, put in three sets of guide lugs for the lift and a centring bolt.

Sunday a group of members met at the station at 9:00 am for bacon and eggs breakfast. Len and Bill went off to church returning at noon. Rob got the trains out while Bill made soup and put food out for lunch. The public open house started at 1:00 pm and we had a steady and enthusiastic group of visitors until 5:00 pm. Part of the time we needed three trains to keep up.  C.K.Y. TV came by and we made the evening news. At 5:00 pm the members started to make up the dinner train. We ran 3001 and 6109 with seating for eight on each train. It took three trains to feed all the attendees. Menu was spaghetti and meat sauce with grated cheese, macaroni and tuna salad, a large tossed salad, jellies salad, ice cream, blueberry and cherry pie plus beverages, win and beer. we stopped the train as it passed through the station to allow time for seconds. After supper cleanup a group did multiple opposing runs in the dark. Crowning trip was a triple meet on both lines.

Monday Labour Day a group of members met at the station at 10:00 am for breakfast and used up all the breakfast food with a feed of bacon, eggs, pancakes and sausage. Bill was kept busy with cooking and helping to determine what needed to be cleared at Old Fort. Len using his chain saw made short work of anything in the way and increased the size of the flat car load of logs. Dwight continued to install points on switches and working on the signal system. Peter levelled track, Carmelina cleaned up dishes. In the afternoon Richard and Carmelina carried rock and spread it on the siding at Old Fort. Peter supervised the operation. Len and Bill took 6109 to the steaming bay and  for the first time were able to do a minor overhaul of the trucks without stripping the whole top off the locomotive and turning it on its side. On the steaming bay the wheels were all tightened as Bill had detected some looseness the previous weekend. Bill had also detected a broken link on one of the brake pistons. Len fabricated a new one and it was installed without taking the truck off the locomotive but simply by lifting the frame about 6 inches off the truck. The whole operation was done in three hours where in the past it might take twelve hours. Peter surveyed the possable location for a long spur at Old Fort and all agreed with the location.

Wednesday Bill arrived about noon and repaired the table saw with a new drive cable and then cut up enough wood for three level crossings. Peter and Ed did a level survey of the sub-road-bed at Old Fort and the area east of the station. Jim helped Bill route out the screw slots for wood for two of the crossings. Jim and Bill took 3001 to Amur Glen to fetch old tie panels with double spaced ties to be re-built into standard track as we are now short of ties. Seventeen section with new ties and three sections with old ties. Peter and Ed started making new panels and later Jim helped and together they made up five sections. Bill went out and installed two level crossings at Paterson and at the crossing north of mile 25. Dwight worked on the signal system and studied the requirement for the spur switch at Old Fort. Bill routed out the wood for a third level crossing west of mile 21.

Thursday Bill talked with Cliff about the Pacific and it looks like the last two weeks in October for its arrival. Jim built four track panels. Bill started to install the level crossing at mile 21 and then did a two hour interview with CKY for a documentary on Manitoba views. 

Friday Bill completed the building of the level crossing west of mile 21. Jim cut or found the needed ties for the left hand #6 switch at Old Fort.

Saturday Bill went shopping for supplies and purchased the following. A role of 3/4" poly pipe, an assortment of hose fittings, 250' of electrical wire and seven 2 x 4's. Back at the AVR he dismantled our third picnic table and cut up wood for two lets of new legs and one new seat. Gil took the task of repairing table #2 that needed its legs widened to make it more stable. Bill cut two new base plates for the legs. Gil re-assembled the table and Bill re-built the third table and wire brushed it for painting. Richard dug a trench from the nearest track with water too the steaming bay area and he teed in the line and brought water to the steaming bay area. Once tested the trench was backfilled and a hose was set up at the area. Fred took all the old tie panels apart and then helped Peter do some realigned the curvature at Old Fort. Dwight  built the spur switch for Old Fort. Carmelina cleaned up the station. At 3:00 pm John Hugie arrived with his second Alan 10 wheeler and unloaded using the new lift and steamed it up. Jim our steam officer came over to inspect the locomotive. After some adjusting John took it out for its maiden trip. More adjusting was done and Bill took it out for the first lap on the new track. Later John's son took it and John's friend Lloyd from Tisdale. Needless to say once the steamer arrived other work on the AVR slowed down. 

Sunday John arrived at 8:30 am and the locomotive was fired up. Bill took the first trip on the line followed by Jim and other members. At 1:00 pm the loco was re-loaded and departed for the trip back to Tisdale.

Monday Bill painted one complete picnic table, touched up the table that Gil repaired and painted the top of two benches. William and Peter dropped by. Whit will be coming this Saturday with his steamer. Bill started printing Nutty Reports.

Wednesday Bill repaired eight trail lights. He laid out 250 feet of track side power line for the signal system and Christmas lights. Richard came and helped Bill locate and repair a water leak in front of Charleswood station. They then put out another 200 feet of power line all the way to the west diamond. Richard and Bill re-tied a leaning tree at Ghosty Hollow. Peter got out the train and the three took out all tie panels to Old Fort and laid them out. As the rain had started all equipment was put away. Bill continued to print current Nutty Reports and then printed one copy of all previous issues to be put in a ring binder for the station. Dwight came after work and continued to work on the Old Fort spur switch. Bill mailed some of the Nutty Reports. The balance will be available in the station for members.

Thursday Bill repaired 7 trail lights behind the station. He also replaced a defective transformer and got three additional lights working by running the wires to them. He re-lamped the coach lamps down the road and purchased the groceries for the Saturday night member's BBQ.

Saturday Sept. 13, 2003 sets new milestone on the AVR as we where visited by a great Pacific # 2856 which became the first visiting steam engine to use our new lift and steaming bay facility. The Pacific was from Iowa and with it came Whit Johnson, Jack Anderson, JJ Anderson and Dick Johnson. The Pacific also became the first steam engine to participate in a public open house on the AVR and was well received by the 371 visitor rides that were given. After the run the members and guests gathered for a BBQ followed by two directional running on the whole railway. First 2856 and 3001 had meets at all the sidings and later where joined by 202 and 6109 with four trains running in opposite directions. Alas at 11:00 pm the need to re-load and head home stopped the night runs. While 2856 and cars were re-loaded all other equipment was put away. We look forward to a future visit from 2856 when she will be joined by our own 2336 and others.

In the morning 6109 developed a grinding noise in its #2 traction motor and derailed when it seized up. Later in the day Bill and Len had 202 take 6109 to a steaming bay and the traction motor was dropped out and found that the main pinion gear had stripped and the holding bearing had seized. A new traction motor and gear box was installed and the locomotive returned to active duty. The hanger bearing was repaired but the gear box will need a new pinion and main gear before becoming a spare assembly. Again the steaming bay saved hours of work for this repair.

Sunday was a drizzly day till about 1:00 pm when the rain stopped but it remained overcast and cool. 226 rides were given including two birthday groups. Dwight worked on restoring the Charleswood West motorized switch control. Most of the day was handled with 3001 and 6109 with 202 taking two trips. 

Monday this web site was down due to some reconfiguration of system at our server. All was ready by 11:00 pm when a hard disk failed causing the process to continue and now it should be up by 10:00 pm Tuesday.  Bill took the side grinder and hand hack saw to the third deck in the trailer removing the slides so the trailer can be modified to take eight gondolas on the top deck. Len took measurements for new hold down parts. These modifications are in preparation for the trip to St. Croix.

Tuesday Bill picked up the nuts & bolts and other related hardware for the modification. Bill also got eight lengths of "UniStrut" for the tracks. This modification will allow cars to be rolled into the upper deck instead of needing to be turned upside down and truck removed. It is a labour saving modification now that we have a lift for loading. Len cut up and drilled all the wood pieces for the new trailer loading system. Bill purchased the first load of groceries for the dinner train.

Wednesday Peter, Richard and Jim came over after lunch and worked on a list of items to prepare for the dinner train which included cleaning up the cars and the station area. getting out the tables we use for dinner preparation, putting away tools and generally making things look presentable. One table needed repairs and Peter made a new frame and re-mounted the legs. After work Bill arrived and was interviewed by My Winnipeg.Com for a video clip on the AVR. Len arrived with completed wood pieces and assisted with cutting hold down threaded rods. Bill cut up eight lengths of "UniStrut" for tracks and two hold down channels. It started to rain hard so Len and Bill set up some plywood at the back of the trailer so work could continue. Bill spent more time grinding spots were the old steel had been cut away. He then got out two gondolas and rolled both into the right side and positioned the rails. Once positioned the rails were welded to the frame and the cars were again fit. The process then started on the left side but more grinding will need to be done as the left side is 1/4 inch narrower. At 10:15 pm Bill cleaned up leaving the two cars in the trailer.

Thursday Jim and Gil came over and bolted the track panels together at Old Fort. Bill ground out some additional material in the trailer and welded in the four rails on the left side. The cars and equipment were stored away. Bill made up the two extra hangers and then did more shopping for the dinner train. 

Friday Bill picked up the last load of groceries for the dinner train.

Saturday several members were at the station early to set up for the dinner train. Len and Bill where the cooks with other members helping to serve and run the seven trains with about 80 guests. The noon train had some drizzle but the remaining part of the day was fine. Several members ran the second train for casual visitors.

Sunday was the second day of the sixth annual dinner train and all public trains were full. Rain was promised but it did not come until part way through the last public run. In all we had about 160 diners on the train both days. Once again a large dedicated group of AVR members helped to make the event a success. Those helping were, Len, Peter, Dwight, Carmelina, Richard, Andrei, Rob, Jim, Carol, Gil, Linda, Fred, Christine, Norm, Nance, Bill and Mary-Lou.

Monday Bill started loading the trailer for St. Croix. Peter came over to repair some damage in the caboose. Rob came over to take our old batteries for re-cycling. Later he came back to help Bill load the trailer. First time with the new configuration. Two locomotives, eight gondolas, two operator cars and caboose are all on board.

Wednesday Sept. 24th several members of the AVR left for the Fall Meet at the St. Croix Railway. Upon arrival Wednesday night Bill and Len unloaded the trailer and parked the two locomotives in the roundhouse. Barry had already arrived with his 1/12 scale English locomotive. Thursday Peter arrived at the SCRR and took the train around. Later Len and Bill used 6109 to haul 40- eighty pound concrete blocks to Twin Bridges. In the process one traction motor failed and it was replaced. 3001 completed the block move. Due to rain no more were moved. Bill brought a projector and screen to show last years St. Croix pictures and this years western Ramble pictures plus some at the AVR, 800 pictures in all. Len kept himself busy with odd jobs. Friday afternoon, Norm, Nance and the two boys arrived in time for the pig roast which was attended by 125 delegates. The food was great but the rain was typical of a prairie rain storm so we all sought shelter in the various buildings. Saturday at SCRR was drier and most locomotives were out running. Back at the AVR several members attended and cleaned up the station after the dinner train and started hauling rock to Old Fort siding. Sunday was public day at the SCRR and the AVR moved about 450 of the over 800 visitors that came. Peter and Bill did most of the runs with Len, Whit and Norm taking some of the trips. Len got to make several trips on a steam locomotive. On Monday Len and Bill loaded and left for Winnipeg and the AVR.

Wednesday Gil, Richard and Bill unloaded all the equipment from St. Croix meet. Bill worked on loading pictures of AVR subjects. Gil brought over an old luggage rack frame from an old rail car that he had restored and had added a new base to. It will be installed in the station to hold hats.

Friday the scouts and cubs from the 85th and the 82nd groups came for a weekend camp. Bill transported all the gear and youth to camp by train. 

Saturday the camp continued. Leaders put on many projects for the youth. The railway station was transformed into the community kitchen. Bill gave three smaller groups a talk on railway safety followed by three laps around the railway. After lunch Fred by came with his new laser level. He spent some time testing it against Peter's big level then they performed a level survey of the road-bed at Old Fort. Norm and Nance came with their two kids and spent most of the afternoon re-locating material from the future engine house site. The burnable material was added to the fire pit fuel supply. The unusable was placed near the new tunnel for covering with soil. Insulated panels were put farther east in the bush for future use. An old plow was dug up and placed in our agricultural museum area along with our disk and harrow. Dwight  creosoted the Old Fort spur switch so it can be planted once the area is levelled. Bill took a group of scouts to Paterson to get a load of fire wood for the evening program. He also gave a group of beavers a ride on 3001. 

Sunday was a glorious day with bright sun and warm temperatures. After Camp closing Bill again transported the campers and their gear from camp to the station.

Wednesday Bill started to work on Christmas lights and made up eight light harness units for the unfinished candy canes from last year. Dwight creosoted the "Y" switch for Charleswood and did some repairs to the door passage set. Len came with an oak boards complete with coat hooks and installed it in the north west corner of the station. He also installed Gil's hat rack. We now have a place for winter coats and hats in the station. Bill spent considerable time up-loading web site files. 

Thursday Bill spent time preparing wiring harnesses for poinsettias and snow flakes.

Friday Jim and Gil took 6109 and with Jim's leaf blower cleared the leafs off the track for the open house. Bill spent time on more light harnesses and talked with a rep from the city about our plans for Christmas 2003 as they want to bring the judges to the AVR once again.

Saturday Oct 11 started off with a heavy rain fall in the early morning. By opening at 10:00 am the rain was just a light dribble. Twelve people came right at opening for a train ride. Gil got out 3001 and started the rides. As the day progressed the clouds cleared and the sun came out and it was a glorious day for an open house. The visitors continued to come and by mid afternoon we had to divert our second train from rock duty to giving rides. As a good number of AVR members were present we also got additional work completed. The extra cut at the west end of Charleswood was started and completed with the soil going to raise the nature trail east of the new tunnel and also put on the tunnel. That project was primarily worked on by Norm, Nance, Dain, Brandt, Len and Rob. Others helped from time to time. At the same time Peter, Richard, Jim, David and Dwight levelled rock at Old Fort and transported new material by train to the area and started to lay track and placed the spur switch. The passenger operation was staffed by Gil, Ed, Bill, Norm and Rob. Twenty eight trains were run in an east to west direction for a change.

Sunday was a perfect fall day with bright sunshine. Jim came early and blew the track clear of leafs. He got the trains out early. A steady flow of riders came between 12:30 and 5:00 pm. 29 trips were made. Gil and Peter made one trip with rock to Old Fort but both trains were soon needed. The members present were, Jim, Gil, Len, Bill, Peter and Ed. 

Tuesday Jim ran four trains for a group of pre-schoolers from Elie, Manitoba that were in on a field trip.

Wednesday Jim, Peter, Gil and Ed worked on Old Fort siding setting the grade on the sub-road-bed, shimming up the main line and spiking down half the rail. Bill came home early after ordering more Christmas steel. He then cut up some material for new creations. 

Thursday Jim and Peter continued the work at Old Fort. They repaired some kinks on the siding and continued to screw down rail. Before trains can be run Saturday the main line must have rock added as it is now up on shims. Bill worked on more electrical light harnesses, candy canes and the web site. 

Saturday was a nice warm sunny day for October. Richard and Gil helped Bill pull out some Christmas items. The "Peace On Earth" sign was made ready for new lights this year. Some decorations that Barry found were taken out of storage. One was a big snow flake which Bill cleaned off all the old lights from and worked on preparing new mini lights. Bill also completed two new "candy canes" with 100 lights each. When Jim arrived 202 was pulled out and the top removed for brake repair and battery service. Jim purchased a new compressor and it was wired into the system and tested. The batteries were tested and suspicion confirmed that one had a shorted cell. All acid spills were neutralized and cleaned up. All components were re-assembled and tested and the unit put on charge. Members working on this project were Jim, Richard, Gil, Fred, Dwight and Bill. 

When Peter arrived work continued on "Old Fort siding" and all track was completed and the first train run through the new track. The old line which was up on shims had needed rock worked under the ties to bring it to level. About half of this was completed. Members working on this project were Peter, Richard, Gil, William and Jim with Dwight installing the spur switch at the east end and making the other switches operable. William supplied a new tin of home made cookies for the station. Peter advises that a record was made this year with all four sidings on the new line being installed in one summer. The track plan has been revised.

Sunday another beautiful day. Bill completed two more candy canes and started to do the re-string and light of the peace on earth sign. The "P" "E" and "A" were completed. Norm and Nance with their two boys came over and installed the 12 short six foot arches on the railway. Norm advised that 1% of the lights were now up and tested. Two groups of casual riders were given rides by Norm. Dain took members around on two trips to test the line at "Old Fort" that Peter had spent the afternoon shimming up with rock. Peter also started on the new siding but soon ran out of rock. William came over for a short visit.

Monday Bill completed the last candy cane that had been prepared and made up a couple of wiring harnesses. Physiotherapy started. The start of a new light location map started.

Tuesday Oct 21st. Bill completed the "C"  "E" "O" & "N". Rob came by to check on the times for the Tuxedo School train rides.

Wednesday Jim arrived at 8:30 am to get trains ready for the school group. Bill welcomed the group and Richard, Gil and Jim handled the first three train loads. Bill gave a short talk on railway safety and gave a tour of the station. Jim gave a tour of the car barn and demonstrated how a switch works. The group had a cookie and juice break followed by two more train trips. During the lunch break light arches were gotten out, tested and erected. Peter, Rob and Vic arrived and went out to continue with the levelling at "Old Fort". A train load of rock was run out. Len came with the finished bell for the Box Cab Locomotive and he and Jim went to take measurements for the roof walk. After lunch the second group of students arrived and the morning program was repeated. Peter and Vic completed the levelling and ran a survey of the completed work. In the afternoon Richard and Gil continued to put out arches, Bill worked on light harnesses and Jim, Rob and Vic spent some time overhauling 6109. The oil level in the gas generator was topped up. Oil leaks were investigated, a bracket to hold back the main batteries was installed. The alternator alignment was adjusted and belt re-installed. Bill replaced the main fuse and the locomotive was tested. The steel for additional Christmas displays arrived from Cowin Steel Co. Ltd. and to our surprise it was a gift from Cowin for the Christmas display. The material will be enough to make up 24 additional arches, 10 more candy canes and 8 poinsettias. We thank them for their generous gift.

Thursday Bill completed the lights on the snow flake that Barry supplied and stripped the old lights from what will become two stars. Len brought another supply of used carpet for gondolas.  

Friday Rob went to Richard's where they loaded twenty 24" paving stones into Rob's trailer.   Richard is donating the pavers to the AVR for use as needed. The first eight will be located on the west side of the steaming bay to make a winter storage area for our new lift. Peter and Vic set up the level at "Old Fort" to check on elevations and to do some fine tuning on the track work in the area. Peter has declared that the track both new and old at Old Fort is now level and ready for ballast in the spring.  Bill completed the work on re-lighting the "E" and started on the "A"

Saturday was cooler and overcast but no snow. Bill started on lights with the completion of the "A" followed by a start on the "R". Richard and Gil arrived first and started to excavate for the placing of a number of 24" x 30" paving stones where the lift was to live for the winter. The balance of the paving stones were stored in the area. Fred arrived and took out both trains allowing room in the station so Bill could repair several arches. Gil, Fred and Bill went out to place eight snow flakes with Dain running the train. Vic and Dwight went out on the old line to check for areas that could use attention before winter. Later Peter and Dwight did the same thing. Richard and Vic with axe and shovel prepared the ground for the spur at Old Fort. They also performed a level survey with Peter to see where rock is needed and where soil need to be moved. Lisa and Bradley planted bulbs in a garden and moved the old soil to the west tunnel to continue with back filling. Dwight took his chain saw to two stumps that were a problem in the upper parking area. Ed came over with Richard D. who is a new member along with Vic this October. We will now need to talk about what Richard we mean. Ed, Richard D. and Jim spent the afternoon making up tie panels for the Old Fort spur. Norm, Nance, Gil and Fred spent the afternoon testing light arches and putting them out on the line and trails. Time was spent replacing burned bulbs and repairing electrical connections. Bill spent time in the station doing what could be done from his chair to rest the painful back. Rob picked up his trailer and helped with a rock train and worked with others. 

Monday at 4:00 pm Bill continued to work on the "R" and also completed the restoration work to "T" and "H". The sign is now ready for erection in its location. Gil shovelled the snow off the old line and found it to be a very heavy sticky load of snow. It is still snowing at the close of day with more promised for Tuesday.

Tuesday Rob went and picked up a trailer load of donated 2" x 2" that will be cut up into switch and track panel ties. We would like to thank members of the Prairie Dog Central who arranged for the supply of material. The AVR is gratefully to all such groups that help us build a better railway. Jim cleared snow on the reversing end of the new line. The winter snow shovels were found. Rob shovelled the snow on the new line. At about 6:00 pm Jim, Rob & Gil got the trains ready, Bill made up two pots of hot chocolate and a jug of juice for 60 to 70 cubs, scouts, leaders and parents from the 85th and 82nd groups who came for a Halloween party which consisted of a trip on the railway and getting treats from suitably dressed creatures at three locations on the railway. Mug up at the fire and roasting marshmallows. Fun was had by all.

Wednesday Oct 29, 2003 Gil and Jim started to cut up the 2" x 2" for switch ties and diamond ties using Dwight's list. Later Rob joined in the operation. Vic and Richard dug the cut on the Old Fort spur. They then hauled out and tested the nine lighted fence units for the lower parking area. Two were in need of repair and where taken to the station for Bill to repair along with an arch that needed to be restrung. Peter arrived and with Vic they surveyed the new spur and did some additional digging. Richard and Vic re-arranged some arches on the west side. Bill, Richard and with help from others put up the fence. Total lights today 1,850. Bill finished his day testing trail lights that Richard had brought to the station.

Thursday Bill tested 850 lights making repairs as needed due to squirrels and deer doing damage last Christmas. Wire was picked up at Home Depot.

Friday Bill tested 1550 trail lights.

Saturday Bill tested 2,600 more trail lights and a box and a half of extension cords. He also set up some of the X-10 controllers. Gil, Richard and Vic worked on Christmas lights putting up the Peace On Earth sign, eight arches, the horse and sleigh and several candy canes plus other object for a total count of 2,500 lights.  Peter, Ed and Jim worked on tie panels for Old Fort.  Barry and Ed replenished some station supplies. Dwight did electrical maintenance on the railway.

Sunday Rob took 3001 out for a 2:30 birthday run for his son. He also brought seven milk cartons of lights for Bill to test and gave a ride to some casual visitors. Bill tested outdoor house light and was able to add 3,815 lights to the tested and installed list. Another 400 were repaired and made ready to go up.

Monday Rob and Jim emptied the utility trailer of 2 x 2's ready to be cut into ties. Bill and Mary-Lou put out the 500 lights for trail position #1 north of the station. Jim completed the last tie panel for the spur at Old Fort. Now all we need is nice weather.

Tuesday Gil repaired three 16' road arches and Bill checked and repaired 750 trail and parking lights.

Wednesday Gil, Richard, Vic and Jim put up arches on the road and on the trails. Three camels went up along with a star and four candy canes for a total of 2250. Bill repaired light strings for a total of 800 and gave a promotional talk on the AVR at the Charleswood Seniors Centre. Later in the evening Bill put up 558 lights in the station area defining the "Q" area. 

Thursday Jim took the shovel to our whole main line and removed all accumulated snow. Lots of deer out in the woods.

Friday Jim brought a cartoon sketch showing the correct and wrong way to load a car. Should save a thousand words at Christmas. Jim cleared off snow from the main line.  Bill picked up two fence post pegs for the upper parking area. Dwight purchased track grease and a new throne seat. Bill put out 600 trail lights.

Saturday was a cold day but a good number of AVR members came to help with lights as Bill's back is still bad. Richard, Gil, Fred, Norm and Nance worked on the upper parking area setting up the illuminated fence and most of the 12 foot and 6 foot arches. Total of 3300 lights. Vic repaired a bad arch for the road and set it up with Dwight. Dwight repaired some switch stands and other maintenance items. He also re-seated the throne.  Rob took his trailer for a load of 3/4 down ballast to be used for sanding trails at Christmas. Norm, Rob, Vic and Nance unloaded the trailer onto the train and filled the 45 gal drum in the maintenance building and filled sand bags and our 5 gal pails for Christmas use. Vic got his first test on running 202. Peter with David's help took the air conditioner to the maintenance building. Peter then retrieved the steel poles marking the Old Fort Spur as they would be needed for trail lighting. Vic and Peter installed 800 lights on the car barn. Bill tested about 4000 lights in the station and repaired the four station window displays and put up the 200 lights on them. Total light count for the day was 4,400

Sunday Nov 9th, 2003 Ed, Peter, Bill, Lisa and Bradley worked on lights. Lisa and Bradley put in steel poles on the yard trails and strung lights. Peter and Ed replaced lights on the garage and along the lower parking lot fence. Bill indicated locations and repaired and tested lights in the station. 

Monday Rob put up the remaining yard trail steel and put in poles for candy canes in preparation for Tuesday. Bill did the site placing, strung 100 lights before being forced to retreat to the station and test about 2000 station lights.

Tuesday being Remembrance Day many AVR members attended services at 11:00 am gathering at the railway in the afternoon. Norm and Nance and their two boys spent most of their time putting up candy canes in both the yard and out on the railway. Richard P. and Vic continued with large arches in the upper parking area and on the railroad. Gil and Rob set up the 90 foot long Christmas train and some trail lighting. Ed and Richard D. worked on the long nature trail on the west side. Bill moved from area to area making sure things got put in the correct place and supplying materials. Bill found the train handy to access the bush areas. Peter completed the lighting on the play house and garage. In all we collectively installed 6,800 lights. Bill spent time in the evening testing more station and trail lights.

Wednesday Richard and Gil arrived and worked on installing the last of the arches plus most of the stars along with some wiring to features. Several items were repaired. Peter, Vic and Ed worked on the station lights completing the upper section. When Ed left Gil continued until the lower dog house end was complete. Peter alone completed the bulk of the window lights on the station. Bill tested more strings in the station. At 5:30 Gil got out 3001 and train for a school group that wanted pictures for a school calendar. Len came by with the new metal cover for the mechanical part of our lift. Bill repaired and tested more lights later in the evening. Rob searched and found the box that contained trail lights #3 and Bill has repaired them. Rob installed the X-10 controller for the west line and the 90 ft train.

Thursday Bill and Mary-Lou put out 500 trail lights. Bill spent time testing more lights in the station.

Friday Gil tested all the remaining features in the lower storage and hung up the three stars at Ghosty Hollow. Peter transported boxes of lights from the upper storage by train for Bill to test and Peter put out the lights on the house bushes. Bill worked on repairs and testing. 

Saturday Nov. 15, 2003 was a warm sunny day at the AVR and a good number of members came out. Richard and Fred spent the day putting lights on our wire trees. Gil installed more display features in the yard. Barry installed station area lights. Peter and Vic did trees and fence items.  Peter cleaned station windows. Norm and Nance replaced lights on the house and set up trees in the Yard. Rob set up poinsettias and wheels. Lisa and Bradley set up the nativity display and other display items. Bill tested lights and made up new light harnesses for the wire trees. Dwight repaired switch stands and worked on snow brushes for 6109. Total light count today 7,493.

Sunday afternoon Norm, Nance, Dain and Brandt came to the AVR and repaired the "Merry Christmas" sign and carted in by train two bicycles and repaired and set them out. Peter put out trail lights and repaired some fences. Lisa and Bradley set up the last of the snow flakes and stars and did a tree. Bill repaired and tested more lights and set up the carillon for Christmas.

Monday Nov 17 was a plus 6 day with snow melting all over. Peter cleaned out the station eve troughs. Later he and Jim put up 1100 trail lights. Bill tested all remaining lights in station and did some repairs. The AVR's Safety manual that Jim has put together is almost ready for the printers. 

Tuesday Bill put up 350 lights in house windows.

Wednesday afternoon Gil and Richard put in steel posts for side lighting in upper parking area. Put lights on them. Jim set out lights on a couple of trees and on bushes. Peter worked on some deer damage on the west trail and Bill tested and repaired lights. Len and Jim spent time on the box cab locomotive body. Vic worked at machining parts and repairing nine wheel sets. Gord Potts from Elite Metal Products Ltd was kind enough to make up the steel cover for our lift and some roof supports for the box cab at no charge to the club. Thanks Gord.

Thursday Gil completed another 520 lights in the upper parking area. Bill picked up plywood and boards to build a new stand for the Ashdown Display. Jim came to help unload the wood. Bill and Mary-Lou took the train out and put running lights (900) out along the main line at a number of locations. 

Saturday Nov 22nd Richard completed the last two wire trees and set up the last five candy canes. He was joined by Gil and put up the last of the trail lights along with lights on the new line at Paterson. Jim and Fred built the four new base table tops for the Ashdown Display. Norm and Nance decorated the upper storage building and overhead lights in the upper parking area. Vic, Norm and Nance moved steaming bay track 2 and 3 out for winter parking. Ed and Richard D. put up parking area lights. Peter installed some trail lights. Vic and Dwight did car safety inspections. Seven wheel sets were exchanged as some bearings were showing wear and we want all our equipment in top shape. Bill tested the last of the lights and made up jumper cables. At 4:20 the Members of the AVR held the Annual General Meeting and followed it up with food in the station.

Sunday Norm, Nance, Dain and Brandt made up and installed the legs on the four base units and then put the whole base platform in place for the Ashdown Display. Next all buildings for the 1881 Main Street display was set up. Peter and Gil arrived to give rides to a family celebrating a birthday. After dark Dain took Bill, Peter, Norm, Nance and Brandt around the old line for Bill to check on what lights are and are not running. The display looks great with very few repairs needed. All repairs so far have been caused by deer and rodents.

With the exception of the ship we are at last years light count. Several wire frames are coming that will be added as the Christmas season gets closer. The old Westminster Carillon will be added to Christmas carols to add to the true Christmas spirit. 

Monday Jim brought the minutes of the AGM on disk for publication in the Feb. Nutty Report. Len spent time looking for new breakers for a breaker panel. Bill built the wiring harness and interface relay circuit to switch between music and the bells during Christmas. Over Sunday the AVR executive decided as time had run out at the AGM, that a special meeting would be called for Feb 7th at 10:00 am in Charleswood station. This meeting is to plan details around the new engine house and machine shop. At this meeting a by-law item will be brought to the membership for ratification. Currently it says "Annual meeting shall be held each fall to conduct club business" The Change would be "Annual meeting shall be held the last two weeks of January to the end of February to conduct club business" The reason for the change is because our year end is just after the Christmas Light Run and financial reports will reflect what actually occurred during the year. 

Tuesday Jim came and cleared snow off all main lines and set switches. Bill picked up a new breaker and installed it for the display.

Wednesday Vic arrived and repaired an overhead line. He also delivered seven re-built wheel sets. Richard worked with Ed putting up signs and putting out another 200 lights. Vic and Jim took 3001 to the loading area and the front step was re-welded. Peter and Ed put up the Ship. Vic and Jim worked on operator certification for Vic. Bill worked on jumpers. Helped with lights. Got the sound system working. Put out the Christmas Cheer Board donation boxes and started to clean the station. A angel was placed in the east yard. Five stars and five objects were put in the front window.

Thursday Bill worked on a new object and wrapped 129 lights forming two bells and a red bow.

Friday Nov 28th Gil and Jim arrived before lunch to clean up the station and outside platform. Bill cleaned up the counters and hot chocolate area and cleaned all the pots. The "A" channel came to do an interview on the display. The three then moved the trailer to upper parking and Gil and Jim put out the main sign. Peter put out seven lighted objects and Bill set up the Bells and Bow. At 6:00 pm the trains started running with Vic, Rob, Jim, Ed and Bill looking after the evening. At 8:30 battery maintenance was performed on 3001. The attendance on the first night was up over last year. The "A" channel did a live feed on their 6:00 pm news.

Saturday night was a little warmer and more riders came out. Vic and Dwight did more car maintenance replacing a number of bearings. Vic picked up a small snow blower for use on the railway. Bill and Peter spent time setting up the December issue of the "Nutty Report" The following members ran the railway, Jim, Rob, Dwight, Peter, Ed, Norm, Nance, Richard and Bill. We had visitors from Brandon, Kenora and the USA.

Sunday was the third night and the riders were more than last year. Fred and Jim ran trains and looked after the platform while Bill looked after the station. Bill started work on a new 100 light angel.

Monday Gil repaired some lights and put out another 200. Bill put out the new angel and started lighting a wire shape of Mary. Jim got the train out and Gil, Fred, Rob, Ed and Bill kept things running.

Tuesday Bill completed the wire sculpture of Mary and set her out. Jim, Rob, Gil, Richard and Bill ran trains. We had four scouting and guiding groups in. During the evening the #4 traction motor on 6109 burned and later was isolated and the locomotive was tested and put on charge.

Wednesday was a mild day and more visitors came than last year. Bill spent all morning on the "Nutty Report" and Peter did a second proof reading. The railway was operated by Norm, Rob, Fred and Bill. Dain helped with tickets.

Thursday was mild with a light snow. We only ran 202 with snow brushes. Bill completed the "Nutty Report" and completed the wire sculpture of Joseph. The railway was run by Rob, Gil, Richard, Ed and Bill.  A French film crew was in to do some video for a National TV program. 

Friday the temp. turned cold. Bill completed the manger for Mary and Joseph. The railway was run by Rob, Gil, Bill, Ed and Peter.

Saturday Bill completed a second angel and made up light harnesses. Fifteen copies of the "Nutty Report" were printed. A Cub and Scout group came for a 3:00 pm fire side program and had a train ride. The railway was operated by Rob, Gil, Peter and Bill.

Sunday afternoon the AVR was host to a birthday party group at 2:30 with 88 riders. Richard, Rob and Bill looked after the group. The evening light run was looked after by Richard, Len, Fred, Peter, Norm and Bill. Bill made up a 54 light small poinsettia.

Monday night the temp dipped. Vic picked up our new track snow machine to install a truck. Jim cleared snow. Bill printed out membership cards and "Nutty Reports". We had four youth groups from scouting and guiding. The railway was run by Jim, Gil, Fred, Peter, Rob, Ed and Bill. Adjustments were needed to the West Charleswood switch. The equipment ran well.

Tuesday night we had a Scout, Cub and Beaver group of 40 and a church youth group of 60 plus public in but it was the first really cold night yet in the forest it did not feel that cold. Vic brought back the new snow blower with truck mounted. The guys tested it but had to shovel snow onto the track to see it work. Bill connected the lights in the Ashdown buildings and lit up a third angel. The railway was run by Rob, Gil, Jim, Richard, Norm, Nance and Bill. Three trains were used while all the youth groups were present. Vic also returned another 9 wheel sets that had been repaired. 

Wednesday the temperature continued to drop. We had a cub and brownie group come in along with some additional riders but the cold kept it quiet. CKY TV came to tape some segments for a documentary they will be doing on the Railway. Bill completed half of a new display. The railway was operated by Jim, Gil, Fred and Bill.

Thursday was a cold night. The railway was run by Jim, Vic and Bill.

Friday Dec. 12th, The railway was run by Jim, Norm, Nance, Gil, Ed and Bill. It was still cold but a warming trend is coming.

Saturday Bill with Eugene walked the entire trail system and repaired a lot of lights. Some still need repair. This is the first time since mid October that Bill has been able to walk the trails. The scouts from the 66th slept over this weekend. The Railway was run by Richard, Ed, David, Barry and Bill. Gil came to check on lights.

Sunday Bill walked the trails and repaired four objects and then put out 100 new lights and built the fourth angel. Dwight came in the afternoon and did some repairs to the west Charleswood station switch, greased the track and did some other repairs. Carmelina cleaned up the station hot chocolate area, washroom and helped with the log book. The railway was run by Gil, Andrei, Fred, Jim, Barry, Ed and Bill. 

Monday Bill replaced the air compressor in 3001. The old compressor had only lasted 2 weeks. Gil came in the afternoon and used, for the first time, our new truck mounted snow blower and Gil reports that it worked great. Galen came in and cleared the walking trails. The railway was run by Richard, Gil, Fred, Ed and Bill. We had about four scouting groups in.

Tuesday was cold at -14c. Bill made up a small poinsettia. The railway was run by Gil, David, Andrei and Bill.

Wednesday Dec 17th was warmer. We ran two trains. Members who ran the railway were Fred, Richard, David, Norm, Dwight and Bill. Jim brought his family. We also had a family from Australia. 

Thursday Bill walked the trails and repaired some lights and completed the fifth angel. Gil picked up 10 end of train flashers. The railway was run by Barry, Jim, Gil and Bill. We had visitors from Argentina and St. Johns, Nfld.

Friday was a busy day on the railway. The Railway was run by Jim, Barry, Norm, Nance, Bill, Ed and Richard D.  A new source of towels for the WC has been found. 

Saturday night was our busiest this season. Bill put blue waves under the ship and built a poinsettia. The railway was run by Gil, Jim, Ed, Vic, Richard P., Rob, Norm, Nance and Bill. We had visitors from Japan.

Due to Bill's current back problems the AVR thanks all members who have come out and helped get this years display up and running. Without all the help this years display would not have gone together. 

Sunday night Dec. 21st. the AVR broke the record for riders in any one night with 812 riders. Bill put out 550 lights and repaired several objects. Gil checked the trail lights and did some repairs. The railroad was operated by the following members, Jim, Carol, David, Norm, Nance, Dain, Vic, Barry, Rob, Fred and Bill. We had visitors from the USA.

Monday Vic picked up two extra radios and head sets. The railway was run by Rob, Jim, Fred, Gil, Vic, Dwight, Ed and Bill. 6109 had a traction motor smoke. It will be replaced Saturday afternoon. 

Tuesday the railway was operated Gil, Jim, Rob, Richard and Bill. We had visitors from Alberta and B.C. tonight.

Wednesday Christmas Eve the railway shut down early just after 8:00 pm to allow members to have some time with family Christmas Eve. Norm, Nance, Vic and Bill ran the railway. Vic is checking out the traction motors. The west Charleswood switch caused some problems.

Christmas Day the AVR did not run so members could spend time with their families.

Boxing Day Bill did an inspection of all trails and repaired several displays that had been damaged by wildlife both four legged and two legged. Gil came and greased track and made some adjustments to the east station switch. The railway was run by Gil, Jim, Rob, Bill, Vic, Norm and Nance. Bill took out his first train with passengers with Vic as conductor. We had visitors from Florida and The Congo on the African Continent. After shut down Battery maintenance was carried out on 3001 and 202.

Saturday Dec 27th Vic, Bill and Rob replaced two traction motors in 6109 and did other repairs. Dwight and Gil repaired the dip at the west Charleswood switch and did other track and switch adjustments. Bill added a new section on Christmas displays to the web page. A Colorado low moved into our area and brought snow and rain. It was not decided until 6:00 pm if we would run or not due to the rain but after two test runs it was decided that we could run. It was a difficult night due to rain and ice. Those running the railway were, Len, Rob, Vic, Richard, David, Andrei & Bill.

Sunday Dec 28th. The Colorado Low turned from rain to snow overnight depositing a layer of frozen slush on the track. A great deal of time was spent clearing snow, sanding trails and cleaning ice from flange ways on level crossings. The West Charleswood switch acted up again and was spiked to the south track to avoid future problems. The railway was operated by Rob, Jim, Fred, David and Bill. We had visitors from California.

Monday the snow fell all day and night. The crew cleared the tracks and trails and had to run trains with only three gondolas due to slippery track. See pictures of the AVR running in the snow. We had visitors from Washington and Vancouver. The railway was run by Rob, Gil, Fred, Barry and Bill.

Tuesday the snow fell all day. Gil came and used our new snow blower on the track. Galen cleaned the paths in the yard and Bill used the large snow blower on the road, parking area and bush trails. Len took the shovel over the track. Rob cleared the "Q" area and took 6109 around to clear the track. The railway was run by Len, Jim, Norm, Nance, Rob, Richard, Matthew and Bill. Nance, Brandt and Dain cleared the snow off the Ashdown display.

New Year's Eve the trains ran till about 9:00 pm as people came till then and our Chinese food did not arrive until 9:00 pm. The start of the evening was very slippery on the track and for the first hour we double headed 202 and 3001. Later traction improved so we ran separate light trains. After the run we had food in the station and put all the equipment away. The railway was run by Fred, Vic, Norm, Nance, Andrei and Bill.

New Year's Day 2004. Dwight repaired the West Charleswood switch with a new bracket and repaired the signal micro switch. It worked well after that. Bill worked on the net and completed the last two wreaths and put them out. He also found that the Christmas "Do Dad" decoration had not been put out. That brought us over the 60,000 count for lights. The railway was run by Bill, Norm, Nance, Jim, Gil, Barry, Len, Rob and Matthew

Friday Gil cleared the snow in the afternoon. Rob came at 5:00 pm and could not see where it was cleared. He cleared it again but the snow came down so heavy that when he had gone around the track he would have to start again. Gil and Rob did battery maintenance on 3001 and 202. Three families walked in but very few cars came down the road. It would have been imposable to keep the trains running. 

Saturday morning Bill flew off to Cancun for a two week vacation. Temp -28c in Winnipeg and 4 and a half hours later it was + 28c. Some change. In the evening the railway ran again with Len, Rob, Norm, Nance, Dwight and Carmelina     keeping things going. It was a late start as all the new snow had to be removed. A number of hardy Winnipeggers came and were happy for the ride. 

Sunday was our last day of the 2003-2004 Christmas run and the temperature was really low. By rights we should have cancelled but Winnipeggers are hardy and thus Len, Rob and Fred kept the railway running and then took down the sign and turned all the lights off for another year. Except for the last week we had a great run and the AVR will cover all of its operating costs plus we made a donation to the Christmas Cheer board of  money and took almost 400 of food donations to Winnipeg Harvest, our local food bank.

Saturday Jan 10th Gil spent time cleaning the maintenance building.

Wednesday Jan 14 Rob cleared the snow on both main drive and old line of the railway. It was noted that the wood gate into the yard had been broken by deer. 

Saturday 17th Richard, Peter, Rob, Norm, Nance and the boys came to work on projects. Rob used the big snow blower to clear trails and the road while Norm used the small blower to clear the old line. Peter worked on checking passenger counts with Richard. Rob and Norm transported the car kits from the upper storage by toboggan to Amur Glen and then by train to the station along with help from Nance and the boys. Bill arrived back from Mexico and was very delighted that Rob had cleared the main road.

Sunday 18th, Bill re-built the deer mangled main gate, repaired the fence and replaced a sensor in the station. 

Saturday Jan 24th, 2004 Bill removed snow from the underground water line temperature sensors to get the water line to the station flowing. He used the large snow blower for one and a half hours to clear snow from the lower parking area while Gil used the small snow blower on the track to keep it clear. Gil then used the big machine on the main drive. Rob and Gil dismantled 6109 removing the alternator and bracket and Bill welded the broken bracket and ground to flat. Gil and Rob re-assembled 6109 and tested out the generator system. Peter and Norm unpacked all the material from Cannonball and took an inventory. Three six food gondola kits, one long flat car kit and two pairs of spare trucks along with two #8 and # 6 frogs and one #4 frog. All parts were accounted for with the exception of 6 nylon washers. The two boys Dain and Brandt helped with the unpacking.

During the week Bill completed the financial report and agenda for the meeting at 10:00 am Saturday Feb 7th. Information on concrete and fencing has also been secured. We have applied for a telephone line in the station for the AVR complete with phone book listing and voice mail capabilities. 

Saturday Jan 31st, 2004. Bill found several more places were the deer have been getting in and those places were repaired. Bill used the snow blower on the parking area, in front of the station and paths. Gil and Richard cleared the track to the maintenance building and put 6109 there to make room in the station for the work table and work mate. Peter supervised Richard, Gil, Norm and Nance as various parts were marked and prepared for the building of four new cars. Bill painted white paint on another batch of sign boards for more crossing signs and flanger posts.

Sunday morning Bill put another coat of white on sign boards. In the afternoon and evening he completed the painting on 14 crossing boards and 10 flanger signs and then deco paged 19 additional flanger boards with their two black dots. A first coat of urethane was applied.  Peter bent the bottoms of 60 side braces for three gondolas.

Monday evening Bill painted parts of 21 additional flanger signs. He cut out 12 "CROSSING" signs and deco paged them to 12 boards using urethane. Peter bent up the twelve stirrups for the gondolas.

Tuesday Bill printed up enough black dots to complete the flanger signs and enough "RAILWAY CROSSING" strips to complete the additional boards that Gil is cutting up.

Wednesday Bill, Gil and Peter talked about the proposed engine house. Bill cut up dots and "RAIL WAY" lettering. Gil and Peter drilled out gondola parts including the main sills and the end angles. Bill applied the dots to thirty one more flanger signs. He then deco paged twelve "RAIL WAY" sides and cleaned and put on the first coat of primer on 24 of the boards that Gil cut up. Peter started installing hand grabs. During the day Jim and Rob came by to check on progress.

Friday Feb 6th, Bill put two passes of primer on the 24 sign boards. Peter ground the end sills for the flat car.

The Assiniboine Valley Railway Inc. at its annual meeting approved certain projects for next year once our expenses for 2003 had been paid. The list that we will now be able to proceed with in 2004 includes the following.

1. A new truck mounted snow blower to clear snow during the Christmas runs.

2. A mechanical lift for our new (still to be built) engine house allowing access to storage tracks and giving us a flexible tool for locomotive maintenance.

3. Access tracks from station area to new engine house.

4. New 100 amp power panel in garage servicing the new engine house and allowing for additional lights at Christmas.

5. The building and installing of the extended signal system allowing two way traffic on the railway. 

6. Rock, ballast and soil for completing projects on the railway. 

7. Mechanical rental equipment for moving soil to the top of the new tunnel. 

8. A telephone line for the AVR with phone book listing and message capability

9. Sandblasting of new cars. 

10. A large shop vac (21/2 pickup) for cleaning up equipment and buildings.

11. Painting of seven new pieces of equipment.

12. Paint supplies to re-do floor in station and other areas.

13. Re-Painting 202 and 6109 into Canadian Colours and lettered for the AVR.

14. Two new radios and head sets for safer operation.

15. Stainless steel eating devices to replace the plastic cutlery.

16. Washroom floor painting and base board vinyl trim. More projects will be listed when they become possible.

AVR HAS NEW PASSENGER TOTAL FOR ONE DAY OF 823 RIDERS

CHRISTMAS RIDERS LAST AND THIS YEAR

Saturday Feb 7th, 2004, members of the AVR had a general meeting approving the 2003 financial statement and deciding on a number of projects for next summer. The bylaws were amended to change the date for the AGM from fall to January or February. The meeting ended at 1:00 pm and a lunch was had by members and those who could stay continued to work on the flat car and three gondolas. Those working were Peter, Richard, Norm, Vic and Dwight. Richard cleared track from station to Ash Grove. Bill cleared snow in front of station and applied three more passes of paint to the sign boards. Norm typed up the minutes from the meeting. After the meeting Len salvaged some plywood and paint from a school play set and along with Helen and their son delivered the material to the AVR for future projects.

Sunday morning Bill put the last coat of white on the 24 sign boards. Later in the afternoon Peter continued work on the three gondolas and flat car. He got the grab irons installed on the ends and drilled holes on the flat car sides. Bill cut out twenty four "CROSSING" letterings and deco paged them to the boards.

Monday Bill made up the first three pages of the next "Nutty Report"

Wednesday Peter and Rob worked on the four new cars, Bill cut up the balance of the sign material and deco-paged another eleven signs.

Thursday Bill printed up more track plans.

Saturday Bill completed the current issue of the Nutty Report and Peter did the proofing. Richard did some station cleanup and brought in the sign poles and cut some to the correct length. Bill completed the remaining 13 crossing signs. Peter and Rob filed all the stake pocket castings and Peter drilled out rivet holes on the third flat car side.

Sunday Peter drilled out the holes in all stake pockets and completed the last flat car side. Bill worked on signs.

Wednesday Bill printed some of the "Nutty Reports" until the black ink ran out. More ink will be purchased. Bill sanded nine of the cross buck poles and applied the first coat of primer. Peter completed the mounting of stake pockets on one of the four side panels. William supplied more cookies and sausage for the station. We had three visitors, one from B.C. who came to see the railway. Gil came by and will make up another 11 cross buck poles for Bill to paint.

Thursday Peter completed one section of the flat car side including rivets. William helped with the rivets. At home he machined parts for the underside of the cars.  Bill picked up more ink and printed 10 more copies of the report. The last pass of primer went on the posts.

Friday Peter and William worked on the next side and completed it and then started on the third and fourth pieces. Bill put on the first pass of white paint. He also picked up more sandpaper and a fitting for the welder.

Saturday Feb 21st. 2004 Bill put on the last pass of white paint on nine posts, updated the web page, started printing the mail-out copies of the "Nutty Report" and found two more points were the deer have damaged the fence and gained access to the inner yard. Richard arrived and went looking for the spare deer fencing material. Bill masked the posts and in due course applied two coats of black paint to the bottoms of the posts. Richard and Bill went out armed with the fencing and repaired and strengthened the fence in five places. Norm, Nance, Dain and Brandt came with a crosscut saw and cut up 2 x 2s into 650 regular 14" ties plus selected some lumber for Gil to make posts with. They also cut up a box of blocks to be painted red and used at derailment locations to help with railway maintenance using the program from Train Mountain. Car construction continued under the leadership of Peter. Fred worked on riveting on grab irons and completed all six ends plus half the sides. William drove in screw rivets and Rob tapped half the holes on the sides so that the next step is to install the sides to the flat car frame. Peter completed the hole drilling and stake pocket installation. Bill mounted all sign boards on eight crossing signs and painted all the screw heads. Jim came by and picked up eight truck side frames for filing which he was going to do at home. Dwight called to say he was working on switch machines for the railway. Vic lent the AVR his inert gas tank to turn our wire feed welder into a MIG welder. Due to so many things going on the welding did not get started.

Sunday Bill put a layer of Varathane on the top and bottoms of the eight railway crossing signs.

Tuesday Peter & Rob mounted the four side panels onto the flat car frame. Rob optimistically put our two snow blowers away in their storage places. Bill completed the varathaning of the eight crossing signs. William mounted the remaining hand grabs on the three gondolas.

Wednesday Peter and Gil filed and ground the balance of gondola side ribs. Jim brought back eight truck side frames that had been filed out at his shop. He took another eight to be completed. Gil took wood to cut more sign posts. Vic added his inert gas system to Bill's MIG welder and then Bill and Vic welded most of the frames for the three cars. Having the inert gas sure cut down on spatter and the welds were better.

Feb 28th to March 4th Bill was away but activity at the AVR continued with many members coming out. During the week the welding on the flat car was completed and the three gondolas were assembled and almost all of the welding was complete along with most of the grinding. Vic welded with assembly help from Gil and Peter. Gil cut up and planed the needed posts for the balance of the cross bucks and flanger signs. A start was made to taking down Christmas displays and it was noted that 28 of the candy canes were taken down by Norm, Nance & Dain.  Richard inspected and repaired the deer fence and replenished the beer supply. Fred & Peter ground the outside edges of 12 side frames. Peter drilled, ground and filed 13 bolsters and completed eight coupler posts. Dwight continued on switch machine design. Jim has continued with truck side frame filing at home. Bill has added the new web page of the Manitoba Live Steamers to our link page. Still lots of snow in Winnipeg with more falling March 4th and 5th.

Saturday March 6th, Bill cleared some snow and filled holes in six crossing and nine flanger posts and did some touch-up sanding. It is nice to work with the posts that Gil made as it saves hours of sanding. Bill then put the first pass of primer on the 15 posts. Jim came over with six more side frames that have been filed on the inside. Vic completed all welding on cars. Fred & Peter ground side frames for trucks. Dwight brought 40 signal foundation plates for new signals and along with Fred and Rob they drilled them as needed. Norm, Nance and Dain cut up 400 more 14" ties over at the steaming bay. Bill put the second pass of primer and then the first pass of white finish paint. Peter filed the corners off the last gondola, and drilled the king pin holes in four more truck bolsters. Norm, Nance and Dain brought in another ten Christmas display items. Vic took one box of axles and wheels for machining. Jim brought back three more side frames. 

Sunday Peter and Rob came over in the afternoon and got a good start on coupler machining. Bill completed the white paint on all 15 posts and put the first coat of black on the bottom. Jim brought back the last three side frames.

Monday Peter and Rob completed all four pairs of couplers and Bill put the second coat of black paint on the posts, removed the masking tape and installed six sets of cross bucks and 14 flanger signs to make up five doubles and four singles.

Wednesday Bill put Varathane on all 15 new signs completing the job. Jim and Rob came by the station.

Thursday March 11th, 2004 Bill filled holes with plastic wood in 18 posts for signs.

Saturday Bill sanded the plastic wood on 18 sign posts. Bill updated the web page and Peter proofread the added material in the history section. Rob inserted the balance of the rivets in the flat car and Peter remounted the sides. Rob and Richard pulled out our second flat car and made it ready for re-painting. Dwight brought more signal parts and Rob drilled another 10 base plates and Richard and Dwight made up 100 threaded rods for mounting 25 signal masts. Peter and William added additional side mounting hardware to our two old flat cars prior to painting. Bill put primer paint on the 18 posts. Barry and Maureen came by with six wheels that need new axels. A service man from Protelic Alarms came by and replaced a circuit board in the station sender as it had been sending in false alarms. 

Sunday Peter ground the sides of the last six side frames. William came for a visit and Bill put a second coat on the 18 sign posts.

Tuesday Gil, Linda, Norm, Nance and Bill attended a reception at City Hall were the Mayor announced that Winnipeg had won the National Winter Lights competition. He thanked all those who had participated.

Wednesday Bill put the last coat of white on 18 posts and directed and assisted the telephone installer on what was the best way to connect the new phone service to the station. Bill spent time sending e-mail PR information to the City, Province and Federal travel information sits. He also included the Winnipeg Free Press who want to do an article on Manitoba events. Bill started to disconnect trail lighting.

Saturday March 20th, 2004  Bill masked the 18 posts currently being completed followed by the first coat of black paint. As the day continued he completed the last coat of black, removed the tape and mounted four cross buck signs and 12 flanger signs and put on the Varathane on top and bottom. During the afternoon the work table got cleaned up, a series of ties were brought in and rails were dug out of the snow for a left hand switch for the spur at Winch. Dwight brought signal head bodies and they were cut and tags were removed. The spreader plate for one of our hoppers was found and we determined which colour it needed to be painted. A lot of time was spent just in good casual conversation about building projects and railroading in general. Peter got some old audio tapes from Brian and he took them to Len's to listen. A tape will be made up. Other present at the AVR were, Gil, Richard, David, Fred, Vic, Norm and boys.

Wednesday March 24th, 2004 Bill completed all work on 14 of the signs and started on the next 12 flanger posts. Bill also took down a number of trail lights and the station Q lights.

Thursday Bill took down more lights on the playhouse and completed the station Q lights and part of the North trail #1. He filled holes in the 12 flanger posts with plastic wood. Peter and Bill discussed the whistle for the new Pacific.

Saturday the weather turned warmer but it also rained most of the day making taking down Christmas lights rather difficult. Bill sanded and put the primer on 12 posts. Other members collected supplies for the #6 switch to be used for the spur at Chapman. Prepared the box cab frame for painting and started to build the switch. Lots of discussion about switch building and the sound for the new steam locomotive whistle. Those present were Gil, Bill, Fred, Ed, Peter, Richard, Rob, Dwight, Carmelina, Norm, Nance and the boys.

Sunday Bill put the first coat of white paint on the 12 posts and took down Christmas lights.

Wednesday Rob and his kids came over and counted 21 deer at the AVR.  Bill removed all the lower station lights and put the last coat of white paint on the 12 posts. Peter, Jim and Bill spent time discussing locomotive whistles and Peter worked out the pipe lengths for the sounds picked.

Thursday Peter and Jim completed the pre-construction of the #6 switch for Chapman Spur.

Saturday April 3rd was sunny and cool. Bill put masking tape on the 12 posts and put on two coats of black paint during the day. Then he prepared the 16 road arches for transport. At 11:00 am he was joined by Fred and together they prepared and rolled up all trail lighting to the garage at 3009 Roblin.  Dwight brought more signal base foundation rods and they were cut and de-tagged. The table was set up for the next switch, a number 8 left hand for the spur at Winch. Jim, Dwight, Ed, Rob and Peter completed all pre-building of the switch. Outside Bill, Fred, Richard, Norm and Nance took a large number of lights down. The storage shed by the garage was cleaned up and the 16 road arches were stored. Several small arches were stowed. The Christmas train and three camels were stored. The large wheels and nine foot arches were brought in. All small display objects in the yard were made ready for storage. About 7000 lights were moved. Lots more to do. High water reported on the west side from Duck Lake to Ghosty Hollow. The culvert under the road is flowing fast. Richard started the first spring cleaning.

Sunday after church Bill updated the web page and took down 4100 Christmas lights. The station desk got partially cleaned up. The AVR now has a ring binder for publications from Burnaby, Los Angeles, St. Croix and Airdrie. Keeping our members informed about the wider Railway community.

Monday Peter, Jim, Rob and Ed laid out and built a #8 switch to be used off the extended Charleswood station track to provide a short storage spur in the station area. This will allow us to get a short train off the main during public run days and allow switching opportunities when we are running for fun. 

Tuesday Peter, Jim and Rob who also brought his trailer, loaded and transported three new gondolas, one long flat car, two short flat cars and the box cab frame and roof to the sand blasting shop were it will be sent to Gimli for powder coating.

Wednesday Bill fastened flanger signs onto the last 12 posts. one has four, four have three and two have two signs each. the multiples will be placed along the track where more than one obstruction can be found between the rails. Peter and Bill walked the whole line remarking on what damage the deer have done to the forest, lights and railway during this harsh winter. They prepared a survey of how many flanger signs were needed and counted 55 locations. At present only 33 new signs were constructed and we have five signs currently installed meaning that next winter we will need to make about twenty more.  William supplied the station with two more cans of cookies and five more sausages. 

STEAM SCHOOL

Jim and Barry  will conduct the AVR's first formal steam safety school on Saturday April 24th at 10:00 am in Charleswood station. The event will only be open to AVR members. As the AVR will have resident steam engines as of June this year it is important that all members have some training regarding safety when it comes to what to expect when around steam engines. While the school does not qualify members for steam endorsement of there membership card for the actual operation it is however a pre-requisite for such endorsement being granted by the executive. At the moment we only have two endorsements, Barry and Jim who have enough experience to both fire and run a live steam engine living in the Winnipeg area. Bill and Len are training and have both running and steaming experience from St. Croix and at the AVR but need more training. John from Tisdale has steaming and running experience having built two steam engines but will benefit from safety training before running for the public. Jack and JJ. from Shakopee, Min both have extensive experience operating steam and the executive feels comfortable with them operating at the AVR. We have also had visiting firemen at the AVR from other clubs and feel confident about their ability. It is the steam safety officer Jim's responsibility to insure that the AVR is only operating steam in a safe manner and to report any infraction to the executive who will or will not endorse engineers based on Jim's recommendation. This is not to say that only those with certificates can operate on non public days but without such certificate you can only run under and with the supervision of a certified member. In the case of who can and can not run a steam engine at the AVR of course rests finally with the owner of the equipment. The AVR does not have a so called "club" steamer so it will be up to the owners to decide who may run. As a steam engine represents either or both a sizable investment in time and money they must be respected and taken care of at all times.

Maundy Thursday a crew from the Manitoba Conservation came and removed the two deer off the property that had become stiff over the winter. We are all pleased that they are gone.

Good Friday before church Bill painted the screw heads on the signs. After church he put the final coats of Varathane on the flanger signs and updated the web page. Norm came over with Dain and Brandt. Bill and Norm went to work on the upper parking area and put away the eleven 12 foot arches and put away the long poles. Dain and Brandt helped with the short poles. Nance came over and the three adults took down the ship and waves. Bill rolled up more trail lights and took the track lights down from mile 24 to 28 on the new line. Barry and Jim came over and transported the truck side frames that Barry is going to drill out for the bearings. Total lights taken down today was 4,670.

Saturday Gil, Richard and Bill went to work clearing the wood fences in both upper and lower parking areas. We also stored a number of small arches and other items from the upper parking area and lower yard. Barry came over to return all the truck side frames that he had completed. Very nice job. Dwight spent time adding a few items to the #8 switch. Peter came late as he was composing a letter and getting copies of things for Cliff re the whistle and certain features of the new pacific. He also got a water analysis of Winnipeg water so Cliff can recommend water treatment if any for the boiler. Rob brought a group of friends over to see the railway. Richard and Bill took down all the lights on the north part of the nature trail on what we call section two and three. The western side will have to wait till the water goes down. Carmelina joined Dwight in the station. Peter and Bill finished off the day by taking down lights on the upper portion of the station and on the walking trail immediately west and south of the old info. kiosk. In all 10,100 lights were put in storage.

Easter Sunday Morning. Bill put an Easter music roll on the carillon and updated the web page before church. Between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm Bill took 3001 and three cars out on the old line collecting track side lights and other objects. Train ran well but a number of dips and bumps are present. Speed was kept low in some of the wet areas. 1800 lights were collected.

Monday the weather warmed. Gil took down a number of arches and Rob came and helped. They did not count but it was probably over 20. Bill continued and stored 21. Peter brought in two. All arches are in from the north end, south to Duck Lake. Bill was able to store away all the poinsettias, angels and other objects between the arches. Total light count was probably around 2000. Peter has taken the truck side frames and bolsters for cleaning before painting.

Tuesday  Gil and Rob carted in a large number of remaining arches and other objects from an area needing rubber boots. It would look like Saturday will be the last of the Christmas take down days and we can go on with cleaning up the railway after winter.

Wednesday Bill arrived at the AVR at 2:00 pm but Gil was already working on lights. Bill put arches and other objects in the shed till about 4:30 when Gil and Bill took down the overhead lights in the upper parking area and racked the last of the arches. After a short rest Bill continued on lights till 8:00 pm. During the afternoon Peter, Rob and Jim came by the railway.

Saturday Len came by with small formed roof parts for the roof walk on the box cab. Fred, Richard and Bill put all the Ashdown display away and dismantled the tables. After lunch Gil came with 21 more cut and plained posts for more flanger signs and other sign needs.  Gil, Fred and Richard continued to put away Christmas displays. Norm, Bill, Dain and Brandt got out 3001 along with five cars and transported all filled light boxes to upper storage. On the next trip they picked up more lights and un-pinned the switches from the winter. Dwight cut up parts for the diamond at Charleswood and met Barry and together they took rail to Barry's where he will machine more switch points. Jim came over to get Len's box cab parts and told us about a sale on a shop vac as agreed at the AGM. Jim will purchase it for the railway. Peter arrived with truck parts that he had cleaned up and made ready for painting. A table was set up and most of the painting was done and fastening of journal box covers. Bill, Norm, Dain and Brandt then took out the train with supplies for installing flanger signs and planted two signs at the level crossing at mile 21.2 followed by the pair at the switch at mile 23. Next was the sign at mile 20 with four pairs of dots on the station cut off. The sign planting was concluded with the re-mounting of the mile post 2 moved last fall when the cut was made to extend the station track. Equipment was put away. Carmelina arrived after her class.  Rob have a safe trip.

Sunday Afternoon Bill planted 14 flanger signs. A three point coming into Charleswood station from the east. Singles at the following points. Mile 18.1, 17.3, 17.8, 18.5, 15.5, 6.5, 24.5, 24.7, 24.8. Doubles at mile 7.8, 6.5, 6.3 Triples at mile 35.5, 36, All put in using 3001. 

Monday Jim went and purchased a shop vac for the AVR and delivered it to the station. Bill raked leaves for one hour including an area in front of the station. Peter completed the spray painting of primer on the truck parts. Bill planted three double flanger signs at mile 34.1, 33.5, 33.6 and five singles at mile 33.3, 32.9, 31, 31.6, 31.9

Wednesday Peter painted several more sets of springs and Bill planted twelve cross buck signs. one each at mile 27.2 and 29.3 then two at mile 36, 21.2, 30, 33.2, 33.5. The caboose ran into some damage when the lightening deer gate closed as a branch broke as the train was about to back up. The roof ladders will need to be straightened and re-soldered. William came for a visit.

Thursday Peter painted another set of springs and Bill repaired the marker light from the caboose.

Friday Peter spent time with Hilt making up the master for the lettering for our four new cars. Bill transported the projector, computer, screen and a short switch to the WMRC open house and was met by Peter, Dwight and Carmelina who helped set up our display to run Saturday and Sunday on Corydon at Christ Church Anglican. 

Saturday April 24th, 2004 Bill was up at the crack of dawn and cleaned up the station making use of the new shop vac. It was named "R2 D2" About 9:30 Jim and Barry started setting up the station for steam school. Jim's friend Henri Bisson set up two marvellous working models of the valve gear and pistons from a steam engine. People in attendance at the school that lasted until 12:45 were, Jim, Barry, Bill, Richard, Dwight, Vic, Maureen, Fred, Peter, Norm and Henri. Dain played outside. The course as promised covered the safety aspects of working with steam engines and covered the material in a professional manner using detailed drawings, the working models, actual samples of valves and a video of Barry's new pacific. Over lunch we viewed the video of the CPR re-building their Hudson. After lunch the crew went to work on projects. Bill and Richard took 3001 and planted cross bucks at level crossing at mile 24.5 and mile 20.1. Norm and Fred went to work at the new tunnel area. Last fall fill had been put on the trails between the level crossings to better line them to the level crossings. This soil was spread out and appropriately moved as needed. The next project was to re-pin the retaining wall along the south side of the tunnel. Vic and Fred moved the saw and Bill cut up 15 four foot lengths of angle iron that Norm and Fred drove ten into the ground to support the retaining wall. Five panels were completed. Richard stored all winter switch covers and removed as many of the steel Christmas support rods that would come out of the ground. He also stored away two more bicycles and the two artificial trees. As always Richard cleaned up garbage as he worked through an area. Bill and Vic went out and installed two more cross bucks and five remaining single flanger signs. Crossing signs we planted at the private crossing at mile 23.5 and in front of the station at 1.1. Flanger signs were put at mile 22, 25.2, 7.6, 5.1, 26.4. Dwight chain sawed two dead poplars at mile 11.5 and one at 13.7 and did signal and switch maintenance.  Later he creosoted ties for a diamond and long switch ties. Peter had previously gone out and purchased four cans of creosote and painted box car red paint on thirteen bolsters. Peter also touched up 30 springs.  Dwight, Fred, David and Bill went out on a test run and found a problem with the signal system. It was found that rodents had stripped a three foot length of wire causing it to short out. The problem will be rectified. At 1:pm Jim took a family of four out for a ride on the new line. At 5:45 Bill took out a family of 6 on the whole system. Carmelina came and helped put equipment way. William came with more cookies.

Sunday Peter and Jim painted all the side frames and bolsters with the finish coat. Bill replaced the shorted wire and dismantled the AVR display at the WMRC open house.

Tuesday Peter took the art work in to the vinyl lettering maker for reporting marks for our new cars. 

Thursday Bill doubled up the control power source to the station to help with power loss on the underground line. Two re-cycled flanger signs were prepared for painting.

Friday Len found a new air tank to re-build our compressor system for the steaming bay and engine house.

Saturday May 1st was a cool day with some light snow for about 10 minutes. Winter wants to hang on. Gil removed lights from three wire trees, Fred and Gil completed the tunnel retaining wall and levelled the balance of the nature trail. They then removed lights from one more wire tree while Bill completed the last tree and Richard put away the last Christmas bike. Richard, David and Bill completed the moving and spreading of rock on Old Fort Spur. Vic and Barry each helped for one rock trip. Richard, Fred and Gil took the train out and cleaned up garbage along the railway. Bill planted the last cross buck and flanger sign. Dwight lubricated and serviced all the switches on the railway. Before departing the whole gang re-installed steaming bay track one and two. Barry had worked on machining points at home and brought 19 & 1/2 pairs of points for Dwight to complete. This will give us enough to finish the current needs and leave some spares for future repair needs. Vic brought from home 17 wheel sets with axles machined and wheels pressed on ready for painting. The AVR thanks all its members for the hours of dedication both away from and at the railway.

Sunday Bill cleaned up leaves around the station and put in compost piles. Peter painted primer on the 17 wheels that Vic had assembled. Bill prepared the PowerPoint program for the WMRC banquet.

Wednesday Gil creosoted almost 500 ties in the steaming bay area. Bill put a coat of primer on the new lift motor cover and greased up the bearings and screws on the lift and gave it a good test. Peter typed up more notes for the AVR diary.

Thursday Gil creosoted another 266 ties.

Friday Gil got three more gallons of creosote and a new pair of safety gloves. Jim and Gil creosoted two of the new switches.

Saturday Bill cleaned up leaves in the new station cut and in other areas. He also connected up the new phone line to the station. The new phone number is 837-1305. We are listed in the phone book under Assiniboine Valley Railway.  Bill put the primer paint on two recycled flanger posts and repaired the deer-damaged cross buck sign.  Gil creosoted the last new switch and all remaining ties. Richard cleaned up garbage on the railroad. Gil and Bill stored away some plywood that had been donated to the railway.  David and Richard did a level survey on the roadbed at Old Fort. Dwight milled rails for tread rails and guard rails for the Charleswood diamond on the table saw. Then he cut aluminium strips for switch plates on the metal cutting band saw. Richard, Gil, David and Bill levelled the rock on Old Fort spur and it is now ready for track. Performance Powder Coating from Gimli delivered our new cars complete with fresh paint. Peter inspected the new cars and the work at Old Fort. He was especially pleased at all the work Gil had done on creosoting.

Sunday Bill moved 18 loads of leaves.

Tuesday and Wednesday it snowed. Not nice. Thought it was December. Get the lights out. Rob came to check on the snow. Bill worked in the station on signs and completed the white and black painting and most of the urathaning. He found four unfinished plant name signs and completed them. Also one extra cross buck, yard limit and yard limit one mile were made up. The two rebuilt flanger signs were completed. 

Friday May 14, 2004 seven members of the AVR attended the WMRC banquet and awards presentation. Cost was $20.00 for a great meal. Bill showed slides collected last year and did a power point presentation of the contest winners.  The convention for May 2005 was announced. It will include the WMRC 50 anniversary, The AVR 10th anniversary, The CN Sig, The CP Sig and the new Canadian model railway association. The AVR will provide the Friday night BBQ plus train ride and layout tour. On the Sunday afternoon we will do a switching hands on activity for the delegates who want to participate. 

Saturday morning the railway was still covered in a layer of snow. As the day progressed the snow started to vanish before our eyes.  Bill had said he would not do any more signs until next winter but due to the snow getting more posts ready seamed like a good idea thus 24 posts that Gil had made up were filled and sanded. Six reclaimed posts were also sanded, filled and sanded. Rob put the two short flat cars back together. Richard re-mounted the canopy guy lines, brought in surplus steel posts from the bush and set up the table with the wheels that had fallen over due to the snow. Rob, Richard and David took out tie panels to Old Fort Spur and laid them out. Dwight cut up switch plates for machining.  The only snow left by evening was a few tufts on the north side of buildings.

Sunday Bill completed the eighteenth issue of the "Nutty Report" and started the print run.

Monday Bill completed the "Nutty Report" and mailed the out-of-town issues.

Tuesday Jim conducted a second session of his steam safety school with Barry and Henri Bisson.  Len, Gil and David attended the course. The 82nd Beavers, Cubs and Scouts had their spring windup wiener roast. Bill ran seven train loads with 87 passengers. 

Wednesday Dwight started work cutting rails for the diamond at Charleswood and Bill painted the 17 new wheel and axle assemblies for the four cars. (one is spare). Bill painted the top cover for the mechanical lift gear drive and battery. Once a bracket has been fabricated this can be installed on the lift. The paint brush was cleaned to new condition.

Thursday Bill tried to assemble trucks but found that the holes are two tight for the bearings and a free-floating fit is not possible. Barry picked up Dwight's switch plates for machining.

Friday Bill took a side frame and axle assembly to four suppliers of machine shop parts to get a solution to the problem. The result of the investigation and the use of digital callipers indicated that the hole tapered as it went in, probably caused by a drill bit that was wearing at the end. A new bit was purchased. Later Bill re-drilled four side frames and was able to build two sets of trucks. The "Fix" will be applied to the balance of the side frames.

Saturday May 22, '04.  Bill drilled out the side frames for six trucks and assembled them. He later installed the king pins in the four new cars and installed six couplers. Fred used the band saw to cut the safety hooks and installed them on four cars and repaired an older car. Rob removed a set of couplers from the red hopper and put them temporarily on a new gondola. The four new cars were put behind 3001 and taken for their maiden trip. One truck caused numerous derailments so Bill took it apart and drilled the bearing holes deeper and it tested ok. Vic brought three repaired and two new wheel sets back ready to be painted. The remaining part of the afternoon was spent working on the new engine house site to remove the remaining cooler parts, move two dog houses, cut down the big Manitoba maple that was in the middle, cut smaller bush and one poplar, rake all the leaves away from the area, cart material to the compost pile, dig out the maple root, move soil and rock to low areas, set up the level and sight some lines and elevations and get the area ready for a layer of crushed rock. The following members worked on the project: Norm, David, Fred, Dwight, Vic, Bill, Rob and Nance. Bill and Dwight took the train out and planted the last of the signs; two flanger signs, a yard limit, a yard limit one mile and a cross buck. Dain assisted and was also the tester on the ill-fated truck that needed repairs. He was given an unscheduled bath. Carmelina arrived and soon a group of Dwight's friends arrived who were treated to a couple of train rides. 

Sunday Bill gathered and moved leaves. Piles and piles, 30 wheel barrow loads. To give guests a good first impression of the railway it is important to spruce up the yard every spring. Both pools were cleaned and made operational. Sixteen of the trail lights especially along the walk to the station and in front of the station were repaired. Six needed new bulbs and the balance needed contacts cleaned. Rob's daughter was flying a kite in the park next door and it got away. Rob was able to retrieve it at mile 14 on the railway.

Monday Victoria Day May 24th. It was raining all day. Bill completed the leaf clean up on the west side and moved 11 loads of leaves. Barry came to deliver all the switch plates that he had milled. He also brought a jig for drilling the holes out in them. Bill removed the monitor used for surveillance as it had failed. A quick look at the innards revealed that the power supply had a dead short in it. Probably not worth repairing. Bill drilled out the remaining eight truck side frames and assembled them using old unpainted trucks. We will replace these with new wheels as Vic completes them. 

Tuesday May 25th. 

The AVR Pioneers New Railroad Technology.

Dwight discovered on a rail fanning excursion that 12" scale railroads (the CNR at Dugald) are now starting to use fibreglass switch rods. The AVR started using them four years ago.

Bill installed the pump in the bush again to lower the water near the East Tunnel. Bill got a new monitor and two new cameras to update the TV system. Vic brought the last six wheelsets over. Vic and Bill went out by train to check out the high water. While out they planted another four botanical signs. Bill completed the raking cleanup.

Wednesday May 26th. '04 Dwight was the first to arrive followed by Bill. Later Gil and Rob came. Dwight's primary job was in cutting rail for the diamond and making calculations. With his chain saw he helped Gil cut up the root and main trunk of the Manitoba maple into manageable pieces. Bill put primer on the last eight wheelsets and Gil put the final coat of paint on them. The brush was returned to new condition. Bill put primer on 21 new flanger sign posts. Rob installed the found set of couplers on the red hopper car and did some repairs to the front coupler on 202. The new surveillance monitor was installed in the station.

Friday Gil came and picked up tree logs with burl for a friend who does wood carving. Rob replaced the old wheels in our four spare trucks with the new wheels. He then filled 24 buckets with rock ready for moving.

Saturday May 29th. Gil and Bill cleaned up branches and junk from the new engine house area. When David, Richard and Fred arrived the five of us levelled gravel and mud on the site. Ed arrived in time to help the others set the four corners on the main building and set the storage wing. We then set a large number of elevation pegs to help with placing the rock. Bill climbed the ladder and cut down dead branches on the Manitoba maple. Four trains were run with 100 buckets of rock moved. Fred, Richard, David and Rob did the rock and train work while Bill levelled the rock on the site. The rain started falling harder as five o'clock arrived. Dwight spent the afternoon working on the diamond under the canopy.

Saturday in Victoria Cliff took the new Pacific AVR #2365 to the club track in Victoria and ran the locomotive for the first time under steam and he was pleased with its initial run. He spend the day running and fine tuning the "Lady".

Sunday it rained

Monday it rained

Tuesday it cleared. Gil worked on cutting angle cuts on the diamond rails. Rob moved a number of loads of rock to the foundation.

Wednesday Dwight came over to check Gil's cuts on the rail.

Bill is Victoria bound, leaving Friday at 6:30 with engineer's cap in hand. Saturday the "Lady" will be loaded and Sunday we go to Train Mountain to put the locomotive to a real test on the largest 1/8 th scale railway in the world with lots of grades to climb. AVR # 2365 will be test run Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday giving lots of time for testing, training, adjusting and picture taking. Thursday it will be back to Victoria and Bill flies back Friday in time for our June  Saturday and Sunday open house at the AVR. This is an engineer's only event so the rest of the family stays home.

AVR REPORT AT TRAIN MOUNTAIN FROM JUNE 4^th to 11^th, 2004

 Saturday June 12 Bill cut the grass around the yard. Dwight and David worked on the diamond. Rob and Norm moved more rock. Len and Vic mounted the lift mechanical cover. Fred, Richard and Rob moved three switches. Everyone helped with the open house. Those present were Bill, Len, Dwight, Carmelina, Richard, David, Barry, Rob, Shirley, Jim, Fred, Norm, Nance and Vic.

Sunday open house was not well attended as people thought it was going to rain but it did not. Several of the members ran trains for the public but as there was time to do other projects several members worked on laying the track at "Old Fort Spur". In all 25 feet was completed and another 50 feet of rail was joined. One member did some adjusting on the engine house foundation and two members sanded and painted ends and two sides of 75 blocks of wood to be used like at Train mountain to mark track problems. Ours will be a light purple cream colour (Free Paint). Flangways were cleaned out and the main lead to the car barn was levelled removing all super elevation. Improved operation. The black hopper had its trucks replaced. Those at the AVR were, Bill, Len, Ed, David, Rob, Gil and Vic.

Monday June 14th. Bill ordered a truck load of 1/2 clean rock to be used to top up the foundation rock and sides to add stability to the foundation. We will also use it for ballast on the spurs and will try a short section using it for ballast on top of the 3/4 clean sub-roadbed. We have decided that a clean ballast might allow more drainage. 1/4 clean crushed limestone is not available. Bill ordered 5,000 more track screws, a new weed eater, 12 new trail light bulbs to replace ones the deer damaged, 2 x 6's for the frame of the engine house, 600 feet of deer fence for the east side, 550 paving stones to extend the sidewalk to the station and fencing ground spikes. Dwight cut in the new diamond that he had finished at home in front of Charleswood station and tied it into the north track. Bill cut the grass in the upper parking area and camping area. He completed the remaining painting on the 75 derail blocks. They are now ready for use and each train will now carry six and drop them when appropriate.

Tuesday June 15th, Bill picked up bedding plants and planted all the hanging baskets and pots around the station area. Rob came by to check out Dwight's new diamond. Cliff finished the whistle and it sounds good over the phone.

Wednesday Bill picked up the 5,000 track screws. The gravel truck came with a tandem load of 1/2 clean rock. Rona came with 2 x 6's, stucco wire and 550 paving stones. Rob and Bill carried the lumber to the engine house site and rolled the wire and fence spikes to a safe place. Bill started to cut up and nail the concrete form together. Rob took out the black hopper and filled it with rock along with five more pails. Bill continued with the form having it complete by 8:00 pm. David got out the level and we shot some readings and used the 100 foot tape to square up the frame. On Saturday it will need some fine tuning and some posts pounded in along the sides and some other shoring to take the push of the concrete.

Saturday Dwight and Richard worked on the Charleswood diamond. They placed the curved "Y" switch on the south siding and then cut in the connecting pieces from it to the diamond and then connected the diamond to the next switch north west. The south track in front of the station is now not accessible from the old line to the west until the siding is extended west. Rob and David drilled out 13 rails and made up four tie panels. Fred made up screws with washers for the project. Vic gave rides to several casual visitors who were generous to the railway. Vic and Fred brought over a load of gravel in pails for the foundation and Vic installed set screws in a number of wheel sets. A section of track near the station was ballasted using the 1/2 clean stone and it looks good. 

  In Victoria Assiniboine Valley #2365 ran at both Saturday and Sunday's open house at VIME. Cliff and Mike took turns running for the open house and the locomotive functioned extremely well outlasting other locomotives. Cliff received many compliments on the locomotive.

Tuesday June 21 st Bill ordered for Friday delivery the re-bar for the engine house foundation. In the evening he gave 11 scouts from Wisconsin a tour of the AVR including a couple of runs on the railway.

Wednesday Bill took out the train and fixed a number of rail joint dips at or near mile 19.5, 13 to 13.5, 9 to 9.5, 7.5 and at 20. more need doing. New ballast was placed where needed. Bill repaired the two brake shoes on the right front of 3001 so they do not chatter as much. David arrived and with Bill they dug most of the mud from the expanded right of way for the Charleswood station track. Dwight spent the evening fine tuning the new switch in front of the station. Bill ran trains through both legs of the new diamond. Jim and Barry put on the third section of the steam safety school and as before it was very professional. Andrei, Ed and Rob attended with David taking in part of it again. Bill sat through the whole school again and after running at Train Mountain was able to relate to more of the information that was given. 

Thursday Vic dug up three more loads of soil from the station extension. The rain ended the work.

Friday the steel arrived for the engine house foundation. Still on course for at July 3rd pour. Will check with contractor supplying material.

Saturday June 26th, 04.  Bill cleaned up the steaming bay area with the broom and leaf blower. The lift was gotten ready for John Hugie's arrival in the afternoon. Bill cleaned leaves in the first section of loading spur and ballasted the track making the line even down grade using three loads of rock. It had settled a little after the winter. Richard folded up two tarps and did a clean up. Bill and Richard set up two picnic tables for a birthday party at 2:00 pm. They also moved tie panels to a safer place. Richard and Bill dug rock around the perimeter of the foundation to leave room for an extra 3/4 re bar. Richard, Fred and Bill carried all the steel to the foundation and laid it out. Richard and Fred spent the rest of the day tying steel. They finished all the 3/4 parameter bars and three rows of 1/2" grid. David and Norm dug out the remaining soil on the Charleswood extension. Nance filled all the pails three times at the ballast pile. Rob ran the train to carry the rock and David, Norm and Rob spread the rock. Dwight spent the day fine tuning track and laying out the new west Charleswood switch. He also marked out the new course of the curve between mile 2 and 4 where it will be possable to re-set the curve to a larger radius. John Hugie arrived with five other friends from Tisdale and his Alan 10 wheeler. It was put on the lift and steamed up. John took it around followed by two of his friends who had steaming experience. Bill did several laps and then Rob was given instructions and Bill rode behind for at least three trips. The locomotive was turned off and 3001 returned it to the steaming bay lift to spend the night. At 2:00 pm we had a birthday party and Rob gave them three trips around the railway. Rob and Bill checked out the water system and repaired one broken valve. Water was put on but there was a leak. The leak is under the level crossing at mile 29.25. We will have to dig up the line in a bad place. Norm, Nance and their two sons are moving and as a present to the AVR Norm presented a beautiful stained glass window to the railway, of the clubs herald. It is now hanging in one of the windows. It will make a great reminder of the contribution to the railway that they have made. While they do not leave for the east for several weeks we will miss their contribution to the AVR.

Sunday Bill opened all gates and prepared the railway for John and his friends to continue their steam excursion. They fired up the 10 wheeler and left on a trip as Bill left for church and Barry came over to check on the locomotive. At 12:00 they blew down and prepared to load and return to Tisdale, Sask. Bill assisted with the lift. Bill then planted more flowers. He also spent about two hours tying steel and gave two groups of visitors from the Prairie Dog Central a ride on the AVR. David put together seven tie panels for the Charleswood siding extension. 

Monday June 28th, Election Day. Bill Cut the grass around the station, on the nature trails, along the road and in the upper parking area. Peter came to check on progress at the AVR while he was in Scotland.

Tuesday Bill placed the 50 support chairs under the steel frame and completed the tying of the steel re-bar. Serious thought is being taken re Peter's suggestion to move the door to the south on the west wall. Allows more space for the machine shop area. Will not be too hard to change at this point. Bill removed the re-bar from the landing. Len came by and after some thought agrees that moving the door will optimize space. 

Wednesday the concrete man was to come and check out the pour but we do not know if he came. Dwight was first to arrive followed by Bill. Peter and Dwight talked about the West Charleswood switch. Dwight carried the AC to the station and Bill got it working. Bill removed the frame from the door stoop and put it in the more southerly spot and trimmed some branches.  David, Peter, Dwight and Bill measures and squared off the frame and put in more supports. Rob brought in a couple of loads of ties for more panels. At 9:00 the group went out for dinner. 

Thursday, Dominion Day July 1st. Bill cut up measured pieces of wood to go from the frame to all close trees as support when the concrete is poured. Where no trees were available he cut wood and nailed it diagonally down to the ground and drove re-bar in to hold the frame from spreading out. Flags were placed on the re-bar to prevent tripping. 2 X 2's were prepared with nails in two sides to be put in the concrete around the sides to act as nailing boards for the walls. Bill laid out the steel for the stoop and later tied it.  Before lunch Bill filled 86 pot holes on the road, some small and some big. After lunch Bill dug under the level crossing at mile 29.3 and located a water leak in the pipe. Repairs would be simple but a 3/4 connector was not on hand. Being a holiday it will have to wait for the weekend. Then several batches of Roundup were made and all weeds on the main lines were sprayed. Un-ballasted places were the worst. A section of moss was tested with roundup near the culvert at mile 16. Gil provided a recipe for moss control using zinc sulphate. We might try that. Peter arrived and with Bill they levelled the form insuring that all sides were level. Blocks of wood in various sizes were used. The porch stoop was 1" lower allowing drainage. Andrei came to help Bill and Peter lay out the West Charleswood switch and put in markers 4' from the centre line. The group tried both the right hand and left hand switch and both present some problems but in the end it was decided to let Dwight have the final say. He favours using the right hand switch.  Vic brought a friend for a train ride. 

Friday Bill consulted with the concrete supplier and the need to also use a pump to get the material on site. The pump supplier is going to check things out on Monday. We are trying to line up the pour for Wednesday night as the weather may be bad on Saturday.  Bill picked up PVC fittings to repair the water line. 

Saturday July 3rd, Bill was up early and worked on the internet, programming a new festival service for the AVR. He then spent one hour on mosquito fogging in areas that we were going to work.  Dwight worked on points for the new West Charleswood switch and installed the hardware as needed. He then removed all the signal equipment from the old switch location. Richard went to work repairing the deer fence at lightening junction and at mile 3 on the inner fence. Rob joined Richard and together they repaired the water leaks at mile 29.3 and also found and repaired the leaks at 30.1 and 32.5. One shut off valve was also replaced. There are still more leaks as water is still flowing.  David, Bill and Fred did a level survey on the new Charleswood siding. Additional rock was placed to achieve a steady decent to the west. All rock at the location was used and Vic went for an extra train load of rock. Track laying commenced on the new siding with Bill supervising the work. Rob and David did most of the screwing. Ed spent the afternoon preparing screws and washers. while Dwight, Fred, Bill, Vic and Richard removed the track and planted the new switch at the end of the siding. The north part of the siding was temporarily re-located and re-connected to the new switch. As soon as possable this piece of track will be replaced with new track and relined to follow the south radius. The old curve was 50' radius with tangents. The new curve is a combination of 65' and 94'. Peter helped with clean up of tools and in setting the position of the new switch and connecting track. Len brought over his portable air compressor and mounted a search for the old air compressor that Len wants to mount on a new tank. At the moment it can not be found. Richard and Rob re-located the track snow blower to upper storage. To end the day 6109 was run over the new track and switch to test out the work.

Sunday July 4th Bill walked the track early in the morning to find another water leak. It was located under mile 32.2 on the new line. Bill also re-set all the switches for right hand running. Bill spends the balance of the morning on the AVR web site. After Church the steaming bay lights were re-directed to the correct areas. 18 more wire ties were cut and installed. Small Boards were cut up for spacers for the stoop pad and to raise the lower perimeter steel re-bar. They were all installed. Next task was to screw all the nailing boards onto the inside of the frame. Rob brought his two kids and a friend over for a train ride. They checked out the new switch at west Charleswood and went in search of deer. Bill completed planting all bedding plants that were on hand. Bill used the weed eater around the station and started down the track from the station to Ash Grove and then south to near Duck Lake. Then jumped to Ghosty diamond where he worked north 100 feet and then south past Paterson. Back on the old line he did from the diamond east to mile post 3. The weed eater at that point broke. It is only a month old so will get taken back. Jim made up two tie panels in the evening. 

Monday Jim built four tie panels and drilled out a number of rails. We now have enough to replace the north track after the July open house. Rob came by with his son. Later he helped with repairing some rail that had been incorrectly drilled several years ago. Bill prepared the van for taking 6109. A wasp's nest was discovered inside the upper storage building. Bill cut up wood and rail and assembled it to make a place for 6109. Cliff did not arrive. Peter arrived and as evening fell, Peter, Rob, Jim and Bill went for several rides around the railway. Five young deer were spotted. Bill checked the batteries on 6109 and put the locomotive on charge.

Tuesday Peter, Jim and Ed put in the spur switch at Winch. Vic brought in rock by train to put around the form and supplied some rock for the new switch. Rob fixed the water leak at mile 32.2. Bill, David, Rob and Peter ballasted the entire Winch siding. Bill used the leaf blower on 400 ft of track, Rob brought ballast and David swept the ballast.

Wednesday afternoon, Richard did some cleanup. Bill and Richard put Roundup on the Paterson spur and cleaned flangeways. Vic got started with screed boards on the form. At 5:30 the concrete pump and truck arrived. The pour started about six pm. The pump truck had trouble handling the concrete and it was possible due to the pump not being cleaned out from the previous job. The following members worked on the pour; Vic, Richard, David, Rob, Bill, Fred and Jim. Dwight put in a point at Winch so the siding can be used and he set up the signal at west Charleswood. Vic stayed late to do some towelling and Bill spent more time washing the driveway. We had a railway visitor from Milwaukee.

Thursday July 8th Bill spent four hours washing much of the concrete dust off the paving stones. At about 6:00 pm Cliff arrived from Victoria with his wife and father-in-law and in the back of the van was AVR 2365. After a short rest in the station she was unloaded on track two at the steaming bay. Cliff reports that on there way to Winnipeg he heard a soft toot from the back of the van as they crossed the Assiniboine River the first time. Next river crossing resulted in a louder toot and finally on the last crossing into Winnipeg the "Lady" made a real solid whistle. She knew she was home. Members of the AVR continued to arrive as the evening went on. We covered the locomotive for the night and our guests were given dinner in the station and off for some needed sleep.

Friday July 9th Cliff and family arrived at noon and went over the locomotive to insure that all made the trip well. At 5:30 Bill arrived from work and the locomotive was steamed for the first time in Winnipeg. We put her back on the lift and placed her on the loading spur and walked her down to the main line. Bill then ran her slowly around to the station. A string of cars were added to the train and Bill took her out on the line slowly for her first complete trip on the AVR. Members of the club rode behind. After a station stop other members hopped on and Bill took her for trip #2. Next it was Cliff's turn and he took her around twice more. We then stopped for a chicken dinner in the station and Cliff took her around once more before all retired for the night. Vic fogged for mosquitoes on the last lap and later from the GP-9. Rob fixed another water leak. Vic did a propane run.

Saturday July 10th was Our first open house with our own steamer #2365. Cliff steamed it while Bill prepared breakfast. The steamer did 18 trips with public. Bill took twelve while Cliff did six trips. The crowds were steady but manageable. The locomotive handled herself flawlessly while the diesels in fits of jealousy had more problems. The members concluded with a BBQ and we ended the day with opposing operation with the steamer and 6109. Members present some time during the day were, Bill, Peter, Len, Mary-Lou, Ed, Dwight, Carmelina, Richard, Marietta, David, Rob, Shirley and two kids, Jim, Carol, Gil, Linda and Vic and his wife along with our guests from Victoria, Cliff, Susan and Arthur.

Sunday was a lovely day. Bill, Cliff, Susan and Arthur met in the station for breakfast and then off to church. After church Bill steamed 2365 with Cliff watching on. When we took our first trip it was decided that the previous day's oiling of the track made it impossible to get traction up the hills. With great skill Cliff got around on the old line and then on the new line. As the worst grades are on the old line it was decided to stay running on the new line and to mount a cleaning operation on the old line. Bill took over 2365 while Rob ran 6109 and we gave double loop rides on the new line. Len, Cliff and Barry took rags and brooms and using solvent cleaned the entire old line in about three hours. Once they were done we again started running on the old and new line and the cleaning made all the difference in the world. Len and Vic went out and did the worst sections of the new line and that also helped. The experiment with gear oil was deemed to be a failure and something to be avoided. Jim, Gil and Fred manned the station, did dispatching and acted as conductor for 2365. David came by later to see how the day went. Later a dinner of pork chops and mushrooms plus vegetables was had in the yard and all went home.

Monday Peter and Cliff spent the afternoon giving Peter instruction on the running of 2365. Later the official signing of documentation was conducted to turn the locomotive over to Peter and Bill. A sandwich meal followed and a trip to Barry's to see his steamers. In due time we said good-by to our Victoria guests and they wee off home. 

Tuesday Bill picked up the alternator from 6192 and with Gil's help in was re-mounted and tested. Later Bill loaded 6109 and the short riding car for a visit to another railway.

Wednesday July 14th. Peter, Gil and William cut in the curved spur switch at Chapman. Jim came by with some picture pages for the steam engine manual. Bill mixed a batch of Roundup and sprayed weeds on the new line. He also explored the area of the water leak at Chapman and left some holes in ballast close to the leak. William brought some zinc sulphate to be used to treat the moss growing on the old line. Dwight upgraded the pints on the switch at mile 34 using plates that Gil had drilled.

Friday July 16th, Peter fed Puppy and watered the new concrete. He also took measurements for updating plans. 

Saturday July 17th, Gil removed the forms from the new pad and cleaned up loose concrete. Rob and Vic replaced a traction motor on 3001 and investigated a second motor. Richard moved dinner tables back to upper storage. He also applied zinc sulphate solution to moss from mile 14 to 18. Dwight completed the upgrade of the switch at mile 34 and completed the spur switch point upgrade. Repaired the spare controller box. Determined that axel # 3 on 3001 had a gear failure. Peter cleaned up the computer desk and helped Richard mix the zinc sulphate solution.

Sunday July 18th, Peter fed Puppy and watered the flower pots and engine house pad. In Burnaby in B.C. Bill unloaded 6109 and with two ride astride cars from there ran for the public Sunday afternoon giving rides to 104 passengers.

Monday July 19th, Richard and Rob gave rides to Kids Inc who had come for a ride. Leeanne put food out for Puppy and Peter watered down the concrete. 

Wednesday Rob fixed the leak at Chapman and replaced the ballast. 

Thursday Leeanne and Joseph fed Puppy and helped Rob remove part of the track on the north station track.

Friday Peter fed Puppy.

Saturday July 24th, Vic did more repairs to the traction motor on 3001 and repaired the hangers on motor #3. The front foot board was also re-welded. He then ballasted the new south Charleswood extension. Dwight upgraded station cut-off switch to current design. Completed the point upgrade on the Chapman spur switch. Worked on the north track between doghouse jct. and West Charleswood. Peter, David and Richard re-set the Charleswood diamond to the correct elevation and levelled rock on the North extension. The three completed the track removal and started laying the new track. Dwight helped after Richard left for home.

Sunday July 25th. Bill returned to Burnaby after a week in Whistler, B.C. and ran 6109 taking 144 passengers for rides on the Burnaby Central Railway. In Winnipeg Peter and David completed the North Charleswood extension complete with storage spur switch. Vic spend several hours grinding rough spots on the engine house pad. 

Monday Peter attended to Puppy and watered flower pots and washed the pad.

Tuesday Bill went to Victoria and spent the day with Cliff who provided an update page to the manual on the sight glass. He also provided some spare gaskets and 0-rings.

Wednesday Vic spent more time grinding concrete. Peter and Ed screwed 25 more feet of track on the Old Fort spur. Later Peter and David laid another 20 feet and Dwight joined the group and they completed the spur.

Thursday and Friday Peter fed Puppy.

Saturday July 31st. Richard replaced 33 rotten ties on the old line. Marietta cleaned up the station fridge and cleaned up around the station. Dwight put points in the west station storage switch and replaced points in Doghouse Jct. switch. Richard gave rides to a group of visitors. The AVR was visited by Van Der Neudorf from Sicamous, B.C. who is building a 10-Wheeler. Ed gave rides and a tour. Norm, Nance, Dain and Brent came to see the new steamer and have a ride on the AVR as they are moving to Kingston, Ontario. As an active family at the AVR they will be missed but we wish them good luck in their new city. 

Sunday August 1st. Bill unloaded 6109 in Airdrie, Alberta and made several trips on their railway during their Sunday open house. The members were happy to have a visiting locomotive and took Bill on a tour of their new progress. 

Aug 2nd 6109 returns from visiting The Burnaby Central Railway and Airdrie, Alberta. The runs went well. 

Tuesday Bill cut grass on the lawn, roadway, upper parking area and nature trails. He then updated the web page.

Wednesday Richard, Peter, Vic and Ed levelled out the new north station extension siding and ballasted it. Richard gave 7 visitors a ride. Jim took more photos of 2365 to make up some photo identification pages for the manual. Vic and Bill went over repair info on 3001 and what still needs to be done. Vic proposed installing larger casters on the lift and will design new caster mounting structure. This will improve mobility. Bill suggested also adding some diagonal bracing and centre supports to tie the top and bottom members together. Vic will also install two relays to move the high amperage load off the hand held controller. Peter is drawing up new plans for the engine house. Bill unloaded 6109 and its operator car and moved them to the station and updated the web page.

Thursday Vic installed two relays on the lift leaving only low current in the hand held controller. He also put on a longer lead so operation can be done from either end. Bill watered station flowers and took 6109 out with two cars. Gil and Bill moved 28 pails of ballast to ramp both sides of the level crossings at Paterson on the siding and at mile 21.1. This was to facilitate moving the mower onto those trails and to make passage safer for those walking the nature trails.

Friday Bill fine tuned the ballast on the West Charleswood extension.

Saturday Aug 7th, Bill used the leaf blower to clean up the siding at Paterson and the spur to the end of the elevator track plus the tracks West of Charleswood to the tunnel diamond. Richard completed the ballast at switches and diamond at West Charleswood and Bill gave it the final broom work. Peter and David located the used air compressor in the attic of the car barn. Vic with Fred removed the small casters from one end of the lift and installed new mounts and large casters to allow rolling on rough surfaces. In the process it beefed up the support between the uprights and the base frame. The other end will be done later. Peter, Ed and David levelled and shimmed up the Paterson Siding ready for ballast. Bill, Gil and Richard levelled the new line west from Charleswood diamond to the station cut off switch and spread ballast on it. Next the crew spread ballast from the north Paterson siding switch to the level crossing. Later Bill, Peter and David completed the ballast work at Paterson to the west switch. Dwight installed updated switch materials to both end of Old Fort and to North end of Chapman sidings. Six of the members went out for supper and discussed railway operation.

Sunday it rained, Peter, Bill, Ed and David sat and looked at the rain but were unable to do the ballasting do to the weather. Peter removed the ladders on the caboose for repair.

Monday night it again rained and Bill, Peter and Rob watched. Bill downloaded pictures. Peter has been working on the engine house plans at home.

Tuesday night Bill cut steel and welded two large poinsettias for next Christmas.

Wednesday Aug. 11th. Peter and David did some wood repairs on the caboose. When Bill and Rob arrived the crew went to work spreading ballast on the section of track from mile post 20 to the diamond. Peter using the templates pounded the curve at mile 21.2 back into shape and it was ballasted. Dwight loosened the joint bars on all the new ballasted areas and back to lightning junction.  Bill took materials to the maintenance building and got 2365 out of the dog house and using 6109 pushed the Pacific over to the lift. He discovered the main gear on the drive motor of the lift had become loose and he spent time fixing same. Bill then went over the whole locomotive checking that everything was tight and ready for the weekend. Cliff calls this "grooming the locomotive". Once complete the crew re-arranged the equipment and put everything away and the five went out for a late supper.

Thursday Bill spread seven hoppers of ballast on the 93 foot loading spur and levelled the track. After sweeping the rock into place he tested all track in both directions in preparation for the weekend.

Saturday Aug 14 was the open house. Bill steamed up #2365, Len got the other equipment out. It was a nice day with a steady flow of visitors. We welcome three new members, William, Dan and Michelle. Bill did some maintenance on the steamer on the hoist after the run to check all cylinder cocks. Peter defined the spur at Chapman and Dwight cut down some dead trees. Len collected all the old compressor parts to make up a permanent air supply for the AVR. Members who helped with the run were, Len, Bill, Peter, Ed, Dwight, Richard, David and Rob.

Sunday was a great day until it rained about 3:30 pm and that slowed down the open house. Some visitors still went around in the rain. Our newest member Dan worked on two problem areas that needed cleaning. Back in 1999 when the roof went on the dog house storage wing of the station leaves blew in and were never cleaned. He went in with the vacuum and cleaned it all out. Next he attacked the maintenance building and you can now find the floor. For a first day of work he did a great job. Those running the open house were Peter, Len, Bill, Ed, Richard, David, Rob, Jim, Fred and Vic.  The Pacific #2365 and diesel #3001 were used to handle the guests. Both locomotives ran well. Both handles the grades in the rain with no problems.

Monday Peter completed the engine house plans and brought them to the station and then he marked out the Winch spur. Bill loaded the ballast car and 20 buckets of rock and starting at mile 10 working north he cleaned out the old ballast and moss between the ties and re-elevated the track and spread three hoppers of rock. Much improved. He then re filled the twenty buckets and the hopper car for a session on Tuesday. Len came for the two extension cords that need repair.

Tuesday Bill took the engine house plans to two suppliers for pricing. He repaired the weed eater and went out and cleared brush and grass at the Chapman Spur. The area was given a good racking. Next project was to level, remove moss and re-ballast three hopper loads on the "S" bend between mile 10 and 11. Rob loaded the train with 20 full pails and the hopper car for Wednesday. Bill helped fill pails. Rob put the train away. We welcome two new members, Alice and Dale.

Wednesday Richard and Bill cleared and added rock to the Charleswood spur. Later David, Peter and Bill levelled it. Richard, David, Bill and Rob put down splines, placed rock and levelled the Chapman spur. Bill spread a hopper of ballast on the long line past the tunnel and Peter and Ed levelled and spread ballast from the tunnel to the level crossing at mile 21.2. Dwight and Carmelina brought a load of surplus wood and Jim started to re-build a tie panel. Dan continued sorting materials in the maintenance building.

Thursday Bill ordered a tandem of 1/2 clean rock and placed the order for the wall material for the new engine house to be delivered on Saturday morning. Peter and Bill bolted the track together on the Charleswood spur and spiked the first seven feet down. The set-up has remained to continue Friday if the weather is good.

Friday Peter screwed down the Charleswood spur and made up the small filler section for the end and screwed it down. It is now ready for ballasting. Bill and Peter disassembled some 1997 track from the main line and made up three tie panels for Chapman Spur. The load of ballast was delivered. Jim made up another tie panel and with Peter they transported the completed tie panels to the Chapman spur.

Saturday Aug 21 Bill made up one new and one old tie panel. Dan set up all his tools for construction. Rob delivered a trailer load of ballast for the side walk. When the truck with lumber arrived it was unloaded by Dan, David and Bill with assistance from Peter. Dan and Bill built the east storage wall and the first twelve feet of the south wall. Vic went to work on the other two casters for the lift and completed the task. He then started on the side supports. Peter and Ed spiked down the Chapman spur with assistance from Dwight and David. Bill built the remaining south wall and Vic helped raise it. Bill with Barry's help laid out the east wall and David joined Bill and they nailed the main east wall and the north wall of the storage wing and sheeted it. Bill, David, Peter, Vic, Rob and Dwight carried the north wall and set it in place. Bill nailed the sections together and to the floor. Dwight added washers to switch rods and adjusted all remaining joints at Paterson, Winch, Chapman and Charleswood. The afternoon rains slowed us down but construction resumed after the heaviest downpour.

Sunday Aug 22 Bill updated the web and worked on picture files. Peter and Ed completed the ballasting of the new Chapman spur. David and Bill put the sheeting on to the main east wall. Vic completed the welding on the side supports for the lift and cut and welded the main tie downs for the steel truck rack to get it ready to hold 2365. Ed and Peter took three visitors from Israel for a ride. The whole group lifted the east wall into place while Bill nailed it to the wall and floor system. David and Bill nailed the main north wall together and put on the first piece of siding. Time to clean up. Bill took his family for several rides after a family meal outside the station. Len has now repaired the two extension cords. Vic and Bill discussed the mounts for the locomotive in more detail.

Monday August 23 Bill spent time in the early afternoon levelling the rock at the end of the station platform and spreading 1/4" down and extending the paving stones between the two oak trees. Vic worked on the locomotive hold down pieces. Later Bill and Vic moved #2365 to the steaming bay with 6109 and loaded it into the van. Hold down rods were fabricated and installed and measurement were taken for later welding by Vic. Rain had interfered with the work all day. Just as the locomotive was moved out of the van and onto the steaming bay a thunderstorm struck and Bill and Vic got soaked while moving the locomotives back to the station. After an hour it was again dry enough to remove the steel rack from the van and Vic welded the remaining hold down brackets. Tools were put away by 10:30 pm.

Tuesday Bill completed the paving on the south side of the station and started on the centre piece to the diamond. Jim came by and gave a hand. Rob came by to check on progress. Bill started on the main path to the station. Total stones laid Monday and Tuesday were 207 by station and 72 on main sidewalk. Bill updated the track plan on the web.

Wednesday August 25th was a glorious October like day with lots of sun but by afternoon a light sprinkle of rain returned. By 1:00 pm Richard, Jim and Bill started construction on the engine house. All remaining walls were sheeted where possible and raised into position. The critical top plates were put into place. Vic continued welding and grinding on the locomotive truck frame. Ed and Peter levelled and ballasted the Charleswood spur and at 4:00 pm the group stopped for a lesson from Ed on his card order system that he had made up for switching operation on the AVR. A tag was made for each piece of rolling stock. An envelope for each spur for drop offs and an envelope for pickups by each train. It will be fun to spend time switching on the railway. After a break Peter picked up his niece's husband Richard Bernier from Cobourg, Ontario who spent the evening assisting on construction of the engine house. Jim, Peter and Richard B. nailed in cripple studs and other pieces including all upper plates until we ran out of nails. Bill spent most of his time on the saw cutting up lumber to supply the active framers. Bill performed battery maintenance on 3001 and found they were low on water. Dwight spent some time adjusting some switches.  When Vic was ready with the rack he, Bill and Jim installed it in the truck and Bill and Vic loaded 2365 and tied her down. Next was the tender's turn and Vic welded up a rear bracket to hold the tender in the coupler pocket and Bill made up a hanger for the front. The #2365 is now loaded for the Red River Valley meet on the weekend.  While Bill was working on the rack Richard B. cut up the headers for later installation.  Later four from the group went out for a late supper.

Thursday Bill purchased a drop cloth to cover 2365. He spread more sand on the main sidewalk and placed another 80 paving stones. The rain prevented further work. Vic welded four side riggers for the lift and repaired a hose. The rain has hampered further outside work. 

Saturday Bill laid down 280 paving stones on the sidewalk upgrade when Richard arrived and helped with the last 100 for a total today of 380. Gil helped the other two tie in the old sidewalk coming from the house. The three swept 1/4 down into the joints. As the paving stone budget has ended until next year a ramp was built at the end. The lumber for the trusses arrived and was unloaded. Fred, Bill and Richard carried it to the engine house. Bill, Len and Gil re-built the sills above the doors and windows and nailed them in place. Len and Gil continued with nailing additional fill pieces and set up the table saw inside the machine shop. Vic installed the side supports for the lift and using Gil's 4 by 4 we pulled out the trailer and Bill and Vic loaded the Trailer for the meet at Red River. Dwight upgraded the spur switch at Chapman.

Bill arrived at Red River Valley Live Steamers at 4:30 and by 5:00 pm the trailer was unloaded and we started to unload 2365. By 6:00 pm we were in steam and did three loops of the track before supper. All attendees had a BBQ of hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob and baked beans. Followed by Whit's famous dessert. Back to train running and 2365 did ten more runs with passengers and then Peter took over for his first sole run with members only and then did more five runs. Bill took the gloves again and did another 10 before we decided to triple head the three Pacifics with all  cars available and all cars loaded. Barry's, Whit's and Bill and Peter's Pacifics. We did about five runs in the failing light before 2365 was retired for the night. The other two did a couple more runs to use up their fire and we shut down for the night. Members of the AVR attending the RRVR meet were Bill, Peter, Len, Mary-Lou, Ed, Dwight, Carmelina, Barry, (joint member), Gil, Linda, Fred, Christine,  JJ., and Vic. Also the following family members from the AVR, Helen, Lisa, Bradley, Jessie, Quindora, and Julian. 

Sunday August 29th was the second day of the Red River Valley Railway's steam days. Barry, Whit and Bill started steaming the three Pacifics at noon and made up a triple header for several runs. Barry developed a squeak and left Whit and Bill to run double for the rest of the day. Len acted as conductor. At 3:30 we started to load equipment. 2365 was loaded hot and unloaded back at the AVR and had steam back up in 15 minutes. Whit and company came over to the AVR for some evening running. Steve unloaded his diesel and with Vic spent the time running the locomotive. Bill ran 2365 in opposing direction with Whit and JJ on 3001. All the guests were taken around the railway and had some hot dogs in the station. Later equipment was re-loaded and the guests left for their home in the south. Visitors were Chuck & Joan, Whit & Carla, Dick & Pat, Larry & Elaine, Janet, Steve and JJ who is also an AVR member. After the visitors had left Bill took 2365 around for some night running while Jim, Vic and Peter put equipment away.

Monday Bill started to unload the four gondolas that were at Red River. Jim arrived to help and the two then pulled 2365 out of the station using 6109 and Bill oiled and groomed the steamer with Jim apprenticing on the operation. Jim has steamed many  large locomotives and steam traction engines but had never steamed up 2365 and as every locomotive has her own procedures, Jim needed to see what sequence this lady needed. Once the locomotive had come alive we headed out on the main line. Peter and Ed were over cutting wood so came along for the ride. Next trip out Peter took the controls and did several laps. Bill did a few more with Jim. We proved the glass and this time it was Jim's turn to check out Bill as Jim had more steam experience. We also demonstrated the various glass conditions to Peter and Ed. Then Bill and Jim blew down the locomotive and drained the tender, removed the fuel tanks and cleaned up the exterior. 6109 pulled her back into the station and the new cover was placed over it for protection. 

Tuesday Aug 31st Bill and Vic cleared all the dead fall and dead trees from the Winch Spur. Later Bill took the axe and cleared all the small saplings and used the rake to clear the line. Later the weed eater was employed to cut all small plants and grasses . It is now ready for splines and rock. Bill using 3001, went around the bush replacing trail lights that the deer had damaged and replaced 12 lights and five pagoda heads. The lights were replaced in the dark and at 9:00 pm the train was put away.

Wednesday Sept 1 Bill and Ed loaded the ballast hopper and checked the elevation of mile 29.3 to 30. Bill spread the ballast and Vic re-loaded the ballast car. It took three loads to complete the area. Vic with his chain saw made up some logs for a load with the knee banger on the Old Fort siding. He then took down several dead trees near the steaming bay and Bill helped cart them to the fire pit area. Vic then removed three stumps in the upper parking area. Peter and Ed did a level survey on the Winch spur and made a chart showing what soil should be removed. Bill removed old ballast and levelled the track on the curve at mile 5.2 to 5.6 and spread and manicured 2 and a half hoppers of ballast that Vic supplied. Dwight came by to pick up the points that Gil had drilled out at home and delivered to the station at noon.

Thursday Bill made his first stop at the grocery store for food for the weekend. The food was stowed and the spaghetti meat sauce was cooked and a triple jellied salad made. Some soil was moved to the sides of the new sidewalk. The carillon was repaired. Bill took out 3001 and went to the upper storage and brought back the poles for our second 20' x 10' shelter and the top frame was set up. Peter arrived with some signs and as Bill had an appointment, Peter put 3001 back in the station.

Friday Bill made a second trip to the store for provisions. He made up a tuna and macaroni salad. Vic and Peter removed some damaged lettering from signs. Bill repaired 10 more trails lights and made a trip with 3001 to upper storage for the big canopy tarp and put it on. Vic, Peter and Bill raised it up and put in the poles. Later Vic and Bill fastened the sides and ends and moved in two tables. Bill boiled up the sausages for Saturday's breakfast. Peter sanded signs. Vic and Bill tidied up the area and cleaned chairs. Later at 6:30 a small but enthusiastic group of members and guests had a hamburger BBQ and enjoyed night running with two trains operating in opposite direction. Hilt managed to get to run one of our locomotives for the first time. Our expected guests from Regina and Calgary did not arrive. We had a large thunderstorm overnight.

Saturday Sept 4 was an overcast day but it did not rain. The meet did not really get started until around noon and our guests from Calgary arrived with their Sweet pea locomotive. Tommy has it running on air as it still needs more work. Soon others arrived and Bill and Vern distributed half the cars around the railway for switching. We stopped for a lunch and after sent out three trains with card order system to do switching. Bill with 2365 did not get to complete the switching until last as casual visitors showed up for train rides. The "A" channel took some pictures of the railway for showing during the evening news. The group enjoyed a supper of pork chops, chicken fingers, fried potatoes on the grill, tossed salad and tuna salad. As it got darker we operated two trains over the railway in opposite directions and later put all the equipment away. Just a really fun day.

Sunday started with breakfast at 9:00. Vic arrived first and got trains out and ready for Bill to steam 2365. By 1:00 visitors started to arrive and Bill took the first load of passengers out on 2365. Peter took passengers on 3001 while Mary-Lou handed out tickets in the station. Edith, Tom's wife helped in the station while Tom demonstrated his Sweet Pea on air under the canopy for visitors. When Richard arrived he was able to man the station and Vic took over from Peter on 3001. In all we gave 375 rides to visitors. Peter and Tom went for Dinning Tables while Bill and Edith got the food ready. We operated the dinner train for meet delegates. After dinner Tom put his locomotive on the rails and coupled in a gondola for the air compressor and it took its first run on the Assiniboine Valley Railway. It ran very nicely and Tom was pleased. Bill and Peter took a turn. Later all equipment was put away.

Monday, Labour Day we started with breakfast and Tom added two more cars to his Sweet Pea and went for several more back and forth rides. Ed joined him for several trips and Tom had his wife and their dog went for a ride. About noon while Bill was steaming 2365 several casual visitors came and Tom gave three of them a ride a short distance. Bill suggested that as there was power all along the old line that they take the extension cord to plug in the air compressor as it ran out and they might take the new locomotive around the old line. It made it back to  the station after being refilled with air three time. Tom was very pleased. Peter did some repairs to his caboose and at 2:30 pm the group stopped for a late lunch and after ran the Sweet Pea up the loading spur on its own power and packed it away for its ride back to Calgary. We all wished the Gibbons a safe trip. Bill later blew down 2365 and cleaned her up and dried out the tender and 6109 pulled her into the station until next weekend.

Wednesday Sept 8.  Richard cleaned up the garbage and took it to the head of the road. Peter, Jim and Ed took 3001 around at different speeds on the whole line to time how long it took to do the whole railway. Bill cleaned out old ballast and moss on about half the curve near Mile 13. Vic picked up steel for re-railers for 2365.

Friday Bill completed the task of removing old 1/4" down from the curve at mile 13 and then re set the elevation on the whole curve. It is now ready to be ballasted. Three purple blocks were lifted.  Bill got all six propane tanks filled for 2365 and picked up supplies for the BBQ and special dinner train.

Saturday Sept 12th, Bill got 2365 out and steamed it up for a 10:00 am start. Jim and Len got the remaining equipment ready. We had over 300 riders plus the special dinner train guests and a birthday party gathering. Other members helping with the open house were Ed, Dwight, Richard, Gil and Vic.  Peter & Gil worked on the trusses for the engine house and used other members who were not needed for the open house. Dwight did switch repairs and worked on the west station signalling. During the dinner train Bill cooked the hot food and Len made up salads, plates and desserts. Helen came to help in preparation and serving drinks to the guests. Jim ran the train. After the dinner train  members had a BBQ. Equipment was put away and we closed up the station.

Sunday Bill steamed 2365 and Jim got the remaining equipment ready for a 1:00 pm start. We had almost 300 riders. Peter with help from Gil and Ed assembled nine of the ten trusses for the engine house wing. Members helping with the open house were, Ed, Gil, Fred, Len, Bill, Jim, Vic & Carol. Bill blew down 2365 and cleaned her up after inspecting the front truck on the lift. 

Monday Bill worked on the computer and started printing the Nutty Reports. Vic installed a new electrical switch for the table saw. Bill removed moss and ballast on a section of track between mile 3 and 4

Tuesday Bill made an extension for the table in the station used for food and dish storage. He set up the table and covered it then brought out all the dishes and started washing our new stainless cutlery. Table cloths were laundered and other dinner train supplies were found. Bill spent two ours cleaning ballast and moss from the track between mile post 3 and 3.5. He then levelled the track and tamped ballast under ties. Two purple blocks were lifted. Printing of Nutty Reports continued. 

Wednesday Sept 15th several projects were completed by the members. Vic and Bill took off the motor trucks of 3001 at the steaming bay and did an overhaul and inspection of all brakes and traction motors. Jim joined in on the project. A bushing was relined, a set of bearings were replaced along with a gear box and several brake hangers were replaced. On test the locomotive performed nicely. Vic used his chain saw to remove lots of dead branches around the new engine house and Ed, Richard and Bill cleaned up the limbs. Peter, Gil and Ed completed the short trusses and started on the long trusses. Peter worked until dark. Richard and Bill re-arranged the tables and chairs outside the station for the dinner train. William and his sister came with more sausages and cookies for the members. Richard took them out for a ride on both lines and then filled the hopper with ballast and helped Bill spread ballast from mile 3 to 3.5. Richard cleaned up the garbage and took it to the head of the road. Bill and Vic took 2365 to the lift and Bill removed the cylinder cocks from the left side and replaced the neoprene diaphragms. Vic checked the underside for a possible axle pump and then together they checked for anything that might be loose. Nothing out of place was found. The smoke box door was removed and then the headlight housing was taken off for wiring of the light. All equipment was put away for the night. In the late evening Norm came by for a visit and checked out some of the changes. 

Thursday Bill spent the afternoon purchasing groceries for the dinner train and arranged more things in the station and changed a bunch of outdoor lights. Peter completed a couple of long trusses. Later in the evening Bill prepared two pans of tuna and macaroni salad.

Friday Peter and Vic put up all the completed trusses. Bill went to the store for more supplies and picked up beverages. He arranged the tables and fridges and tested the grill. Vic sprayed the area for mosquitoes. Peter built the first of the hip trusses on the north side and put it in place.

Saturday Bill got the steam train out and set up the station for the final cooking set-up. Len arrived and the two spent the next two hours cutting vegetables. Richard got out 3001 and went for the eight dinner tables. Gil arrived and helped get the casual train ready. The tables were set and all was made ready for the noon train. In all we fed 90 people on the seven Saturday trains. Len made up salads and desserts while Bill cooked the hot food, cleared tables and took orders. Bill also fed the dishwasher. Richard and Gil operated the dinner train and the casual train. Linda, Alice, Shari and Marietta helped with table service. Dwight took out the 5:30 train. Vic and Dwight worked on the wiring for the head light for 2365. Vic had to do some additional machining to the housing and Dwight worked on wiring for the West Charleswood switch. Bill did laundry on the table cloths and looked after the last of the dishes and then did a night run for more supplies.

Sunday Sept 19 was the second day of the dinner train. Bill got things ready before church and after church he and Len got the trains out. Vic took the steamer out to the lift to wire up the headlight and install the control circuit that Dwight had fabricated. Bill set up the tables and got the grill ready while Len prepared more salads. Dan and Michelle looked after setting and clearing tables and doing drinks except for the 3:00 pm train that they were on. Alice and Linda spelled them off for that train. Ed, Richard and Gil ran both the dinner train and the casual ride train. In all we had 86 dinner guests for a weekend total of 186 people, a new record. When it was all over, Len, Bill, Dwight, Carmelina and Richard stayed to clean up the station and put equipment away. Bill spent several hours after loading the dishwasher and laundering the table cloths.

Monday Bill and Vic took out 2365 and steamed her up for Shaw Cable who were coming to do an interview about the new steamer. An interview was conducted at the station and the camera man and interviewer were taken for a ride on the new line with a couple of stops for run-bys. After they left Vic and Bill spent time checking the locomotive and testing the newly wired head light. Later equipment was put away and batteries on 3001 and 6109 were serviced. Vic and Bill spent some time gathering things that will need to be loaded for the trip to the St. Croix Railroad on Wednesday. Gil came over with nine switch points that he had drilled out for Dwight.

Tuesday Vic got all the equipment out that was to be loaded for St. Croix. Bill and Vic spent the afternoon loading  the trailer and back of the van. We are taking 10 long gondolas, one short gondola, the riding car along with 3001 and 2365 plus various accessories. Going to St. Croix from the AVR are Len, Vic, Barry and Bill.

Wednesday Bill, Len, Barry and Vic arrived at St. Croix and Bill, Vic and Len unloaded all the equipment. Barry brought his 3/4 inch English locomotive. 

Thursday Bill, Len and Vic hauled six train loads of soil at the SCRR using their new side dump cars and our 3265 Pacific. During the meet Len and Vic would apprentice under Bill to qualify to run the steamer. We later gave 20 people rides.

Friday Len moved four train loads of soil using 3001 followed by two loads of old ties. Bill worked with Vic on 2365 giving 46 people rides and Bill, Len and Vic wrote and passed the written exam and then were tested on the steamer to qualify for the SCRR's new process to qualify as engineers and conductors.

Saturday back in Winnipeg Richard came and spent 1.5 hours cleaning up around the railroad. The excitement In Winnipeg was the marriage of two AVR members. Congratulations go out to Carmelina and Dwight. At the SCRR Bill, Len and Vic took turns running 2365 giving 98 people rides. Len measured their main line and it was just under 3,500 feet. Less than the length of the AVR's main line that is 3,700 feet. 

Sunday was the St. Croix public open house and both AVR trains were ready to go by 11:00 am and ran non stop till the close of the open house then did night running. AVR # 2365 Pacific hauled 370 passengers and AVR # 3001 GP-9 hauled 194 passengers. Vic, Bill and Len took turns on each train and allowed for some time off. Total public that came was 1029 and the AVR hauled 564 of them around the St. Croix seven and a half inch line.

Monday Len, Vic and Bill loaded all the equipment and headed for home.

Tuesday afternoon Vic and Bill unloaded all the equipment and Bill put it all away. The chain on the lift was shortened to make it tighter.

Wednesday Bill moved the remaining 1/4 down material from Rob's trailer to the 45 gal drum for traction grit for Christmas and then he filled 52 pot holes on the road. Jim came by for a visit and later Peter brought his cousin from Scotland for a visit to the railway. William came by. Bill worked on the computer and on the web page.

Thursday Bill repaired the existing east deer fence using nine cut pieces of fencing. He also piled a collection of dead fall along the north yard deer fence as some young deer had found that they could wiggle under. This will prevent this from happening. The balance of the 100 foot roll was used to start going down the upper east side along the road. Next project was to remove moss and level track from mile post 3 to the west Charleswood switch. That took about three hours but it is now ready for ballasting.

Friday Bill picked up groceries for a Cub and Scout camp to be held at the AVR. Later 3001 provided train service to take gear to camp.

Saturday Richard cleaned moss and old ballast out around mile post 4 and then replaced six bad ties. Fred switched equipment and helped Richard and Dwight. All the stacked equipment was set out and a seven car train was made up for Cub, Beaver and Scout training. Dwight worked on switch points at Winch and Chapman and serviced the switches. Fred and Dwight buried the signal wires at the west end of Charleswood. Bill taught two classes on railway safety and took the various groups for a ride on the steam train. The group found it interesting when the steamer was blown down.

Sunday Bill gave the cubs and scouts a ride on 3001 at the end of camp. Later in the evening the annual task of putting up Christmas lights started with 1,018 being put up and tested.

Monday October 4th, Bill started to take down the new canopy and packed up all four sides. Vic removed two unused steel angles from the trailer and made some other modifications. Bill took out the template and thumped out some kinks on the line from mile 2 to 4. He then levelled the curve at mile 3.7 that had been cleaned up Saturday. Lights were repaired and tested along the west fence and on the house and garage. 

Tuesday Bill purchased two floor locks for the train lift so the big casters will not have any locks or other devices to bind up. He also installed 900 lights. Peter cut up the gusset plates for more trusses and prepared some other tie pieces. 

Wednesday Peter and Ed cut up all the pieces to make up the five long trusses needed. Later Peter put one together. Dwight installed the west Charleswood automatic switch controller and the sensors needed to function the lights and insure that the points have closed. It was tested and was working. Bill took down the 20' x 10' canopy and shipped it by train to the south storage area. While there he tested and repaired the 450 lights. Next project was to level three dips at mile 16 and lift a purple block. Next the joiners on the "S" bend at Duck Lake were levelled again and the moss and ballast were removed from there to just south of mile 10 and then levelled. Last project was to repair the 400 old lights from the roof top tree and then stretch them out up in the trees above the Winch siding. 

Thursday Bill and Richard rolled out 300 feet of deer fence down the east side. This is only the first piece that is 54" high. Later another 27" will be added to the top. Peter built another large truss and Richard and Bill cut and installed three siding panels. Bill put the Christmas lights on the playhouse and tree on top.

Friday afternoon Peter and Vic completed two more trusses and set them all up in place. Ed helped Peter build the last truss. Dwight completed some details on the west Charleswood automatic switch. Bill put up lights on the east side of the lower turn circle. 

Saturday was the first day of the October open house with 209 riders coming. Len and Bill ran the steamer with, Richard, Vic and Ed running 3001. Jim looked after the station with Ed and Richard. Peter worked on the Engine House with help from Vic, Ed and Gil. They completed the main trusses and installed them and made the second side truss and started cutting the corner trusses.  Dwight made adjustments to his switch machine.

 Oct 10th, Thanksgiving Sunday Bill got 2365 out and steamed her up and turned off the burner and headed to church. Vic was next to arrive and fired her up and used her to switch out the other equipment for the open house. In all we had 285 rides with Bill and Vic running the steamer and Len, Ed and Dwight running 3001. It was a great day with warm sun. Fred ran the station and was conductor. As we were a member short everyone took turns rotating through the jobs. Peter with help from Gil completed and nailed in place three of the 45 degree rafters for the hip roof. Others helped from time to time. Bill blew down 2365 and cleaned her up while Fred using 6109 put all the equipment away.

Monday Thanksgiving, Gil cleaned up the floor of the new engine house that had become filled with leafs and small scraps of wood. Later he and Peter built and installed the last of the 45 degree trusses and started on the angular pieces.

Tuesday Vic installed the two new window frames for the GP-9 #3001. Peter and Gil came to continue work on the roof but it started raining for the balance of the afternoon. Bill put up 1450 lights and did some repairs.

Wednesday the AVR had the Tuxedo Pre-School come for rides at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Richard ran the trips and Bill looked after the station and did a tour and talk about the new steam engine. Gil, Peter, Ed, Vic, Bill and Len did work on the new engine house. All of the lower 1/4 rafters were cut and nailed on and trimmed. Some of the upper rafters were cut and installed. Richard and Bill nailed in another 100 feet of deer fence and cleared a trail for the rest. Bill tested and set up 1700 lights and put out a number of power lines.

Thursday and Friday it rained. Bill tested lights in the station and put up 3050 lights on the trails. Friday the sheeting came for the roof of the engine house.

Saturday Oct 16th, 04 Bill repaired and set out lights on trails and some arches. Richard and Bill installed another 100 feet of deer fence and repaired some fencing at the north end. Richard continued supporting some old fence posts, repaired a shorted electrical junction, dug in some wiring and stretched out 250 feet of new wire from mile 29 up to mile 31.5. Dwight worked on switches and signals. He started prep work to electrify the switch at lightning junction. He cleaned up old points for future use and started getting things ready for the Christmas Run. The remaining members who came out worked on the new engine house, doors, walls and rafters. Most of the rafters were completed, all of the east wall was completed including sheeting the gable. The east door was relocated to the east end of the south wall to allow more room for locomotive storage. The roof rafters are complex as this is a hip roof with a transition valley were the "L" is connected. Those working on the building were, Peter, Gil, Vic, Bill, Fred, Ed, Dwight, David, Jim and Carmelina. 

Sunday Peter, Vic, Ed and Bill spent time on the new building. All of the rafters were completed for the main roof and storage end. The overhang on the east end of the gable was completed. Roof sheeting will start Monday. Bill repaired and set out 1860 lights or now 25% of the job is complete. 

Monday Oct 18th. Members of the AVR started on the roof with sheeting material. The east, west and north portions of the main roof were completed. The front dormer was roughed in. Those working on the roof were, Peter, Jim, Vic, Ed and Bill.

Wednesday Oct 20th Richard got out 3001 and made up a eight car train and gave a ride to the Elie Pre-School. Bill gave a talk on 2365. Jim used his gas powered leaf blower to clear the tracks. Richard tidied up and took down the light fountain for repair and dug in some underground wires. The roof panels were completed on the engine house roof with the following people involved. Vic, Jim, Gil, Bill, and Ed. Peter completed the framing for the front dormer. It needs to be sheeted. Bill ordered the shingles and facia boards. Rob came by having returned from his seven week course. Bill put up and repaired lights.

Thursday Peter did some additional work on the dormer and Bill put up more lights. William came by in the early evening. 

Friday Bill worked on repairs and preparation of lights. Peter completed the dormer preparation and Vic cut and nailed on the roof deck on the dormer. Peter picked up the lettering for the new cars.

Saturday Oct 23 was the last day of Bill's 50's. Dwight continued the upgrading to the lightning Junction switch. He repaired a broken controller and did signal modifications. Vic, Gil and Fred started on the shingles on the roof and completed the whole south face of the new engine house. David worked on applying the letters to our new gondolas and completed 1.5 cars. Peter and Ed cut up the panels for both sides of the main door and up into the gable. Bill got the job of nailing them into place. Richard repaired six power taps on the 115 volt line that had been damaged by deer or rodents. Bill and Richard re established the steel frame for the light fountain. They also welded some parts that needed repair. Richard cleaned up and tested some arches. Barry came by and helped in a few places. Bill tested and repaired all of the upper station lights and tried out a light refurbishing program by painting about 1000 light bulbs that had faded to clear. If the paint stays on it will be a good process for objects that need to be refurbished. Time will tell. Peter picked up cream paint for trim and white paint for Bill to paint steel forms.

Sunday was forecast as sunny. It rained all day. Bill painted and tested lights and painted two poinsettia frames under the canopy. Peter and David cleaned the station eve troughs and cut down the lower branches on the dead oak tree.

Monday Vic and Gil continued the job of putting shingles on the roof. They laboured away on the north side of the storage wing completing it and started on the east side of the main roof. They completed the bulk of the main valley. If the weather holds out Tuesday and Wednesday and more members can come out the job can be completed before winter. Bill ordered 12 six foot arches for the new line and they arrived today and at 4:30 Bill started painting them and completed nine and started the last three. After dark he put up more Christmas lights.

Tuesday Oct 26th, 2004. Gil continued with the shingles on the east slope. Vic came and joined him and together they completed the east portion including the installation of two roof vents. Peter completed the overhang for the front dormer and cut and fitted two pieces of siding over the back door. Bill painted the three remaining arches and re-painted five water fall hoops. He also located the water pump at the east tunnel to try and deal with all the standing water that is unheard of in October. Bill then tried some paint that Peter brought on refurbishing trail lights. At 4:00 pm Bill was joined by Jim and they steamed 2365 and groomed her. Jim switched cars to make up a train. Bill ran the train for a delegation in Winnipeg on an international ozone study tour. Mark Miller, executive director of MOPIA, Jim Curlin from the United Nations, Song Xiaozhi from China, Kerrine Senior from Jamaica and Shakil Kumar from Fiji. Jim acted as conductor. When the delegation left we gave rides to Scouts and Cubs from two Winnipeg groups who were having an Halloween party at the fire pit. Jim also had a couple of solo trips with the locomotive to familiarize himself on 2365. We blew her down and cleaned up.

Wednesday Gil and Vic carried on the shingling on the west side installing the valley fabric on both sides of the dormers. Peter carried the balance of the shingles to the site. Bill and Peter installed the last three pieces of siding on the building. Peter and Bill cut up shingles for caps and Bill nailed them on completing the ridge on the storage wing and the north hips. Peter installed some shingles on the west from the ground. Rob brought over a role of used carpet that might work for gondola bottoms.

Thursday Gil and Jim worked on the roof. Bill worked on lights.

Friday Ed and Peter cut up all pieces of facia and temporarily nailed them up. Jim, Gil and Vic worked on the roof shingles. Bill painted lights and prepared light harnesses for the 12 new arches.

Saturday Oct 30 Bill put lights on all twelve new arches. Bill, Richard and Brian picked the places on the new line for the twelve arches and Richard and Brian put in the base steel and connected pig tails for electrical plug ins at all new locations. Bill with Rob's help carried out the twelve new arches. Richard brought in all the rest of the light boxes for testing. Gil, Vic, Jim and Barry completed all the roof shingles and completed the dormer and all cap shingles. A clean up of the area was carried out. As Vic said. We have found the most important shingle. The last one. A toast of Champagne celebrated the occasion and also Bill's 60th. Dwight and Rob worked on running an electrical cable to lightning junction and back to a new toggle in the station signal box. Ed and Peter with David's help took down the facia and along with two sheets of soffit material gave the whole amount a coat of primer paint. Vic, David and Peter installed the three windows and exit door in the new engine house. 

Sunday Halloween. Bill put the lights on the second double bell display. Vic picked up and installed a new lock set for the station and a new set for the back door of the engine house. Using paint that Peter had purchased Bill painted 1000's of lights in the display. Peter and Ed painted the second side of all the facia and soffit material. Bill set up more lights.

Monday Peter painted the first coat of cream on the trim boards. He then cut out the vent holes and put on the covers. Bill put up the ship and waves and then painted an angel frame, a flamingo frame and re-painted all remaining water fountain steel. 

Tuesday Peter and Ed painted the other side of the trim. Bill repaired and put out lights.

Wednesday Vic and Richard spent two hours breaking up some of the spilled concrete and carting it away. Vic drilled holes in studs and with Gil installed the front door steel frame and hung the doors. Bill and Richard completed the last 60 feet of fence to Roblin and filled two holes in the old fence. Bill painted light bulbs in the station.

Thursday Nov 4th, Gil did some adjusting to the door and then helped Peter nail on the facia on all sides but south. Bill completed the station lights and put up the "Peace On Earth" sign plus other lights.

Friday Vic purchased a lock set for the station. Gil, Peter and Ed completed the facia and put up half the soffit. Bill put out another 20 six foot arches and some other objects.

Saturday Bill repaired lights on the roof of the house and other features. Richard and Brian arrived about 10:30 and helped Bill carry out test and erect the 20 fence panels in both the upper and lower parking area. Fred connected the electrical. After Lunch Fred cut up steel bases while Richard and Bill set up all the 12 arch bases and where joined by Fred so the three put out the upper trail bases, repaired wiring and set up four 12' arches and nine 6' arches. Back at the engine house Peter, David and Ed screwed up the balance of the soffit which the cut from two sheets of 1/4" plywood.  Vic and Gil installed the lockset and latches on the double door. A locking hole had to be drilled in the floor and a matching hole in the steel frame as the left door had to be secured top and bottom to allow the right door the lock into it. The building is now secure and closed in for the winter. Dwight continued his work on the Lightning Junction switch and has installed the switch motor he made up at home and tested its operation. It is now possible to route trains on the old or new line from the station and will free up the need of sending someone out to check and set the switch. 

Sunday Brian found a strike plate for the engine house door that will do the job and brought it by and test fit it. It will need some trimming. Bill painted 100 pink light bulbs and put out more lights.

Monday Vic installed the strike plate in the door. Bill and Vic took out the old garage door and the covering panel and installed a wood box in the cavity for a new service for Christmas lights. It will be accessible from a weather proof door on the outside. Bill cleaned up the area and worked on track lights and the station "Q" area.

Tuesday Bill met with the electrical inspector from the city and he approved our plans to install a 100 amp Christmas Light service on the side of the garage. Bill worked on lights and put lights on our first flamingo. Eighteen pot holes were fixed on the road.

Wednesday Gil filled the top cavity of the steel doors with wood and sealed it with silicon. Richard filled a large pot hole on the walking trail. Richard, Brian and Gil set up the table base for the Ashdown display. Vic and Bill started the new service for Christmas lights. Vic brought some material that was needed and mounted the panel. It was decided to use a ground plate. Bill, Richard and Ed put up some 9 foot and 16 foot arches and Bill tested more lights. Rob came by to check on progress.

Thursday Remembrance day Bill went with the scouts to the service at the Convention Centre. After he started the job of setting up the lights in the yard. Barry assisted with the Christmas light train and three arches. Vic picked up the conduit for the electrical service and he and Bill discussed the best way to proceed. The panel was mounted and the meter base connected along with the first piece of conduit. Gil measured for the weather proof door. Peter picked up trim for the doors and windows. David completed the lettering on the car and a half on the three gondolas that were built in the spring. 

Friday Bill went to the city building permit office and got an electrical permit for the Christmas Light panel. Vic and Bill discussed the final locations and mounted the conduit along the garage to the gable end. Vic drilled all the holes in the block for mounts while Bill dug the grounding plate hole 26 inches deep and test fit the plate. A trench was dug between the pit and the garage. Then connected the conduit to the meter socket and the panel. Gil cut material for the weather proof door and looked for supplies. He also nailed on the frame.  Peter started cutting trim pieces for the engine house. Bill put up more Christmas lights.

Saturday Nov 13th. Bill was in the station by 8:00 am and tested and repaired lights. Brian and Bill tested, repaired and set out the last nine road arches.  Vic, Gil, Rob and Bill pulled in the wire to the conduit from the mast head to the panel. Vic and Bill checked out the location for plugs at the panel and Bill rounded up some supplies. When the ground plate was connected and put in the hole it was found that ground water had come up eight inches and some cave in was evident. Barry dug out the offending slop so the plate could be placed at 27 inches down.  Gil made the door up. Bill crawled into the attic and attached the bolts to the back of the service point insulator where Hydro will terminate the drop.  Jim, Rob and Fred tested and serviced six cars checking couplers and truck operations. Wheel sets were exchanged that needed new bearings. Only one axle was found to be worn. We are now taking a pro active position of changing out bearings when they start to wear. Vic had previously repaired the wheels being used. Peter and Ed continued on door trim and painted the set for the main door. Ed painted all screw holes and touched up puttied areas on the facia and soffits that Peter had previously filled.  Fred tested all remaining Christmas displays and he and Bill put out a deer, wire tree and five 12 foot arches. Bill tested more lights and repaired lines as needed. Dwight did some adjusting to the signal system and then added a length of TV cable for the camera that was located on the garage as the cable needed to be moved due to the new electrical service. David continued the job of lettering our new and re-painted cars completing the three flat cars. All lettering has been completed that is available. William came by for a visit. Later Vic, Peter, Dwight and William went for a late supper. 

Sunday Bill updated the web site, tested lights, Put out a string along Chapman and picked up some electrical supplies. We will call the inspector for Monday. Peter and Ed painted and nailed up the trim on the main door and painted the new door on the service panel that Gil made and installed. It all looks great. Bill put up the last of the candy canes and other lights.

Monday Peter and Ed cut up the 12 pieces of window trim and primed and painted it. They also painted the new electrical box. Vic and Bill mounted the four duplex boxes in the new service. Bill continued to put up lights. Jim came over with a monitor that may be usable in checking incoming trains. He also provided some material that can be used for switch covers. 

Tuesday Bill put up more lights. Gil and Jim came by. The electrical inspector will come Wednesday at 1:00 pm. The CBC will come next Wednesday at 2:00 pm to do some taping.

Wednesday Nov 17, 2004 Bill met the inspector and the new service was cleared for Hydro hook up. Vic filled the grounding plate pit. Gil cleaned up the counter and microwave in the station and then made up a new platform for a new location for the old nativity set near the station "Q" area. Bill repaired two 9 ft arches and Vic helped transport them. Vic started to dig a trench and Ed assisted. Peter and Ed nailed on the window trim and cut up and primed the trim for the air lovers. Bill with Brian's help repaired two 12 ft arches and one 6 ft arch and put them up. Bill completed the top end of the road and repaired a star and deer. Jim tested and bagged all the radios for Christmas use. Vic purchased a locking cabinet for the engine house and a small gear puller for bearing on wheels. The light count has now reached over 60,000 so we are equal with last year.

Thursday Bill picked up supplies for the station. Vic picked up supplies for the engine house. Vic, Gil, Richard, Brian and Bill completed the trench to the engine house and buried a conduit in it and back filled the trench then pulled in the communication wires into the trench for telephone and security system. Vic tidied up the ends while Gil started some carpentry to seal the buildings and Richard and Brian hauled rock while Bill raked it out. Bill painted pink bulbs for the second flamingo, painted gold bulbs for the angels trumpets and completed a 150 light large poinsettia.

Friday Vic tied in the line to the new service and did some underground repairs. The backfill was complete and Gil hauled more rock which Bill spread. Temporary lights were strung in the engine house and turned on. Gil installed his cover over the incoming line. Bill installed the poinsettia on the roof and repaired some deer damage to the lights. Peter completed painting the vent trim. Gil cleaned up around the station and engine house. Hydro put in the new service drop and replaced the transformer at the end of the road.

Saturday Nov 20, 2004  Bill completed the second flamingo and put lights on the first angel for Winch and installed with Richard's help the overhead lights at the lower parking area. Richard repaired the deer fence that had been damaged and put out the Christmas Cheer board donation boxes and started to carry out the Ashdown Buildings and later completed the job with Bill and Ed. Peter and David nailed on the vent trim and lettered missing lettering on the black flat car. Brian routed five extension cords from the new service to replace other cables and to lower the current draw on several circuits. Vic supervised the wiring of plugs in the engine house and was assisted by Jim and Brian. They temporarily wired in two 5K portable construction heaters so it would be wormer while working.  It is the plan to put in more plugs than we will ever need so that later we will have a plug at hand for any equipment we might add. Jim changed fuel and set up the small snow blower in preparation. Richard cleaned up the driveway area and helped Bill move two tracks on the steaming bay to allow a parking space for Bill's wife. At Christmas the members park in the upper parking area as it is easier to get in and out. Dwight checked switches getting ready for Christmas and cut up the pipe into signal mast lengths. Bill put out into the display the flamingos and first angel.

Sunday Bill tested and repaired lights. He made three wreaths in the upper parking area, repaired the circles and put them out along with small snow flakes and stars. Fred set up a circle of track on the Ashdown display and now has a street car running down Main Street. Rob came with his kids and he removed and changed all bearings on the wheel sets that had been changed out last week. Jim cleaned the leafs out on the track and especially the switch points. 

Monday Bill purchased two sections of rubber wiper for the bottom of the engine house door. He also got some plugs, staples, six new keys and a four foot double bulb florescent fixture to be checked by other members. In the afternoon it rained and continued until late afternoon when it changed to snow covering everything with a soft blanket. Unable to do outdoor work Bill went about cleaning the station. The top of the fridge was cleaned off and set up for Christmas. The hat rack was cleaned and the temporary table was removed from the station, then the floors were swept and the large cupboard under the counter was emptied and washed and all our new dishes and stainless cutlery was stored there. A new shelf over the door was installed.  Later in the evening a 150 light poinsettia was wired and completed. Gil came by and cleaned the switches and covered them with wood that Jim had supplied. Peter came by with a list of activities and items to be included in the engine house planning that he and Dwight had listed. He checked the keys finding that out of six only two would work all the locks. He transported items that Bill had boxed into the maintenance building. 

Tuesday Jim wired up some additional wall plugs in the engine house. Rob repaired some more wheel sets and machined and replaced a bolster in a defective truck. Bill took the trailer to the upper parking area, put the wood plugs in the sockets at the steaming bay. He put up all the small signage around the site and put out more lights. He set up the two nativity sets and repaired more lights. The first supply of hot chocolate was purchased and train orders for Christmas were made up. 

Wednesday Bill secured four new batteries for the AVR. A pair for 6109 under the operator's car and a pair for 202 to replace some defective batteries. Gil built a box so the water line coming to the station would not freeze. We will need to check the underground electrical as well. Jim cleared all the snow and ice from the track and took 3001 for a test run. Brian repaired two wires that had been eaten and fixed a new extension cord for the engine house. Vic, Jim and Brian continued to work on outlet boxes for the engine house. Bill worked with the CBC from 2:30 to 6:00 so they could video the lights and train for a children's show called "Kid's CBC". Bill cleaned up more of the station and outside around the station setting it up for Christmas. Later he put up and repaired more lights. Peter came by with a suggested floor plan for the engine house showing possible locations of work benches and equipment. Bill separated the tender from 2365.

Thursday Jim, Gil and Bill checked all the batteries in 3001, 202 and 6109. Water was topped up and corrosion on terminals and clamps was removed. Two new batteries were put into 202. The balance of the gondolas in the dog house were cleaned and running gear inspected. Several safety hooks were repaired. Four wheel sets were replaced and some lubrication was done. All equipment was re-arranged for easy access. 2365 was moved with the locomotive going to the heated maintenance building and the tender to the back of the car barn. The water pump was removed as it was hard to drain. Antifreeze was run through the water lines. Gil and Bill put up the main sign and the parking sign. Bill repaired two lit bicycles and put them out along with some other lights. 

Friday Vic switched over the tunnel circuit and the maintenance building to the new service and installed a high powered light over the door to the engine house. Dwight repaired a malfunction in the Lightning Junction switch machine. Jim cleaned off all the snow on the tracks. Bill cleaned all the yard paths and Richard took a shovel to the bush trails. Richard repaired some arches and cleaned up and sanded the paths. Bill put lights up at Chapman and did some other last minute jobs. Jim got the trains out and we had a group of international students from the University of Winnipeg plus a group of Sparks. Brian and Joan ran the station. Bill dispatched, Jim, Ed, Barry, Dwight, Vic and Bill ran trains. Gil and Bill put trains away and Bill closed all the gates. 

Saturday Bill worked on the furnace, then put the lights on an angel. The angel was put at Winch. Four more tree columns were made at Chapman and some lights were repaired. Brian changed green lights for red ones at the three new wreaths at Paterson. Gil built two drawers for a cabinet in the Engine House.  Jim replaced a broken toggle switch on 6109 while Gil replaced the main batteries. Vic changed the compressor in 6109. Dwight put the older batteries in the riding car and ran a wire harness to the second set. Fred worked on the Ashdown street car line. Trains were ready to go at 6:00 pm. Brian and Joan looked after the station while the following helped with dispatching and running trains, Jim, Richard, Fred, Bill, Carmelina and Dwight.

Sunday Bill repaired an arch and put lights on an Angel and a double bell. It was a cold night and reflected in a slow night. People running the railway were Jim, Richard, Barry, Brian, Joan and Bill.

Monday Vic and Jim worked on wiring in the new engine house. Bill painted lights and repaired the Merry Christmas sign, repaired lights and set out the new angel and did a double tree. In the evening Carol, Gil, Vic and Bill ran the railway. Good comments are coming from all visitors. 

Tuesday Dwight checked the track and picked up four cables for locomotive controls. Bill checked the lights while Jim and Richard cleared the track. The railway was run by Jim, Richard, Ed and Bill.  We had a church group in and all remarked on how well behaved the group was.

Wednesday Dec 1 2004 Vic and Brian returned all surplus material to the lumber store. Bill, Brian and Vic checked the underground water line and found the heater at the house end had stopped working. Water is off so this will need to be repaired. Bill completed another angel and cleaned the track of snow. The railway was run by Bill, Fred, Gil and Jim with Barry and Rob helping out. It was a cold and quiet night so only one train was put out. Next week we have groups each week night. 

Thursday was just a bit warmer. Bill made another angel and now has five out at Winch. Rob, Fred, Ed and Bill ran the railway with Jim and Gil leaving early as it was a quiet night. Bill worked on changing the meet web pages to the Dominion Day Meet. June 30th to July 3rd, 2005.

Friday Bill repaired the heater tape from the upper water connection and repaired the last of our four lighted bikes. The railway was run by Jim, Vic, Ed, Rob, Brian and Bill. Bill picked up seven fire ring concrete blocks to set up a fire pit at the cub camp. Vic brought over a light fixture for the back side of the engine house. A film crew from a French television network came by to do some spots with Christmas lights from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Saturday the temperature dropped to -14C with an overnight temp of -23C expected. Bill worked on the light fountain at the cub camp and put new lights on 12 segments and repaired the lights on six segment and put them up on the frame. He then sanded a half mile of nature trails. The railway was run by Rob, Richard, Jim, Brian, Dwight, and Bill. Riders were down due to the cold temperature. Dwight and Richard took the hood off 6109 and Dwight installed the wire grommets on the new battery cable. 

Sunday Dec 5th Bill completed another double bell and set it up at Amur Glen along with two green and red trees at Chapman. The railway was run by Barry, Gil, Jim, Ed and Bill. It was a slow night due to temperature and blowing snow but those who rode were delighted by the new line. 

Monday Bill spent from 12:30 till 6:00 pm moving snow on trails, roads and track. The large snow blower broke a cable and is in the engine house for repairs. Gil took the small blower around the track while Rob cleaned some snow around the station area. Bill, Gil and Rob set up a new fire pit area in the cub camp. Tonight we had two youth groups in. The railway was run by Barry, Gil, Jim, Rob and Bill.

Tuesday Bill took the large snow blower apart and found the clutch cable spring had broken its end. A new end was made and the machine was put back together. Bill tested it out by completing the snow blowing in the upper parking. Next a tree was set up outside the station and 200 blue lights were put on it. We had three youth groups in tonight and the railway was run by Gil, Jim, Rob, Richard, Ed and Bill. 6109 developed track retention problems and was replaced by 202. Later in the evening it was determined that a wheel was loose on the front power truck and will require attention on Wednesday after 2:00 pm. During the day the AVR was visited by the fire department to see that they could get equipment in during the Christmas light display. The pumper was able to get in and out. Bill gave the firemen a tour of the station.

Wednesday Vic and Jim installed a light at the rear of the engine house. Rob cleared the track and the trails around the yard. Bill purchased some bolts at Adams and started checking wheels on 6109 with Rob assisting. Six of the eight wheels needed attention. The locomotive ran well all evening. Bill cleared all the forest trails and sanded the yard paths. Fred got the streetcar line running. It was a quiet night so Jim and Gil left early while Rob, Fred, Dwight and Bill  stayed till the end. 

Thursday Dec. 9th, Gil came and cleared the track in the afternoon. Bill replaced some burned out lights in the bush and on buildings. Peter brought over pictures for Bill to scan for the next "Nutty Report". Bill printed up all the membership cards and they are available in the station. Members not picking them up will get them in the mail with the next news letter.  Jim and Bill got the trains out. We had a group of Brownies in today. The railway was run by Jim, Ed, Barry and Bill. Friday afternoon car 115 will be inspected. 

Friday Bill sent out press releases, printed up hand out sheets, painted 150 yellow bulbs and completed 75% of the last six water fountain pieces. He walked the trails checking lights and fixed some deer damage. He sanded the yard trails. Jim, Richard and Bill got the trains out. The train was quite busy tonight with Jim, Ed, Bill, Rob, Richard, Vic and Gil running the railway. Bill closed up after and walked the trails. People were still walking the trails at 10:30. 

Saturday Bill completed the last six sections for the light fountain and installed them and started on an angel. The "A" Channel came by at 11:00 and spent till 12:30 with Bill interviewing and taking pictures of railway and light features. Bill ground apart two old discarded display frames that Barry had brought two years ago. There are now two maple leafs and two stars. They have been painted and are ready for lights. Jim cleared on track while Rob cleared the second. Bill cleared and sanded the yard trails. The railway was run by Rob, Jim, Ed, Barry, Gil and Bill. It started to rain half way through the evening.

Sunday it snowed in the morning and early afternoon. Bill cleaned snow on the walkways and trails plus station area and parking area and sanded the walkways. Gil cleaned the snow of the railway. Bill repaired some damaged lights and Fred got the streetcar line operational. The temperature dropped and the riders were light. We had visitors from Africa and Asia. The railway was operated by Richard, Gil, Fred, Rob and Bill.

Monday the temperature dropped to -21c over night and climbed to -16c at 5:00 pm. Bill spent time in the morning rolling Christmas Cheer donations and phoned in a payment to them of $272.00. The locomotive rack was removed from the van. Bill completed the angel and put it up. Then started to work on a maple leaf. The railway was run by Vic, Jim, Rob and Bill.

Tuesday Dec. 14th, Bill completed two new stars and a big red Maple Leaf and put them out. It was a mild day and three groups were expected. The trains ran flawlessly thanks to Gil's oiling procedures. The railway was run by Gil, Jim, Richard, Ed and Bill.

Wednesday Dec 15, 2005 Bill worked on the second maple leaf and put it up along with wrapping two trees at Chapman. William came by to check on supplies. Later Bill walked the trails checking lights while Gil greased and checked the track. The Christmas Cheer Board came and picked up four banana boxes of donated groceries. Bill sanded the yard trails. The railway was run by Jim, Barry, Richard, Gil, Rob and Bill. Vic came if we needed extra help. Fred came to repair the street car. The horn switch on 202 got broken and will need replacement. A pro-active approach to greasing is having good results. Bill worked on the internet.

Thursday Bill checked the lights and repaired a damage done by a squirrel. He sanded the trails. Jim greased the track and Dwight repaired a control module. The temperature dropped to -18c. The railway was run by Rob, Jim, Dwight and Bill. Bill started on a new double bell.

Friday turned warmer but the weather man predicted all sorts of dir weather that did not come to pass but it was very windy. Bill completed the double bell and did two additional tree wraps at Chapman. Gil greases the track while Bill sanded trails and Jim got the trains out. The operation was run by Jim, Gil, Barry, Rob, Bill, Vic and Ed.

Saturday turned cold with a night temp of -30C.  Bill completed the last of the angels and put it out. He then turned his attention to welding more candy cane frames and using the donated steel from COWIN STEEL CO he completed eight more frames. These were to be done last year but when Bill's back went out the project was not completed. William came by in the afternoon. Bill walked the trails and Gil walked the tracks prior to opening. As it was a cold night the group decided to run only one train while the others did maintenance on 3001 and 6109. Those running the railway were Richard, Rob, Gil and Bill with Jim leaving early due to a light crowd. It was below our -25C cut off but we ran and did not disappoint the 74 people who bundled up and came out. After close Bill and Rob brought the paperwork up to date. Last year the average temp up to the 18th of Dec was -6.6C while this year it was -8.6C and we are about 300 people less than last year. The train is very temperature and weather dependant.

Sunday the weather turned windy, with snow and blowing snow which later turned to sleet. The wind made it uncomfortable. Bill cleaned up the weld splatter on the eight candy canes and started putting lights on the last double bell. Later he cleaned snow from the trails, turn circle, paths, and the new track. Rob cleared snow from the old track. We found traction to be poor. We tried double heading but found it best to run two locomotives with two cars each and stayed on the new line. We had some light bulbs taken by two legged creatures. The railway was run by Fred, Vic, Gil, Rob and Bill.

Monday Dec 20th 2004 the Temp went up to +2c and then dropped like a rock. Bill checked the display repairing a couple of objects. He then painted four and a half candy canes. Gil went around the track with a shovel and took 6109 around to burn off some ice. Bill sanded walkways. Dwight repaired the spare locomotive controller. We had an article in the Free Press about the Railway. The CBC French TV did the weather live from the railway. We had a youth group out plus lots of visitors. The railway was run by Richard, Rob, Gil, Jim, Dwight, Brian and Bill.

Tuesday Bill the remaining candy cane frames for a total of eight. He scanned in 75 pictures from Peter in preparation for the next "Nutty Report" He printed up more hand out sheets. The temperature was colder than out cut off point but we ran anyway. Of the four booked groups all cancelled except the scouts. The railway was run with one train by Gil, Bill, Rob, Jim and Brian.

Wednesday the temperature continued in the cellar. The school group of 107 kids cancelled due to temperature. Bill went to Costco for more hot chocolate cups and hockey tape. He completed the lights on two candy canes. Gil cleaned the snow off the Ashdown display. A scout group from White Horse Plains did not come. The railway was run by Gil, Rob, Brian and Bill. We had visitors from Japan and Brazil. The Display sent in another $281.00 to the Christmas Cheer Board. Attendance is down this year due to the weather.

Thursday Bill worked on more candy canes. Dwight brought over two electronic timers for the double bells he had assembled.  Despite the -27C temperature we got out a train and had many very happy visitors including a person from Germany, the Ukraine and Washington, D.C.  The railway was run by Gil, Richard, Bill and Brian with Rob helping with getting ready. We had a visit from Santa.

Friday, Christmas Eve. Gil checked the track in the afternoon. Bill completed another candy cane and sanded the trails and got out the equipment. The railway was run by Vic and Bill. 

THE AVR WISHES ALL A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS. TRAINS RUN AGAIN ON BOXING DAY.

Sunday Boxing Day, Bill went to Super Store after church and bought a few Christmas lights at 50% off for use next year to add to the display (12,400 lights). Bill got the trains out. Gil did track maintenance. The railway was run by Rob, Gil, Fred, David, Bill, Brian & Joan. It was good to have the extra help to deal with the light snow that was falling.

Monday Dec 27th, Bill rolled Christmas Cheer Board money and cleared snow on the trails, paths, station area,  both parking areas and some of the track. Rob with Joseph cleared the rest of the track while Gil cut down the doors on the car barn so they would open. We had our busiest day so far this year with Gil, Richard, Rob, Bill, Brian and Joan running the railway.

Tuesday Bill completed our last double bell and one more candy cane. Three trees were wrapped at Chapman and the two electronic sequencers were installed on two bells to let them swing. Dwight had made the electronics. Gil came and serviced the track in the afternoon. We had our busiest night of the season with 731 passengers. The railway was run with Barry, Ed, Gil, Len, Vic, David, Rob and Bill.

Wednesday Gil checked the track and oiled were needed. Bill deposited donations and send another $466.50 to the Christmas Cheer Board. Later he purchased another role of fencing and a van load of pink insulation for the engine house. Gil helped unload it. It was a mild day but as we started the evening run there was a fine rain falling that froze on the track making early operation slow and trouble some. We ran three trains. Members running the railway were Bill, Ed, Dwight, David, Rob, Jim, Fred, and Vic. Keeping the station running in an efficient and friendly way were Brian and Joan. On busy nights the members of the Assiniboine Valley Railway work together as a team to give as many people possible a meaningful experience.

Thursday Bill picked up another four bundles of R20 insulation and one R12. The Americans always blame cold weather on Canada but today we had a Colorado Low blow in from the USA with great quantities of snow, sleet and rain. In places we got eight to ten inches. Rob and Bill cleaned the yard paths at 5:30 but it was coming down so fast that soon the snow was back. Gil came by and together and with other members on the phone it was decided that we could not run today. One women came into the station and asked if we were running. The track at that point was covered by a scale 32 inches of snow. About 9:00 pm Bill got the large snow blower out and opened a car width to Roblin along with the lower parking area. After 3 hours of clearing snow it is still snowing but at least that eight inches will be off the road. Due to the trees we get very little drifting snow so it will be that much less to clear on Friday.

Friday New Years Eve. Bill using the large snow blower cleared the yard paths and the main trail from the upper parking area. He cleared all roads and the upper parking area. Rob took the small blower around the new line and Bill followed with the large machine. Rob took a third pass and finished with the shovel. Bill spent from 2:00 pm till 7:00 pm on the machine. Rob got the train out. The railway was run by Brian, Joan, Vic and Bill. Generally things went well until one trip that Bill took out. The back car kept derailing causing other cars to come off. It was noted that three kids in the last car were pulling snow under the car. They were warned by Brian before leaving and later by Bill but they continued there destructive practice. On the next trip Vic encountered snow often 4 inches thick on the track. Bill had to proceed the train with the shovel removing snow the entire length of the  railway. Those three boys delayed operation.

New Years Day Jan 1st, 2005 Bill worked on pictures for the next Nutty Report. Later he took the large snow blower and widened the upper parking lot and opened the west nature trail and went around about half of the new track. Last task was to go around the track with the small shovel. Len and Rob arrived and got 3001 out with only three gondolas as it was starting to snow again. Len went around again with the shovel and with brushes we managed 10 trips. It was snowing very hard by this time and two more cleanings were required. The railway was run by Rob, Len, Helen and Bill. Second last train of the night we took 10 pictures of the train at Flamingo Gulch with the locomotive pushing heavy snow. 

Sunday Jan 2nd, Bill spent the morning working on the "Nutty Report" Peter came over in the afternoon and proofread the first four pages. Rob cleared the track and got the train out. David took it around to clear track. Bill spent four hours on the big snow blower clearing roads, paths, trails and both parking areas. The railway was run by Rob, Fred, Jim, David and Bill. Dwight came and did some signal maintenance. (The snow blower took a bite out of the dwarf signal at the station. It was 6" high but the snow was 12") Other members who came by on the last run were Gil, Carmelina and Vic. Gil and Dwight took the big sign down at the end of the road. From visitors on Wednesday and today we collected $300.00 for the Red Cross Asian Flood Fund. Rob will take groceries to Winnipeg Harvest on Monday that had been donated. The lights will remain on Monday night and then turned off until next Christmas.

Monday Jan 3rd, Bill printed the first 20copies of the "NUTTY REPORT" for the members who pick them up in the station and prepared to go on a two week holiday. 

Monday Jan 11th, Rob and Gil checked all locomotive batteries and charged them up. During Bill's vacation Rob, Peter, Gil, Joseph & Leeanne took care of Puppy and watered the flowers in the station. Working members of the AVR took a rest after the 35 day Christmas run. 

Thursday Jan 20th Bill cleared snow with the big blower. The AVR is now covered by a two foot blanket of snow. 

Friday Bill updated the web site, worked on the financial report, paid some railway bills, cleared snow and printed more "Nutty Reports"

Saturday January 22nd, Bill spent two hours on the snow blower clearing the main road parking area and paths in the yard. Richard and Bill stacked cars in the station. Took batteries off the riding car and stacked chairs. After cleaning the station it was transformed into a working area. Peter put the final coat of paint on the bottoms of 18 posts that will be used for station sign boards. Bill continued to print "Nutty Reports" and made up envelopes for the mailed out copies. William brought his brother-in -law and Peter took him on a tour. Later in the evening Bill turned on the Christmas lights and it immediately drew in some visitors. It also should be reported that Gil is working on a surprise project at his carpentry shop and Dwight is experimenting with switch motor designs.

Sunday Jim shovelled snow out of tracks 2, 3 & 4 of the car barn to get at the box cab chassis only to find it was on track 1. Peter painted the middle section of the sign posts. Bill printed more "Nutty Reports" and worked on the web page. 

Monday Bill talked with Cliff about two modifications that he intends to have us do on the locomotive. The first is to raise the injector water control handles to make them more accessible. The second is to make the cock valves easier to get off so diaphragms can be changed on the work bench rather than on the locomotive. Cliff did these modifications to his and felt 2365 could use the same modification.  Jim shovelled snow from track one at the car barn and Rob came in time to move the box cab chassis to Jim's vehicle. Bill completed the last printing and folding on the "Nutty Report" and they go in the mail tomorrow. He completed the 2004 financial report for the AGM and got estimated prices for some projects.  Peter put the black paint on the posts and he and Bill reviewed the financial report. Peter ordered more badges and patches for the railway. 

Tuesday Rob using the small snow blower removed the snow from the new line and cleared the old line to the loading spur. Bill inspected lights on the newly cleared track and found where the deer had broken about eight lines. They have also done a lot of damage to the trees. Vic brought his two 5 KW heaters and hooked them up in the engine house. They discussed lighting. Bill found a source for four traction motors and ordered them. Bill repaired a 14 foot section of fence that was raised to 9 feet to keep deer out. Two additional 20 foot sections were raised 2.5 feet higher. The deer only appear to jump the fence when there is a clear trail on both sides.  

Wednesday Bill picked up a role of 6ml vapour barrier. He made up the meeting agenda and updated the by-laws from last years AGM. Peter put the final coat of black paint on his posts. Bill ran the alarm wiring to doors and controls in the engine house. Bill spent the afternoon and evening insulating the engine house. All walls are now complete except were wires still need to be run. Sixty % of the ceiling is done in the storage wing. Nine bails of insulation are used up. 

Friday the temp went up to 0 but unfortunately during the cold spell the water and sewer line froze up. Next summer we will have to increase the heat tapes and check for places were to cold is getting to the line. Word has come that Barry and Jim have spent over 30 hours work on the body of the Box Cab and from a picture it looks like it is loaded with detail. Great work guys. Now we need the gear boxes machined.  

Saturday Bill made a new page for the Engine House section of the web. Peter and Ed sanded all the station sign boards and later Peter put a coat of white paint on the back side. Richard cleaned up the station and in the engine house. Bill, Fred and Richard worked on the engine house. The two sets of wiring for lights over the west and east workbenches were put in and those panels were insulated. A telephone line was run to the clean work bench. Holes were drilled for both heater lines on the south wall. Bill had to run to the store for staples, a drill and two deep electrical boxes. Richard cut up 60 1/3 lengths of insulation for the eve area. Bill ran the wires for the two heaters on the south wall and insulated what could be done on the south wall. Jim picked up the bolsters for the Box Cab and two plates that he had painted.

Sunday after church Bill insulated 25% of the main room ceiling and terminated the two three wires for the run through light. We will need another roll of 14-2 to complete the wiring and one standard box. 

Monday Jan 31,2005 Peter & Ed painted the front side of the 12 sign boards.

Tuesday Jim returned the Box Cab body, frame and roof. Those working on the body have done a great job. The roof, frame and some trim have been painted but the main body must be painted dark green. Next step is the gear boxes and electrical. It is currently sitting on a pair of freight trucks in the station for members to see. 

Wednesday Ed and Brian put the second coat of paint on the sign boards while Peter picked up more paint and Varathane

Friday Peter cleaned up the station putting his sign painting table away. Cliff's new parts for #2365 arrived by mail. Peter made up a list of 2004 accomplishments for the AGM. 

Saturday Feb 5th, 2005 Bill brought the web page up to date. He rolled 6109 out of the station and set up the chairs for the meeting. He then wired all the future six florescent lights in the middle of the engine house controlled by three switches. Next the heater wire was run to the north wall. The wiring is now complete unless we think of something else. Peter cut up three more sign boards. Members started arriving for the AGM and at 2:00 pm the meeting was called to order. The meeting flowed along at a good rate with lots of discussion about past and future projects. Reports were presented and by some accounts the meeting was more productive than some. After the meeting ten members stayed for supper with the group cleaning up at 8:00 pm.

Sunday Bill and Barry checked out the gear box and motor parts for the box cab and Barry took them for machining. Len helped Bill remove the back van seat in preparation for taking 2365 on a tour of California and Colorado.

Monday Len picked up five fans for ventilation for three of our locomotives. Peter deco paged the twelve station signs and put on two coats of Varathane. Later he painted the three additional sign boards after routing out the edges and filling imperfections with plastic wood.

Tuesday Peter put another coat of paint on the additional three sign boards.

Wednesday Bill completed the insulation on the north east corner and worked his way down the ceiling to the north west corner. We are putting R32 in the ceiling. Peter drilled all sign boards and posts and screwed them together toughing up the screw holes with paint. Bill ordered drywall, screws, and mud to be delivered Saturday at lunch so we need a few members to help move it to the engine house. 

Friday Cliff sent vinyl for damaged stripping on 2365.

Saturday Bill shovelled the light snow off the old line to the loading spur. Rob took the metal shovel and cleared it down to rail and cleared the ice and snow on the track in front of the station. Dwight made the switch to the loading spur operational and left it lined to the parking area. Bill removed the remaining snow from the trail to the parking area and put the bridge in place. The lift will need to be cleared of snow in preparation to moving 2365 for its visit to the Los Angeles Live Steamers.  Bill started putting up insulation in the engine house about 9:00 am and when Gil arrived Bill had made it down the west side of the building. The drywall and supplies arrived at noon and was moved to the engine house by Bill, Gil, Fred, David and Dwight. Richard cleaned up the garbage around the station and yard. David filled the holes on Peter's signs with plastic wood and Peter put some paint on the new boards. Gil took down the temporary lighting and relocated it to the north wall. Bill ran a number 12 wire for a heater plug near the door. Brian and Gil put up the first two strips of vapour barrier in the storage wing. Bill continued on insulation down the south side and started in the middle. Fred cut pieces of insulation to size as Bill put them in place as they worked around the trusses. Brian and Gil assisted. After all had left Bill spent another two hours and completed all the upper R20 insulating but the R12 ran out and we will need two more bundles to complete the job. 

Sunday Bill spent time starting to dig out the lift. Peter sanded the plastic wood fills on the sign boards and re-painted the ends of all signs.

Monday Bill picked up another two bundles of insulation to complete the ceiling. Peter and David set up a jig in the station and started routing the grooves in the siding for the wood refrigerator car and completed two ends and one side. Peter did research on powder coating the locomotives and the best paint for the other colours. 

Tuesday Feb 15th, 05 Peter and David completed the routing of the grooves in the refrigerator car. Bill worked on the computer and later completed the snow removal around the lift and got it out onto the driveway.

Wednesday Rob started the strip down of 6109 for painting. First the cooling fans were removed. Gil took off two of the car barn doors that needed trimming and returned them to service. At home Gil made up the two oak walkways for the roof of the box cab. Rob returned in the evening and started removing side louvers on 6109. Bill took the seats out of the van and installed the locomotive rack for 2365. Later Bill worked on insulation in the engine house. Vic marked wires and tied in some of the connections on the panel.  

Gil put on the wall, a special project for Charleswood station. During the last months Gil has been labouring in his woodworking shop on this special item and today it was unveiled for the first time. It is a most wonderful Oak traditional Station Clock complete with swinging pendulum and etched glass with AVR. Thank you Gil for this fitting addition to our station. It will be a treasure for all to enjoy and also help keep the trains on time.

Thursday Bill set up the charger on the lift.

Friday Gil and Jim completed a few missing pieces of insulation on the ceiling and put up all the ceiling vapour barrier ready for drywall. Peter and David continued on the refrigerator car. The diagonal grooves were cut for the doors and the main doors were routed out along with the small doors at either end. Bill removed the winter snow from the east leg of the "Y" and cleaned up more switches. The east station spring switch handle appears to be loose but the switch moves back and forth ok. Saturday 2365 will be moved and loaded for its trip. 

Saturday Feb 19th, 05  Bill was up early working on the internet and then dug out the propane tanks for 2365. Next task was the removal of snow from where the lift tied into the railway. When Rob arrived he and Bill got 2365 out of the maintenance building and pushed it to the lift and into the van. Next was the tender which had some pin stripping replaced on one side. It was subsequently loaded and then Bill tied everything down for transport. Gil and Fred spent the afternoon completing the ceiling vapour barrier and putting acoustical sealant between the joints. Vic continued to tidy up the electrical connections at the panel. He also replaced the rear door handle. David and Peter continued to work on the refrigerator car and Ed laminated some trim pieces for around the doors.  Dwight worked on repairs of the bell on 3001 and removed the switch machine at east Charleswood for repair.  

Sunday Peter worked on the refrigerator and fabricated one of the side doors. It looks great. He also cleaned up all the sawdust in the station. Bill packed up the portable computer for the trip and loaded the steam engine tool box. 

Monday Gil and Rob moved surplus material out of the engine house and hung vapour barrier on three walls. Peter worked on the refrigerator car completing the other side door and doing some sanding. Bill continued to get 2365 ready. Dwight has found that the fan problem in 6109 was a loose wire which he is repairing.

Tuesday Feb. 22nd Bill and Mary-Lou left with 2365 for a vacation to California.

Wednesday Peter and Ed continued on the refrigerator car doing cleanup work on the sides and some sanding.

Friday Peter and Ed cut and installed some oak support members to the top of all four refrigerator car walls.

Saturday Peter, Ed and David did a trial fit of the refrigerator car walls with the floor and did some sanding and filling. Dwight re-installed the bell on 3001 and returned a cooling fan for 6109 which had been repaired. Richard cleaned up the station. Barry spent the day working on the power trucks for the box cab locomotive. Ed and Peter started coating the walls with shellac. Rob started work on a pair of brass couplers.

Sunday Feb. 27th. Bill unloaded 2365 at the Los Angeles Live Steamers at Griffith Park and pulled the public for the afternoon along with some of the regulars at LALS. The Locomotive was re-loaded by 5:00 pm and performed extremely well. Favourable comments were heard.  Back at the AVR Peter and Ed started painting white latex paint on the refrigerator car sides and ends. Some additional sign boards were also painted. Peter gave the walls and ends a light sanding and applied some additional shellac.

Monday Peter picked up a new supply of cloth patches and metal badges for the AVR as the supplies had run out at Christmas. Peter also picked up yellow and black paint for the refrigerator car along with some other needed supplies. Rob picked up two pairs of aluminium couplers for assembly and Barry completed the job of machining and assembling the box cab power trucks. Gil completed some wood strips for roof walks and put more acoustical sealant on the vapour barrier. 

Tuesday Jim brought the power trucks to the station that Barry had completed. Gil and Jim removed all the Yellow parts from the box cab body so it can be painted CN green. Jim painted the power trucks black. Peter and Ed did some additional light sanding to the refrigerator walls and ends and applied some of the yellow paint.  Rob completed the major work on the three pairs of couplers and returned them to the station.

Wednesday Jim re-assembled the box cab power trucks now complete. The commonwealth trucks were assembled by Len. Barry did the machining and assembly of the motors and gear boxes and Jim had completed the painting. Gil built the frame for the attic access in the engine house. Ed continued painting the refrigerator car walls and ends CN #11 yellow. Vic and Gil spent several hours completing some wiring and vapour barrier work in the engine house. Rob worked on coupler lock pins. Peter applied some more yellow paint and also stained the box cab roof walks and end sills. 

Thursday Gil continued with vapour barrier. 

Friday Gil completed the vapour barrier. Peter painted more yellow on the refrigerator car walls and put a coat of urethane on the oak parts of the box cab. Rob continued with some work on the couplers.

Saturday March 5th, Bill unloaded 2365 at Orange County live Steamers and ran on all trackage having an enjoyable day exploring this very nice railway. It was a work day so no public but several members had a ride. On a future trip we will try and come on a run day.  By 6:00 pm 2365 was loaded. Back at the AVR Fred cleared a trail to the Christmas display storage area and retrieved his track from the Ashdown display. Peter put a second coat of Varathane on the box cab oak parts. Gil and Dwight picked up four 10 foot pieces of drywall. Vic worked on wiring and cutting sides on the refrigerator car coupler boxes. Jim and Dwight discussed Box cab wiring. 

Sunday March 6th Bill went back to the Los Angeles Live Steamers but due to some earlier delay there was not sufficient time to steam up 2365 so Bill spent several hours as a conductor on the club electric locomotive and train. Back at the AVR Jim took photos of the box cab electrics. As it snowed some one shovelled the walks. 

Monday Jim drilled out some box cab brackets for electrical parts. Peter picked up some parts and painted the sides of the refrigerator car again. 

Tuesday the crew worked on small parts on both box cab and refrigerator car. Helping were Peter, Ed, Jim and Vic.

Wednesday Vic worked on electrical in the engine house. Gil, Vic and Ed put up the first two 9 ft. pieces in the storage wing. Peter, Ed and Jim spent time on the box cab and refrigerator car. Assembly of the floor is now underway.

Thursday it snowed and Gil cleared the track from the maintenance building to the loading spur so it would be possable for Bill to unload 2365 upon his return.

Friday March 11th, Bill visited the Rocky Mountain Railway in South West Denver and enjoyed seeing this interesting railway. 2365 was not unloaded as the railway was closed for the winter and some new fencing being installed had necessitated the removal of some track. We look forward to some future time when we will be able to run.

Saturday March 12th 2365 was unloaded at the Colorado Live Steamers. Bill and Mary-Lou arrived in time for breakfast. After steaming the rest of the day was spent running and pulling members of the club. It was a work day and the crew was laying track and moving sub-road-bed on their new ambitious expansion. Back at the AVR Gil, Richard, Fred and Vic put up the third ceiling dry wall sheet in the storage wing and then completed the north and east walls of the storage wing. Peter and Ed continued to work on the refrigerator car floor mounting the coupler pockets and bolsters. David assisted. Barry picked up the truck frames for the refrigerator car for drilling of bearing holes. Peter continued with the steel frame components.

Sunday Peter drilled out and mounted the refrigerator car under frame channels and prepared the queen posts. Barry drilled out the truck side frames. Bill and Mary-Lou arrived home.

Monday Gil and Bill made a plan for the layout of the ceiling drywall. Peter mounted the queen posts and some additional frame material with assistance from William. Peter determined the positioning of the rods on the car underside. 

Tuesday Vic and Gil with some minor assistance from Bill put up the first two rows of drywall on the ceiling. Peter continued to work on the refrigerator car. 

Wednesday March 16th Bill cleared all track from the loading spur to the maintenance building and car barn and unloaded 2365 and put her away. Paul, Bill's son helped push her back to the maintenance building.  Vic, Gil and Richard worked on ceiling drywall and got all but the last strip hung up. Bill and Ed assisted for a few minutes. Peter continued to work all afternoon on his refrigerator car with minor help from Ed, William, Barry, Vic and Bill. Some times you just need that extra hand even for just a minute. Bill spent three hours updating the web pages. 

Thursday Vic, Gil and Richard completed the ceiling drywall in the engine house and completed the south wall in the storage wing. Peter worked on the refrigerator car with assistance from William.

Friday Jim sorted out and bagged all the remaining uninstalled hardware for the box cab. Bill worked on pictures and Peter with assistance from William and Ed completed the floor of the refrigerator car.

Saturday March 19th, Bill spent an hour clearing material from the railway room and cleaned and prepared all the drywall tools and blades. Bill mixed up a batch of drywall plaster and spent the day taping ceilings and walls. Vic with help from Barry hung drywall on the east wall of the main room. Peter with assistance from Ed removed all floor parts and Peter put two coats of shellac on the wood base.

Sunday Peter and Ed painted the refrigerator car base and all under body parts black. Peter gave the box cab wood another coat of Varathane. Bill steam cleaned and vacuumed the basement railroad room rug.

Monday Peter painted the refrigerator car base with help from William. Peter painted the underside parts and Bill completed the rug cleaning in the railway and started preparing it for the convention in May. Jim came by to check on progress. Bill completed four new pages for the AVR web site.

Tuesday the executive of the club, Bill, Peter, Len with Vic as a guest met to look at some machine shop equipment that was being offered to the club for a value from an estate. The decision was to negotiate for the purchase for the new engine house and machine shop. Vic completed the negotiations and we are now the owner of this equipment and will need to move it ASAP.  Bill spent 4 hours taping drywall with William keeping Bill company.  

Wednesday Vic, Peter, Gil and Richard moved the first load of machine shop parts to storage. Gil, Vic & Richard completed the drywall on the west wall of the engine house and Bill taped for a couple of hours. At 4:00 pm Rob, Vic and Bill moved two van loads of machine shop material to storage. Jim worked on the box cab frame cutting the battery brackets and mounting one of them. Peter and Ed re-mounted all of the under body parts for the refrigerator car. Rob assembled a pair of trucks and completed a pair of couplers.

Thursday Vic and Rob took Bill's van and Rob's van and removed the heavy parts of the lath and milling machine plus all shelves and misc. items to storage. Jim continued on the box cab electrical, mounting half the components. Peter glued the journal box covers on the pair of trucks. 

Good Friday Bill spent five hours taping drywall. Vic completed most of the dry walling on the south side with help from Gil and Bill. Jim completed the installation of the remaining electrical components in the box cab. It is now ready for wiring. Peter ground lugs off the trucks while William touched up the refrigerator underside with black paint. Peter continued to paint screw heads and other parts on the frame. Gil took the windows and door frames and other features from the box cab to be painted CN #11 yellow.

Saturday Bill went to work on the HO layout in the basement and cleaned two of the eight lines and got two trains running for the convention. Richard bless his heart spent the afternoon taking down the first 20 candy canes from the Christmas display. They were carefully stowed away in the storage area.  Vic and Gil made a frame for the future air conditioner and put it in place on the north wall. The two continued with the hanging of drywall and were joined by Brian. The last piece of drywall was put in place. Bill spent five hours putting up more loads of drywall mud and tape. Inside the station Jim, Dwight and Rob started the job of wiring the electrical parts for the box cab. Cables were made up and about 50% of the work was completed. The other job in the station was the building of the refrigerator car. Peter had to re-machine the coupler frames and with Rob's help the sides and ends were fastened onto the floor and glued and nailed together. The roof and small details are yet to be done. William and Ed came by to see the progress and Ed provided the group with comic relief as only Ed is capable. 

Easter Sunday Peter filled nail holes and sanded them on the refrigerator car. In the evening Bill worked on the web page creating three new pages.

Monday March 28th, 2005 Bill picked up a steel corner bead and nailed it place and spent four hours preparing and taping drywall in the engine house. Jim and Bill determined where the electrical terminals would go on the box cab. Later Jim and Rob drilled and mounted them. Peter and William cut up three strips of oak for the roof of the refrigerator car. Gil and Rob took the body off 6109 to prepare it for painting.

Tuesday Bill connected a temporary pipe to route drainage water into the bush now that the snow is rapidly melting. Bill mixed more mud and taped for about seven hours. Gil, Rob and Jim took all the parts off 6109 making it ready to be stripped before painting. The chassis was put in the car barn.

Wednesday Vic, Gil, Ed, William and Bill stowed tools and supplies back in the maintenance building and carted out the drywall cut offs. Bill taped for about four hours. Gil is painting the window trim at home for the box cab. Peter, Ed and William started to cut ribs for the roof of the refrigerator car. Rob went around the new line with the shovel and stowed the snow blower in the storage shed. 

Thursday Jim painted the headlight for the box cab.  William and Peter screwed the refrigerator car roof frame together. Bill is getting to estimates on the stainless interior tank for the car.

Friday Bill spent 4.5 hours plastering the engine house putting on most of the final coats. Peter and Ed with assistance from William put on the roof deck for the refrigerator car and spread out the canvas top. Rob with his two kids were able to push a car around the new line for the first time since Jan. 2nd.

Saturday Bill updated the web page and spent 3.5 hours completing all the plastering. It is now ready for sanding but the crew of Rob, Vic and Gil took over the engine house for the stripping of 6109 and it is now well under way. On the refrigerator car David trimmed the canvas top, and Peter and David glued around the edges. Ed painted the inside of the roof white and the edging of the canvas top black. Peter Jackson painted two coats of black paint on the roof. Vic modified two hinged  stirrups for the side of 2365's tender and installed them. They work great and he will modify the next two at home. Vic purchased a new wheelbarrow for the AVR and Jim put it together with help from Barry. Richard packed up the figures and base for the two manger displays and put them away along with eight more candy canes. Bill and Richard removed the surplus six sheets of drywall from the engine house and moved it into the house for use on a repair project. Richard cleaned up the garbage and took it to the end of the road. Jim and Dwight spent the afternoon completing more of the box cab wiring. Ed and Peter Jackson removed all the snow switch covers and stowed them for the summer. Bill checked all culverts and they are flowing. 

Sunday April 3rd. Gil spent the afternoon doing more of the paint stripping on 6109 doing most of the left side. He found a layer of primer on steel that proved to be more difficult. On the box cab project Jim and Ed mounted the end sills. Jim, Peter Jackson and Ed measured for the coupler height and Barry drilled, tapped and mounted the couplers. On the refrigerator car Peter, Ed and Peter Jackson touched up some of the roof painting and started to fabricate the steel corner brackets and upper corner straps.

Monday Jim did some additional work on the box cab. Gil, Jim and Vic worked on stripping paint from 6109. Rob arrived in the afternoon and helped out and with Gil loaded the body of 6109 onto a flat car and put it in the car barn. Bill spent time in the morning and afternoon taking down Christmas displays, removing some 8,400 lights. Vic installed the second pair of foot stirrups on the tender of 2365. Peter went shopping for raw materials for the refrigerator car. Gil cut up roof walks for three cars. Bill now has two prices for the stainless tank for the car.

Tuesday Bill started sanding in the engine house. He spent 2.5 hours and has sanded all the walls and a start on the ceiling.  Gil started cutting the plywood door for the electrical panel and roof access. Rob checked the track and Jim is checking into painters for the locomotives.

Wednesday Vic and Gil started stripping paint from the inside of the water tanks on the tender for 2365. it will be re-painted with a harder two part epoxy paint that Cliff had provided. Bill spent 2.5 hours sanding the ceiling and will still need another hour.  Peter Jackson swept up the floor and trimmed the excess vapour barrier. Ed painted trim pieces for the refrigerator car. Peter did prep work on the car. 

Thursday April 7th, Bill picked up a 5 gal. pail of white primer for the engine house. Later in the day Bill spent another 1.5 hours completing the sanding so now the walls and ceiling can be dusted or vacuumed and then painted with primer. Gil dropped off his air compressor. Bill took down another 2,350 lights along with extension cords. Jim installed a cable holder under the box cab frame for the control harness. Peter and Rob paid a visit to the railway. Vic spent several hours locating primer for the tender of 2365. The members will be pleased to know that the outflow device in the station is once again functioning.

Friday Vic cleaned up some more paint in the tender and made it ready for new paint. Rob using a clean broom and the vacuum cleaned off the sanding dust in the engine house and with his power roller applied a coat of primer to the whole ceiling and half the walls. Bill walked the old and new line wrapping up extension cords, taking down candy canes, stars, angels and flamingos as well as light strings. Total lights taken down today 6,300. All arches on the railway have been disconnected and their lines are tied up ready for transport. A painter may come by the railway Saturday to look at 6109, it's riding car and the box cab.

Saturday April 9th, 2005 Bill prepared all 16 foot arches on the road, seven 12 foot arches and one 6 foot arch and took down all the string lights in the upper parking. Vic prepared the tender for primer and put on the vinyl wash primer by spray gun. Rob continued painting the engine house completing the walls. David & Ed painted the corners on ceilings and walls. Later David put on a second coat on the ceiling and walls. Len and Bill took the first train of the season out and picked up all the lights and displays that had been gathered up next to the rails. Vic mixed up the epoxy and Ed put on the first coat on the tender. Richard, Peter Jackson, Fred and Bill stored away upper and lower parking fences. All road arches that were prepared plus other object. A total of 10,100  lights were stored away. Brian helped with rolling up extension cords. Dwight installed a new high switch stand at the east end of Charleswood that he had built during the winter. He also installed a new cutting plate on the band saw. Repaired the east dwarf signal and other control items. Peter checked out a full scale refrigerator car for details and dimensions for the scale car under construction. He picked up more material and with David's help cut up more material.  Len purchased two nickel metal hydride chargers so that we can upgrade our batteries for the portable radios. 

Sunday Vic cleaned some material from the tender and later Ed gave it a second coat of the epoxy. Vic and Peter J. went and brought back Vic's 36 foot ladder to start working on the dead tree. Peter and David cut up and nailed in place the roof slats for the refrigerator car. Peter put on a coat of paint and re-painted the trim pieces. Bill got out 202 and six cars and gave his grand kids a ride. Little five year old Jessie got her second operator's lesson. Still to small for a solo but great on grandpa's knee. The front end of car 100 will need maintenance on the truck.

Monday Bill picked up 2 gal. of white ceiling paint.

Tuesday Jim did some wiring on the box cab. Gil started a clean up of the engine house.  For the last two days a Colorado Low rained on Winnipeg so much that the big culvert is flowing water again. At least the snow stayed south.

Wednesday Vic re-assembled the water pump and brake leaver linkage in the tender now that painting is complete. Gil completed the cutting and fitting of the door for the attic hatch and the electrical panel and gave them a coat of primer. Norm came by after a meeting in Winnipeg and painted the corner between wall and ceiling with white ceiling paint in the engine house. Peter painted the trim pieces with help from Norm and Ed on the refrigerator car. Bill repaired the pump that had seized up and once again water is moving east. Bill then moved rock to make a path between the new engine house and maintenance building. He then covered the mud with rock around the summer house path to the maintenance building. Bill got out the body of 6109 as the painter was to come by. Jim did some additional work on the box cab. Bill repaired the temporary heater for the engine house. 

Thursday Vic and Gil took down some branches off the dead oak tree but the wind came up and stopped the work. Gil adjusted the back door while Vic put in the outside plug receptacles and weather proof covers. Bill spent some time on taking down 3,200 Christmas lights and Jim did some more on the box cab. Rob painted one coat of paint on the ceiling in the engine house. The painter came by to look at 6109.

Friday April 15th, Rob put on the second coat of ceiling paint in the engine house. Bill purchased two gallons of light yellow paint for the walls and florescent light fixtures plus the baseboard heaters. Rob picked up the paint and applied it to the walls. Those checking it out decided that it does not need a second coat. Bill talked with the painter for the locomotives and he quoted a price for doing all painting. Peter and Ed worked on making a pattern for hinges and roof walk supports for the refrigerator car and later Peter made a mould so more can be cast. They cut and installed the top centre rib for the roof. Rob brought his family over and went around with a flat car. Bill and Rob removed a large Black Poplar tree that had fallen over the tracks on Thursday night. Bill brought in another 1,670 lights. 

Saturday Bill was up early and taking down Christmas lights. At Chapman the 22 wrapped trees were numbered and the lights strings were numbered to help next fall with setting up the display. Richard started moving the Ashdown display and Bill assisted with the larger buildings. Brian took the legs off the tabling and Bill and Richard carried it to storage. Bill took out the train and a trip was made to pick up lights and to tidy the upper storage building. Later Richard and Bill put away over 40 arches from the railway. Gil painted the attic cover and electrical cover and mounted them. Gil and Vic got the body from 6109 out and started body putty work and final clean up.  Gil was assisted by David and Ed. Vic went back to electrical and heater completion in the engine house and was assisted by Brian. The building's heaters are now functional. Peter went to work on his refrigerator car and with help from David and Ed cast the needed roof walk saddles and door hinges out of plastic. Barry and Maureen came to check on progress. Jim and Dwight completed all wiring on the box cab except the control harness. Dwight mounted a second high switch control mast at the station switch and repaired some switch points. Dwight re-mounted some refurbished track signs. It was a beautiful sunny day. 6,100 lights were put away till fall.

Sunday Gil spent the afternoon filling dints etc. on 6109 with body putty. Peter and Ed continued to cast parts. Peter is making sufficient for a box car and stock car. Bill stowed away all the lights and displays in the lower storage area now that the arches are in. 350 addition lights were taken down.

Monday Bill picked up two extra light fixtures, 14 duplex covers, five receptacles and some other supplies. Vic and Brian brought over Vic's tall step ladders to start putting up lights and completed the 12 foot light over the east work bench area. Remaining duplex plugs were wired and all covers installed. Jim worked on the box cab and gave a hand at wiring. Gil sanded and cleaned up the riding car for 6109. Bill worked on the computer getting pictures of the paint scheme for 6109.

Tuesday Peter and Ed completed casting roof saddles and screwed on the angle brackets on the corners of the refrigerator car. Gil and Jim cleaned off any rust on the box cab body. Bill started working on the April issue of the Nutty Report and took in 900 Christmas lights. He also cleaned up the area around the septic tank for the pump out truck that will be coming on Wednesday afternoon. He painted two paint samples for the painter. Vic came in the evening and installed the centre florescent fixtures in the engine house.

Wednesday Vic completed the mounting of the lights and had them all working. Ed put on the remaining corner brackets of the refrigerator car. Gil, Rob and Bill loaded the equipment going for painting. Brian secured a used propane tank cage for our fuel tanks and brought it to the railway. Bill put the posts and rails of the steaming bay back in place. Down in the basement HO railway two more lines were cleaned and made operational for a total to date of five. Two locomotives were lubricated.

Thursday Vic made three lift rings for 6109 and together with Gil took the body for 6109 and the box cab body along with 6109's riding out to Warren, Manitoba for painting.  Back at the railway the two cleaned up the south half of the engine house floor and sealed it with Welbond. It is ready for painting. Bill replaced the concrete sidewalk pavers on the septic tank. 

Friday Peter picked up floor paint. Bill completed five pages of the next Nutty Report. Hilt scanned Peter's three page report. Bill put the first coat of floor paint on the south side of the engine house. Peter did some levelling on the refrigerator car. Vic picked up a caddy for the table saw.

THE AVR WOULD LIKE TO THANK SUPERIOR PROPANE WHO HAVE DONATED A USED PROPANE TANK STORAGE CAGE FOR USE ON THE RAILWAY SO WE CAN STORE OUR FUEL IN A MORE SECURE MANNER.  

Saturday morning Bill put the second coat of floor paint on the south half of the engine house. He then made up a list of things to be done before the convention at the Victoria long weekend. Also a sign up list for club members to do different jobs. Richard, Peter J., Fred and Bill spent the afternoon taking down 12,150 Christmas lights. It is almost complete but a few remain in high water on the west side. Peter worked on the refrigerator car. Vic completed some outside electrical connections. Rob, Jim and Vic took loads of rock to Winch and started filling the spur track with rock. At about three most members present helped move all the material from the north side of the engine house to the newly painted south side. The floor was cleaned by David, Peter J. and Bill and then Bill put on a coat of sealer with Peter J. doing the edges with the brush. Dwight worked on the box cab with Jim and they mounted the controller cable and fixed it to the power bar. Dwight has made some significant modifications to the system to allow our common control units to be usable on the box cab. Dwight continued with his small trackside sign refurbishing and adjusted and checked track components. 

Sunday Bill put the first coat of floor paint on the north side of the engine house before church. Dwight came back to continue to fine tune the electrical controls on the box cab and was able to get it running on blocks. Bill cleaned up the grill and got it operational. Dwight and Bill lifted the box cab onto the rails and ran it out of the station. A riding car was attached and he ran it around both loops and determined that everything was working except a needed modification to the reverse system. Later Bill took it for a run with five cars and three passengers. It ran well and pulled the load up the hill in run six. It will be interesting to see what type of load it will pull. Later in the evening Bill put the second coat of paint on the floor in the engine house and cleaned up the rollers and tray.

Monday Jim did some more work on the box cab. He and Barry went for a ride behind #25. 

Tuesday Bill brought the cove material for the engine house. Peter added some trim to the refrigerator car.

Wednesday Bill picked up a new water pump. Peter and David worked on the refrigerator car, putting all the roof walk saddles and cutting and fitting the ice hatch platforms. Gil put casters on the six foot oak table that Bill had donated to the AVR. It will become a mobile work table in the machine shop. Peter J. cleaned up and organized the area behind the station for the propane cage. He then filled the area with rock while Bill levelled it off. Then the two placed two concrete slabs that will become the base for the propane cage.  Bill updated the web page. 

Thursday Rob used the leaf blower to clean track of winter junk and hazel nuts.

During the missing week Bill went to Vancouver and other did many tasks at the AVR which will be updated as soon as possible.

Wednesday  Vic worked the afternoon on 2365 preparing to mount the left hand valve extension that Cliff had provided. Peter and Ed cut and painted dimensional wood for the ice hatches on the refrigerator car. Later in the day David and Peter began mounting the parts. Bill started cleaning up the station, raking grass in front of the station and in the east yard. He ended the day by repairing and re-lamping 14 trail and coach lamps. Peter J. put a coat of rust paint on the propane cage.

Thursday Vic continued to work on the right hand injector water valve on 2365. Rob used the leaf blower to clear more debris and hazel nuts from the track. Gil used his sprayer to wash the outside of the station and under the canopy to remove dirt and cob webs. It looks great. Bill continued with yard raking and removing leaves. He also shovelled dirt off the lower parking area and gave it a good sweep removing a winters build up of debris. The steaming bay area was blown clear of leaves and gravel was cleared off the lift pad. After dark six trail lights were repaired.  Bill ordered for delivery on Saturday three sheets of 1/4 hard board for work benches. 1000 paving stones for sidewalks and some 4" culvert material. Peter went to check on the stainless tank for the refrigerator car. Len brought over the eight foot work bench that he is donating to the engine house.

Friday Vic continued to work on the injector plumbing on 2365. Peter purchased supplies for the refrigerator car and continued to mount parts. Bill purchased 10 new plastic lenses for yard pagoda lights and rebuilt six heads. Bill removed the sight glass and cleaned it and returned it to service. 

Saturday May 7th, 2005 Bill completed pages 2 to 6 for the next Nutty Report. He then went to work cleaning the station including counters, computer area, toilet and window and door frames. Len carried all the movable items to the engine house to clear the station floor. Brian helped with cleaning base boards. Bill using mope and pail cleaned the outside perimeter and north side plus washroom. He took the computer and printer apart and moved it. Later in the evening he painted a strip around the room plus the area under the desk for the computer and the north strip. Peter, David and Ed continued to work on the refrigerator with painting and mounting of ice roof hatch parts. Richard took garbage and junk to the end of the rood, took two new trees for Christmas displays to upper storage, transported the new 20' x 10' canopy down to the station and replaced 12 bad ties out on the railway. Gil and Bill moved the two cement sidewalk panels for the propane cage west and laid two more  for the fridge.  Bill, Vic, Gil and David moved the propane cage to its new home. Gil and Bill moved the fridge next to the cage and Brian plugged it in. Brian then cleaned the station plastic chairs. Gil screwed a new plywood top on the work bench that Len had donated. Vic completed the injector modification and then replaced the steam valve for the right hand injector. Dwight made up a jig for planting signal masts and then mounted the twelve masts that will be protecting the three mainline diamonds. Rob took his trailer full of junk the Vic had collected around the property and returned later with a load of 1/4" down for sidewalk repair. 

Sunday Bill painted the washroom before going to church. Peter worked on the refrigerator car. In the afternoon Bill serviced 2365 and brought her alive and noted several leaks that needed fixing and also noted that the three check valves had stuck open possible due to Denver water. Bill repaired the leaks and freed up the check valves and then tested the hand pump, both injectors, other valves and controls, safety controls and glass. After assuring that all was in order he went on a trip around the whole railway and put her to bed. 

Monday May 9th, Peter purchased 2 more gallons of floor paint. Gil painted Len's work bench and then mounted the two hardboard tops on both work benches. He added some extra strengthening members to the two benches. Peter and Ed continued work on the refrigerator car. Peter and Bill using Bill's van went out to Warren, Manitoba and brought back the bodies of 6109, its riding car and box cab 25. Back at the AVR Ed and Vic assisted in unloading. Bill washed most of the station floor and gave some parts a second coat and painted most of the remaining floor. Vic worked in the engine house during the evening cutting and gluing on the vinyl cove around the buildings parameter. Bill picked up 28 outside plastic chairs to add to the collection of seating.

Tuesday Peter and Ed worked on the refrigerator car. Vic and Gil worked on vinyl cove in the engine house and Vic completed the baseboards in the station washroom. Gil put for coats of Varathane on the two work benches.  Bill re vacuumed the station and rolled out the three locomotives and washed the floor where the locomotives were parked and then painted the entire floor.  Bill purchased 7 more plastic chairs.

Wednesday Peter, Gil, Jim, Ed and David worked on the box cab putting on the lettering and other trim like window and door frames, roof walks and other trim pieces. It looks very nice. Bill with help from Peter J. and Gil rolled 2365 over to the steaming bay and lifted her up to check the springs, bearings, drive rods and other running equipment as part of on going quality checks. Later Peter J. and Bill went around the railway and made sure all the tangents were straight. Peter, Ed and David continued to work on the refrigerator car. Later in the evening Bill and Barrie A. worked on the HO railway cleaning up the main yard, Testing the five operating trains and bringing the long mountain line on line so by midnight we could run six trains at one time plus part of the seventh line. 

Thursday Gil and Jim started putting 6109 back together with interior wiring harness and side vents. Vic took 202 to the hoist  with Richard's help and removed the front traction motor to find that the main gear had come loose. Vic cleaned it up and went home to do some machining. Richard replaced some ties. Bill picked up another 25 plastic chairs. Richard repaired the old canopy while Bill assembled the top frame for the new canopy. Richard and Bill put on the tarp and with Gil's help it was hoisted up. Richard and Bill completed it and moved tables and cooking equipment around. Vic returned and re-built the traction motor using other parts and Bill and Vic re-hung the front traction motor and re-assembled the brakes. Vic tested the locomotive. Bill dug a 12 foot trench for a 4" culvert under the sidewalk in preparation for the new paved sidewalk. 

Friday Bill printed up more literature on the railway. Gil continued to work on assembling parts on 6109. Rob checked out the power unit for 6109. Richard filled pot holes on the road and helped Bill lay paving stones on the main walkway. Richard moved all chairs and cleaned the old ones plus other cleaning. Peter got the gold lettering for 6109. Vic welded on the new brakes to the lift. 

Saturday May 14th Bill updated the web page and made up name badges. He then laid down a bunch of paving stones and interlaced them with the flower planter. Fred moved soil to along the edges to help bring the lawn to the paving stones. Vic assisted Peter with some caboose repairs. Bill assisted by Vic steamed up 2365 for a birthday party giving the group four double trips on the railway. Brian acted as station master during the runs. Vic and Bill then did two rock trains to supply more rock to the Winch spur. We were joined by Peter J. Two pails were left for the repair of a dip at mile 21.3 and three buckets were delivered to the loading spur to fix another dip. Vic supplied and made up a fan unit for 2365 to be used during steam up in place of air and it was successful tested and is much quieter then the air compressor.  Back in the engine house, Jim, Gil, Dwight, Peter, Ed, Fred and David continued to work on the completion of 6109, 25 and the refrigerator car. In the afternoon the great moment arrived when the body of 25 was mounted on the chassis and a train was made up and # 25 our Box Cab took 10 members around the railway on her maiden trip after completion. Brian was at the controls. It was a proud moment for Jim who had been the main mover on getting the project completed. His wife Carol came by to witness the event. Dwight started to mount the harness on the tethered riding car for 6109 and discovered the main frame had a small crack in the frame. Vic cut pieces of tubular steel and welded them on thus strengthening the structure. At about 4:30 John arrived from Tisdale with one of his Alan 10 wheelers and he was unloaded and steamed. John had brought his wife, daughter and son-in law. His locomotive was steamed and he tested her out with 2365 following behind. After several trips around nine members of the group went out for supper. Bill and Vic put the two steamers in the station overnight as it was supposed to freeze. Rob spent the afternoon with his son Joseph working on the Winch spur. He connected the first amount of track and spread rock on the balance ready for more track. The plan is to complete the first 40 feet of this spur before next weekend. 

Sunday John and his family steamed up the 10 wheeler and spent the morning steaming around before packing up for the trip back home. John had modified his burner over the winter and the results were successful as he was able to get good steam pressure. Bill and Len loaded 10 long tables loaned to us by Westminster United Church and they were unloaded by Bill, Peter J. and Gil at the AVR. Bill with assistance from Peter J. completed the sidewalk project and set up two temporary benches in the fire pit area to hold another twelve people. Jim put primer on the repaired area of the 6109 riding car. Bill racked leaves in the front yard while Peter J. assisted by Ed moved the leaves to the compost area. Ed put paint on some refrigerator car parts. Later Sunday some repairs were done to the caboose by Vic.

Monday Vic repaired the ladders on the caboose and later mounted them back on the car. He worked on the electrical and with Peter got all the lights working. Peter got Hilt to set type for the refrigerator car lettering. David completed the lettering on 6109 and the group put the body back on the chassis and ran it around the railway. We now have five functioning locomotives. Gil replaced marker lamp lenses on 6109 and 3001. Gil and Rob completed more track on the Winch spur so it can be used for switching on Sunday. Peter painted the ladders and hand rails on the caboose. Bill made three trips to the grocery store and has purchased many of the food items for Friday. Several more trips will be required. 

Tuesday Vic picked up wire grommets from Dwight and with Rob the riding car for 6109 was completed and attached. Peter continued with touch up paint on the caboose. Gil and Rob ballasted the area from mile 2 to mile 3.8 which Bill had leveled last fall. Rock in buckets was also left around the railway to back fill the station signs. Bill and Peter went by train and marked all the places were station signs would be placed. Bill set up two more benches for people using the extra paving stones. After scouts Bill picked up another load of groceries. 

Wednesday Bill picked up another load of groceries for the BBQ. At the railway Gil spent the day planting Peter's new station signs around the railway. Ed and Peter put up the five building signs as well as continuing to work on the refrigerator car. Richard completed the job of filling pot holes on the road and did a clean up of the area. Bill repaired super elevations on 100 feet of track at mile 22 and the inside siding at mile 35 to 36. Brian spread some ballast along the area. Peter J spent the afternoon cleaning the yard and was joined by Bill and Richard. Bill got the west fountain going. Bill set the railway for right hand running and ran 202 in both direction on the railway.  Gil later took out 6109 with his wife to show her the new signs. In the evening Bill and Barrie spent the evening till midnight cleaning and testing the HO railway.

Thursday May 19th, Bill did another grocery run and was joined at the AVR by Peter J. and his wife Rosemary who spent from 2 till 8 pm cutting, slicing and dicing vegetables for the BBQ while Bill made jellied salads, macaroni and tuna salad and two rice dishes for Friday, Peter came and cleaned up his tools in the engine house. Richard put on the track side water system and repaired leaks, he also repaired the rear sidewalk were the water system goes underground. He cleaned up garbage and tidied up more areas. 

Friday May 20th. Bill was up early to continue with food preparation. Gil and Rob repaired some cross elevation problems and a bit of ballasting. Richard worked with David, Barrie and Bill putting out tables and chairs. Vic, Jim and others helped with getting equipment out and ready. We were steamed and ready to go by 3:00 pm but delegates did not start to arrive until 4:30 pm.  In all we served over 260 people. The AVR members were joined by a half dozen WMRC members who helped cook. The following AVR members helped welcome people, run trains and serve food. Bill, Peter, Mary-Lou, Ed, Dwight, Carmelina, Richard, Barrie, David, Barry, Rob, Jim, Gil, Linda, Vic, Brian and Peter J..  The menu was Hamburgers, Chicken fingers, hot dogs, pork & beans and wieners, assorted cold cuts, Herring, fried rice, tuna & macaroni salad, assorted cut vegetables, black & green olives, assorted pickles, chips, cheese corn, pretzels, nacho chips, dip, rye bread, jellied fruit salad, jellied carrot salad, coffee, tea, lemonade, orange and soft drinks. It was a team effort as it came together thanks to all the help that members and friends put into the day and the lead up to the day.

Saturday was the second day of Golden Rails 2005 and many AVR members attended events.

Sunday afternoon and evening at the AVR was two sessions of what we called hands on where we operated a switching session on the railway. Each session was limited to 12 to 20 delegates. We ran four trains in both directions and picked up and dropped off equipment at the many spur tracks around the railway in the fashion of real railroading. Some of the delegates got to try their hand at operating several of our diesels. The delegates got to try switching and conductor duties on each train. The afternoon session lasted from 2:00 till 4:00 when the AVR put on a small BBQ for members and designates. At 6:00 the second session started with a new group of delegates. At about 8:30 we continued with night running on the line with two trains traveling in opposing directions. AVR members helping with the sessions were Bill, Peter, Ed, Dwight, Barry, David, Rob, Shirley, & Peter J.

Monday was Victoria day and a day off rest after the meet. Peter did some work on patterns for the refrigerator car. Bill worked on the computer sending out notices for the Dominion Day meet and he also cleaned up steamers, coffee pots and pans from the BBQ.

Tuesday the 82nd Beavers, Cubs and Scouts with about 50 people had their windup BBQ at the railway and Bill ran 3001 for train rides while Rob helped set up trains and changed bearings on one truck on the black gondola. After the group left Rob and Bill started the 200 hour inspection of 2365.

Wednesday Peter J. and Brian moved rock to the Old Fort spur and spread it. Peter continued to work on the refrigerator car making door stops and building a jig for side ladders. Rob replaced bearings on the caboose trucks. Bill and Rob continued on the 200 hour inspection of 2365 with an inspection of the fire box, crown sheet,  fusible plug, burners, upper burner grate, secondary air cover, burner holder rods, propane line, water lines, fire box arch and water glass openings. The arch was hard to remove and a call to Cliff resulted in a suggestion to boar the plate holes out over size or file down the pins in the drill press. It did not mater as either would make the parts looser. Peter suggested the latter method.

Thursday Bill updated the web page at his office as the station computer has a glitch. Peter completed a ladder for the refrigerator car and mounted it. 

Friday Peter continued on the refrigerator car and built a second side ladder and Ed painted the components. Bill continued with the web page and started to repair the failing computer. All important data was backed up.

Saturday Bill went to work restoring the main C drive. Richard, Bill and Gil took down the new canopy and moved the roof frame in front of the station for the Dominion Day meet. The tarps and poles were stored away. The ten borrowed table were loaded in the van. Richard moved the chairs to the driveway and he and Gil took the stove and other materials to the upper storage. Peter and Ed continued to work on the refrigerator car on ladder manufacturing and painting. Gil and Peter J. leveled the siding at Winch and laid down additional rock. Vic did some repairs on the caboose details and started the modification of the injector piping and water valve on the right hand side of 2365. Bill continued with the computer update and worked until 1:00 am. Dwight spent the afternoon trouble shooting some signal problems caused by wet weather.

Sunday Vic completed the caboose repairs and continued with the right hand injector plumbing on 2365. Bill with the help of Bradley returned the ten tables to the church. Peter fabricated the upper brake rods and links for the refrigerator car. Peter J. mounted the new brass bell on the boiler jacket of 2365. Bill spent the evening loading software into the computer. 

Monday Peter and Ed continued with the refrigerator car construction making and painting brake platform parts. Dwight came and replaced the circuit board in the east Charleswood switch. Craig a member of the AVR who lives in Texas came by with his wife Eileen and took her via box cab 25 on a trip around the railway. Vic completed the right hand injector modification on 2365. Bill replaced the fire box arch that Vic had made the pins smaller on at home. Peter made the pattern for the refrigerator car ice hatch latches. Bill armed with more software got the computer up and running and started to update the web page. 

Tuesday May 31st, 2005  Bill worked on the web in the morning. Peter worked on the refrigerator car. In the afternoon Bill leveled and set the elevation on both siding and main line at Old Fort in preparation for ballast. Bill re-set the elevations on the big curve north of mile 13 and started removing moss and old ballast from the tangent west of mile 13. for 35 feet. After 7:30 pm Bill took out #25 and the ballast hopper and completed 34 feet of new ballast from the north tangent through part of the big curve at mile 13.5. 

Wednesday Peter and Ed continued work on the refrigerator car with Peter staying late to work on patterns for door hardware. Vic and Gil took the body off 202 and removed all the windows and lighting harness. They also cut a slice off the stainless steel tank and lid for the refrigerator car to accommodate the hinge.  Peter J. pained the yoke of 2365's new bell. Bill and Peter J. spent the afternoon moving rock to the curve at mile 13 with #25 and the hopper. The whole area that was prepared is ballasted. Dwight studied and laid out templates in preparation for building the engine house spur switch. 

Thursday Peter made up another pattern and poured a mold of several patterns with RTV rubber.

Friday Bill ordered a truck load of 1/2 clean rock for ballasting. It arrived today. Peter with Ed's assistance continued working on the refrigerator car casting door hardware and starting the insulation. Gil commenced the dirty job of stripping 202 of her old colours and completed one side.

Saturday Bill completed page one of the "Nutty Report" and started the job of printing the issues. During this period in the morning he took out 2365 and brought her to life and made three successful loops of the railway. All appears to be working well. Bill then modified the open house sign for a Saturday open time of 11:00 am and repaired the hinges. The colour ink cartridge then needed refilling. Vic did an inspection of riding car 100. Len set up the metal cutting band saw with new parts and a new blade and trued everything up. Gil spent the afternoon removing paint from 202. Len and Vic ran the battery cable for car 100 under the frame and modified it as needed. Bill, Len and Vic continued to test 2365 with a number of trips. The locomotive was then taken to the steaming bay where David installed the two heralds on the panels on the cab and installed number and data on the rear of the tender. Bill, Richard and Peter J hauled rock with 25 to the main and siding at Old Fort completing the project. David and Peter worked on some castings for the refrigerator car. Four members stayed on for a BBQ. Bill continued to print Nutty Reports. 

Sunday Bill spent five hours completing the "Nutty Report" print run and stuffing envelopes. Peter and David continued work on the refrigerator car with completion of castings and insulating the car.

Monday Bill completed the envelopes and mailed out the "Nutty Report". Later Bill picked up three pinion and three bull gears that Vic had ordered for gear box rebuilding. Peter and Ed mounted the hinge on the refrigerator door roof. Gil continued to remove paint from 202. Bill updated the web and swept out the last bits of ballast at Old Fort. 

Tuesday Bill picked up the sound system for 202 along with spare brake castings and shoes. Peter worked on sizes of printing for the lettering on the refrigerator car. Rob continued to work on removing paint on the nose of 202. Bill updated the web and loaded pictures on the station computer.  Sixteen pictures were prepared for this web page. Dwight started work on the engine house switch. Gil spent more time removing paint on 202. 

Wednesday Bill purchased two new batteries for 3001 and with Peter J's help they were installed. While apart Peter J cleaned up some of the corrosion. The second set of batteries were topped up with water and put on charge. Gil and Rob continued on the paint removing on 202. Some of the paint was very stubborn. Vic started work on the sound system for 202 while Peter and Ed continued work on the refrigerator car. Bill worked on the web page. Gil returned in the evening and pressure washed 202.

Thursday Vic went to work assembling the sound system on 202. Rob continued with paint removal on the top hatches of 202 and Peter came in the evening to work on the refrigerator car. Bill cut the grass where it was not flooded. 

Friday Bill spent the afternoon cutting and trimming weeds around the station, along the tracks at mile 15 to 16 and from mile 6 west through Amur Glen and then around the Ghosty diamond area. Peter and Ed completed the hinge on the roof of the refrigerator car.

Saturday was our first open house day and while the June open house is usually not too busy the visitors were 50% more that last year. The rain held off until after 7:00 pm. Bill was up early and made a jellied salad, sliced onions, cut food and prepared the pork and beans and wieners.   Bill and Len steamed up 2365 and shared in its operation during the day. Rob worked as dispatcher and operated our second train along with Bill. Brian worked as station master with Ed assisting from time to time. Richard helped as conductor on 2365 and did some switching duties on 6109. During the open house Richard selected a series of switch ties so that Dwight could start building the switch for the engine house spur. Vic continued to work on 202's sound system. At 5:00 pm Bill started cooking chicken fingers, hamburgers and the beans and wieners. Helen prepared a cake and potato salad, Lisa prepared a tapioca pudding. The members only BBQ attended by about 18 members was in honour of Peter and Len's birthday. 

Sunday Bill updated the web page. Vic pulled out the equipment and with Bill steamed 2365 for a 1:00 pm start. A heavy rain fall over night brought the water at Ghosty Hollow and Duck Lake to the middle of the ties. Bill had walked the track in the morning and a slow order was posted from mile 8 to mile 12 due to high water. During the open house we had no problems in that area. Len and Rob operated 3001 when needed and Shirley was the station master. We had a 100% increase in passengers over last year.

Monday Vic worked on the sound system for 202. Bill brought a load of machine shop material to the AVR and Vic helped unload it.  Bill did some paperwork for the AVR and later got started on moss removal from mile 6 going north. Peter, Gil and Rob where by to line up work projects.

Tuesday Bill brought a second load of shelving and boxes of machine shop parts. He later cleaned up four shelving units and placed them on the south wall. Gil did some body putty work on 202 and Vic cleaned up the lath base and put it in place along with one shelving unit for lath parts. Bill went through all the boxes and sorted stuff onto shelves. Dwight and Bill took the new engine house switch out to its location and discussed how it would effect the platform and how to run the linkage. The city sent a crew to check our high water areas for mosquito larvae and found non.

Wednesday Peter spent the evening in the engine house mounting all the hinge, door latch and related hardware for the ice hatch doors on the refrigerator car. Gil spent time on 202 and Bill continued to clean moss off the line north of mile 6. 

Thursday Peter worked on door hardware for the main refrigerator plug doors. Vic borrowed 350 feet of flexible water hose and with help from Gil and Bill established a pump location at Duck Lake sending the water to Swan Drive storm sewer. Vic started working on a water pump for 2365. Gil checked the pump in the evening.

Friday Bill checked the pump and it had moved all the water on the east side of the line. The pump was moved to the west side of the line. Vic picked up more large hose and a large gas pump and with Gil they laid out more hose up to Ghosty Hollow and got the pump going. It moved a lot of water before Bill put it away for the night. Bill brought another van load of machine shop material and with Rob sorted it all out and put it on shelves. Peter worked on small latch parts for and refrigerator car and made up a new mold for small parts. Bill spent about two hours removing moss north of mile 6.

Saturday Vic came early and started the gas pump up and during the day he and Gil relocated the pump several times and lowered most of the water on the west side. Rob helped with the rolling up of hose at the end of the day and Richard helped with some digging. Starting at 1:00 pm Bill, Fred, Richard and Rob hauled rock with 3001 and removed and spread ballast from mile 6 north towards Creosote crossing. The line was also leveled at the same time. Dwight completed the engine house switch and spent the afternoon putting it in by the station. He removed paving stones and ballast and connected up the track. Gil continued on 202 with body putty and sanding and Vic took 2365 to the steaming bay for measurements.  Bill, Vic and Rob went down to Wall street and brought another load  of machine shop materials to the AVR including the lath, drill press and grinder. With Gil's help the equipment was set up on its stands. Bill and Rob sorted out some of the small parts. Peter made castings of his refrigerator door parts and cut up and painted a set of window trim for the north window. Bill updated the web page and closed all the gates. Carmelina came to check on our progress and Vic gave some casual visitors a train ride behind #25. The temperature went over 30 Celsius today.

Sunday Gil worked on #202 continuing to remove some stubborn paint areas and fill spots with body putty. Bill completed the moss removal on the old line up to Creosote Crossing. Peter worked on door latch parts for the refrigerator car.

Monday June 20th, 2005 Gil continued to work on #202 with detail work to the roof panels and body putty. Peter painted the ice hatch hardware and the door latch hardware. Bill spread three hopper cars of rock up to Creosote Crossing and tidied it up with shovel and broom. He then removed moss from 12 more feet between mile 6 and Amur Glen followed by sorting through more machine shop parts and equipment. Five purple blocks have been lifted from the big curve north of mile 6.

Tuesday Gil, Vic and Jim ran a couple of trains for a unit of the Red Hat Ladies.  Gil worked on 202, sanding and applying body putty. Vic worked on assembly of the lathe components and worked on the drill press. Bill removed the last 18 feet of moss east of Amur Glen and leveled the 30 foot section. He then re-leveled the "S" bend at Duck Lake and removed moss and leveled the next 35 feet to the south and removed moss from another 20 feet south. At Amur Glen on the siding 20 feet of moss was removed and cross elevation problems were fixed. Dwight adjusted the engine house switch and organized our rail stock. Bill started purchasing food supplies for the upcoming meet.

Wednesday Bill picked up 20 new safety chain hooks for spares and a box of bolts for 2365. He also loaded eleven more boxes of machine shop material. Vic worked on the lathe mounting it to its platform and setting up the drive motor. Bill and Len went through the boxes of machine shop parts and sorted and stored them away. Twenty boxes remain to come over plus the milling machine and stand. The members of the AVR will benefit by having this fine club facility available for railway related projects. Bill took #25 out to the area south of mile 10 and removed another 17 feet of moss making it ready for new ballast. Peter continued on the refrigerator car by affixing the side door latch assemblies complete with tiny padlocks on the main doors. All is now complete except for lettering. Peter nailed up the trim on the south window in the engine house.

A note to all AVR members:  There will be a BBQ at 6:00 pm after the Saturday Open House in July and August. It is included as part of membership. Guests are welcome at $4.00 each. R.S.V.P.  B.Y.O.B.

Thursday Bill ordered the air conditioner for the engine house.  Vic continued to work on the sound system for 202 and then started to disassemble traction motors. Bill cut grass in front of the station, yard, upper parking area, some trails and camping area.

Friday Bill picked the A/C up and when he and Gil opened it up we found its frame had been bent causing the fan to jam. Bill returned it to the dealer but was told that if we could fix it we could have it for $100.00.  Bill felt he could repair it and took it back to the engine house were with tools he pounded the frame back into shape and adjusted the other components and bench tested the unit. Gil continued to put body filler on 202 and sand it down. It has become a real labour of love for Gil. He will know every rivet on that locomotive.

Saturday Gil cut the opening for the A/C case and affixed it to the building. Gil, Bill and Fred hoisted it into place and Bill started it up. Gil continued to spend his time filling and sanding the body of 202. Fred and Dwight dismantled the old west Charleswood switch and other track components and laid out the rails and fastened them together for the spur to the engine house. Dwight lifted the paving stones where the track will run. Richard and Bill filled five train loads of rock and spread the ballast on 185 feet of track. The section from mile 11 back to 35 feet south of mile 10 was complete. The last 30 feet of track from mile 6 to the Amur Glen east switch was completed and the 20 feet on the siding on Amur Glen was completed. Peter and David completed the lettering on the refrigerator car after Hilt laid out the lettering and Peter had it made at Sign Express. The car looks great and will make a fine show car. Ed, Rob and Barry paid a visit to check on progress.

Thursday June 30th members of the AVR gathered to do last minute preparations for the meet. Barry and Vic set up the gas pump and hose at Ghosty Hollow as the rains on Wednesday had brought the water to rail height. At about 2:00 pm Whit arrived with his Pacific and a trailer full of equipment and five other guests. Unloading started immediately and soon after Barry arrived with his Pacific and the two locomotives were steamed at the bay while 2365 got steamed in front of the station. Supper was served in the engine house at 6:00 pm and consisted of baked pork chops, seasoned rice, vegetables, tossed salad and trimmings. The balance of the evening was used up with night running with four trains running in opposing directions.

Friday was Canada day and after breakfast of pancakes and sausage the delegates ran for fun. During this period all of the rolling stock was distributed around on the various spur tracks. One locomotive developed a tender truck bearing problem and emergency repairs were performed. After lunch of soup and sandwich the afternoon switching session started and continued until almost 7:00 pm when a BBQ was held with hamburgers, hot dogs, beans and wieners, chicken fingers and all the trimmings. Night running followed until quite late in the evening. A significant mile stone is that this meet marks the 10 th anniversary of the Assiniboine Valley Railway. Another significant event of the day was when Peter's refrigerator car was put on the track and had her maiden trip around the railway. She is a fine car that took a lot of effort by Peter and several members of the club under Peter's stewardship.  Well done.

Saturday breakfast consisted of Bacon & Eggs with hash browns. Locomotives were steamed up and cars were re-distributed to spurs and after a lunch of soup and sandwich at the afternoon switching program was held. Ed ran the card order and Whit dispatched trains and the railroad was run bi-directional as before but now each train also reversed its direction several times during the session so you never knew which direction you were going in. During the session one task was to get eight gons to Paterson for dinning tables and fetch all of Whit's cars for loading. At 6:00 the dinner train started with 16 seats. We needed three trains to complete feeding everyone. Food was served buffet style with delegates loading their plates and eating on route. The visitors from the USA were feed first so loading could commence while others were eating. The menu consisted of backed pork, spaghetti and meat sauce, jellied salad, pork and beans, macaroni and tuna salad, pickled hearing, tossed salad and all the extra trimmings. After supper loading was completed. The visitors got a look at the basement HO empire and left to see Ed's Layout and then off to the USA. Several members stayed back to clean up the food and store all the equipment away. 

Sunday a small group came for breakfast. Barry and Vic loaded and unloaded Barry's Pacific so repairs can be done. Vic moved the pump and hose to his car and we all owe Vic a debt of gratitude for lowering the water levels on the west side of the railway and showing us how it can be done. We will be purchasing 1.5 inch poly pipe to be permanently installed from Ghosty Hollow  with a "Tee" at Duck Lake to the storm sewer to the north as we are now draining all the back yards on the east side of Wexford and we need to deal with all this excess water. Bill, Len and David took 2365 to the steaming bay and put it on the lift and checked all the running gear and brake linkages. Special attention was paid to the leading trucks that needed to be well lubricated. The tender trucks got their periodic lubrication. Vic was able to get some inside measurements while on the lift.  David spent the day apprenticing with Bill on taking the steamer from cold to alive and then shutting her down after a run. Time was spent on instruction and demonstration on all the steps needed to safely operate the locomotive.   It is the hope that during the summer interested and qualified members of the AVR will become trained on operation of 2365. The training process will take several days for each member. David was a fast learner and after some solo time will be ready. The locomotive 2365 is owned jointly by Peter and Bill and while it is not a club locomotive Bill or Peter need others who are qualified and comfortable running it to spell off those who are the designated operators on any given day. The steamer is not like our diesels that can be started and stopped with a switch. The operators of the steamer need to work and hour before and after any running time.   Bill did the math on the food used on the weekend and we purchased $491.70 in supplies and meet attendees paid $497.00 so the planning was great as we try and make food at meets affordable and try not to have a surplus. 

Monday July 4th, 2005 Bill cleared moss, leveled and laid down ballast on 30 feet of track on the west side. Gil came to check 202, Peter came to see the progress on the west side. 

Tuesday Bill cleared moss for 42 feet completing the tangent and reaching the Ghosty Hollow curve. Thirty feet was leveled and ballasted. Six baby deer were spotted. Propane was purchased for 2365. More handouts were printed. 

Wednesday Gil spent the afternoon filling and sanding marks on the body of 202. He tried a new type of body putty. Vic steamed up 2365 so that Peter's sister could be taken on a ride behind the new steam engine. Vic took the first few trips and then Peter took the control and he let Ed take a couple of runs. Vic blew down and put her away. Bill went to work on the moss again and was joined by Len and together they worked around the big curve at Ghosty Hollow removing moss, leveling and ballasting. About 60 feet was completed. A small bridge was fabricated of angle iron to allow drainage. Several other dips were leveled. 

Saturday July 9th, 2005 Bill was on the line at 8:00 am with the rock train and leveled and ballasted the last prepared track at Ghosty Hollow. Four steel pegs were driven into the ground to stabilize the small bridge on the curve. Bill then got all the trains out. Len arrived and steamed up 2365 while Bill reversed 6109. It became a very hot and humid day with the humidex well over 100 degrees. The riders were steady all day but never a large crowd. Most people were really pleased by the railway and the service we offered. When rider ship warranted we ran opposing but mostly 3265 handled the visitors. At 6:00 pm the members had a BBQ followed by running for fun. David got his opportunity to run after  the public rides ended. The following members were at the railway and contributed, Bill, Peter, Len, Helen, Mary-Lou, Ed, Dwight, Carmelina, Richard, David, Rob, Shirley, The kids, Fred and Christine.  Dwight repaired some signals and Richard replaced a number of bad ties. 

Sunday was our second day of the open house with the humidex over 100 degrees. The visitors were steady but in smaller quantity. The park next door was deserted as people looked for a cool place to be. The Railway was run by Jim, Rob, Ed, Bill, Shirley and Len. Jim fired 2365 and Bill blew her down. Gil worked on 202 for awhile and Peter started construction on the next two freight cars, an outside braced box car and stock car. Ed helped with bolster and coupler placement. Rob helped Peter cut one set of under body steel. 

Monday Gil and Jim completed the repairs to the ladder hand rails on 202. Peter cut the steel for the second car and machined some additional parts. Bill purchased four more 14' window moldings.

Tuesday Gil completed some gluing of parts on 202. Peter drilled and tapped the bolsters for the two cars. Metal parts were wire brushed ready for affixing to cars.

Wednesday Peter continued on the two show cars. Vic started work on the water pump modification on 2365 and ordered 500 feet of 1.5 " poly line for future west side water control. Gil continued to work on 202.

Thursday the poly pipe arrived at the AVR. Gil put the first coat of paint on the window trim. Peter screwed down the floor steel framing on the new cars. 

Friday July 15th 2005  Gil put a second coat of paint on the window trim. Bill purchased and picked up a 5 gal pail of steam oil. Peter and Ed spent some time on the two new cars. Bill cut the grass in front of the station and in the upper parking area. The walking trails are still too wet. Barry returned the axel pump that he had modified for Vic.

Saturday Bill took down the canopy frame from in front of the station. Using Round-Up Bill sprayed the whole railway line for weed control completing the job by noon. Richard cleaned up garbage while Bill updated the web page. The two put the canopy parts away. Bill, Richard and David took 2365 to adjust the suspension springs and to wipe down the locomotive. David, Peter and Ed continued work on the two cars while, Richard, Fred, Gil and Bill removed moss and re-elevated and spread new ballast on the next 40 feet of track at Ghosty Hollow. Peter had his nephew and wife come by and Ed gave them a train ride behind 3001.  

Sunday July 17 Bill checked the AVR lines and area to see what the previous night and morning thunder storm had done at the railway. Winds exceeded 100 KM per hour. In the station area the live ash tree between the station and engine house had a main trunk failure about nine feet up and the top while still attached to the trunk is at 90 degrees missing the engine house but falling into the trees to the south. It is not savable. The fabric of the canopy has about 20 feet of rips in it.  A small branch of the maple tree to the north side of the engine house has broken off taking a live branch of an apple tree with it. Damage is minimal and missed all buildings. A dead branch of an ash tree to the west of the station is resting on the station roof but did no damage. Along the sidewalk the dead crown of the failing Siberian Elm has come down saving the work of removing it. It did no damage to the surroundings. A dead poplar tree in the front yard came down damaging a pagoda light but no other damage. On the line a crown of an Ash tree came down on the track at mile 16.5 but did no damage. Two people can move it. The culvert at this location is fully active. The water at Ghosty Hollow is one inch from rail head.  At the north end of Chapman there are two live poplars down over the track. One fell on top of another and will need a chain saw. The bottom tree may be saved.  The culvert at the east tunnel is 60 % active. A dead poplar needing a chain saw is down at mile 3 doing no damage. The small culvert at mile 36 was cleared and is fully active. There are several dead poplars down over the nature trails but as these trails are under water it appears unlikely that the downed trees will stop any hikers.  The dead oak in front of the station that is scheduled for removal has a couple of broken top branches, these should be looked at. There are hundreds of small deed branches on the track but these are of not concern other that removing. There may be a tree down along the main road but this has not been confirmed. In all the only serious loss is that of the ash tree leaning over the canopy.  The old information kiosk at Amur Glen has been toppled over and its roof broken. This should not be hard to fix. At 10:00 am it is still raining lightly. After lunch Gil came by with his chain saw but after consultation with other members it was decided to let the fellow who was to take out the dead oak  also take out the ash tree. Peter, David and Ed continued to work on the two cars. David worked on trucks. The under frame parts were all removed and painted along with the two bases plates. Bill went on the roof of the engine house and took off loose limbs and inspected it for damage from the ash and reported that there was non. Barry came by and checked out car construction and also machine shop parts. 

Monday Bill found some time to cut all the wood up from the old roof deck for firewood and also fill a wheelbarrow with small branches from the storm. Peter and Ed continued work on the two cars.

Tuesday July 19th Peter and Ed worked on the two cars painting truck components and assembling the car floors. 

Wednesday Peter continued painting and assembling car parts. Jim repaired the bent ladder on the box cab and gave Peter a hand. Dwight removed the frog from the station lead switch and filed it so the adjoining rails would mate better. Peter worked on couplers with Dwight giving and hand to the project.

Thursday Peter and Ed continued on the car project.

Friday Peter filed, adjusted and assembled the couplers and mounted them on the car floors. Vic came for all the new axel pump parts so he could work on them at home. 

Saturday July 23rd, Vic took 2365 to the steaming bay with 3001 and started the work of mounting the axel pump and eccentrics on the locomotive. Richard and Fred spent the day removing fallen trees and branches from the railway and then started to work on the big ash tree near the engine house. The steel canopy was dismantled by Richard, Fred, Vic, Ed and Peter. The large tarp was put in the garbage as the falling ash tree had destroyed it. 

Sunday Vic took 2365 to the lift with 3001 and spent the day working on the axel pump mountings. Peter made up colour samples for the painter who will paint 202. He also worked on the new cars. 

Monday Gil with his chain saw cut the lower branches off the fallen ash tree and then Vic went to work on the tree. Both Gil and Vic cut away until the tree was cut into manageable pieces. It is a welcome relief to know the tree will not do further damage. Peter spent his time scribing board lines on the car sides and ends.

Tuesday Peter made copies of 202 painting pictures for the painter.

Wednesday July 27th Vic took 2365 to the lift with 3001 and continued the challenging job of fitting the pump and working out the piping problems. Peter completed the scribing on the car sides and ends both inside and out. Ed and Peter put masking tape around the west face of the engine house and Ed started painting it to match the station. Gil nailed on some of the molding around the windows and back door inside the engine house.

Thursday Gil completed the molding including around the new air conditioner. Peter worked on the cars. Bill visited the restored passenger cars and re-built Royal Alexander Room in the museum in Cranbrook, B.C.

Friday Peter and Gil took the body of 202 out to Warren, Manitoba to the painter. Ed completed the painting on the west face of the engine house. Vic drilled and put in set screws in the eight wheel sets for the two new cars. Peter using the router cut the side doors on the box car and end doors in the stock car and then cleaned up. The sides and ends were given a coat of shellac.

Saturday July 30th, Vic continued to work on 2365. Peter picked up more supplies for the two cars. Gil and Fred cleaned up the smaller ash branches and raked up the area. Peter sanded the car sides and ends and applied a second coat of shellac. Peter and Ed marked out the centre line of the engine house spur. David and Fred did a primary survey of the 41 ft spur. Fred and David surveyed and put in elevation stakes for a climb of 1.3%.  Peter sanded the sides again and Ed gave them a coat of paint. Bill rode the steam train in Heritage Park in Calgary and noted after visiting the cab that they used two injectors on their full sized 0-6-0. They have a nice collection of full size work equipment and passenger cars in the roundhouse and car barn.

Sunday Vic spent the day working on the pump plumbing and valve placement on 2365. Ed put a second coat of paint on the sides of the two new cars. Bill visited the club in Airdrie, Alberta to talk about the plans for next years ramble from Train Mountain and to see their progress. 

Monday August 1st. Vic spent the day working on the valve and hose connections on 2365 in the station. David brought a friend Morey and together with Vic's instructions modified and assembled the four sets of trucks. The two then cut and formed on the table saw the two top stringers for the box car sides and glued them to the walls.  Bill and Mary-Lou returned home after a two week western trip.

Tuesday Ed masked the north face of the engine house and with Peter's assistance painted it. Peter, Ed and Bill did a trial fit of the walls and ends of the box car. Bill cleared up e-mail.

Wednesday Vic completed the piping on the steamer for the axel pump and fired her up and made about 10 loops adjusting for the correct flow. Bill took her around for several loops and noted that it worked well and that Vic had done a good job. The axel pump was primarily added as Peter felt it would be nicer for him to operate and he then did a couple of trips and decided that the effort was indeed easier for him to run. The locomotive now has four means of putting water in the boiler. The piping is set so that the axel pump can be put on or off depending on the wish of the operator. Those who like using the injectors can continue to do so. It was noted that when in the station the injectors are essential. Vic has done a great job installing the pump for Peter and it will add an extra feature to the locomotive. Len helped with car floor moving and putting away templates.  Peter, Bill, Vic and Dwight had a discussion about the bridge and track work to the engine house and it was decided that Dwight would build it out of 2 x 6 for now with possible steel or aluminum in the future as we see how the ground shifts over the winter. The steel channel on hand was dug out and Vic will design two dollies for initial locomotive storage. Vic, Dwight and Bill moved the 500 foot of poly pipe to Ash grove for eventual use to pump out the west side. Peter put coats of shellac on the top side of the new cars.  Bill updated the web site and replied to phone calls on AVR business. 

Thursday Bill started to dig off the overburden and insulation from the service line to the station and uncovered 22 feet of the line behind the dog house. Peter continued work on the two cars, testing the trucks on the floors and cutting "Z" bracing for the sides.

Friday Vic re-configured our two wheeled wheelbarrow into a one wheel standard unit as non of the members found the two wheel model to work well. We now have three working units. Len found a fairly new  air compressor with 30 gallon tank. Peter filed, trimmed and adjusted more "Z" bracing for the box car. Bill dug the top soil of more of the service line from the station. Forty feet is now clear. 

Saturday Bill dug 14 for feet of the service line between the track and the house as well as evicting a family of wasps during the cool of the morning. The next project was to blow twigs and debris off about 1800 feet of track. While on this project a test of the water system was performed and a leak was detected near mile 30. Len brought over the newly acquired air compressor and replaced its air filter and tested out the system Rob took out #25 and Peter's refrigerator car and the group of us went out to Amur Glen and took some builders pictures. Peter taking Photos and Bill taking digital. Bill then started removing moss from mile 11 heading north to mile 12. Once Len was finished with the air compressor he joined on the moss detail and 47 feet was cleared. David and Peter worked on the outside braced box car and drilled all the holes in the bracing to be affixed to the side of the car and Peter painted the items.

Sunday Bill had the flue. Peter worked on the cars with more cutting, painting and trimming. 

Monday Vic was over early to fire up 2365 for a youth group special event and was joined by Peter and Ed. The little kids enjoyed the rides. Peter spent the afternoon making two master patterns for moulds to make up gusset plated for the car bracing. Bill brought the web page up to date.

Tuesday Vic sheared and bent additional angel strips for Peter's cars. Rob, Vic, Ed and Peter got out a train for a youth group coming in the afternoon. Rob hauled the initial rock for the engine house spur and laid it down. Jim took the box cab to the lift and added nylon washers to the trucks and serviced and lubricated the mechanical parts. The front step was repaired and later #25 was tested. Peter completed a third master pattern and made a mould of parts.  Vic and Bill spent several hours working out the dimensions for the engine house locomotive rack and lower level dollies.

Wednesday Ed started painting the south face of the engine house and completed the first third, Peter spent the day casting pieces for the outside bracing for his box car and stock car. Dwight picked up the lumber for the bridge into the engine house and assembled the west end platform complete with ties and creosote. Bill cut the grass in front of the station, along the road, in the upper parking area and for the first time this year along the nature trails that are at last dry enough to travel on. Lots of dead trees were moved from the trails due to high winds.

Friday August 12th. Ed completed the painting on the south face of the engine house. Vic cut up the steel for two of the storage dollies that will hold locomotives in the engine house. Rob started laying track on the engine house spur and completed it to where Dwight's bridge will carry on. Dwight put the long part of the bridge together and creosoted it.  Peter continued on the box car and supervised jobs. Dwight worked on the signal system. Bill got supplies for the BBQ.

Saturday was the first day of the August open house. The trains were operated by Vic, Len, Rob, Fred, Richard and Bill. Ed started painting the east face of the engine house and Peter worked on small parts for the box car. After the public run we had a members BBQ outside the station. Vic replaced the valves in the locomotive cylinder cock valves. 

Sunday was a busier day at the open house and the railway was operated by Vic, Len, Rob, Ed and Bill. Peter completed painting the gussets and drilled 100s of holes for the outside bracing.

Monday August 15th, Bill picked up 100 feet of poly 3/4" air line and three sheets of Styrofoam for the underground. Peter worked on a few parts for the box car. Bill spent five hours wire brushing the steel for two dollies. 

Tuesday Peter made up some more parts for the box car. Ed completed the painting of the east side of the engine house. Then he put primer on the dollies steel. Vic welded the spacers onto the long steel channels and picked up primer and steel for the wheel brackets and pushing bars. Bill started work on the next "Nutty Report"

Wednesday Bill completed the "Nutty Report" and Peter did the proof reading. The printing process started. Ed painted the small north face of the Engine House and Peter worked on "Z" bracing pieces for the box car. Len and Bill transported all the remaining machine shop supplies to the engine house and Bill sorted our six boxes of parts. Ed helped with moving equipment and boxes with Len into the shop. Dwight screwed on all the ties on the wood bridge and put on the rails. 

Thursday Vic spend the day working on the dollies by cutting steel and welding on one set of wheels. Peter painted some "Z" bracing and gave his nephew and his children a train ride. Bill printed and stapled "Nutty Reports", hauled scrap wood for fire pit and made up kindling from branches. He also replace the first section of the front sidewalk. 

Friday Bill mailed out the "Nutty Reports".  Ed and Peter completed the painting of the last wall of the engine house and then continued with the box car by completing the painting of the steel bracing. Last painting project was the steel for the two dollies.  Locomotive 2365 has now been in steam for 282 hours and Bill took her with 3001 to the lift for the start of some routine maintenance. First task was to check all parts for tightness and then to insure that all equalizing springs were in place and tight. An adjustment was made to put additional weight on the pilot truck and it was well lubricated. Next task was to service the brake cylinder and replace its o-rings. The side skirts, running board, injector feed line and lubricating pump were removed to allow access to the cylinder. The service will continue in the future. 

Saturday Aug 20th Bill did more work on the front side walk and Richard, who came early giving a hand. The two then went to work completing the excavation of the service line removing all soil except under three tracks which will be lifted next Saturday. Barry helped for awhile with the digging. Ed and Peter fastened on the "Z" bracing on one side and two ends and Rob completed the remaining side and with Peter assembled three parts onto the base. The outside braced or single sheathed "Fowler" car is coming on well. At 3:00 pm Richard got out 3001 and 6109 and made up two trains for a private charter of 24 people plus a casual group of seven people. We ran trains with opposing movements for the charter group with Rob, Richard and Bill running the railway. After the rides a tour of the facilities was offered and Rob and Bill put away the equipment. Later Bill and Gil sorted out about six boxes of machine shop parts onto shelves and disposed of un-needed materials. Work ended about 10:30 pm and Bill updated the web page.

Sunday Bill propped up the fence that the wind of several weeks ago had blown over. Rob came with his wife and kids to pose some pictures of the caboose and refrigerator car. Bill made up legs and tops and nailed together seven benches for the two BBQ areas. Five 5 foot units, one 6 foot and one 7 foot bench. Barry and Bill loaded four gondolas that are being loaned to the Manitoba Live Steamers for their meet next weekend. The AVR crew is going to replace the service line to the station on Saturday. Bill completed part two of the front sidewalk and has started to remove stones on