THE ASSINIBOINE VALLEY RAILWAY

THE ASSINIBOINE VALLEY RAILWAY

3001 ROBLIN BLVD., WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, R3R 0B8

Phone 204-837-1305
or 204-786-4882 or
cell 204-782-7090

Bill Taylor - President and chief of nut production.
Len LaRue - Vice-President. In charge of machining and medical control of nut ingestion.
Vic St-Germain - Vice-President in charge of engine house and surplus control of nuts.
Dwight Kjartanson - Vice-President in charge of signals and control of nuts running reds.
Mary-Lou Taylor - Vice-President. In charge of nut roasting and other culinary skills.

WELCOME TO THE AVR'S GROWING WEB PAGE. TAKE A LOOK AROUND. CLICK ON THE TITLES BELOW TO GET TO OTHER PAGES. IF A LINE IS UNDERLINED THEN IT TAKES YOU TO ANOTHER PAGE OR A PICTURE. DROP US AN E-MAIL AND TELL US HOW YOU LIKED OUR WEB PAGE.

THIS PAGE LAST UPDATED BY Phil Mendelsohn 15-Aug-2010

Bill Taylor, who usually does the web page, has been ill since mid-March. He is recovering, but still in hospital. Activities at the AVR are proceeding according to plan. Thanks for everyone's best wishes for Bill and keep them coming.

Do read down the page for what latest news we've been able to post. Though we can't update the website as often as Bill, there's plenty of action happening at the AVR.

THE ABEL BOOK COLLECTION FOR SALE

THE ABEL MAGAZINE SALE LIST

MAP OF TRACKAGE 19/01/08 AVR RULES WHO ARE WE?

PUBLIC OPEN RUN DAYS 15/10/2009 OUR HISTO RY WITH PICTURES 13/03/04

LOCOMOTIVES AND ROLLING STOCK 28/01/10 THE DINNER TRAIN 15/10/09

HOW TO FIND US OTHER RAILROADS WE HAVE VISITED 26/01/10

THE CHRISTMAS LIGHT RUN 07/11/09 OUR MEMBERSHIP FORM

ENGINE HOUSE 02/02/08 MEMBERS 13/02/10

FUN RUN DAYS 15/10/09

AUGUST JOINT 2010 MEET BADGES & PATCHES FOR SALE

OLD NEWS 21/02/10 AUGUST JOINT MEET 2010 REGISTRATION FORM

CHRISTMAS AT THE TAYLORS MEMBERS ONLY

YOUTUBE VIDEO CLIPS ON THE AVR

NEXT PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE -
September 11th and 12th.

Saturday 11:00 to 5:00

Sunday 1:00 to 5:00

We Run In Most Weather

Public Open Houses are the 2nd weekend of the month, June, July, Sept., and October. See OPEN RUN DAYS for more info

** DINNER TRAIN ANNOUNCEMENT **

The working members of the Assiniboine Valley Railway regret to announce that the Dinner Train will not be run this year.

We know how much many people look forward to it, but due to circumstances beyond our control, we do not have enough qualified volunteers, and it is unfortunately impossible.

At this time, our plan is to continue the tradition by taking reservations a year from August for the 2011 Dinner Train.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and please consider that we are an open club that holds events according to the wishes of our volunteer members, when they can be staffed. Membership is open, so consider joining and help with any events you may particularly enjoy.

CAR 3108 AS SHE IS TODAY DEDICATED TO HARVEY SCRIVENER AND PRESENTED BY CALEDON PROPANE FOR USE ON THE AVR

Wednesday Vic worked on the tender of 5427 and replaced the ballast in an engine house light fixture. Bill worked on club paperwork, cleaned up the work table and took measurements of the box car doors. Gil took down a number of Christmas lights.

Thursday Bill scribed two doors for box cars. Draft 2 of the financial report was completed.

Friday Feb 5th, 2010 Gil took down several boxes of Christmas lights while Bill scribed lines on two more box car doors, did some admin and updated the web. Phil M. cut the 6 pcs. 80" x 1.25 x .125 aluminum to 4" lengths today and will be writing the CNC program to mill slots and drill holes next week. Gil prepared the list of 2009 club accomplishments for the AGM.

Saturday Feb 6th, Bill worked on formatting reports for display on our station flat screen as we are going to attempt to have a paperless AGM and save a tree and pot of ink. Dwight prepared a diagram of the Charleswood East track reconstruction project for summer '10. Material will be available on request for those who wish a copy to save. Dwight manufactured signal parts and discussed machining jobs with Phil M. Vic worked an making a larger water distribution line in 5427's tender. Vic, Bill and Phil M. moved 6612 back on rack, took down the box cab, removed batteries and put it in the maintenance building for the winter. Gil did some final cutting on the box car roofs and spent the rest of the afternoon taking down trail lighting. Bill and Ed T. cleared the 30 feet of track east of the station so locomotives can come out of the station for the AGM. Richard, Ed T. and Bill took down Ogo Pogo, the last of the Gingerbread displays. Richard and Ed T. continued to take down lights and were joined by Fred in the project. Bill made up labels and marked a bunch of strings. Fred and Bill took down the ship. Frank completed the drywall boarding in the station ready for mud. The weather was mild and a good day to do outdoor stuff. Dwight continued to fabricate signal components. Phil M. and August cleaned up the lathe and made some trial parts.

Monday Bill completed all metal framing in the first box car door and added the latch and block for upper trolley.

Tuesday Bill completed the second door assembly.

Wednesday Vic worked on the tender and started the larger piping project on the water line. Gil assisted and took down some lights. Bill completed the third box car door.

Thursday Phil M. worked on making the fixturing to manufacture tie plates for the new switches. Bill started on the fourth door and did admin work.

Friday Feb 12th, Bill completed work on door number four. Rob loaded the power point presentation of 5427 for the WMRC onto the computer so Bill can present it due to Rob heading west. Vic put another coat of sealer on some tender piping.

Saturday Feb 13th, Bill updated the web and cleaned up some files. Richard removed and stored 19 small arches but many are still frozen from the Colorado Low of several weeks ago. Bill removed the station direction lights and all station east end lower lights. Several members helped set up the station for the AGM and later a banquet hall for supper. Vic filled 5427's tender with water and tested his new water lines. The Annual General Meeting ran from 2 pm until 5 PM with supper at 5:30. Most reports and propositions passed unanimously with minimal discussion except the emergency generator that had mixed views but passed in the end. As it can be moved around in the summer it may find use during construction as a power source where none exists. The rebuilding of the station east trackage was welcomed by the members due to the recent problems associated with putting equipment away after a run. The project to refurbish the Ashdown display and start construction on the Paterson grain elevator was welcomed. Carmelina and Mary-Lou washed up the cutlery after and other members returned the space to a station with two diesels.

Sunday Barry machined drive shafts for diesel traction motor assemblies. Bill took down a large number of lights in the yard.

Monday Louis Riel Day. Bill took down station tree, trail and dancing bush lights. The board spacing for roof pieces was calculated and three roof pieces marked and two scribed and filed. Four door pieces were marked and one and a half being scribed and one filed.

Tuesday Bill completed the scribing and filing of the box car doors and began the steel frame on door #5.

Wednesday Vic worked on the tender and a traction motor. Gil took lights down in the bush and Bill completed doors # 5 and 6.

Thursday Bill started on door # 7. Phil M. cut out pieces for a new whistle for 5427 and worked on the fixturing for the switch plates.

Friday Gil took down lights in the upper parking area. Bill updated the web, did some admin and worked on the car door.

Saturday Feb. 20th Dwight delivered the new 8 foot light fixtures for the work benches and manufactured signal parts. Using two track jacks, Vic, Ed T, and Dwight jacked up the concrete pad at the southeast corner of the engine house which had sunk and was interfering with the operation of the rear door. Phil M. cut steel and turned some axles on the lathe. Bill completed the last two doors for the outside braced box cars and cleaned up his work area. Gil, Fred, Ed T. and Bill took down Christmas lights at the top of road, upper parking, side of road and station "Q" area.

Sunday Feb 21st, Bill did some admin work and updated the web.

Wednesday Vic and Gil removed the lights over the two workbenches and replaced the west high light output unit. Vic completed another traction motor.

Saturday Gil and Vic put up the east workbench light and Vic worked on more traction motors. Gil did some repairs on the deer fencing along the east side of the road. Gil took down more Christmas lights. Dwight worked on signal parts. Phil M. machined some additional axels on the lathe. Frank set up the Unimat for some parts for Dwight.

Sunday Bill visited the Los Angeles Live Steamers and updated the web page. Frank set up the Unimat for some signal parts for Dwight. Phil M. continued to cut axles and did more checking of equipment for our lathe.

23-May-2010:

March 15 saw Bill hospitalized in the midst of his return trip. He has been in hospital since that time, and will remain there for some time yet, but the good news is that he has been returned to Winnipeg and is doing much better.

The Christmas lights have been put away, thanks mostly to Richard and Fred, with help from a few others. The signal system has been getting work done by Dwight, Frank, August, and Phil M. The front gate was replaced by Gil, and there have been deer incursions which have been repelled. Infrastructure has been maintained - from footbridges to bathrooms to raking up leaves. Len gave rides for a birthday. Switches have been opened, and locomotives are being prepared for operation at the NMRA convention BBQ on the 28th of May. Cars have been sorted and orders written for the Operations Sessions to be held for the convention on the 30th.

Work has been done by Richard, Gil, Fred, Frank, Becky, August, Emily, Dwight, Vic, Phil M., and Ed. This list may not be complete.

6-Jun-2010:

The AVR was prepared for the NMRA convention, but they weren't prepared for the weather. The BBQ was moved to an indoor location, and only 3 participants showed up for the switching runs - though each of them had a Fantastic time. About 60 rides were given Friday night. Thanks to all the AVR members and volunteers who put in hundreds of man-hours of work getting ready for this event.

Work continued this week on 5427, with a diagnosis of some trailing truck tracking issues by Vic, and Dwight continued to work on signal systems.

Bill made some very good progress in hospital this week, despite his setback of last weekend. Keep the prayers and thoughts coming.

21-Jun-2010:

Bill continues to slowly improve, but remains in hospital.

The first open house of the year was a mild success, with a larger group of riders coming out for the better weather on Sunday. The railway was run by Richard, Rob, Vic, Len, Phil, Frank, Becky, August, and Joseph.

Some improvements were made to the burner on 2365 by Vic and Phil, while Vic worked on the suspension of 5427. Some areas of trackwork have been diagnosed, and work on the track renovation project has been slowed due to possible opportunities for increased longevity of the track materials.

Work continued on switches, locomotives, maintenance of way, and a caboose project the following week.

19-Jul-2010:

Bill continues to improve, though he his still in hospital. He is taking a keen interest in following the events at the AVR.

Progress has been seen on several fronts. Phil M. and August mowed all the lawn and parking areas. Vic has been at work on the suspension of 5427, as well as the whistle for the same engine. Vic and Phil M. worked on the burner and injectors for 2365.

Gil, Vic, Phil, Fred, and Dwight (perhaps more) have put a great effort into preparing ties to be treated for the track upgrades at East Charleswood.

Other members known to have contributed include Richard, Frank, Rob, Becky, and Emily.

The July Open house was a success, drawing a larger crowd than June. 5427 made a brief appearance, and 2365 pulled the lion's share of trains on Sunday.

Plans are being made for the International Meet, to be held at the end of August. Contingency plans are being made for how to attack the Christmas Run this year. If you are a member that has not received word about the General Meeting to be held in September, please contact the AVR.

8-Aug-2010:

Vic has been working on the steaming bay lift, refurbishing the gear drive and adding a VFD, as well as diagnosing the burner on 2365. The tie project has the ties somewhere in the rail system, after being delivered and loaded onto a westbound freight car, but further news is pending. Gil helped with mowing grass through the week, finished up by Becky on Sunday.

Saturday the 7th, Dwight worked on frogs for the new switches. Richard was working on gates and deer security. Gordon, a new member, continued the battle against potholes in the driveway. Phil finished a prototype finial for signal masts.

Sunday the 8th, Becky finished mowing, while Phil tried to get good combustion by adjusting the regulated fuel pressure on 2365, but it seems that making a new orifice for the burner will be required, so he will turn that this week. Phil also cut 43 blanks for finials, with help from Becky. A group of visitors from Airdrie, Alberta dropped by and got a tour of the engine house.

If any AVR members are interested in joining the guests for the International Meet for a ride on the Prairie Dog Central on August 22, please contact Phil Shaw. Members who would like to attend the RRVR BBQ on Saturday the 28th, should contact Pat Shaw. Information is posted in the engine house, or e-mail Phil (phil@rephil.org).

12-Aug-2010:

Plans for the August International Meet are as follows:

Wed, 25-Aug: Guests unload equipment, casual running, work day.
*(to be confirmed)* tour of Selkirk Model Rail Assn.

Thu, 26-Aug: Running at the AVR, 10:00 a.m. (or so) to all hours. Food details to be announced. Please RSVP to Phil (phil@rephil.org)

Fri, 27-Aug: Load up, move to Red River Valley for their weekend events.

Sat/Sun: RRVR events.

Please contact Phil (phil@rephil.org) for further details.

14/15-Aug-2010:

Open House this weekend, with a fair turnout Saturday and about 1/3 as many on Sunday due to rainy weather.

Saturday the railway was operated by Becky, Richard, Len, August, Emily, Gordon. 5303 was steamed up the first time this year, and pulled public. Ed M. and Gordon also finished this round of filling in potholes in the drive. Vic worked on various projects in the backshop including the steaming bay lift. Phil M. installed and tested a new burner orifice for 2365, and Dwight worked on rail and signal projects. A few other members stopped in for a visit.

Sunday the railway was operated by Frank, Len, Richard, Ed M., Phil M, Becky, August & Emily. 3001 did most of the work, while 2365 did 2 trial runs pulling passengers to test the new burner, which was also calibrated. Vic worked on the lift again, Dwight worked on signals again. Some regular maintenance was performed on other steam engines.

Jobs to be considered for next weekend or the work day on Wednesday the 25th include checking operation of the trackside water system, repairing 202's relay in the fwd direction, and adjusting the cross-elevation of the curve through Ghosty Hollow, known to have the wrong camber.

-AVR 2008 AUGUST MEET PICTURES (NEW)

ONE OF FOUR NEW LOG CARS NOW COMPLETE AT THE AVR. BILL WAS THE FOREMAN OF THE PROJECT.

THE STEEL BOX CAR # 474 IS COMPLETE. ROB WAS THE FOREMAN ON THE PROJECT

5427 TAKING SHAPE. VIC IS THE FOREMAN OF THE PROJECT.

NEW ARRIVAL AT THE AVR CHECK ROSTER CANADIAN PACIFIC 5303 AND 4 CARS

THE AVR is a non profit club and we welcome new members who have an interest in small railroading. We are looking for interested model builders who would like to take on or help with structure building projects for the AVR.

THERE ARE OVER 150 PICTURES IN OUR HISTORY WITH PICTURES. TAKE A LOOK...

NEXT WORK SESSIONS WILL BE Wednesday & Saturday afternoons. Patch plaster in station. Change gear motor and chain sprockets on steaming bay lift. Make new deer gates. Remove moss from behind station. Re-ballast spurs and areas were moss was removed. Re-build some Ashdown buildings. Check and repair track for dips and cross elevation problems.

CLICK BELOW FOR SOME CURRENT PICTURES

ALL PICTURES ON THIS PAGE WILL END UP IN OUR HISTORY SECTION WITH SEVERAL HUNDRED OTHER PICTURES.

2365 THE PACIFIC CONSTRUCTION PICTURES

2365 PACIFIC PASSES TEST AT TRAIN MOUNTAIN

5427 CONSTRUCTION PICTURES (UPDATED JAN 29, 2010)

CPR # 2816 STOPS IN WINNIPEG

OTHER RAILROADS WE HAVE VISITED (UPDATED JAN 27TH, 2009)

WHIT JOHNSON AND 2856 AT AVR

BOX CAB # 25 (BUILDERS PHOTO)

AVR REFRIGERATOR CAR (BUILDERS PHOTO)

WINTER WORK ON ENGINE HOUSE

WINTER VIEW AT FLAMINGO GULCH