Our 2024 operating season at the Museum was limited to speeders after our diesel, CN 9000, developed engine issues in May. Through the course of the summer the speeder put on a lot of miles, and we added capacity with the use of the speeder trailer.
We have a few ongoing restoration projects; NAR Dunvegan, the business car; the 8-man bunk car; and various other activities including work on 9000 & 1392.
This fall, we put a tarp on NAR Westlock. It will be a future restoration project. We developed plans to create additional display tracks in the ‘back 40’, between 6 & 12 tracks. The plan is to add three tracks and move the current track 6 to a new alignment. The area has been levelled, and a layer of aggregate laid down to create a base. Come spring, the work will begin in earnest.
In August we had the unfortunate incident of our skid steer being stolen from the Museum site. The skid steer is an invaluable piece of equipment for our rail and site maintenance. We hope to have it replaced in early 2025.
Offsite, Hans and Mike continue to work away at cataloging our Archives. We are grateful to the Provincial Archives of Alberta for providing us working and storage space.
Stop by the Calder shop on a Wednesday or Saturday to say hi and see where you might lend a hand. The gate may be closed but not locked.
If you have a interest in volunteering and want more information on specific projects, please contact Kim Denton, our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@
Finally, our Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Namao Hall, starting at 11 am. Lunch will be served, and Museum member Les Kozma will be presenting Reflections: the many faces of Lucerne, BC 1910-1924. Lucerne was the original Canadian Northern divisional point in the Rockies, until operations were moved to Jasper AB. I look forward to seeing you there!
Feel free to contact me with your ideas and suggestions. Donations are always welcome, and those of $25 or more will be issued a tax receipt.
I wish everyone the best for 2025! See you at the AGM.
