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| The Ontario Miniature Railway Operators Group (OMROG) By Russ Milland
OMROG was formed with representatives from each of the following clubs in Ontario which operate miniature trains as a hobby yet wish to provide rides to the public on a non-commercial basis. The clubs are:
These issues have come forward at many times in different countries around the world. Most clubs have eventually banded together in their areas and developed a set of guidelines to govern their operations such that their respective governments allow them to regulate themselves with minimal if any intervention by the authorities. The guidelines they have developed for their own self-regulation are typically quite reasonable and usually just make a lot of sense. OMROG has chosen to use as a base for our work the set of guidelines developed in the United Kingdom where miniature railways are probably much more prevalent than anywhere else in the world. For the past few months, we have been communicating heavily with each other using e-mail and telephone conferencing facilities to develop guidelines appropriate to our situation. These have been submitted in draft form to the TSSA and they felt that we had made an excellent step forward. OMROG is currently revising the guidelines based on technical feedback from the TSSA. We plan to all come to Toronto and meet with the TSSA in person probably on February 18th (date not yet confirmed) to determine if any further issues stand in our way and how to best address them. Our goal is to be in a position where each of our clubs can operate under the new guidelines for the 2002 operating season. If you wish to see a copy of the guidelines in their current form or wish to talk to your representative to OMROG, just e-mail or contact me. Russ Milland, Webmaster & Project Manager – Public Relations, Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers, 905-469-3373 Bringing Steam Back to Toronto By Russ Milland Last July, David Garon, an avid model railroader, wondered why full size steam excursions in Toronto had never become a reality. His investigations revealed that there were some intriguing possibilities within the agreements associated with the railway lands in downtown Toronto as they were developed over the past few years. David, a “retired federal government lobbyist” for a major association was in transition to the academic world where he plans to earn a Ph.D. But he chose first to organize the Toronto Railway Historical Committee to quickly make things happen on the railway museum front and he has done just that. It is expected that Metropolitan Toronto Council will approve in late February a deal with the land developers involved that will make many millions of dollars available to a new Railway Museum. These monies will be used to rehabilitate the CPR Roundhouse and establish a museum focused on the roundhouse as its main site. Planning is underway for possibly expanding the museum to Union Station and to the site of the Don Valley Brickworks. The funds will also be used to build a “really big float (truck trailer)” capable of moving the CNR Northern 4-8-4 #613 (which has been meticulously maintained by a band of six devoted railroad folks) from the CNE grounds to the roundhouse for restoration. If ultrasound testing of the boiler reveal that it is restorable, it will be restored and moved to a new railway yard at the Don Valley Brickworks for use in excursions (The CPR roundhouse can no longer be economically reconnected to the mainlines). If not, they have an excellent opportunity to acquire another 4-8-4 which is in great shape. David felt that there was a significant opportunity for the live steam locomotive community to become part of this grand initiative. Therefore, Michael Guy and Russ Milland have opened up a dialogue on behalf of the Toronto Live Steamers and the Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers to explore the possibilities. The Don Valley Brickworks in particular provides an intriguing site for some form of miniature railway operation as it includes a very large quarry that has been restored as a wetlands garden. The immediate opportunity presenting itself to live steamers is to participate in the “Open Doors” event at the CPR Roundhouse on May 25th and 26th of 2002. Last year, they had 1,000’s of people turn out but only had one person handing out a quickly prepared leaflet. Why did so many come? Because it is a hugely popular and well publicized event across Toronto when buildings and properties normally closed to the public have their “doors opened”. Did you ever want to visit the Don Jail (as a guest of course)? Michael Guy has a few hundred feet of 7 ¼ “ and 4 ¾” track available if we wish to demonstrate our live steam at the event. It may require some effort to rehabilitate the track to some degree. But if we do, we open up the possibility of using the track elsewhere as well such as at the fall Train Show. We can of course display other equipment as well. This is a real opportunity for us to publicize our hobby. David’s “Open Door” event committee is currently planning for this event. They will want to know of our interest soon. If you think you could help, give me a call or e-mail me. This will also be discussed at our next GHLS monthly meeting in February. Russ Milland, Webmaster & Project Manager – Public Relations, Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers, 905-469-3373 |
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| Restored Canadian Steam Locomotive
After a $3 million-plus overhaul at the BC Rail North Vancouver steam shops, CPR Hudson No. 2816 has been restored to active service. The H1b class Hudson built by the Montreal Locomotive Works in 1930 for $116,555 has been dubbed "The Empress" and will be used as a roving ambassador for the CPR. It made a very successful maiden trip from Vancouver to Calgary last fall. The Hudson originally did passenger service on the prairies but spent most of her career in Southern Ontario and Quebec with her last run on May 26, 1960. She spent the next 35 years rusting away at the Steamtown Museum in Scranton, PA before being rescued and returned to Canada. The locomotive was completely rebuilt and converted from coal to oil with the help of various machine shops and foundries in the Vancouver area. A complete set of drawings was supplied by The National Museum of Science & Technology in Ottawa and various specialized tooling and parts came from collectors and other steam operators from across North America. The CPR is changing its previous indifferent stance on preservation and is now making an effort to preserve it's own history and the heritage of steam in Canada. Hopefully, "The Empress" will someday make a visit to her old home in Southern Ontario so that we can all enjoy the sight of main line steam in action. |
 "The Empress" making it's initial trip from Vancouver to Calgary |
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 2002 GHLS Event Calendar |
GHLS Event Calendar
A calendar featuring Steve Moore's live steam drawings is now available. The 8-1/2" x 11" B/W calendar has all of the GHLS events for 2002 highlighted and each month has a different one of Steve's humorous depictions of live steam track action. There is also plenty of space to keep track of those other things like anniversaries, birthdays, etc. The calendar has been produced to help raise funds for the club projects this year. No club funds have been used to produce the calendars. All of the money donated will go toward building and maintaining the club track and facilities. A donation of $5 per calendar, or what ever you can afford, would be appreciated. Get yours now so that you can keep track of your busy schedule and don't miss any of the events at the track this year. Every workshop should have at least one! Copies will be available at the next club meeting or you can order your copy by mailing a donation check payable to the "Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers" to: Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers |
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| Spring Train Shows
Although the GHLS will not be participating at these upcoming train shows, members may be interested in attending one in their area.
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For Sale
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Upcoming Events
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