Its been extremely busy around the Museum the last month, and I’m a bit behind in posting updates. The October Model Railway Show is now behind us, and I’m pleased with the results. We are now looking forward to our next show on March 6th. Other shows we’ve been taking part in were the Woodstock Show in October, and the Ancaster TH&B Flea Market, which was one of our best Ancaster shows ever.

The Weekenders N scale layout.

Show floor nearing the end of the day.

We’ve also had some great donations, including a rare set of items from the Royal Train in June 1973 from the family of Murray and Morley VanAlstine. Murray & Morley were twin brothers.? They both worked for CN out of Niagara Falls.? They hired on, on?the same day, got their engineman papers the same day, and retired the same day. They were in Ripleys Believe It Or Not, and were also both part of the crew on the Royal train. The donation included 2 photo albums covering the brothers careers, a menu, complete set of train orders and other paperwork from the Royal Train.? We also have a set of book ends cut from a piece of rail showing the brothers on their last trip. This is a great addition to the Museum and the items will be on display in 2016.

The last run banner.

The VanAlstine Brothers on their last trip.

After many years of work, we have finally finished the largest part of our track construction, and now have 2 tracks to the shop which we will be able to move between. Our track crew was often only 4 people, but thanks to Wayne Ettinger of Trillium Railway Co. Ltd, we were able tocomplete the job easier as he loaned us the companies hydraulic track tools.? We pre set the spikes then drove them in with the spiker. There is still some work to do, just some fine tuning, but we expect to be able to get our final boxcar inside for the winter.? We also thank Bill Snow and Doug Campbell of Rankin Construction for donating 2 truck loads of ballast, and Milton and Clayton from Attar Metals for moving some ballast and adjusting our track. Clayton brought theskidsteer over to assist us with some basic work. Without the generous assistance they frequently provide, ?we would not be as far along as we are.

As a surprise to our members, our November meeting was held in a special location at the Niagara District Airport. Genaire Ltd has former CN flanger 56323, which was converted to an open conference room many years ago.? It is identical to the car we have, except where we have from the frame down, this car has the body we are missing. A big thanks goes to Lorraine Warner of Genaire for allowing us to have our meeting in their former CNR wood body Flanger. It was a big hit with our members, and it’s still being talked about as the best meeting spot yet!!

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It has been a very busy year for the NRM, and we would like to extend our thanks to everyone who came out to our open house weekends, and to our Summer Saturdays, July to September.? With our events done at the shop for 2015, we move to our off site displays and events, and our biggest one is our annual Fall Niagara Model Railway Show held at the Merritton Community Centre, 7 Park Avenue in St. Catharines on October 25th, 10am to 3:30pm.

However, there is still work happening on Saturdays at the shop.? Equipment restoration continues with the Plymouth diesel cab, baggage cart, and hopefully over the winter, the CN Flanger. Other work is mechanical on our Whiting Trackmobile, towmotor and Woodings motorcar. The damaged rear supports on the ex-CN Fairmont M19 motorcar have been replaced, and the car will be ready for service in 2016.

The NRM can only do so much with what we have. We are always looking for supplies and materials to continue the work at the site. Some of the major items we need right now are track materials (OTM) including 100lb joint bars and bolts, rail, and ties. Shop tools include anything for wood working, as we have some pretty major projects coming up that require extensive wood construction.

And of course we are always looking for financial contributions to further our work in preservation. If you feel you have some free time on your hands, don’t mind getting your hands dirty, then the NRM may be the place for you.? We are looking for dedicated volunteers who enjoy a fun environment, working with different types of railway equipment. If you think you’d like to get involved, please contact us. We’d be happy to have you aboard.

While there has been a lack of posts recently, it has not stopped the progress at the Museum.? Over the winter when weather permitted, we were able to reset the display car, creating new displays and new display space within the CP 40′ boxcar. 2015 will be our biggest display year yet with permanent displays throughout the year. Our 3 HO models of the bridges of Niagara will be on display for the first time, as will some of our different, never before seen artifacts.? Most of our lantern collection will be out for viewing as well. and this is just in the new display car.? There will also be artifacts inside the office area as always, and new equipment displays in the shop.? In 2015 visitors will be able to see many of our smaller pieces of equipment like our 1939 Nordberg track grinder, and Pyke crane.

With all of the Museums equipment on site, it starts a new era for the NRM. New for display this year will be the cab from CN F7a 9173 which will be open for visitors to view. Of course the display car as previously mentioned is all new, and a few more surprises which we can’t disclose as of yet. Also for the first time in 2015, the Museum will have regular operating days, which will be Saturdays in July and August from 10-3

For now, members will be busy waking the equipment up for the year, uncovering it and cleaning it up for display. Restoration will continue on the equipment as we push to complete multiple projects. Track work starts Saturday April 18th, and as always, the Museum is always looking for help and new volunteers.? SO please ontact us if you’d like more information on how to get involved.

Be sure to mark your calendars for our first open house of 2015, which is May 30 & 31, 10am to 4pm both days.? Event runs rain or shine. Lots to see and do in 2015, and even more to come.? Watch here for more information, or follow us on facebook and twitter (@niagararailway)

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The Niagara Railway Museum Inc. has many projects ongoing at the shop. But right now we have one major ongoing one, which is the movement of our 3 boxcars. We are seeking funds to help pay for the over the road move.

However, a new, urgent plea for help is being extended, as?a rare opportunity?for the Museum has come to light.? We have a chance to acquire the cab of ?long scrapped?CN F7a #9173. This item is on the verge of being scrapped by the current owner. ?We are seeking funds to pay for the movement of the cab to our site. Since many of the F Units were maintained at Fort Erie, this is a perfect display for the NRM. ?All donors would be recognized on plaques inside the cab. Time is of the essence on this project as the cab has to be moved as soon as possible.

ex-CN F7a 9173 survives as a cab only. Help the NRM save it.

The NRM is an Incorporated Charity registered with the Canada Revenue Agency. A tax receipt will be issued for donations over $25.

Please contact the NRM if you would like to donate to either of these projects.

After over a year, an arrest was made in one of the break ins at our shop.? The article on the Niagara Falls Review Website can be seen here.? Please note, the break in WAS NOT at the Fort Erie Railway Museum as it says, but was in fact at the Niagara Railway Museum Inc. shop, located at the listed address.

http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3311595