Prairie Dog’s steam locomotive needs repairs, diesel model in use this year

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This article was published 15/07/2024 (421 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Canada’s oldest steam locomotive needs $150,000 in repairs to get back on track.

Prairie Dog Central Railway’s steam locomotive, known as No. 3, won’t operate this year, as a vintage diesel locomotive will be subbed in for the 42 scheduled trips from Inkster Junction Station in Rosser to Grosse Isle.

“This train is representative of all the passenger trains that ran up and down main lines and branch lines in Canada, and particularly in the Prairie provinces,” Paul Newsome, general manager for the Vintage Locomotive Society, said Thursday.

In 1959, the steam locomotive was discovered to be the oldest functioning engine in Canada, dating back to April 1882 when it was built in Scotland. While it’s been rebuilt and repaired over the years, some of its parts are still original.

“It’s kind of overwhelming because when you’re looking at something you say, ‘Holy crap, that was 1882. That was before my grandparents were born,’” Newsome said.

The steam engine’s first chugged into the railway’s station on July 1, 1970, carrying then prime minister Pierre Trudeau and local MLAs. On July 11, 1970, the steam locomotive was officially open to the public.

Transport Canada regulations require steam locomotives to undergo maintenance every 15 years. The steam engine is up for repairs because its 187 boiler steel tubes need to be replaced. Steam engines rely on coal fires to heat up tubes inside the water-filled boiler, producing steam to move the train’s wheels.

Eventually, the steel tubes need to be replaced because of wear and tear.

Newsome’s relationship with the steam engine goes back to 1971, when he started out as a fireman, shovelling coal and stoking the engine’s furnace to make steam. During more than 40 years on the train, he also worked as an engineer, conductor, and brakeman.

While Newsome isn’t shoveling coal anymore, he still loves the feeling of operating the train.

“It’s a thrill,” said Newman. “Everybody that’s involved actively with Prairie Dog Central gets a certain amount of joy out of keeping that train running and seeing the smiles on adults’ and children’s faces and seeing how much fun they’re having.”

As of Sunday, a GoFundMe at wfp.to/CP$ had raised almost $3,000 in donations. An upcoming raffle will raise more funds with the draw on Sept. 15.

matthew.frank@freepress.mb.ca