Railfanning Prince George, Part 3

In late June 2014 I went to Prince George for a few days. See part 1 and part 2.

On June 25 I was able to visit the Prince George Railway and Forestry Museum for about half an hour before it closed. I was really interested to see it as I have no direct experience with BC Rail (or its predecessor the Pacific Great Eastern) and I wanted to see some of their equipment.

I have quite a few photos loaded in my Prince George Railway Museum gallery, but here are some highlights. The museum has a lot of interesting rolling stock in its collection.

One of the former Tumbler Ridge locomotives

Can I climb on the flanger?

Two of the three CP pieces here (the other is a steel caboose)

They have several items not on display on the other side of the turntable

A BC Rail Remote Control Car and some MOW cars

You can go inside this snowplow, very nice!

View from inside the snowplow

Their only steam engine, CN 1520

I liked this little GE 40 tonner, repainted in 2002

Nice interior of a passenger car

This RS-10 is not on display - needs a bit of TLC

On display but needs a LOT of TLC

They have a good collection - heavy on BC specific items as you might expect with good BC Rail, PG&E and CN representation. Many of the cars and engines have a placard nearby with a few facts about the item.

Unfortunately, all of the rolling stock is outdoors so they are showing the signs of weathering, some pretty heavily. I don't mean to complain - I know money and volunteer hours are short at all museums - but I wanted to make that observation.

There is a miniature railway on site but I didn't see it running.

Very narrow gauge!

For part 4, the final chapter, we see the Skeena and a few CN trains as well as another look at the huge bridge over the Fraser River. Thanks for reading.

RS18s in Campbellton

On Monday night I had the opportunity to tour the Campbellton yard. With permission, of course! NBEC 1819 was in the shop track, having received a new head. It was being readied for its new career.


Outside, NBEC 1845 was resting in the yard. 1845 is operational and is currently used as the shop switcher.


There are three dead RS18s around the yard, 1809, 1830 and 1855.






There were a few MOW (Maintenance Of Way) pieces around the yard. Plow NBEC 55420 was the only one left, since its sister 55419 went to the Bay.


Two cars are waiting for the scrapper. The plaque on Jordan Spreader 50955 reads "JORDAN SPREADER O.F. JORDAN CO. EAST CHICAGO INDIANA PATENTED OTHER PATENTS PENDING".


Rare flanger NBEC 56201 is also destined for the scrapper. Yes, it's a flanger, not a caboose.


A quick hat tip to CJF - it was very nice to meet you. Thanks to all the Eastern Railway Services people for your hospitality! I wish you all the best of luck.