News
July 16, 2010 HEPC E-7
With the recent arrival of our 3rd ex-Hydro locomotive, the NRM now has a very unique display. Both our steam engine, #46, and our electric, E-7 worked together during the construction of the Queenston-Chippawa Project. Our Plymouth diesel was used during construction of Adam Beck G.S. #2, which creates a display of 3 locomotives from 2 of the most famous power projects in Canada. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the various groups involved with this move/acquisition.
Villeneuve's Steel Wheels - Floated the locomotive to our shop
NRE-Alco Locomotive Canada - loaded both the locomotive, trucks and other parts
Beam Excavating - provided the backhoe/operator to help move E-7 into the shop
PRW - supplied a 60ton Grove crane to unload E-7
The Northern Ontario Railroad Museum & Heritage Centre for not scrapping this surplus unit, and allowing us the time to acquire it from them
The dedicated members of the Niagara Railway Museum who worked to almost midnight to get E-7 on track and into the shop
June 8, 2010 46 gains a stablemate!
The Niagara Railway Museum's Plymouth MDT40t touched down at the NRM shop at 925am. The move went off without a hitch, and the NRM thanks M.J. Jones for doing the initial move 2 yrs ago, and for storing it all this time. Vic Powell Welding out of Dunnville provided the crane for the move. The Plymouth diesel was originally donated to the Niagara Railway Museum in 2007 by Babcock & Wilcox in Cambridge, Ont. after it was declared surplus. The engine has not run for close to 20yrs now, but the motor itself is in very good condition. Thanks to both companies for thier work in getting our diesel to our new facility.
June 6, 2010 NRM contributors
Over the last 2 months, the Niagara Railway Museum has started working on the largest project in its history, with the rebuilding of the former CNR diesel shop, I must take some time to thank some of our supporters of the project, who have helped us get things moving.
Lucas Lift Truck - generators, welder & track mobile repair - www.lucasliftruck.com
Barrick Distribution Ltd. Fort Erie - donated used railway ties
Villeneuve's Steel Wheels - Equipment mover in Sudbury who moved #46
Beam Excavating - Front end loader to unload 46 www.beamteam.ca
Oskam Steel Fabricators - www.oskam.com
M J Jones Hauling & Rigging - Moving & storing the Plymouth
Vic Powell Welding & Crane - Crane service to unload the Plymouth
Penn Rentals - Fort Erie - Skid steer rental
The many NRM members who have contributed to the project as we go along.
June 1, 2010 HEPC 46
I am very pleased to announce that on June 1st, the NRM brought Hydro Electric Power Commission 0-4-0ST #46 back to Niagara for the first time since 1922. She is spending her first night in the NRM shop in Fort Erie, indoors, for the first time in well over 30yrs. There was a massive amount of work that has gone on over the past week to prepare for her arrival, from building, and ballasting track, creating a level surface on which to back the trailer onto, to prepping the engine for loading and movement from Orillia.
I send out a big thanks to our members who have been able to assist with all this work, which couldn't have been done without thier dedication to the Museum. David Walmsley & Cecil Byers, the former owners of the engine were of great assistance in the loading of the locomotive at thier site outside Orillia. The backhoe performed very well, and the engine never would have made it on the trailer without the skill of both of these gentleman.
Villeneuve's Steel Wheels of Sudbury did the move for us. Their trailer, which is designed to move railway equipment was the perfect fit for this job. Our driver, Rick, was great during the loading of the engine, and obviously takes great pride in his work. The professionalism of this company is something that will make us turn to them again the next time we need equipment moved. Everything went well, and the engine arrived safe and sound in Fort Erie. Beam Excavating donated the use of a Caterpillar IT28B front end loader to assist with the unloading of 46 at the shop, and also shoved it inside when we were done with the photo ops. The unload was done safely, and Sam, the loader operator, not only kept 46 in control at all times, but also handled her with care knowing the fragile state of the locomotive.
The efforts of everyone involved made this move a great success. This marked a major milestone in the development of the Niagara Railway Museum, and we hope to continue this progress with the arrival of our Plymouth diesel, ex-INCo electric, our boxcars, and our GTR caboose. My thanks to everyone who made this happen.
Ken Jones
President
May 27, 2010 NRM home
The past 2 months have been very busy for Niagara Railway Museum members, as we work to get our new home cleaned up to make the area safe for us to work in. A presentation to Town Council on May 25th, officially put the NRM out in the open. Our site IS NOT open to the public at this time, but as clean up and safety improvements progress, we plan to hold an open house in July to show off the site, and some of our equipment.
The Niagara Railway Museum will be located in the former Canadian National diesel shop in Fort Erie, Ontario. This great facility will allow us to display and interpret our equipment in an actual railway shop building. There is much work to do at the site, including windows, hydro, and a complete rebuild of the former office area, to make it climatically controlled for artifacts, and rebuilding the washroom for use, as it was completely destroyed by vandals. Our first locomotive, Hydro Electric Power Commission 0-4-0ST #46 is scheduled to arrive on June 1st, and will mark a major milestone for the Museum. Our Plymouth diesel is expected to follow on June 2nd. I thank all of our members who have stood by the Museum all these years as we work towards this goal. We hope to be a pivitol part of tourism in Fort Erie, and will strive to create an attraction that will promote the railway heritage of the Niagara Region.
If you would like to become involved with one of our work parties, or would like to donate to the NRM, please contact us by following the information link in the "Contact" section.
Ken Jones Jr.
President
Niagara Railway Museum
March 30, 2010 New artifacts acquired
February and March were good months for the Niagara Railway Museum. We acquired some very good artifacts for the collection. At our Niagara Square display in February, we talked to a few people who said they had things they would donate to us. Well, we often hear that, but unfortunately, more often than not, nothing happens. This time it was very different. At Niagara Square we were given a small CN First aid kit. This was great as all of our first aid kits were stolen from our boxcars when in storage with the contents dumped out on the ground. Also at the Square we got a unique donation out of the blue. We had always been looking for info onthe Centennial Train of 1967, and someone came up to us on the Saturday and gave us the actual brochure from the train.
This was a great addition. At our March show, James Crooks brought out a satchel full of old rule books & timetables from various lines around Niagara, including the C&O in Canada. The final donation came in the form of the brass # plate from CNR P-5-f 0-8-0 #8366. The plate was donated by Evan Court, who was a hostler down at the CN yard in the Falls. He said that was the last steam switcher in service, and the day it was to be retired, they dropped the fire, and had just enough steam to get it out of the roundhouse, where it was switched into a train, and hauled to London for scrapping. Evan removed the plate just before it left the City. The photos here show CNR 8366 working in Niagara Falls in front of the Station on July 3, 1957, and of the actual plate before restoration/cleaning.
The Niagara Railway Museum wishes to thank all these people who have donated artifacts to us not just recently, but in the past as well. Thankyou for helping us save a part of our railway history. Of course, the NRM is always looking for donations, both of artifacts, and monetary. If you would like to donate to us, we can issue a charitable tax reciept.
December 28, 2009 Our Museum wish list
Every Museum has a wish list. A list of things they are looking for, or want to accomplish in the coming year. Compiled here are the top items the Niagara Railway Museum is looking to acquire, or accomplish in the year 2010.
1. First and foremost is to find a permanent home for our ever growing collection of railway artifacts. With 20 pieces of equipment, and hundreds of railway items in the collection, the need for a permanent home is the front runner of what we are wanting to accomplish.
2. Finalize the Acquisition of INCo #102 from Capreol, and move 102 & our HEPC #46 steam engine to Niagara to begin restoration.
3. Because maintaining railway equipment is a large endevour, the NRM is also always looking for financial donations to help offset some of the many costs we have, such as moving equipment, maintaining equipment, and of course, if our plans go the way we hope in 2010, financial donations will help create a first class Railway Museum for the entire Niagara Region.
Those are really the top 3 items the NRM is looking at for 2010. If you are able to assist us with anything, please contact us. The Niagara Railway Museum is looking forward to a great 2010, and we hope to have continued support from our visitors.
NRM projects you can donate to:
HEPC 46 0-4-0ST Steam Locomotive
HEPC E-7 (INCo #102) Electric Locomotive
Hydro MDT40t Plymouth Diesel
CNR Wood Caboose
Building/property fund
When submitting your donation, please be sure to include what project you want it to go towards, and remember, ALL donations are eligible for a tax reciept.
November 4, 2009 Plymouth MDT40 Rebuild Fundraising
The Niagara Railway Museum will soon start the complete restoration to operation of our 1953 built Plymouth MDT40t diesel. In order to help fund this rebuild/restoration, the NRM is offering donors an opportunity to be one of the first people to get behind the throttle. For a minimum donation of $100.00, the donor will have the opportunity to get behind the throttle of the diesel, receive a framed 8x10 print of the restored engine, and a photo of them operating the locomotive. Additionally, their name will be added to the donor plaque which will be affixed inside the cab of the Plymouth. A charitable tax receipt will also be issued to the donor.
This is a great opportunity to help with the restoration of our small switcher, and also get a chance to operate a piece of Niagara Railway history.
Participants must be at least 18 years of age. For more details on how to get involved with this project, please contact us.
March 10, 2009 Help bring HEPC E7 back to Niagara
With the Niagara Railway Museum already owning 2 former Hydro locomotives (HEPC #46 & Ontario Hydro Plymouth) we are looking at acquiring the 3rd Hydro locomotive for the Collection. INCo #102, which is currently sitting in Capreol, and was formerly Hydro Electric Power Commission #E-7 is one of only 3 HEPC electrics left (INCo #101 ex-HEPC E-12 is at the Northern Ontario Railway Museum, while HEPC E-10 is at Stelco in Hamilton, but has been stripped to the deck, and now has a diesel engine for power) HEPC E-7 is available to us, providing we can get it moved very soon. Built in 1919 by National Steel Car/Westinghouse, it operated along with our steam engine #46 at the Queenston-Chippawa Project. In 1927, after the project with the HEPC was completed, it went to INCo, where it ran until the late 1990's. E-7 is in very good condition, and would make an excellent piece of equipment for the Museum collection, and allow us to create a truly unique and historic display.
If you would like more information, or would like to contribute/help with this effort, please feel free to contact us. Remember, all donations are tax deductable, as we are a charitable organization and will issue a tax reciept.
November 24, 2008 NRM displays at the Buffalo Train Show
The Niagara Railway Museum was invited to have a display at the Greater Buffalo Train & Toy Show at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg, NY on November 22 & 23. We had 2 tables of displays, featuring artifacts from the New York Central, Lehigh Valley, CN, CP, and TH&B, to name a few. We also had a slightly smaller Great Gorge Route display, which was very well received. In addition to the paper display items, we had a Pennsylvania RR Marker Lamp, and our very rare New York Central, Detroit River Tunnel Co. semaphore lamp.
The most popular item in our display was my former CP Rail Woodings CBI Railcar. Most visitors had never seen something like this, and those that had seen one, were never able to get that close. The car was a big hit, and drew even more attention Sunday when we had the strobe light flashing for the day. Attendance for the 2 day show was up over 4000 adults, and probably 1500 kids. Our Sunday location was better than the Saturday one, but it was still well worth the trip.
This is a very big show, held at the Agri-Center at the Fairgrounds. There were many model railway vendors, a large HO scale layout, as well as a large G Scale layout in a separate room. There was a display of 7 1/4" gauge live steam equipment, including a beautiful Southern, 4-6-2 Pacific steam locomotive in the famous Crescent Green paint scheme.
Out in the back of the Fairgrounds is a small display train, which features an 0-4-0 Fireless steam engine, 2 boxcars and a caboose. This display is open during the fair and the one car features displays from Operation Lifesaver.
The Niagara Railway Museum would also like to thank Buckland Customs Brokers in St. Thomas, Ontario for their generous assistance in getting our display cleared across the border in both directions. To do a show in the US was not an easy task, and a lot of hard work and planning went into it. We thank them for everything they did for us.
Ken Jones Jr.
President - NRM
August 30, 2008 Recent happenings
The past 3 months have been somewhat busy as far as acquisitions goes, but slow as far as finding a home goes. Our display at Canada Day was once again well recieved, and made us a bit of money in donations. We have however had some significant donations recently. A donation of railway lanterns and oil cans came in late July from Lorraine Warner of Genaire in St. Catharines, and helped fill out some of the collection. Oddly enough, the NRM did not have any of the lanterns that were donated. They are all in very good condition, and some will be on display at our railway show, and other functions starting this year. The lamps were from the CNR, PRR, and MCR, and included switch and marker lamps, and CNR steam locomotive water & oil cans. There was also a replica Canadian Pacific Railway passenger car drumhead cover, which will be displayed in a case custom built by Genaire.
Judy Fortune of North Tonawanda donated some very old GTR time books from Niagara Falls. It seems the oldest date we can find is 1892. the books are in fair to poor condition, but when the museum is running will be displayed for all to see. Time books were used for the crews to sign in and out of, and many of the crews that came through Niagara Falls in the early 1900's are in this book. Judy said her father saved them from the dumpster and gave them to her, "just in case they were of use one day". Well, they are of great use to us, and thanks to her father, we have a part of the railway history of Niagara back. The photo below shows some entries from November 1915.
Jeff Smith of Simcoe has donated an old CP Express baggage cart. Through the years, someone tried to paint a wood grain look on the top, but the CP Express is still visible on the sides.
We have also managed to purchase some new photos of CN at Niagara Falls and Fort Erie, taken in 1958. Some of these shots will start appearing on the website shortly.
Our collection of larger artifacts is constantly growing, and we are running out of places to store our items. As always, we are always looking for leads, in the Niagara area, for a permanent home for the Niagara Railway Museum.
On behalf of the Niagara Railway Museum, I extend our thanks to all who have donated artifacts to us, and we can assure you that they will be properly displayed for all to see.
Ken Jones Jr.
President
February 29, 2008 Name change is now official
I am pleased to announce that after some time, our change of name has officially taken place. The website was changed 5 months ago to reflect the new name, but it became offical last week. The Niagara Railway Museum is now the official name, and we are progressing ahead with our incorporation, which was put on hold until the name was changed. The new name reflects the fact that after 10+ yrs of trying to set up in Niagara Falls, it just wasn't going to happen. We have started talks elsewhere in the region, and having the old name with Niagara Falls, wouldn't work in one of the other Cities. We thank everyone who supported the Niagara Falls Railway Museum, and hope that you will continue to support the Niagara Railway Museum.Ken Jones
President
December 11, 2007 Bay City Railway historical Foundation donation
The Bay City Railway Historical Foundation of Hamilton recently donated some great items to the Museum. The group, who also operates the H.O.M.E.S. club HO Scale model railway is moving to a new location, which is quite a bit less than what they had. Therefore, they had to downsize some of thier items, including railway tools, and display cases. The Museum gained 5 new display cases in various styles. We also received a dwarf signal, hand crank track drill (which will be displayed with our hand crank bond wire drill) 3 brake wheels, some small pieces of rail, 2 manual car movers, and a semaphore (with blade, but missing the lenses) The Niagara Railway Museum wishes to thank the BCRHF for offering us these items for display, and we wish them the best of luck in thier new location.November 7, 2007 Our Plymouth has arrived!!
The Niagara Railway Museums Plymouth MDT40t has arrived in Niagara. The engine was loaded and moved on November 7th, and is currently sitting at Dain City (Welland) where it will be stored until a home is found for the Museum. We will work on the engine as time permits, and restore it back to operating condition. Many thanks to Babcock and Wilcox in Cambridge for donating the locomotive to the Museum, and to M.J. Jones Hauling and Rigging in Welland for the safe haulage, unloading, and storage of the engine. Now that the Plymouth is here, the rebuilding can begin.
Pictures of the move can be seen here.
October 6, 2007 Recent artifact acquisitions
The Niagara Railway Museum has had some items recently donated, which are part of the history of the Railways of Niagara. Ex-CN Carman, Larry McLeish donated his car repair manuals, test books, etc. to the NRM, which is great, as we didn't have any of them in the collection before. He also donated his blue carmans lantern, and 2 lights which came from the CNR Fort Erie Roundhouse, before the fire and subsequent demolition. The lights will be restored and rewired, and will be hung in the display boxcar, and actually used for lighting. My thanks go to Larry for this great donation.Another recent acquisition is not an old one by any means. When Trillium Railway Co. Ltd. took over the CN lines on the west side of the Welland Canal, from Forks Junction near Welland, to the north end of St. Catharines, they had the official opening in Thorold. At the opening, a CN GP40-2LW was brought in, and along with one of Trilliums own S13's had a rope and some signs strung between them.
The signs, which were the 4 Cities which Trillium was now operating through (Port Colborne/Wainfleet, Welland, Thorold & St. Catharines) were pushed together to signify the linking of the Region from Lake to Lake. The signs have been at Trillium's Feeder yard, and were close to going in the garbage. I asked if we could have them, as I believe they are an important part of the current railway status in Niagara, and was told to take them before they get thrown out. The signs are now in the collection, and will be part of the display once the Museum is up and running.
My thanks to Trillium Rail for allowing us to save these pieces.
August 24, 2007 Donation page at the Niagara Falls Review
The local Newspaper, the Niagara Falls Review, has set up a special page on thier site to help out the charitable organisations of Niagara. The page allows people do donate to a Niagara Charity (If listed) The Niagara Railway Museum is on this list, and we hope this will help us generate some extra funding for the Museum. When you go to the main page, scroll down to "Charitable Donations" on the left hand column and lick on the "Local Charities" link. You can then select the NRM from the list, and make an online (secure) donation. Your donation will help the Niagara Railway Museum reach its goals, now, and in the future.
http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/webapp/sitepages/
Thanks to all those who have already donated.
August 3, 2007 New videos added
We have added 2 new videos to the projects page under work sessions. One is of our new Whiting 2TMA Trackmobile being loaded onto the truck for the trip down to Thorold, where it will be stored and worked on. The second video shows our steam engine, HEPC #46 rolling along the track (being towed by a tractor unfortunately) while being moved so some welding could take place in the cab.
There is also another new addition to the Museum collection. Babcock & Wilcox in Cambridge, Ontario, have donated thier Plymout MDT 40ton diesel to us. This particular unit once worked for Ontario Hydro at Niagara Falls. The engine will require work before it is operational. We hope to move the engine into temporary storage very soon, and photos of the move will follow.
July 2, 2007 New equipment acquisitions
Our Whiting 2TMA Trackmobile has arrived!!
On Saturday, July 7th, members of the NFRM journeyed up north to load up our recently acquired 2TMA Whiting Trackmobile. When rebuilt, the unit will be very useful when it comes to moving equipment around the display site. We have also acquired a 400amp Miller welder, which can also serve as a backup generator, and will be needed in the restoration of #46 when she is brought back to Niagara. The NFRM thanks Ted Lucas from Lucas Lift Truck in Thorold for moving the Trackmobile, welder, and more parts for #46 (air tank, steam dome, coupler). All these items will be put into storage until we are ready for them. Meanwhile, we will continue to work on the Trackmobile. A photo of the Trackmobile, and another project car, a Sylvester 21E motorcar (privately owned, and also picked up July 7th) are now in the equipment list on the collection page. There is also an updated photo of #46, also taken on the 7th.
More announcements, and BIG changes will be coming soon, so keep an eye on this page for all the details!!
May 17, 2006 Hydro Electric Power Commission #46 is coming home!!
Yes, it's true. HEPC 0-4-0ST #46, built by the ALCo Cooke Works in August 1920, has been acquired by the Niagara Railway Museum. We are very greatful for the donations that we have received for this project, but the work is far from over. The rear headlight, shown above, has been restored, complete with 46 in the number boards (it carried #48, it's last in service number, when we received it). The headlight will be on display at any events we take part in this year. Right now we are looking into the movement of the engine, which will be by road. The longterm goals are for a full cosmetic restoration, which will require more funding. Therefore, we are still looking for donations of materials, labour, and money, to help see this project through.
Keep watching the News page for more details on the move of #46.
Also, please be advised, that the Railway Museum IS NOT yet open to the public. We are still looking for a permanent home, and will announce it here when we will be open.
Ken Jones Jr.
President - NRM
September 7, 2005 4 New Motorcars
June 30, 2005 HEPC #46 Project
Please check out the following page for a look at the NRM's newest project, Bringing HEPC #46 back to Niagara FallsAlso a reminder that we will be attending the Canada Day celebrations at Optimist Park, Niagara Falls (July 1st) as well as taking part in the Niagara Antique Power Association's annual show in Sherkston (July 1,2,3).
Drop by and have a look at the displays.
November 25, 2004 NRM Equipment List
We've added a tabular listing of some of the equipment in our collection. Over time, we will added more of our equipment and fill in the missing pictures. Have a lookAugust 31, 2004 CASO Whistle Posts
