05/26/2026
Wondering what has been happening at the APR? A question we get asked quite frequently. And the answer is... A LOT!
APR Mechanic Laurie has been hard at work along side the volunteer boilermakers completing winter maintenance, inspection and repairs to the #7 Steam Locomotive in preparation for the Summer Season.
The track crew have opened up additional trackage after some much needed tie replacement near Roger st, allowing the train to nose up to the Roger St crossing for the 2026 Season.
The track crew have also cleared off the brush from Yard Track #7 and reorganized the yard equipment to allow easier access to the coaches for the crew, and hopefully be less visible to vandals. Unfortunately, the vandalism has been quite bad the past few months with many wires cut and stolen, and multiple break ins on the coaches.
The inside of the coaches have seen quite a bit of cleaning after the toll this past winter took on them. Also, Joel from Larsen Co. Electric has installed a new fridge so cold drinks can be sold at the Train Station prior to departure.
The Soo Line flat car is being converted into the main stage for the Canada Day Celebrations at Harbour Quay. Bert and Brent have been busy prepping the deck and constructing the new handrails. Once complete prior to Canada Day, the car will see a full repaint (back to white) and a refresh on the lettering will some shortly after.
The Alberni Valley Community Forest Crew Speeder needed some TLC after the cold winter, so Kade and Logan took that project on to get it running again, while Richard worked on adjustments to the air brake system.
Brush cutting... everywhere, has been an ongoing task, Richard and Kade, have been hard at work, keeping up with the vegetation, using the on track mower (ex. Tie Crane).
There have been so many projects from small to big that have taken place over the past few months, and with our operating season coming up quickly, many of these projects are nearing completion, and crews are already starting to prep for fall and winter projects.
