All aboard.....Engine 374

Thanks again to Bill Johnston, West Coast Railway Assn, for the tour of the Engine 374 pavilion in Yaletown and for sharing the history of the engine, Yaletown, and railways in Vancouver.  Engine 374 is an important part of the history of Yaletown.  Engine 374 was manufactured in 1886 by Canadian Pacific Railway and made its journey from Montreal to Vancouver in 1887 (pulling the first passenger train into Vancouver).  It was retired in 1945 and for many years was on display in Kits Park.  In 1983, restoration of the engine started and it was proudly displayed at Expo 86.  The pavilion was completed and the engine moved inside in 1992.  West Coast Railway Assn became its custodian in 2006.  The engine is rolled out of the pavilion each year for the Victoria Day Steam Up to celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday with bands, cake, and lots of family fun.  Bill also provided background on the underground railway tunnels (now used by Skytrain) and the local railway stations.  Thanks again to Bill, the Friends of 374, West Coast Railway Assn, and the City of Vancouver for preserving this great piece of history and for the interactive community display.