All aboard for the triumphant return of the Hillcrest Shay No. 1 geared steam locomotive — BC Forest Discovery Centre invites train lovers of all ages to Journey of Labour: From Past to Present this Labour Day weekend.
The Shay steam locomotive is only one of 21 of its kind in the world. This labour of love journey to bring this 104-year old icon back to life spanned over eight years as 24 volunteers logged over 14, 400 hours, who were forced to take a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. To get this project on track, 16 Major sponsors provided cash and in kind support which estimated around $485,000, while a further $202,493 was raised through private donations.
"The rebuild provides the BC Forest Discovery Centre with a fully functional geared steam locomotive," said Carter in a message from the president. "At the turn of the last century, geared locomotives were extensively used in logging on Vancouver Island. While there are a few that have survived as exhibits th Hillcrest Shay No. 1 is the only one of its kind in Canada that is operational. The project is indebted to the many donors who contributed to the funding needs, local government, and business community that provided the much needed professional expertise, and finally the volunteers whose commitment and dedication made this all possible."
Carter was instrumental in getting the much needed restoration on track. It was a total rebuild from the wheel up, which was quite extensive and the first undertaking of its kind in the 60-year history of the Discovery Centre. The restoration work to the Shay included: a new boiler designed to ASME 2015 standards, a new water tank was added following a rebuild of both truck sets including profiling of drive wheels, machining of axles and manufacture of new bearings. The locomotive engine was also totally rebuilt along with the drive train, and a refractory was donated to be installed in the firebox area. New insulation including a steel jacket was designed and fitted to the boiler external, all piping and valving was renewed on the fuel, steam, water and air systems, plus all monitors and controls were either rebuilt or replaced. All of this work has allowed to Shay to hit the rails again providing engine enthusiasts a ride on a steam train through a 100 acre park in the Cowichan Valley.
"It's such a huge huge success story," said BC Forest Discovery Centre general manager Chris Gale. "Alf Carter our president and our team worked on that for eight full years to make it work. We finally just invited the 200 people who donated their time and money down to the centre here last weekend. One of our volunteers here used to ride it to school every day, and a guest we had here last weekend was telling me that they used to catch the train to go into town to do all their shopping, and then take it back home. The rebuild is a part of what makes the centre unique, and its importance cannot be overstated. The revival of this artifact is an essential part of the Centre’s founder, Gerry Wellburn’s vision to provide a collection of our forestry heritage for the enjoyment of patrons far and wide. Indeed, that vision has become an integral part of the Centre’s mission statement, to inform, inspire and entertain.Originally a two-year project and now entering its eight year, the rebuilding of the iconic Hillcrest No.1 Shay locomotive is a testament to all those involved. Without their foresight, dedication, innovation, amazing work ethic and unshakable commitment this project would never have been completed. It is with the support of professional expertise and facilities, volunteers and staff of the B.C. Forest Discovery Centre that have brought the locomotive back to life 24 years after it was sidelined in 1999."
The three-day festivities to celebrate the restoration of the historic Hillcrest Shay will be full steam ahead from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Aug. 31, through to Sept. 2, and will include train rides, crafts, and cake each day at 1 p.m, and the last train ride at 4p.m. each day. The special admission price for this event are as follows: Adults $14, Seniors & Youth (13-18 years) $12, and Children 3 -12 years $10, children under two are free. The Discovery Centre also offer many wheelchair accessible areas including the train.
"This locomotive spent its entire career in the Cowichan Valley, and it is fitting and heartwarming that so many members of our community have taken a vested interest in the entire project and are ready to welcome this famous locomotive as it returns to its rightful place running on our tracks and pulling trainloads of visitors around the BC Forest Discovery Centre," said Gale. "Today, the fully restored Hillcrest Shay No.1 is so much more besides being Canada’s only operational Shay locomotive - it’s an important part of our forest industry and communities’ heritage and culture – one that should be preserved, promoted, and celebrated. "