4489 in the Angus Pavilion

[owd sweedy]

Yesterday two full volunteer crews using two operating locos, finished two days of track laying and switching of equipment at Exporail to facilitate the move of 4489 into the Angus Pavilion. All the complex moves around the yards went perfectly and the new track presented no problems. Everything was calm and professionally carried out. Track was relaid to cross the yard behind the Angus building to the access door for 4489's track. A Shoo Fly was put in across the operating streetcar line that runs around the site, (you can see this in one of the photos). Street cars had to do an out and back run for the two days. The two diesel locos used in the moves were both recently donated to Exporail. A Geep 9 from CP and an SW1200 from CN. D of C complained a little bit when coaxed around the tightest curve in the yard, but plenty of grease on flanges and a crawling pace were all that was needed. The buffer car that was converted over the winter worked perfectly and made for safe and easy switching. Our beautifully painted A4 entered the Angus building in the early afternoon and to a round of applause took up her new position. As I mentioned in an earlier thread, she is positioned over a large, well lit, observation pit where visitors can walk underneath the locos. There will also be public access through the corridor tender and the cab. She can also be observed from above as there is a viewing mezzanine. The Angus Pavilion is a state of the art, purpose built facility that features year round climate control. D of C and the royal Hudson are the first things you see when you walk through into the display area, and I can tell you she looks absolutely fantastic. There will be a large audio visual display in the foyer on D of C, from her Coronation express days, through to BR developments and finally saving and coming to Canada. The second part will concentrate on the Mallard 75 events, her restoration, and return to Canada, (her third trip across the Atlantic). I know some railfans, (especially in the UK), will not be too impressed by this, if the rantings on Facebook and other sites are any indication, but for me and other volunteers here, this really is the best result I could have ever hoped for. The locos future is secure and can proudly show to all who visit, the very best in UK railway design and engineering and with a direct comparison to her Canadian contemporary next door.
Cheers,
Owd Sweedy

[giner]

Fantastic work, OS. Congratulations to you and your guys and the museum for giving D of C such a stately home. The viewing from all angles is a wonderful touch. I doubt I'll get over to Montreal any time soon, but what a treat is in store for your visitors. Well done!

[owd sweedy]

Some more pics for you...
The orange netting in the last photo is temporary. the original fence around the pit
had to be removed to get the diesel out and now needs adjusting before replacement.
Cheers
OS

[owd sweedy]

Thanks giner. a lot of planning went into what on the face of it looks like a simple move. The staff and volunteers (of which I am only one) did a great job and made it all look easy.
Here's a photo of some likely lads taken during a lull in proceedings. I am the one in the panama hat, alongside a fellow Waddon restorer and 4489 volunteer.

[drmditch]

Thank you for the pictures. The display facilities look excellent. I can't think why anybody would complain, but I suppose there will always be some people who winge on if everything is not exactly to their liking.

It must be very interesting to compare the Pacific and the Hudson side by side.

[trainspotter1948]

Tremendous job.
The icing on the cake for UK followers, would be a short video of the walk underneath as I too cannot justify coming to Ottawa for the experience.

[2002EarlMarischal]

Excellent - thanks for sharing - well done to all involved!