User:Ncmoogks

= Waterloo Central Railway =

In May 2007, the Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society received approval from the City of Waterloo to operate a heritage tourist train between Waterloo and St. Jacobs. The Waterloo Central Railway made its first revenue run on June 23, 2007. The grand opening was on July 21, 2007.

Running Rights
The Waterloo Central Railway operates on the Elmira, Ontario Spur of owned by the Region of Waterloo which connects Elmira, St. Jacobs, Ontario and Waterloo, Ontario to Kitchener, Ontario by rail. Through an agreement with the Region of Waterloo, the WCR operates passenger service in daytime hours, and the Goderich-Exeter Railway operates freight service in evening hours, or on non-operating days for the WCR. The WCR also leases space in the City of Waterloo Visitor and Heritage Information Centre which was formerly owned by the Waterloo-St. Jacobs railway

First Season
From June 2007 to December 2007 the train operated three times a day on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday The Waterloo Central Railway began operations in June 2007 and continued until December 22, 2007.

Second Season
The 2008 season began April 5, 2008 with service extended to Elmira for the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. Regular operations resumed with Saturday service April 19.

The 2008 season operates Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays beginning in Waterloo at the station at 10 Father David Bauer Drive departing at 10am, noon and 2pm with stops at the St. Jacob's Farmer's Market (at the back beside the stockyards) and the Village of St. Jacob's (the corner of Cedar and Isabella Street).

History of the Waterloo Spur = Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society = The Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society (SOLRS) is the larger parent organization that runs the Waterloo Central Railway. SOLRS became a registered Canadian charity in 1988 and maintains that status today. The mandate of SOLRS is to preserve, to restore and to operate vintage railway equipment for the education and enjoyment of the public and present the cultural heritage in a new and more meaningful way to generations past, present and future.

Motive Power
The WCR currently has one active engine, Number 10 a GE 55 Ton Locomotive built in 1950. Through SOLRS, the WCR has access to Number 9, a 4-4-0 1923 MLW Switcher. Number 9 is currently out of service.

Rolling Stock
The WCR has the following cars in active service: Caboose 61, Diner, Business Car, Midway, VIA Coaches. When SOLRS takes extended tours, they also bring a baggage car, two air-dump gondolas, two box cars and tanker with them.

Restoration
There are several projects in various states of restoration. 124 Project, Tom Thumb, VIA Car, Caboose

Shop
In 2008 SOLRS made public plans erect a restoration shop in the Village of St. Jacobs.