Here's the Proof

The LRC was in production for years. It wasn't until we saw the initial touring consist, pictured at Kingston (above) that we could believe it was finally complete, and about to debut.

I received a proof from my printer on Sunday. It wasn't until I saw the initial proof that I could believe it was almost complete, and about to be printed.

The proof was a full-colour illustrated cover, and several pages for my perusal. Bryan Babcock of Allan Graphics has done some very nice graphic design work. I shouldn't have been impressed, knowing he's good at what he does, but I was. Truly impressed.

I've heard a lot about this moment, when an author sees his work coming to fruition for the first time. Though only a partial proof, I shared that feeling. I'll be adding some more photos and making some minor revisions, but I already know this book is going to look good on my bookshelf. Or night table, railfanning bag, computer desk or other handy location. Maybe yours too.

Highball!

The Talisman

No, the talisman is not the biggest guy on a basketball team. It's from the Greek and refers to an amulet or other item that possesses magical powers. In my world, it refers to the memory stick I've been carrying around with me for the last 7 months. On this stick was the text and data for my new book.

On Tuesday, I visited Bryan, my graphic designer at Allan Graphics here in Kingston, where my book is about to be printed. He magically downloaded all the files from the memory stick, and returned it to me. That was it. I had my talisman, and although it still retained the files, they had gone on to be transmitted into something mysterious and as yet unseen.

OK, enough mysticism. This is where it gets good. Bryan is now working to get my jottings, which have been transcribed, checked, reformatted and rechecked, into book form, sandwiching them with titles, text, photos, tables, schedules and rosters. I'll let him work his magic. I predict (mystical background music here) a book of about one hundred pages.

Highball!

Gimme Two on the Trainline

The cab whistle's shrill "pheeeeep-pheeeeeep" sounds in the FPA4 cab as the conductor pulls twice on the trainline. The engineer reaches for the controls and he replies with two toots on the air horn. The train is about to leave the station.

The finality of departure, coupled with the anticipation of the journey are wrapped up in the sounds of air whistle, air horn, and engines throttling up.

Same goes for my book. Everything is in readiness. The text, data and photos have been selected, gathered and are ready for the next step in the journey. Supporting rosters, schedules, some historical notes and data. Lots of data. This step will involve transmission from computer files to paper. Finally. Highball!

Chapters

This picture encapsulates VIA's history: a telegraph pole dating back to the era when passenger service was a proud part of CN's operations and a P42DC - the most modern units in the modern VIA locomotive fleet.

As I enter the final stages of tying together the two ends of VIA's relatively short history, I'm struck by the stages of its evolution. Here are the working titles for chapters covering these eras:

1976-1981 Beginnings

1982-1986 Potpourri

1987-1990 New Power

1991-1995 End of Steam

1996-2000 Transition

2011-2011 Renaissance

Now, to select photos to accompany the text. Highball!

Eras and Context

Not only have I finished the transcription phase, I've now finished proofreading all the train information that I've prepared for the book. Though the information is ready for publication, it isn't really complete without being presented in the appropriate historical context. (I hesitate to use the term historical when referring to VIA Rail, but there it is.)

To accomplish this, I'm drafting a composite history of VIA: combining corporate, operational, equipment and trackside elements to give the reader an idea of why VIA ran the trains it did, when it did, in each of its eras. This history will precede each era's train information, and help to answer those often-asked questions...When did the LRC enter service? Why did VIA buy F40's? How and when did VIA's transcontinental trains operate on CN and CP?

If you enjoy this type of contextual background, and find it as educational and interesting as I do, it should add to your enjoyment and reading of this book. VIA's trains tell a story, and I think you'll find this a good read. Highball!

Heading West

In December of last year, I mentioned trains I'd seen on several trips across western Canada aboard VIA Rail. As I work my way through them, I'm again surprised at what I'm finding as I'm transcribing. It's not limited to information on the trains I was able to ride.

There are the trains I saw while waiting to board the Canadian, trains we met along the way, switching and combining of sections at Sudbury, business cars in Calgary and Vancouver, and an absolutely rich and astounding variety of cars in trainsheds and coachyards.

A current Yahoogroup discussion focuses on "transition eras", normally thought of as steam-to-diesel, but also including sea change in trains, equipment and operating philosophies. The early decade of VIA involved impending transition from service on the full VIA network, through cutbacks, to the advent of Head End Power, and F-units being replaced by newer power. Rolling stock was standardized and then sold off.

But why was 9480 tagging along on the end of the Super Continental? Highball!

Time for Moving On

This engineer has just picked up his mid-morning snack from the club car. A quick word with the conductor and it's time for moving on.

Earlier this week, I completed the formidable task of transcription of original train information, which now covers the entire history of VIA Rail, from 1976 to 2011. I was amazed by the amount of information transcribed - VIA's motive power, rolling stock, equipment cycles and rotation of equipment, and of course unique and colourful consists. And many, many additions to paint scheme transition data.

Now I'm moving on. Western consists throughout VIA's early years: River-class and I-series sleepers used as crew accommodation, a nice mix of E-series and Chateau/Manor cars, CP Geeps and RS's on the Canadian, and quite a few surprises.

Then I'll be working hard to complete the many other parts of this book. Expect a notable contribution from a well-known VIAphile. Highball!