Alco CPR train engine restoration completed in Cranbrook

The heritage Alco CPR train engine was completed earlier this fall.

The ambition project of refurbishing the heritage Alco CPR train engine was completed earlier this fall. The metal restoration and priming had taken place over the last year and the paint crews completed the job during the summer and early fall.

The refurbished train sits on the north end of the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel property, adjacent to downtown and next to the Elko heritage train station. The goal of restoring the engine to its original exterior condition and provide a welcoming showpiece for the museum has been achieved — thanks to a lot of hard work by many volunteers.

The Alco project has been spearheaded by the Sunrise Rotary Club and was supported by numerous local groups including the Rotary Club, Columbia Basin Trust, the Cranbrook Downtown Business association and many other individual businesses and area residents. Over $60,000 was raised in support of the project.

By refinishing the exterior of the Alco Diesel engine and maintaining its historic value it is designed to enhance the City's entrance way and embrace the City's railroad legacy. Restoration included removal of the panels, sandblasting, cutting and fitting new panels, priming the entire engine body, masking and painting the body, replacement of the glass, painting the undercarriage and weeding the roadbed.

Many local contractors and suppliers contributed to the project including Riemann's Painting and Fab-Rite Welding.