| September 2002: The first
day of my first visit to Vancouver, British Columbia. The local
newspaper declares the end of passenger service on BC Rail. One
month later and I've convinced five friends to fly north from San Francisco
and take a ride aboard the Cariboo Prospector.
Two of my friends are rail fans; the other three are better
known for late night club visits. The sun has yet to rise as the
train prepares to leave North Vancouver. The rail fans are present.
The late night club fans are not.
By late 2002, BC Rail discontinued almost all of
its passenger operations. The streamlined cars of the Whistler Northwind
and the luxury Starlight Dinner Train rest outside the station awaiting
sale or scrapping.
Two of BC Rail's RDCS, BC-11 and BC-30, appear from the
dark rail yards.
(Click
here to tour a BC Rail RDC) |
