Ol' Smoky (Parade / Special function train)

Ol' Smoky in the Nanton Days Parade - Heritage Day 2007 for Nanton's 100 Year Anniversary

Also- carrying some precious cargo at the ATCO co. - family summer picnic for employees.

I began to undertake this project without realizing what a multi task effort it would eventually become. It has taken two years to finish and is yet not done; some modifications will be required to enhance its overall appearance. Having taxed the initial budget well beyond my expectations it is time now to direct my energies on the outside layout in general. Now, that the Ol' Smoky project is completed to this point and working well, I now look forward to participating in all the activities that this fine train project is designed to do. For the 2007 year I successfully completed two booking undertakings, the first was to provide train rides with the engine and tender for ATCO Natural Gas employees and their children, at a company picnic. For four hours the engine performed without any difficulty. As this was the first engagement we had not yet tested the trains’ capabilities and did have a last minute mechanical failure which forced a roadside alteration. Fortunately this did not cause a major delay, with the assistance of my son Troy we managed to (McGuiver) bandage the problem well enough to continue on time and not disappoint any of the children. The day was well received by all and plans for a repeat performance next year were discussed.

The second commitment was to my friends Tony and Joan Scheiwiller at "Ultimate Trains", whom have been very helpful to me and De Winton Station. Tony did sponsor the amplified digital sound system that generates all of the real train sounds for Ol' Smoky, as well as to provide rain protection covers for the trailing cars. On this occasion I was able to complete the entire parade route for the annual Nanton Days celebrations and for the town of Nanton's 100 year anniversary. At one point I did created a little too much smoke from the stack and lived up to Ol' Smoky's name but no one complained and the day was an overall great success. We managed to secure a first place red ribbon for our efforts so I am satisfied with our performance as well.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the sponsors of this project, without the generous assistance of these individuals and organizations it would, at times, be very difficult to continue with all of the complex aspects of DSGR. To provide - some of the materials and /or special services: - such as painting, powder coating plus aluminum and steel welding. Advice and consultation solicited or otherwise is recognized as value added, to all my appreciation and gratitude!

BACKGROUND / HISTORY OF THE COMPANY - WHAT THE COMPANY IS AND DOES - Company Logo

De Winton Station Inc. currently is preparing to promote a unique summer venue - to display the steam railway era at around the turn of the 20th century. I will try to focus on presenting the Canadian National and White Pass railroads and to realistically snap shot the year of 1915.

The Canadian Nationals "live steam" Mikado 2-8-2 with Vanderbilt tender and seven heavyweight series passenger cars will dominate the larger mainline portions of the outdoor layout. While a large covered enclosure will eventually house the booming port-town of Skagway Alaska, complete with steamship docks, a roundhouse yard and the rail line running up the main street of the town.

This was the time of the famous Klondike gold rush and the bustling town of Skagway was filled with would be prospectors (stampeders) lured with the thought of striking it rich in the gold mines and streams of the Yukon.

Calgary was recognized to be the opportune location to launch this type of venture. Our population growth has just reached one million and there are not enough venues, such as ours, for people to visit. By taking the time to do the work needed on my schedule and by keeping the overhead costs to a minimum it is feasible to stay on budget and perhaps complete the undertaking within my lifetime.

(Assuming, of course I live to be 120 – I have enough financial resources in reserve to last until yesterday)

~ Quick Highlighted Tour ~

E-Mail - dsgr01@telus.net ........ Page 4 of 6