20 February 2013

Hunter Harrison Speaks About
the CPR Steam Program

Coquitlam British Columbia - Hunter Harrison was in town today for one of many town hall meetings they have had across Canada.
 
He and all the other big boys were here.
 
It was held at the Poco Inn and Suites situated across the street from Coquitlam Yard from 09:00 to 12:00 today.
 
There were 80 to 100 people there in the audience, mostly from Vancouver but there were some from Revelstoke and Cranbrook.
 
I and a couple of other recently retired pensioners attended as well as quite a few of my former co-workers.
 
Hunter opened it up to a Q and A near the end.
 
I got up to speak at the microphone and asked him what his position was on the Heritage program citing the Christmas Train, RCP, and the 2816.
 
I mentioned how the UP has had a steam program for 50 years and the NS had one until Bob Claytor retired and passed away.
 
Hunter cut in and said to me right away, "And Bob Claytor managed to turn over a steam engine while he was there".
 
Hunter doesn't miss a thing.
 
I should have known he would know about that accident many years ago, although I don't think it had anything to do with the steam engine Claytor was driving.
 
He then said, "I hate steam engines."
 
The audience chuckled when he said that.
 
"They are expensive to run, the liability is too high, and they serve no useful purpose."
 
He never did touch on the RCP.
 
He did say he will continue to run the Christmas train.
 
He then said the company contributed over a million dollars to the relief fund in New York City after Hurricane Sandy and was quick to point out that the Norfolk Southern only donated US$100,000.00.
 
He seems to have an answer for everything.
 
None of his answers surprised me but I did not want to blow this opportunity to ask him about the steam program.
 
Author unknown.

Vancouver Island
British Columbia
Canada