A Geologist went on the Railway

In the early to mid 2000's myself and a few others got a tour of the CN Second Narrows Bridge.  We got to see a number of trains cross the bridge along with several freights on the CP mainline that passes under the bridge.   Looking northeast towards Deep Cove and Belcarra. Looking northwest towards North Vancouver and the Iron Workers Memorial bridge.  Not your usual view of this structure. Looking southwest towards Vancouver.  The former Alberta Wheat Pool elevator is on the other side of the bridge.  You can see the PNE behind the elevator and part of downtown Vancouver to the right. We got up into one of the bridge towers and were able to get amazing views of the Iron Workers bridge, Vancouver and the North Shore as well as along Burrard Inlet.  Here are some of the photos from that day. Old school control system Office view More old school stuff This is the interlocking control system for the track in North Vancouver heading to the bridge Hopefull...

Sometimes even non-railway stuff is interesting.  In February 2008 there was a forestry supplier convention at the Vancouver Convention Center.  Equipment dealers, suppliers and other companies and individuals associated with the industry descended on the Vancouver waterfront to display their wares. One of these companies was Coulson Aviation, based in Port Alberni on Vancouver Island.  They supply helicopters and aircraft for firefighting and other forestry related work.  One of the coolest things they have in their fleet is the Martin Mars water bomber.  Coulson Aviation bought the last two of these aircraft in 2007, with the Hawaii Mars being the last operational aircraft.   It has nearly the wingspan of a 747 and is powered by 4 propeller engines.  It sounds like a B-17 when it is throttled up. It is awesome to see and hear in person.  In February 2008 Coulson had several demonstration flights of the plane in Vancouver harbour.  Larg...

From early 1998 through 2002 I lived near the Granville Island area of Vancouver.  Vestiges of the former industrial nature of the area still survive the encroaching condominiums, townhouses and tourist traps in the area.  The condo building that I lived in was built on the site of an old sawmill.  One benefit of this location was that I was literally 2 blocks from the Molson brewery which was served by CP several times per week.  As well the Downtown Historic Railway operated former BC Electric interurban cars during the summer from a station across the street from my apartment. My apartment was just behind the CIBC sign, although it hadn't been built yet when this photo of BCH switching Granville Island was taken in 1974.  The tracks in the foreground are still there as a reminder of the historic industrial nature of what is now a prime tourist destination BC Hydro 904 has just come off the False Creek Bridge and is likely heading to the BN/CN interchange on t...