History on the line: Cat 3512 diesels are breathing new life into some aging locomotives on Canfor's historic forestry railroad on northern Vancouver Island. The upgrade has allowed Canfor to replace four older locomotives with three rebuilt ones

Canadian Forest Industries, Oct 1999 by Nourse, Mike

While it is too early for hard numbers, Holmes says he expects the rebuilds will result in an overall saving in log transport costs in the Division of about 25 per cent, a result of running one less locomotive and fuel savings with the 3512s. Lloyd Swift, Englewood railroad supervisor, says Canfor people in the Division are delighted to see the old locomotives remain in service. "There is a lot of history on this line. Everybody here takes pride in that and in being a part of running what is the last logging railroad working anywhere in North America. With these rejuvenated locomotives, we expect this railroad will be moving wood for a long time yet. It's a nice feeling to know that there will still be that link between railroading and the forest industry in the upper Island."

Mike Nourse is a writer with Bader Rutter & Associates.