Our train engine, the 1077 Herb Hawkins, the track and our train operations are currently being surveyed and audited for safety. The engine, restored in 1971 by its namesake, Boilermaker and Technician Herb Hawkins, is under a technical survey to ensure that it is track-worthy. The train’s tracks and operations are under technical and process reviews as well. The 1077, much beloved by the community of Fort Steele’s visitors, volunteers and employees, has, as of 2023, 24 cracks in the boiler jacket, up from 4 in 2022, leading to serious concerns about safety that have to be addressed.
It is with great regret that Fort Steele Heritage Town made the decision this spring to suspend operations until these reviews can be completed. We appreciate and assistance with this project: please see our Donation links if you would like to contribute to repair expenses. Save the 1077, indeed!
The 1077 Herb Hawkins will not be operating as a result for the foreseeable future. We will continue to post updates on the progress of the surveys as they are completed, and will certainly let everyone know just as soon as we can get the train back on the tracks.
The 27 cracks in the boiler jacket that we mentioned previously were largely repaired in June of last year - which is great.
A team will be arriving mid-July that will carry out Non Destructive Testing as part of a Fitness For Service review of the boiler. What this series of tests will provide is information on the soundness of the repairs from last year, as well as information on new cracks that may have appeared as a result of 2023 operations. It is our hope that firing during the 2023 season was done with care - if so there’s not likely to be a huge number of new cracks. No new cracks would be ideal.
The other area of concern is the safety, technical and operational audit that is required by Technical Safety BC. Prior to completing the audit is the rewrite of the Safety Management System (the SMS). This is a guide for the safe operation of the train, and a review is required yearly. Currently the last update was done in 2018. Our review of available documents reveals holes in the required documentation. We look forward to the resolving the gaps during further review of documents on hand.
Our technical consultants are working hard in these areas. As soon as we have more information we will post in this space. Keep an eye out to find out more.
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