Press Kit
Organization Backgrounder
The Rocky Mountain Rail Society (RMRS), a CRA registered non-profit society, was created in 1984 as stewards for Canadian National Railway steam locomotive 6060. The locomotive was gifted to the Province of Alberta in 1980 from Canadian National Railways to celebrate Alberta’s 75 Anniversary. In 1992 Canadian National steam locomotive number 6060 was sold to the RMRS for safe keeping by the Province of Alberta. It is a Provincially Registered Historical Resource.
The goal of the society is to preserve locomotive 6060 in operating condition for public education and tourism.
Management/Staff Bios
President – Don Wilson
With 30 years of experience in the transportation safety industry, Don brings considerable regulatory experience, many valuable contacts and strategic management experience to the RMRS board. Notable is his past involvement as Executive Director with the Alberta Motor Transport Association and as an advisory committee board member at Mount Royal University for their Strategic Management continuing education program. Don holds a designation of “Chartered & Professional Manager” from the Canadian Institute of Management along with numerous business and H.R. courses from the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University.
He has been an active member of the RMRS since 2010 and on the executive for the last 7 years. He believes in the importance of volunteering and giving back to the community. He also firmly believes in achieving the goal of returning 6060 to steam for all to enjoy in the very near future.
For the last 15 years he has been a seasonal employee at Heritage Park starting as a Conductor and now as a qualified locomotive steam fireman. He also performs track inspection for them as required. Since 2015 he has been a contractor at Aspen Crossing working as their senior Engineer, track inspector, Safety Management System auditor and train crew scheduler.
Don has also been an active volunteer with the Calgary Stampede Promotions Committee for 16 years. He has also recently been appointed as a Director for the Canadian Association of Heritage Railways. In his spare time he is band leader and plays Bass guitar in a weekend party band.
Secretary/Treasurer – Brian Henderson
Brian has had an interest in trains and railways from an early age. Brian remembers the 6060 locomotive stored in Calgary at the old Cominco fertilizer plant in the 1980s. He has a dream of seeing the locomotive fully operational again.
Brian has volunteered and worked at Heritage Park, on the steam locomotives and rolling stock, for the past 8 years. Brian has served as engineer, fireman, switchman, brake man and track inspector, along with other duties. Brian participated in changing the main wheel bearings on both locomotives 2023 and 2024 and boiler repairs to locomotive 2023. He assisted in restoration of the steam crane, the steam road roller and other artifacts. He regularly operates the steam powered Case traction engine (tractor).
Brian has volunteered at Champion Park, south of Calgary, since 2010, in the areas of train crew, locomotive engineer and track maintenance. He has worked on Locomotive No. 19’s electrical systems and assisted with the engine’s mechanical maintenance.
Professional Engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) since 1982
Railroad Track Inspection, March 2019
4th Class Power Engineer, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, November 2018
Fundraising Director - Ken Warenko
Organizational Goals
Education
The Rocky Mountain Rail Society provides educational opportunities to the public by displaying and operating the 6060 steam locomotive. It provides an opportunity for people to see and touch an operational steam engine that represents the peak of Canadian design and ingenuity of the time. It also provides an opportunity for the public to have hands on experience maintaining, operating and managing a heritage resource.
Tourism
The Rocky Mountain Rail Society operates the 6060 steam engine under the guidance of Alberta’s premier tourist passenger train operator, Alberta Prairie Railway. Alberta Prairie Railway provides operating personnel and crews as well as training and maintenance advice. In return the Rocky Mountain Rail Society operates locomotive 6060 pulling the Alberta Prairie Railway passenger trains.
Case Studies
Railway Heritage and Tourism: Global Perspectives, by Prof. Michael V. Conlin (Editor), Geoffrey R. Bird (Editor) - This is the first book of its kind to examine railway heritage in the context of tourism in a comprehensive, internationally relevant manner.
Industrial railway heritage trains: the evolution of a heritage tourism genre and its attributes Abhishek Bhati,Josephine Pryce &Taha ChaiechiPages 114-133 | Received 01 Apr 2013, Accepted 06 Nov 2013, Published online: 27 Jan 2014 Journal of Heritage Tourism
Noteworthy Press Coverage
http://www.exporail.org/can_rail/Canadian%20Rail_no255_1973.pdf
https://bytownrailwaysociety.ca/phocadownload/branchline/1988/1988-12.pdf
https://www.reddeerexpress.com/news/6060-turns-66-in-2010/
https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=742907
https://www.stettlerindependent.com/community/bullet-nose-betty-last-engine-6060-still-running/
Summary of Achievements
Registered Provincial Historical Resource - https://hermis.alberta.ca/ARHP/Details.aspx?DeptID=1&ObjectID=4665-1348
Attended Steam Expo 86 at the 1986 World Exposition on Transportation and Communication
Jubilee Express - passenger service during summer 1980 to celebrate Alberta’s 75 anniversary of joining Canada.
Operated at Alberta Prairie Railway from 1999 to 2011. - www.absteamtrain.com
Digital Artwork
Contact Information
Secretary / Treasurer
Brian Henderson
403 254 2154
info@6060.org
FAQ’s
I. How and when was the Rocky Mountain Rail Society (RMRS) founded?
The RMRS was founded in 1984 by Harry Home and a like minded group in Jasper, AB. It was founded when 6060 was on display in Jasper as a caretaker group to look after the locomotive.
II. What are the 6060’s specifications?
LENGTH: 93 feet
HEIGHT: 15 feel I 1/2 inch
OPERATING WEIGHT: 637,540 pounds
TRACTIVE EFFORT: 52,500 pounds
OPERATING PRESSURE: 260 psi
FUEL: Bunker C Oil originally, now used motor oil
TENDER CAPACITY: 5000 imperial gallons oil/ 11,000 gallons of water
III. How many people does it take to operate the locomotive?
The engine is operated by one Engineer and one Fireman. It takes a crew of approximately 5 to 7 people to prepare 6060 for operation and 2 days from a cold start. For the two days preceding operation the locomotive boiler is warmed up gradually to reduce stress on boiler steel. There are many points that need to be greased which takes several hours. There is also a crew of volunteers who wipe down the locomotive to make sure she is clean and presentable.
IV. How can I become a member?
To become a member see our webpage membership for more info or send a message to info@6060.org to receive a membership form.
V. How often does 6060 need a major overhaul?
Canadian National gave it an overhaul in 1972 prior to being used for tourist service from 1972 through 1978.
Since completing operation with Canadian National Railway in 1980, 6060 had one major overhaul in 1986 when she went to Expo 86.
VI. What type of fuel, still coal?
6060 was originally fired with coal. In 1955 the locomotive was switched to burn oil.
VII. How many members are there?
There are currently approximately 50 members of the society.
VIII. Can 6060 operate in winter?
She is designed for Canadian winters, but we do not operate her during winter.
IX. What are some of the common inspections that are done to keep 6060 running, e.g. maybe daily, monthly, yearly?
As part of the annual maintenance program she receives a hydro static pressure test on the boiler.
Every 5 years she receives a major boiler inspection and non-destructive testing on boiler steel. All exterior fittings and boiler jacket must be removed to complete these major inspections.