On Monday, Feb 8, 2010, three members of the White Rock ARC participated in the vintage Steam Engine, the ‘Royal Hudson’ arriving for a brief visit to White Rock. This steam engine, pulling a number of passenger cars left the main station in Vancouver with Jay, VE7OFH on board to forward position reports to Ralph, VE7OM and Jim, VE7UVL, who were with the waiting crowds at the White Rock Station. 
The White Rock club had been asked to provide communication from the train to the station as the local networks did not work consistently, particularly from Crescent Beach into White Rock. Jay, with a handheld 2 meter radio was able to reliably pass reports and exchange information with Ralph and Jim on the Saltspring Island repeater, 147.32MHz. This repeater had good coverage over the White Rock beach area and managed to be able to reach Jay during his ride.
Leaving at approx 2PM, and arriving in White Rock at 4PM, the Royal Hudson was greeted by a crowd of approx 500 persons, a band, balloons and a host of dignitaries. The sight of the engine rounding the last corner to the west along the tracks was a glorious sight, the sun had shown itself all afternoon, and bathed the sight in its warm rays. Many pictures were taken of the engine and crowds, as well, two of the participants, Jay and Ralph by Jim, who was the resident photographer for the day. 
After a stop of about an hour, the train pulled out, to the east beach area where it was watered, then proceeded south to Washington State to turn around and spend the night. It returned to White Rock on Tuesday, Feb 9th for the return trip to Vancouver, departing at noon. The White Rock ARC was not needed on the Tuesday. 
Our thanks to the operators of the Saltspring Repeater, 147.32 for their letting us use their machine for this event.