Pic from this mornings 2nd run. Last day of our sold out DOWT for this year's event and a beautiful day in Calgary to finish off the week.

Brian Manning
CE/CMO
Heritage Park Historical Village

Hmm, I don't see a cylinder that reads PORTER.

I believe that what we see is not actually Thomas, the Little Blue Piggy Bank, but one of his designated impersonators, a six-wheeled goods wagon with delusions of locomotion.

I seem to recall that in my youth Superman had a closetfull of both Superman and Clark Kent robots which he used for public appearances (particularly when he had to think he was fooling Lois Lane) so there is more than ample precedent.

GME

I'm struck by the pristine and unspoiled scene - no unruly crowds, nicely kept lawn, etc...... how do you keep the Thomas crowds under control? I think it must be cultural.

Dave, I took the picture at the start of the 2nd run, around 9:40 so the crowds hadn't really shown up yet. The majority of the demographics are young family's and Grandparents and they are there to see Thomas. We could push it around the day with a car mover and most wouldn't notice. Around noon to 17:00 is when it gets swamped and we have a very good set of crossing guards to keep everyone safe. Over the 5 day event we average 17,000 guests, so it does get a little stupid at times. The grounds Dept. does a wonderful job of trimming the grass , and it shows. The mandate we try to uphold is that you have traveled back in time to pre WW1 Alberta, so no golf carts or food trucks anywhere close by! Thanks and I will pass your comments forward.

Brian Manning

I wish I could stop by and see the place in operation. Usually have to head north too soon before your season starts.

John, opening day to the public is this weekend, and although it might be a bit cool, looks dry. Fortunately the folks up in Ft Mcmurray are finally getting some much needed rain. Here's a pic of the new replacement boiler I had made for our newest restoration , our 1920 Bucyrus 100 ton crane. Plan is to have it operational by September for our annual Railway Days event. When running, it will be the only operational railway crane in Canada.

Brian Manning