The Kettle Valley Steam Railway will begin its 2012 season this weekend, a little earlier than usual, but the 100-year-old steam locomotive might not be in place for the first rides of the season.
Jo Ann Reynolds, marketing manager for the railway, said workers at the railway are refitting the boiler tubes on the 1912 locomotive.
The last time the tubes were serviced was in 1994.
The work is a two-month job. The engine had to be dismantled so the tubes and flues could be removed, cleaned and inspected.
Crews also checked to ensure there were no cracks.
While they hope to have it ready in time for the weekend rides, Reynolds said the diesel engine will be used if the steam engine is not available.
“We’ve worked on the diesel to make her go a little faster,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds said the weekend and the railway season will be busy.
On Saturday, the train will have rides at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. There will be hot dogs by donation at noon.
On Sunday, the railway will operate Mother’s Day trains at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Last year, the train saw more than 28,000 passengers.
Reynolds said another railway coach would help to accommodate the passengers. At present, the train is filling quickly and some of the August train robbery dates are already filling up.
When the train service begins on this weekend, the train will operate on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Beginning June 14, the train will operate five days a week, with trains at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
“The heritage value of this place is amazing,” Reynolds said. “We’re glad to be the stewards of it.”
The train began operating in the fall of 1995 and is one of only a few steam trains operating anywhere in Canada and the United States.
The railway has some work planned for this year.
The roof of the picnic shelter at the station will be extended this year. The work is expected to be completed within the next month.