Bluewater Chapter

The Bluewater Chapter is headquartered in Paisley, Ontario. Its current project is to restore, engine 54465, a 0-4-0 tank engine, nicknamed “Tom Thumb”.

Tom Thumb currently sits in Paisley’s Heritage Park. The restoration project was shifted north from St. Thomas via St. Jacobs to give SOLRS members in the Bruce Peninsula a project to complete that did not require a lengthy drive south. A shed was recently built to protect Tom Thumb from the elements and short section of track was laid to give the engine a base on which to sit.

Planning continues for the full restoration of the engine to working order. Once complete, the engine will be trucked around Ontario to operate at live steam events on any standard gauge track. While there is as yet no estimate on a firm completion date, the project should take between five and eight years. The length of time will depend on the scope of the job, the number of available volunteers and the availability of funds.

Upcoming Bluewater Fundraising Event:
“Striking Moments in Transportation History”

7:30PM Friday, April 15, 2011
Tickets $10 at the door
Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre
33 Victoria St. N.,
Southampton, Ontario

A slide show and photo presentation by Helmut Ostermann

Featuring a collection of vintage/historical train, boat, plane and automobile photographs from across Canada, the United States and some from our area.

Sponsored by the Bluewater Chapter of SOLRS