Steam locomotives exert much fascination and how not to be impressed by these iron giants from another era. As for locomotive 909, it has its share of tales to tell. For more than 15 years now, this century old workhorse has proudly been a part of the Outaouais landscape.

Birth of a legend

Built by the Statens Järnvägars (SJ), the Swedish rail authority, locomotive 909 dates back to 1907. It was the ninth locomotive built in the 900 series, a small but powerful class 2-8-0 type engine. Until 1945, it served passengers traveling throughout Sweden, especially the arctic zone. When the electric locomotive appeared, 909 sat it out until 1964 when it served as an excursion train during 4 years.

Hidden treasures

Along with 200 other working steam locomotives, 909 was warehoused by the government apprehending a worsening of Cold War tensions over Europe. Fearing an enemy attack that would paralyze its electric railway system, thus jeopardizing mobility, Sweden dispersed its steam locomotives throughout the country.Therefore, the 909 was kept in a barn until 1988, wrapped in a plastic tarp to protect it from the humidity.

As the Cold War menace lifted, Sweden decided to sell its steam locomotives. Coincidently, a tourist train project was taking shape in our own National Capital Region that resulted in the 1992 acquisition of the 909 engine, the diesel locomotive and 9 passenger cars.

Rough crossing

Sea bound from Sweden to Canada the equipment sailed on the freighter Federal Mass. The locomotives were placed in the hold with the nine cars on deck. The crossing was fraught with storms, one of which had the captain fearing the worst; violent seas threatened to send the precious cargo overboard. Fortunately, the ship made it to the port of Montreal on June 18th 1992.

Yesterday and today

The 909 is truly a jewel in the Canadian rail scene as it is the last excursion steamer still active in Canada. By the end of autumn 2007, close to 690 000 passengers will have experienced the Gatineau-Wakefield tourist outing. Every year, this Outaouais icon draws thousands of visitors from various regions.

Before leaving Sweden, the 909 was converted from a coal to an oil fired boiler but has otherwise retained its old steamer cachet. The 909 now adornsa new American made whistle, which is noticeably less strident than a traditional high-pitched European model. In fact, the original flew away while being activated at a level crossing in 1992. To this day, it is believed to lie somewhere at the bottom of the Gatineau river.

If locomotive no. 909 still chugs along at the distinguishable age of a hundred years old, it is largely due to the team of passionate mechanics and partners. They not only watch over her but also regularly inspect her components while assuring an in-depth maintenance and overhaul program every winter. Beyond the fact that the 'owners manual' is entirely written in Swedish, imagine the challenges of repairing such a locomotive or even obtaining replacement parts. Almost all components for this 1907 model have to be machined, requiring nothing less than international cooperation.