One from the vault - Before the 3-foot gauge White Pass and Yukon became the tourist attraction it is today, freight was its primary source of revenue. Back in September 1981 a daily mixed train ran from Whitehorse to Skagway carrying lead/zinc ore from the Faro mine, which was transferred to rail at Whitehorse, and three cars of tourists.
I was travelling on the southbound train back, which is seen here stopped at Bennett in British Columbia where a 'pioneers lunch' was included as part of the ticket price. A northbound train can be seen in the distance. Motive power is a GE, Alco powered (251B), built in 1966.
The mine initially had a relatively short life 1969-1982 and its closure also saw the closure of the rail line at the time. Part of the rail line was later re-opened is now a busy tourist operation linked to the numerous cruise ships calling at Skagway.
Bennett lunch stop by
Bingley Hall, on Flickr
