WMRC's first Robert Weaver memorial award given to Paul Ullrich (but they had to find him first)

WMRC past president Larry Leavens presents WMRC social media director Paul Ullrich with the first ever Robert Weaver memorial award at Harte grain elevator, pretty much in the middle of nowhere. 

WMRC social media director Paul Ullrich won the first ever Robert Weaver memorial award for his contributions to The Lantern, the official publication of the club. The award was announced at the club's AGM and banquet in May, but he was nowhere to be found.

Paul was gallivanting around southern Ontario on a Fehr-Way motor coach tour, which included stops at the Ottawa Tulip Festival, the 1000 Islands and Niagara Falls. After he returned, he went rail fanning with Larry and long time WMRC member Gary Stepnick, who is also the president of the Winnipeg Railway Museum.   

Larry, who is no stranger to gallivanting himself, brought the trophy and the plaque along with them. He hid it in the trunk in a CN reusable shopping bag. When they arrived at Harte, Larry surprised Paul by presenting him with the award. With the grain elevator in the background and a CN freight train underneath them while they stood on the overpass, it was the perfect place for a photo op!

The Robert Weaver award was created by the WMRC to honour the late Robert Weaver, former editor of The Lantern. Robert edited the publication for 13 years, the longest tenure of any Lantern editor. This award replaces The Lantern award. The award is given to one member each year for their contributions to The Lantern. 

Paul was also very happy that he got to keep the CN reusable shopping bag. 

 

Felix Lesiuk's first July rail fanning trip

Long time WMRC member Felix Lesiuk took two rail fanning trips with Louis Lenz riding shotgun. They headed west and made it to Harte and Moffat, two popular rail fanning sites. Harte has an iconic grain elevator which makes for some spectacular shots. Despite light rail traffic due to track maintenance, he managed to take some excellent pictures. After experiencing some heavy rain, he was rewarded with a rainbow that took direct aim at some MOW equipment.

Exclusive images of CN MOW equipment in Manitoba

The ever intrepid Felix Lesiuk went rail fanning last week with his good buddy Louis Lenz and captured some great images of CN MOW equipment outside of the iconic grain elevator at Harte, Manitoba, a favorite spot for many Manitoba rail fans. Some of the equipment he shot include a ballast cleaner, a tie stacker and a tie unloader.

Summer rail fanning with Felix Lesiuk

Our roving correspondent and long time WMRC member Felix Lesiuk went out rail fanning with his good buddy Louis Lenz. They headed out west to catch Via's Canadian at Grant's Cut in Rivers, and stopped by at the Harte grain elevator along the way. CN was fairly steady but not too busy. They saw some vintage cowl units on CN and lots of USA motive power, such as UP and CSX. Felix also reports that there have been very few mosquitoes, which is always good to hear.