Preparations are underway at the Elgin County Railway Museum (ECRM) for a major milestone: the first operational run of the London and Port Stanley (L&PS) Rail Car 14 since 1957.

Crews are currently upgrading the train tracks outside the museum to ensure a safe journey.
“We’re replacing old railway ties with new ones to maintain the correct track gauge and prevent any derailments,” said Matthew Clark, ECRM volunteer and track repair lead. “Our priority is making it safe for Car 14 to roll out.”

The restoration of Rail Car 14 was extensive.
“The entire interior was stripped down to the frame,” explained volunteer Steve Tisdale. “We installed new flooring and ceilings, reupholstered the seats, refinished the bathrooms, restored all the brass handles and fixtures, and preserved much of the original stained glass inside. The exterior stained glass was carefully replaced.”

Originally built in 1917 at a cost of $33,665.70, Car 14 represented the pinnacle of railway design at the time. The L&PS railway was part of a larger vision by Sir Adam Beck to create a network of electrified railways across Ontario.

Many of the car’s mechanical systems have been repaired, including the air brakes, a task overseen by volunteer Gord McOuat.
“I have a strong connection to these cars,” McOuat said. “I helped restore similar cars at the museum in Milton. I’ve spent years working with electric railways, and seeing Car 14 run again will be truly special.”

The historic journey from St. Thomas to Port Stanley is scheduled for May 24.