HEISLER, Alta. – A passenger train christened Alberta’s newest short-line railway last month by making stops at small towns on the farmer-owned line.Battle River Railway officially took ownership of the 56 kilometre rail line from Canadian National Railway June 17, the day before the passenger rides from Kelsey to Alliance.”We needed something to say, ‘we’re here,’ ” said railway president Ken Eshpeter.The company borrowed a 1948 diesel locomotive and a 1952 passenger car from the Alberta Railway Museum in Edmonton for the two days of train rides. The car is owned by Alberta Prairie Steam Tours.No one can remember the exact date, but a passenger train is thought to have last used the track around 1958, when it was pulled by a steam engine.Colin Kroetsch and his family were among the passengers who waited at the railway siding in Heisler for their chance to step on a train in their hometown and ride to the next community.”I am very proud of the people on the board who have got this going,” he said.Kroetsch produces cattle and hasn’t hauled grain for a number of years, but he still bought a share in the railway to help ensure a future for his rural community.”Where I farm, I can hear the train whistle. It’s a beautiful sound.”Tammy Zimmer of Heisler said she wanted to be part of the celebrations to help recognize the work that farmers have done to raise money to buy the railway.”This is something fun, something different. Everyone is hoping it will work out,” Zimmer said while she waited for the train.Donna Lynne Erickson, owner of Mrs. Pott’s Emporium in Heisler, said she hopes passenger trips become regular occurrences. “I think it’s important to do these things for the sake of the local economy.”Erickson offered to pay customers’ $10 train tickets if they bought something from her store.”It’s an unabashed marketing scheme,” she said.Theresa Friend of Rosalind, Alta., said the chance to ride a train from her home town and visit friends and neighbours along the way was enchanting.”We get to see what the back yards look like from the train,” she said.”How often do you get to take a train for $10?”
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