Wheatland Express excursion train makes trips between Wakaw and Cudworth during railway days. (Angie Rolheiser/northeastNOW staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Wheatland Express

Full steam ahead for Wheatland Express excursion train

Jun 24, 2019 | 11:38 AM

The first ever railway days was hosted in Wakaw and Cudworth over the weekend.

The two-day event featured several excursions on the Wheatland Express between the two communities along with model train clubs set up in the town halls.

Bill Noble is a new excursion guide with the express and told northeastNOW he is loving every minute of his time on the train.

“Every weekend is kind of different and they respond really well and I enjoy it, I just shuffle up and down the train and talk to people and tell them little bits of suff,” Noble said.

Noble, who is involved with the Saskatoon Railway museum and is in his mid seventies, said he feels fortunate to be able to bring his love of history and trains to the passengers.

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In previous years, he was involved with the museum of science and technology in Ottawa where they would run a steam locomotive. Prior to that, Noble was in the air force and designed guided missiles and worked on rocket systems.

“I like trains and I’m interested in history, I’m a military guy so I like that part of history but I also just like history and seeing what people did and railways have always fascinated me so I just read a lot,” Noble said.

The Wheatland Express excursion train picks up passengers from the Cudworth muesum. (Angie Rolheiser/northeastNOW staff)

The opportunity to be part of the Wheatland Express presented itself to Noble through a friend and fellow excursion guide who asked him to give some history on the line to the folks with Wheatland.

“One thing led to another and they asked me to come work here,” Noble said. “You’ve got to get people on and off the train safely too.”

Bill Noble is an excursion guide on the Wheatland Express and is one of the first faces that greets you before and after a tour on the train. (Angie Rolhesier/northeastNOW staff)

The excursion season got underway just a couple of weeks ago but Noble said from his point of view, the new gig will be exciting.

“We have had full loads and the people seem to have a good time,” Noble said.

Noble, along with 14 women, are the staff on the train which he said is quite an interesting dynamic.

“They have made me feel very welcome, so it’s fun.” he said.

As for the remainder of the excursion season, there are many events planned, which Noble and the staff are very excited for.

Director of marketing and operations, Ashlyn Weninger, said they will expand railway days next year.

Numerous model trains were on display in Wakaw and Cudworth during railway days. (Angie Rolheiser/northeastNOW staff)

“Everyone who got off the train during railway days seemed to really enjoy themselves and want to come back to try our tour experiences,” Weninger said.

Some special tours are planned including a family excursion, Elvis Presley tribute, a cowboy showdown, Oktoberfest and a Christmas excursion.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser