ASSINIBOIA - Gary Southgate is a Saskatchewan farmer with a passion for vintage train cars. Purchasing his first car in 2013, it was a 1929 Steam engine (one of two ever made in the world).
His collection has grown over the years to now include over 26 cars and engines that he had stored in different places, but he wanted to find a home for them.
After visiting Eastend a few years ago, Gary decided it was the perfect home for his trains and the thought of Eastend Scenic Rail Tours was his dream fulfilled.
Some of the train cars that are being relocated to Eastend include four Canadian National Railway engines, each made in Kingston between the periods of 1954 to 1957, 20 train cars, some will be used as sleeping cars and will include tables and a kitchen; and other rail cars are in the plans.
Future plans for the vintage cars will offer tours in the Eastend area and ultimately the possibility of sleeper cars where people will be able to spend the night on a completely restored vintage car.
This new tourist attraction is a work in progress as Gary started by purchasing land by the rail tracks as well as the Riverside Motel. The next step will be to move all the vintage treasures. As he works through all the regulations and permits needed to operate and get the cars ready for the tours Gary can see his dream start to take reality.
This tourist attraction will not only benefit the town of Eastend but be a attraction for any tourist looking for a new and exciting way to spend their time.
Residents who want more information of the Eastend Scenic Rail Tours can contact the Town of Eastend office at 306-295-3323.
