Thurso and Nation Valley Railway

March 22, 1936 Shipping Order to Damien Lafleur

Load on separate flatcar 15 maple (hard) logs 13" to 16" in diameter at top all 16' long. Deliver to Thurso where they can be transferred to Mack Truck for delivery to Forest Products Laboratory, Ottawa, Ont.

March 27, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur

 LOCOMOTIVE CLEANING In future paint shall not be used on front ends. After entirely removing paint now there - wipe with cleaning fuel oil using sacking for wipers. Each day the end will be wiped with a rag "damped" in the oil. All parts can be cleaned in the same manner including the lagging, rods, wheels, tender, etc.

 BRASS - the bath brick what was delivered to P.Smith yesterday will be crushed as required into powder placed in an empty #1 coffee can. The powder is picked up in the can on the rag damped with cleaning fuel and used to shine the brass parts including the bell. Click here to return to TNVR Locomotives.

 March 31, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur

On your Daily Reports, form Th 80, please show the number of gallons of water taken by our locomotives from the Thurso stand pipe each day. This is important as we have to pay the local Municipality for any water used at the standpipe by the TNVR. Your first report should be the water taken by the Heisler #3 here yesterday.

 April 5, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur

 We have given you a supply of TNVR forms this afternoon.
COAL FORM - this form is to report tons of coal used by engines and loaders and this can be made up weekly.
LOCOMOTIVE REPORT - this should be made up by the engineer of each locomotive weekly. He will carefully inspect everything shown on the form and give us such detail as possible regarding any trouble. It is not the intention to send an Inspector to the woods as we did in the past because we feel that the Engineer of each locomotive should be able to make his own report.
LOADER REPORT - this is the same as for locomotives but applies to loaders. The engineer of each loader will make up a report weekly. You will please initial and address directly to me at the Main Office keeping a copy if you like at Headquarters. You can give the clerk there the necessary information and have him make up the forms for your signature. They need not be typed and if you prefer you may send the originals.

April 22, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur

 Locomotive report dated April 17 Engineer Herb Smith, reports that the dump grate bar has to be welded where it fits into the slot because the end has been burnt. This means only one thing that the ash pan has been left too full as there is no other way that the end could be burnt. Make arrangements with Mr. Lamb and bring the part to Thurso for welding when convenient.
Notify the Engineer of this locomotive to be a little more careful and not let the pan stay too full.
With regard to the 3/4 Angle Valve which was leaking on the blower we understand that one valve was forwarded on April 20th.
You may inform the Engineer of #3 that we now have in stock at Thurso leather head oil hose which we will supply cut to lengths as requisitioned by him when required.

 May 1, 1936 From Lamb to Scheult

 CROSS HEAD WEDGE - LOC #3
We would like to arrange with Mr. Lafleur and Mr. H. Smith to take apart the small end of the connecting rod, take out the crosshead wedge and make a drawing of same. Giving sizes, thickness, width, taper and location of wedge bolt holes and size. We intend to make a spare one so we will not be tied up when bolts break in the wedge. Therefore it is important that the exact dimension be given. Thanking you. Click here to return to TNVR Locomotives #3.

 May 9, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur

 We would like to arrange with Mr. Scheult and organize as follows when you start picking up the logs on the main line:-
1 - section concerning scrap rails - this was cancelled.
2 - We would also like you to have section men put all good spare rails here and there along the line up off the ground where they can be seen. They can be piled neatly on old ties.
3 - All the old cattle guards which are broken up should be removed as soon as possible and burnt.
4 - At some convenient day and before we start sawing Hemlock kindly notify us how many Hemlock Crossing Planks will be required for farm and public crossings. I think we should stick to the four (4) planks and gravel in the center to reduce costs. (In pencil is "100 4x8x12ft long")
When picking up any other scrap should be brought down to Thurso and placed either in the cast iron bend or the steel bend. We mention this because a higher price can be obtained for cast iron scrap than for steel scrap.

 May 10, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur

 Please give us an estimate of the number of cattle guard sections required at the various public crossings. There are some crossings where, we believe, these cattle guards could be dispensed with entirely and so not include these in your estimate. When reporting please show the mileage of each crossing and the guards required by that crossing.

 May 15, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Eugene Danis

 Memo concerning exemption from jury duty for M. Danis, 26 May.

 May 19, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur

 On Thursday 21st, at noon, we expect one of the car shop foremen of the CPR on the noon train from Montreal. He is coming to look over our new double bunk cars made with the wooden sills and give us some ideas regarding the construction of these cars in the future. Will you therefore have one of these cars unloaded and outside the car shop for Thursday noon.

 May 20, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur

 LOADER #1
The pocket sheave on the right hand side was completely worn out on the line shaft and the sheave 1/2" oversize. The shaft was not cut but a lot of cast iron was welded to the shaft which was filed and ground off making the shaft OK. The cause of this wear is very unusual and we can see no reason for it other than lack of oil and we would ask that you kindly supervise this feature especially when spare men are handling the loader, that is to say inexperienced operators.
The pocket sheaves are worn out so as to cause the swing chain to slip. This loader was running on a #A sheave, that is all we had on and it was put on the right hand side. In future we shall keep in stock 2 #A and 2 #B sheaves. These will be kept at Headquarters Camp and as soon as one is used we shall expect them to requisition for a new one for stock.
The #B sheave will generally wear twice as long as the #A and for the reason that for the first three months a new swing chain is used the stretch is no more than will take place in the following six to ten months. The first wearing in and stretch is taken with a #A sheave and then this is followed with a #B sheave which usually stands up for a long time. When a #C sheave has to be used it is about time for you to look at the chain and order a new one in order that the loader may operate freely.

 May 20, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Scheult

 Attached is a shipping order for 100,000 feet of Veneer Logs, the whole to be shipped to the St. Johns factory during the week ending October 31, 1936 unless the weather dictates an earlier movement.
In the meantime place the 100,000 feet of logs in the water above the dams in the Creek used for that purpose and be sure that all logs are well covered with water. In order to achieve this end possibly you could weigh down the veneer with a few rough logs placed across the tier of veneer logs.
Shop Order this work so that accurate costs may be kept. In addition to the payroll provide a statement of coal, oil, etc used also scale the rough logs used, if any to weigh down the veneer.
This quantity of 100,000 feet should include the 40,000 feet of special veneer logs at Labelle's, the others can be taken from the dump. The diameters are to be from 12" to 19" only.

 May 20, 1936 From Scheult to Damien Lafleur

 We shall not need Omer Cassie for a few days. If you can arrange to have him on the section he would arrange for his own board.

 June 1, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur

 Please deliver to the Car Shop the following:-
All the air cylinder equipment used as a coal hoist prior to this year. This includes the cylinder, piston, piston rod, etc.

June 3, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur>

 VISIT OF LORD TWEEDSMUIR

 The party is expected to arrive at 10:30 A.M.
1. Mr. Simpson will wait for them on the highway in front of his residence with car and guide the party to the rear of the Power House.
2. Car 27 will be stationed at the Power House just West of the car loading entrance and bags, etc., will be transferred from autos at that point while the party visits the Mill.
3. As soon as baggage are transferred car 27 will be switched by the Plymouth to track "D" and marshalled to the rear of log train.
4. Train will leave Thurso at 11:00 or 11:15 for Headquarters. Light tonnage and no stops for water. Lunch at Headquarters.
5. In addition to usual routine Mr. Lamb will:-
(1) Saw a few choice logs and
(2) have a few cars being unloaded into the pond.
(3) One band being sharpened etc
While party is in the mill.
6. Leave Headquarters for Iroquois - Mr. Lafleur to make arrangements for quick change to Heisler at mile 32.
Mr. Scheult to have boat ready on Iroquois Lake. Engine should be warmed up prior to arrival and possibly a few benches arranged.
Time of return not yet determined.
Train should not carry too much tonnage in order to avoid delays.
On arrival at Thurso Plymouth will immediately pick up 27 behind train and shunt to Power House with party aboard. All switches to be secured so that Plymouth operation won't be delayed.
Click here for a picture of Lord Tweedsmuir on this occasion.
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June 4, 1936 Switching Order to Damien Lafleur

Old Locomotive Tank on upper track, switch out to track 6 north of slab road crossing, before Monday June 7/36. Click here to return to TNVR locomotives

 June 9, 1936

 List of TNVR employees with their seniority dates.

 June 10, 1936 From L.E. Hird to Damien Lafleur

 Kindly advise the following employees that their engineer and firemen certificates should be renewed before June 30.
Eleven employees are listed by grade 1st, 3rd and 4th class and fireman.
The 1935-36 certificates should be returned to the Department of Labour together with a postal note or money order for the annual fee depending upon the certificate to be renewed. The rates are as follows:
1st class $3.00
2nd class $2.00
3rd class $1.00
4th class .50
"C" fireman .50

 June 15, 1936 From Roads Dept., Lachute to Roads Dept., Papineauville

 The manager of the Singer Manufacturing Company informs us that when you grade the road between Thurso and Ripon you are leaving the blade down on the rails. This is dangerous because this will cause stones to lodge in the flangeway and this could lead to a serious accident and even loss of life to the train crew who are bringing down logs for the company. We could be held responsible for such accidents. In future, before going over a grade crossing, you should take the precaution of raising the blades of your grader so that the flangeway does not become blocked with stones.

 June 23, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Messrs. Damien Lafleur and Lamb

 Albert Degagne will be here to start work on pond first thing Thursday June 25th. Mr. Lafleur will pick out a turnout, load sufficient ties, etc. for the job and have them for Saturday noon. Touchette will pick out and cut cedar "flatted" to the following lengths (these are shown in detail). Get from northwest corner of yard for Saturday noon.

 June 29, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Scheult

 Attached is a copy of a letter addressed to the Canadian Society of Forest Engineers, Ottawa Valley Section.
On Saturday July 11 we shall send the Plymouth to Headquarters and you can arrange with Mr. Lafleur to leave a flat car at that point for Saturday noon. The Plymouth can transport the party from Headquarters to the woods and back to Headquarters. It will be sent back to Thurso on Sunday night ready for work in the Thurso yard on Monday morning. We think it would be advisable for Mr. Lafleur to arrange for Mr. Parker Smith to operate the machine with one man as a helper. Inasmuch as he is not strictly a gas engineer he must be warned beforehand concerning lubrication and not to overload and overtax the machine at any point. It is practically indispensable here to us at the present time and we could not afford any delays due to its breaking down.
In order to cover the expenses of the Plymouth, men, etc., please note that we charged the Society at the rate of .50c per meal at the camps and this includes Mrs. Hottes. Our suggestion is that you count the number of meals taken and bill the Society through the Company in the regular way.

 August 4, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur

 Note concerning men returning to work after an accident before receiving a doctor's certificate.

 September 26, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur and Lamb

 We shall have fifteen 30' rails brought from Headquarters for installation in the concrete in front of the piers of the new deck. These can be cut in two by acetylene. There are three extras for beam bearings. Mr. Lafleur should send all scrap rail if possible for this work and send slip to the office when delivery is made so the railway gets the credit for the rails.

 September 29, 1936 From L.E. Hird to Lamb

 The movement of the Plymouth locomotive next Saturday will be.
1. Leave early taking up the CPR loaded car of provisions from Thurso.
2. After delivery of the car at unloading point the Plymouth to make a round trip to Ripon with the CPR empty boxcar which is now at Headquarters and has been for a few days. After placing the car the Plymouth to return to Headquarters.
3. The CPR boxcar from Thurso to be unloaded immediately and used to bring the men down from Headquarters to Thurso.
4. The Plymouth to leave Thurso on Sunday at time arranged by Mr. Scheult and to take up a 40' CPR boxcar using this to take the men back to the camp and on the return trip to spot this car at Ripon for loading.
As soon as the two cars of lumber are loaded the "2 spot" is to make a trip to Headquarters for gravel and stone for the pond and to bring down one empty TNVR box and one TNVR flat car containing cedar posts (if posts are loaded in a TNVR box this is quite alright) together with the two cars of lumber at Ripon. Click here to return to TNVR Locomotives, Plymouth

 October 1, 1936 From L.E. Hird to Damien Lafleur

 Further to my note of September 29 referring to the movement of the Plymouth on Saturday next, we will require space for 6000 #3 common and better maple to be brought down to Thurso either in a flat placed at Ripon for the purpose or loaded on the train when the "2 spot" makes the trip to bring down the loaded boxcars with the gravel and the stone.

 October 2, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur

 As soon as you receive this, kindly telephone me or Mr. Hird if I am absent if it is still possible for us to load a minimum car of scrap rails. The minimum weight is 40,000 pounds, this would mean you would require at least seventy 56 pound rails 30' long.

October 5, 1936 Shop order to TNVR

 Loading stones at Cairo Lake.

 October 5, 1936 Shop order to TNVR

 The building of a new piece of track at Iroquois Lake.

 October 6, 1936 From E. Danis to Engineering

 Loader #2 Put new floor under boiler. 1 new smokestack, 1 fibre on the friction. 1 nipple 2" on the fill pipe. 2 new niddle (sic) grates I injector, 4 valves to be grinded

 October 19, 1936 From Imperial Oil to L.E. Hird

 Refers to letter of 8th October concerning barrel of Imperial Winter Black Oil that was somewhat different in colour to the Winter Black previously received. This clearer oil will give you lubrication equal to that previously supplied.

 October 19, 1936 From L.E. Hird to Damien Lafleur

 Please deliver to the log unloading deck 300 feet of #56 scrap rail as soon as possible.

 November 7, 1936 From P.B. Bourget to Lamb and Damien Lafleur

 Grease for gearboxes in Heisler.
The Imperial Oil Company have recommended marvelube 355, a semi fluid lubricant, for Heisler gear boxes. We have ordered some and, if possible, would like it tried out this year. Please report on its performance. 

June 12, 1937 From P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur

 Just as soon as possible we would like you to reduce to a minimum the number of workers on the railway payroll, consistent with safety. I would also like to discuss this with you at the first opportunity.

 June 17, 1937 From L.E. Hird to Damien Lafleur and others

 Kindly advise the following employees that their engineer and fireman certificates should be renewed before June 30. Full list shown.

 June 18, 1937 From P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur

 I have just read Mr. Hird's letter of 17 June respecting licenses for engineers and firemen. Mr. Hird was not aware of the fact that fireman's licenses are no longer issued and those who are firemen or in charge of a pressure vessel such as a loader or locomotive must obtain 4th class engineer licenses. In this class there would be A. Desgagne, R. Boucher, L. Purdy (if he so desires) and E. Danis. There is one difficulty in obtaining this fourth class engineers license and that is that the applicant must be able to read and write. In such cases where an employee has been with the same firm for a long time and has been in charge of a pressure vessel, we can sometimes have this regulation waived, but the license issued is only good so long as he works for the same company, which in this case would be ourselves. We think it would be a good idea for those mentioned to let us know if they wish to try for this examination and I can make the necessary arrangements with the Inspector at Hull and if possible to hold it at Thurso or Headquarters and I do not anticipate ant difficulty in obtaining the necessary license. We think that at least Mr. Boucher and Mr. Danis should avail themselves of this opportunity.

 August 20, 1937 Loading order to Damien Lafleur

 10/12000 ft hemlock logs will be delivered to loader this Saturday or Monday August 21 or 23. Kindly load immediately and deliver to Thurso. Advise sawmill when delivered to pond.

 August 25, 1937 Shipping order to Damien Lafleur

 We shall give you the responsibility of distributing these slabs equally amongst the employees at Headquarters, including Mr. Purdy. If not sufficient please advise.

 August 30, 1937 From L.E. Hird to Damien Lafleur

 Loader #2 Blowoff Valve
The 1 1/4 angle blow of valve from loader #2 has been received at shop for repairs. This valve has broken stem caused by trying to open valve which we think has not been used for a long time to blow off boiler. The seat in this valve was corroded solid 1/2" thick so that steel punch had to be used to release disk from seat.
This bottom blow off should be used as well as the upper blow off. If this is done twice every day this valve trouble would not occur, also boiler would be kept in better condition.

 November 6, 1937 P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur

 Mr. Ernest Lanthier was in today and tells me that we have one wooden culvert or pipe culvert across the track which is entirely blocked with dirt. He states that this culvert is almost directly in line with his farm buildings. Will you please investigate and advise if this is a wooden box or pipe and the condition in which it is found. If this is a wooden box it might be advisable to inspect it thoroughly and if a replacement is required, tell us the size of the pipe we would need.

March 15, 1938 From P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur

 HENRI SEGUIN
This man is not to be employed by either the Railway Company or the Singer Company. Because of the accident record, we think it should be explained to him that he is not fitted for the work we have to offer him and he should endeavour to find some other lighter form of employment.

 October 18, 1938 From P.B. Bourget to Damien Lafleur and Scheult