Notch Hill Express Railway - Sorrento
Notch Hill Express Railway Truck Trailer Conversion (photos by Jerre Paquette)
I’m Game for Whatever Works for Everyone
By Jerre Paquette
Don and Wilma Doey decided to drop in to take a peek at Richard Lawrence’s 1890’s Notch Hill Railway Car replica in Sorrento, just down from The Lighthouse, a few weeks ago, so were on hand to have their gleeful smiles photographed as they uncovered surprise after surprise at the wonderful Canadian rail history that Richard’s vision and work have made available to anyone who wishes to enjoy it.
Don and Wilma Doey
And they heartily recommended everyone take the time to take it all in and perhaps enjoy a high tea luncheon, live music, and a tour—all of which have been a wonderful success for so many visitors to date.
Richard’s hope is that anyone interested in history or just a bit of fun will visit his reproduction Pullman railway coach with their family and experience the 1880s theme of rail travel 150 years ago when stage Coach and Railway were the main means of travelling the country in style.
And the style is abundant everywhere you look: The floor is covered by a special hand-made rug Richard had created just for the Pullman, along with “…a private bedroom and living room decked out with $10,000 worth of mahogany, 43 metres of velvet, 152 feet of tassels and all sorts of antique furniture (CBC news, March 26 2023).”
Richard has not ignored the children visiting his Pullman railway coach with their parents! Right outside the Pullman car is a playground with Mini golf and ice cream the kids (and their parents) can enjoy during their excursion—visiting the Notch Hill Railway Car is most certainly a family affair!
Richard started building his dream project in the Fall of 2022 with all the creativity, hard research, and considerable funds he could muster. His accomplishment is clear when you realize he actually converted an ordinary United Van Line long-haul truck trailer into a luxury Pullman railway coach! Quite an accomplishment.
Now he’s inviting you, local residents to join him in this creative, communal enterprise with your special thoughts about how the Notch Hill Railway Car can be used by one and all as a source of history, pleasure, education, and especially fun. Maybe you have your own special events or private parties for kids and people of all ages—weddings, dinner specials, wine tasting, anniversaries, special family get togethers, book readings and storytellings.
Perhaps the Notch Hill Express Railway can serve as a gaming centre with snacks and drinks for seniors in the winter months? Or perhaps an exotic long-hall presentation venue where we learn from various local experts and artists on a wide array of topics of interest? Or even mimic one of the first movies ever seen —the 1896 “Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat” offered in a French cafe and which shocked viewers right off their chairs? All this, and much more, can be experienced.
Richard is keen to share your best ideas.
Contact Richard with your ideas and questions at rlawrencedesign@gmail.com or 250-804-8007
Conductor's Bedroom
Living Room Luxury
Dining Room
