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HBC 300

Canadian List of Shipping 1970: Steel scow [No Power] HBC 300 [C.313870] registered at Winnipeg. Built at Owen Sound in 1963. 100'; 244 g.t. Owned by Hudson Bay Co., Ltd. Transport Canada List 2003: Owned by Moosonee Transportation Ltd., Moosonee, Ontario.

(Ted Eldred of Owen Sound was part of a group of 8 men Russel Brothers sent to Moosonee, ON to reassemble and launch the two barges HBC 300 and HBC 150, and tug Rupert River in the spring of 1962. The Selkirk MB job took about 4 weeks, while Moosonee took about 6. Once the barges and boats were rebuilt, inspectors would check the welds with X-rays to ensure quality. The the hulls were cut loose to slide down the ways on "butter boards" or greased hardwood timbers, which were often stolen by the locals as wood was so scarce up north.)

Ted Eldred Collection - HBC 300 arriving in Winnipeg. Paul Paluske of Russel Brothers on top taking photos.

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Ted Eldred Collection - HBC 300 was launched sideways, into the water seen at left, having been pushed off by a bulldozer on one side and a backhoe on the other. One end went initially faster than the other, and there were some very anxious moments until the hull straightened out again before hitting the water.

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Ted Eldred Collection - HBC 300 seen from water's edge, atop her stays. These barges were intended as supply transports for remote northern outposts. Large tanks deep in the hulls held various grades of diesel and gasoline, while cargo was lashed on the decks. The front "sails" were metal windbreaks to keep winds and heavy seas off the deck cargo.

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Norm McMinn - boatshop

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For more Russel exhibits visit Owen Sound Marine & Rail Museum 1165 1st Ave West, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K8
(519) 371-3333     http://marinerail.com