Attendees of CRP&A’s annual conference, Conversations 2025, selected their favorite presentation from a stellar lineup of presenters—a very difficult choice for everyone. In a very close decision, Dale Sanders’ presentation, “Northern Light—Creating a Portrait of BC Rail,” claimed the top spot. Dale has graciously agreed to reprise this presentation for our online program in October 2025.
“Northern Light” is an all-color portrait of one of North America’s most fascinating railways—British Columbia Railway, or BC Rail. Powered by steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, as well as its unique Budd RDC passenger operations, BC Rail trains passed through some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in North America. Dale was granted unlimited access to the railway and its operations; the resulting photographs of the machines, landscapes, and people tell the whole story of British Columbia’s own railway. Twenty years removed, the untold story behind the creation of “A Portrait of BC Rail” may now be revealed.
Join us for this special reprisal of this remarkable presentation from Conversations 2025. It’s a program that will inspire, awe, and delight!
See this program at our YouTube page, below.
This program originally aired on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 7:00 pm Central Time (8pm Eastern, 6pm Mountain, and 5pm Pacific).
About Dale Sanders
Dale Sanders was born in Oroville, California, in 1957 and earned a bachelor’s degree in visual communications (printing technology, graphic design, and photography) from California State University, Chico. He has worked as a professional photographer, graphic designer, and production artist. He is the past editor of CTC Board: Railroads Illustrated (1978-2004), and he has authored or coauthored eight books of railroad photography and history.
