Royal Hudson cab and train ride Squamish to Vancouver and back Sept, 1991

The Montreal Locomotive Works made some very beautiful locomotives over the years. Many would agree that the Royal Hudsons were the flagships of the Canadian Pacific railroad and the pride of the Montreal Locomotive Works. So much so that they were assigned to pull the train of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth when they visited Canada in 1939.

From 1973 until 2001 the locomotive was running nearly daily steam excursions from Vancouver to Squamish and return on BC Rail main lines. A real rarity for main line steam! Unfortunately all good things must come to a end and this train was no exception. Low ridership and mechanical problems sidelined #2860. Back up steam locomotive #3716 took over but also had mechanical problems and diesel locomotives started to pull the trains.

Despite the locals love for the train, as well as a major Vancouver tourist attraction. The Government decided it was too costly to repair both steam locomotives and permanently ended the steam train. The #2860 was donated to the West Coast Railway museum where it resides today as a non operational static exhibit. Plans were to restore this locomotive back to operation but so far very little work has been done.

The small wheel the engineer is turning in the reverser. This serves the same function as the traditional reverse handle. Most engineers set the reverse handle in full and slowly move it closer to neutral as the train increases speed. This gives you greater steam power and it is more efficient. In this case the engineer sets the reverser close to natural, opens up the throttle to half way (he could technically open it up fully), and then uses the reverser to allow more steam pressure into the cylinders as the train gains speed. Not common practice but if you have the skills it's easier then pulling on the heavy throttle leaver.

This is one of my favorite steam locomotives and I rode this train dozens of times. I asked if I could get some photos of the cab of the locomotive during one trip and they were happy to let me on board. Shortly before the train was set to leave I get off the locomotive to board the passenger car when I heard "you want to ride with us"? Of course I climbed back onto the locomotive and had the ride of my life. Riding with the these guys was one of the high lights of my life and I am very thankful to the crew who allowed me to tag along. More information can be found about the Royal Hudson here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_H...