Watch: CPKC Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
Screenshot of a DHDISPR SMITH YouTube video.
Along Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s former Soo Line right-of-way between Minot, N.Dak. and Glenwood, Minn., the CPKC Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour special, led by The Empress, H-1b Hudson-type 4-6-4 2816, built by Montreal Locomotive Works in December 1930, rolls in magnificent splendor. Two EMD FP9A locomotives, 1401 and 4107, are included in the consist as protection power, and to assist the very heavy train on grades, if needed.
Behind 2816, whose primary tender carries 4,600 gallons of fuel oil and 12,000 gallons of water, are two auxiliary water tenders, each holding 23,000 gallons; FP9As 1401 and 1407; a tool car with a fully equipped machine shop; and 14 cars. The Empress’s 9,000-mile round trip journey between Calgary and Mexico City, spanning three nations, has to our knowledge never been done before in North America.
