The Royal Hudson 2860 is an ex-CPR Hudson type steam locomotive. The first Hudson type built for the CPR was produced in 1929 by the Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW) in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. All of the best features of North American locomotive design were incorporated into the Hudson. The Hudson type was continued until 1940. In all, 65 of these beautiful locomotives were produced for the CPR by the MLW. The class ranged from H1a to H1e. The 2860 is of the H1e class, 1st of the last 5 Hudsons to be produced for the CPR. The Hudson achieved great success as a high speed passenger locomotive, quickly making previous types obsolete. Her top speed was in excess of 90 mph (144 kmh)!!.
The Royal Hudson 2860 spent 16 years working the rails between Vancouver and Revelstoke through difficult terrain. The era of steam had come to an end with the introduction of diesel locomotives. The 2860, like all the other Hudsons, was retired to the scrap yard. In 1964, she was restored for a proposed rail museum in Vancouver, but the museum was never built. The 2860 sat in storage for 10 years, until the provincial government of British Columbia bought her in 1974. The Royal Hudson 2860 made her first run to Squamish from North Vancouver the same year. It was the start of a new beginning for the 2860, working as the only steam locomotive in North America on regular scheduled runs over mainline track. The 2860 has also made trips as far south as California, and to eastern Canada. |
