Canada's History on your doorstep
Discover a wealth of interesting, entertaining and informative stories in each issue, delivered to you six times per year.
Elwin Z.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver Heritage Fair
The Royal Hudson 2860
The Royal Hudson #2860 was made in 1940 by Montreal Locomotive Works. It was named Royal because #2850 carried King George VI and Queen Elizabeth across Canada. It is one of the 4 Royal Hudsons left of 45 to survive the scrapping of steam locomotives in 1956.
What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?
The 2860 is currently housed in the CN roundhouse. This engine has earned 300 million dollars in profit, yet it lacks sufficient funds to run properly. This fact strikes me the most because this locomotive has helped many people in the past, and not many takes it seriously: few try to change its outlook.
What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?
The Royal Hudson's history is very important. It would be an amazing sight to see this steam engine running down the railroad track. Because we are fixated on modern day technologies, events like this do not occur often today. Think of the knowledge contained in this object of heritage, cooped up in a roundhouse. Over time, no one will recognize, remember, or even know how to operate a steam locomotive like the 2860.
How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?
In 1940, this engine would be a common sight. However, it is a very rare chance that I can even see it once on the rails today. The people in the 1900s could only use machines like this locomotive to move around. But now, if I wanted to go somewhere, it would be simple; I could ride a car, take a bus, or fly a plane.