Ms Morgan,

The Cuban engines are too small and too junky. But, what gorgeous examples remain in Mexico, or at New Hope.

Something else I neglected to mention:

VIVA CP #2816 !!! Bienvenidos a Mexico !!!!!

I am of the rather unrealistic opinion that 3028 should be made into a faux-Niagara.

Sammy - Probably generally true, but there were two decent sized Mikes, numbers 1850 and 1910. The 1850 was built by Baldwin in 1935 (s/n 61888) and the 1910 by Alco/Brooks in 1925 (s/n 66284). Not sure if either one still survives.


Les

Richard Glueck,
The $100K asking price for 5361, is, I've been told, far less than what the owner put into it.
I can well believe it.
Unfortunately, a realistic market value is a fraction of that.
One hopes a realistic price can be negotiated, before it gets scrapped....even if that means just giving it away to a suitable organization. (Just my opinion).

Richard, your point is exactly correct.......
"A steam program is expensive and has to yield benefits worthy of the investment. For CPR that would have to show national pride, flaunting CPR's place in Canada's history (which is huge), and creation of business exceeding the investment.
I'm all for it. The question is, is CPR? "...........

The run down to Mexico, when it happens, will cost millions, many millions.
The logistics involved, boggles the mind.



As you say, CPR is in this for R.O.I.....Return On Investment...
This would not be happening without having a positive business case.

Hate to say it, but the Steam Program is all about Marketing.
That's how the cost is justified. When a huffing...puffing..Steam Engine pulls into town...people pay attention.
(Tony Bock photo)

Les, I stand by my comments on Cuban steam, including the former Cuban National mikes.

Mr McGrath, There is no need to make the 3028 into a "faux-Niagara". She's already a real one. The NdeM named their 4-8-4s after the NYC engines of that same wheel arrangement, although the Spanish pronunciation of "Niagara" is different than ours. Last time I looked, the articles section of this website gets into considerable detail about these engines.

Canadian Pacific never ran No. 2816 as a revenue source to any extent. The company and employees keyed in on charity works such as the Children's Wish Foundation.
I recall CPR once tacked some Go Transit bi-levels on carrying enthusiasts the short distance from Toronto to Milton, but the locomotive and vintage equipment carried on from there.
Rather like the Christmas (Holiday) Train, the company and employees rose to a high level of providing a good experience to communities along the way, and a helping hand to worthwhile causes.
Good on CPR.

The trip to Milton was in 2004 and that was on behalf of the "Make a Wish Foundation". I had been on vacation in Toronto and that was the last day of my trip before flying home to the UK that evening so was able to book on that run.
Worth doing, although you couldn't hear anything from the loco using that coaching stock - just smoke/steam occasionally floating past the windows!
From memory, the loco continued on over the border into the USA for various engagements after leaving Milton, whilst the GO diesel at the other end of the train returned us to Toronto Union.

Thanks Richard Anderson