The idea for a backup for No. 2816 is not so far fetched. President Creel has said that when the time comes to celebrate the great merger, steam will be a part of it.
The CPR steam crew will certainly have No. 2816 in tip-top shape for those events, but another locomotive would be an asset. Reading between the lines, it sounds like they have their orders to get No. 2816 ready to go.
There are plenty of CPR loco candidates moldering in collections and parks. However, the timeline for getting one in service might be rather tight.
If Creel is "hung-ho" on this, it might be a great time for some nudge, nudge about more steam!

But it is far fetched considering the Canadian Pacific steam crew literally just said "there is no possibility of CP restoring a second steam locomotive at this time".

Yes, of course.
However, can you not leave room for the dreamers? I suspect that few, if any, reading this thread really think that the CPR will restore another locomotive.
I would not say that Keith Creel is a dreamer -- I do not know the man.
Creel certainly thinks outside the box. His recent steps, such as his company returning to Canada's east coast and of seeing through a major merger, suggest he is a man and a mind who takes the long view. He has overcome the naysayers.
We, in Canada at least, have had so few opportunities to see a lit fire in the firebox of a steam locomotive. If ever there was a major figure in today's world of railroaders who might be worth lobbying and nudging about steam, Creel is our man. I know of no other.
In another era, we had dreamers at Canadian National. I recall the gloom when No. 6218 was retired. Then, seemingly out of the blue, No. 6060 was on her way to Montreal and glory.
For Heaven's sakes man, allow us some room to dream.

I wish Creel could think up a better name than Canadian Pacific Kansas City. I believe CP owns the rights at least in part to the old Canada Southern Railway name (most of which is abandoned), it would be better than the current mouthful.

Greetings.
Would like to offer some background info.
The cellphone shot was taken a few days ago at Calgary. (Not my photo).

Here's the caption by Jonothan Jeffery, from the CP Steam Team, about the engine being moved.
..........."Me and Justin, along with help from some fine local management, oiled up 2816 and headed down to 12th Street in Calgary yesterday for a trip around the wye. 2816 was facing the wrong direction for front end, superheater, and boiler tube removal. That’s all we will discuss on that for now, but will continue to update.
It was a beautiful day, and we were greeted along the way by an impressive entourage of photographers and onlookers! It was wonderful to see 2816 get the attention she deserves again, even if briefly and not under steam".......

Having its tubes removed, 2816 is obviously undergoing the mandatory boiler inspection. Given the cost, that can only mean one thing. Fingers crossed.

Great Western,
I've great respect for Mr. Creel, and his vision. In this official CPR publicity photo, it's no accident what hangs on the wall.
He's declared the Empress will run to Mexico, and the Steam Crew is busy, as we speak, pulling tubes.
I too witnessed the last runs of 6218 in the 60's. And the uproar it created, resulting in 6060 being brought back to life....(Mark Lindsay photo. Gravenhurst, Ontario, Oct. 1976).
We've been having a bit of fun lately about the possibility of a backup steamer for 2816, and what would be suitable.
Please Note we are Not talking about a double-header.
No one seriously doubts there will be a diesel in the consist. Of course there will. Perhaps the latest diesel, painted in the new CPKC colours. Wouldn't you..?
A back-up steamer is just that.
A spare engine, ready to go, if the Empress needs some down time.

So if speculation is permitted on the possibility of CPR re-acquiring one of its own, there is the 4-8-4 in Saskatchewan and the 4-4-4 Jubilee at Steamtown, which the NPS is choosing to use as a display illustrating entropy.
The Jubilee is too light for a heritage train, yet if a Diesel is a mandatory part of the train, why not? The G5 1201 needs to be pried away from the Ottawa Technology Museum, and I doubt that will happen. 1238 and 1286 remain in private hands in Canada. All of these locomotives are potentially viable and would represent CPR very well.

A possible second locomotive could be CPR 5361. 5361 and 2816 have some history together being used for snow removal work in their final years of service with CPR.

Who the heck even owns CPR 5361 now? Al Crisp died still not knowing who saved this CPR 2-8-2.

Robert

Richard Glueck,
Yes, speculation has been allowed on the basis of an actual operational standpoint.
The BC Rail Steam Program, is an example of backup engine 3716 for the Royal Hudson.

Was most amused at your dry comment about the Jubilee at SteamTown being used to Display Entropy. Well put. And agree, too small to be considered.

The 1238 and 1286 at Winnipeg are a fine possibility indeed.
Big enough to be useful, and in rather good condition, I've been told.
As well, they are, or were, for sale.

The 1201 at Ottawa would never be let loose.

The other reason why this discussion is being allowed, is the suggested engine must be a viable candidate for CPR's needs.


Rereading the message from the CPR Steam Team..... "there is no possibility of CP restoring a second steam locomotive at this time".........Those familiar with "Corporate Speak" have noted the last part
...."at this time"....

BigBoy 4023
Robert,
The CPR 5361 keeps getting mentioned as a candidate, from a variety of sources.
Certainly suitable from an historic and operational standpoint.
I'm sure many of us, would like to know more about its current situation.
Is it even around anymore...?

But the long lasting drama, precludes serious interest.
The $100,000 asking price is another insurmountable barrier.

I don't think it's telling tales to say, CPR paid the grand sum of one US dollar for the Empress.
There were many who thought CP Pres.Rob Richie had overpaid....

Just to beat the subject to death, I like both the Jubilee and the 5361 "Mike". The Jubilee could be had, probably for the asking. Nice piece of CPR steam heritage equipment and could be restored even as a static, but traveling, display piece.
The Mikado is not irretrievable, as I've seen it where it sits. I don't know if the $100K price still stands as of this date. Furthermore, to the best of my knowledge, her internals have not been evaluated.
I'm not telling anyone here what they don't already know. 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?

Don't EVEN get me started on the possible MEXICAN steam engines that I (at least) think would be great to restore for the new mega-rail steam program...

Aaaaaaand then there’s Cuba...!

If the new railroad is going to link Canada with Mexico, there's a certain logic in Sammy's idea. If only one of the old NS vest pocket Berkshires had survived......

Rescue 3028 from New Hope's dead line.

John