A Montreal Locomotive Works 1930 steam engine has been recently restored to full functioning order. It is making a 9000 mile trip across Northern America. On May 3rd 2024, it made one of its first stops in St. Paul's, MN Union Depot.
There is around five of these H1B class engines still in existence today, this is the only functioning one. CP 2816 was retired in 1960 after logging almost four million miles. At some point it was converted from coal fired steam to kerosene. In 2001 it was restored to be a museum piece. In 2015 the full restoration began.
Some of the cars along for the ride are a 30,000 water tank, a 27,000 water tank, a combination 12,000 gallon water tank with 4,600 gallon fuel oil tank. Another car is full of spare parts and raw materials, another car is a machine shop that includes a CNC, welders, and a lathe, so on the rail repairs can be made. There are two diesel locomotives along, but they are idling most of the time, they are used when their is higher load (hills and whatnot) and in case there is a breakdown, but the bulk of the work is being done by the steam engine.
Oil injectors for lubrication
triple 75" drive wheels
Video of the train rolling out....
