July 22, 2023 - TRA Newswire - 

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) announced its 2816 Empress steam locomotive will travel from Canada, through the U.S. and into Mexico departing Calgary, Alta. on April 14, 2024, the one-year anniversary of CPKC’s creation.

The tri-nation railroad acquired Kansas City Southern Railway in April, which has a line from East Texas into the DFW area and a spine line that runs from Shreveport, through Southeast Texas, into the Gulf Coast region and through the Rio Grande Valley. 

"Our unique, unrivaled railway network connects a continent and links Canada, the U.S. and Mexico," said Keith Creel, CPKC President and Chief Executive Officer. "On April 14, 2023, we drove a ceremonial Final Spike completing that continental connection. We look forward to proudly celebrating that historic railway moment with a special tour starring the 2816, honoring our history and looking forward to an exciting future filled with opportunities for our railroaders, customers and communities.”

The tour will kick off with a special anniversary event in Calgary on April 13, 2024, departing the city the following day.

Texas stops will include Laredo on the southern border with addtional details about other stops and cities the steam locomotive will pass through in Texas coming in early 2024. 

These stops, where the public will be invited to view the train, include:

• Moose Jaw, Sask.

• Minot, N.D.

• St. Paul, Minn.

• Bensenville, Ill.    

• Davenport, Iowa 

• Kansas City, Mo. 

• Shreveport, La.  

• Mexico City, Mex. 
   

“This 2816 steam tour will bring the story of our uniquely North American railway’s history and compelling future to life for rail fans and visitors across our network,” Creel added. “We look forward to celebrating in communities across our network.” 

The 2816, a 4-6-4 Hudson-type steam locomotive, was built in 1930 by Montreal Locomotive Works. It served as a roving steam-powered ambassador for Canadian Pacific throughout Canada and the U.S. before being placed in storage in 2012. Now, after a decade of slumber, the engine has been carefully prepared to once again travel the rails. The locomotive continues to undergo preparations for next year’s tour, including equipping The Empress with Positive Train Control.