Canadian Pacific 2816 Empress Highballing from Edmonton to Red Deer, Alberta

[@FrogandFlangeVideo]

What an awesome chase !! First class captures for sure. What a rare sight - mainline steam in Canada in 2024. Nice work! James.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Thanks a lot, James! It certainly was a chase to remember!

[@davidrubin8228]

So cool! I have never seen a Canadian steamer before. Thank you for the footage!

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Thanks a lot! They sure are few and far between on the mainline! I appreciate you stopping by!

[@mtnmann1775]

The Prairie Dog Central runs on a short line just outside of Winnipeg

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Oh I've never even heard of that railroad, that's pretty cool! I know here in Alberta, the Alberta Railway Museum has an active steamer. There's also the Alberta Prairie Railway that runs tourist trains, but they don't always have the steamer on them.

[@bsc4344]

Why does this make me warmly smile and tear up at the same time? Why?

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

She's a beauty - that's why! I hope to see a lot more of her in the future!

[@snorgviggle5852]

You should look into the history of Canada's "silk trains." I have had them described to me: ships carrying silk from China (an extremely valuable cargo) would dock in Vancouver, the cargo would be offloaded directly onto a waiting train, and the train would head for Montreal. The mainline would be cleared of all traffic so there were no delays whatsoever and the silk train would hightail it eastwards. Worth looking into, or so it seems to me.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

That is very interesting! I have never even heard of these trains. I can imagine how high the demand would have been, that silk was extremely valuable back then for sure. Thanks for the comment, I'll have to do some research on that!

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Oh no way! I didn't even see it when I was there - or maybe it was a matter of simply not knowing haha!

[@michaelhertwig4528]

Beautiful work filming this great journey. Well done!

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Thank you very much, I appreciate the kind words!

[@djteako]

Man, you must also have been highballing? I chased it the day prior, from Olds to Almost Innisfail. I lost it there - just couldn't keep up!!!!!

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Speed limits were followed... for the most part (unlike everyone else chasing haha!) It was definitely a wild time trying to keep up. The most we clocked them at was about 86 km/h. We would catch them miles apart each time. It seems everytime we got close, we'd end up going through a town and hitting all of the red lights haha! The only thing that saved us was service stops and meets where they had to stop!

[@Lt_Col.Henry_Blake]

This really should be the cross-country ‘Holiday Train’.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

I most definitely agree, that would be very cool! Only question is, how would they split it up between the Canada and US train? Alternating years?

[@RileytheRailRunner]

Nice video! Even with a gloomy backdrop, that locomotive still looks stunning. Hoping to catch them roll through just north of Texarkana on Wednesday. Just hoping the rain doesn't get too bad until AFTER it passes.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Thanks a lot Riley! Did you have any luck catching it?

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Ah, I see it on your channel! That's awesome!

[@CanadianrailroadsCa]

Fantastic job Bricks. Boy you captured some nice shots. :)

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Thank you Shane! 2816 did all the heavy lifting, I just had to point the camera in the right direction. :P

[@JohnNyren65]

Wow. Fantastic!l. Great footage, thanks for sharing 😊. I’m hoping I can catch when it leaves for Mexico on the 24th

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Thank you for stopping by! That sure would be a fun catch, best of luck!!

[@glengillis7775]

Cool. The sounds of history

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

You got that right! It was so cool to witness!

[@chrismiller5198]

Having ditch lights on a steam locomotive is just totally wrong.

[@AlcoLoco251]

Then put yourself in a place of power in Canada and change the law. Otherwise, shut up, wipe the tears from your eyes, and get out of the way.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

It totally does seem wrong haha, but whatever it takes to get her out on the mainline! The crew was pretty cool, as there was a few spots they turned the lights off for photos! It's funny how we all go from wishing crews on other trains would turn on the ditch lights, to wishing this crew "forgot" to. :P

[@chrismiller5198]

@@AlbertaBoundRailfanning There is a similar requirement here in the States but steam locos are exempt. I think historic diesels should be too. You might have seen the video of those beautifully restored Santa Fe F7s with ditch lights. So many locos, steam and diesel, were originally built with some sort of auxiliary headlights that I think that would be enough.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

I agree, it's just too bad the laws don't haha! It would certainly be cool to have an exemption for restored units (kind of like Historic Districts in cities), but I don't think we'll ever see that. If they worked in the old days, you'd think it would be sufficient today, but I wouldn't be surprised if there was an accident and lawsuits to follow.

[@tannermallonee7371]

I think c&o 614 had ditchlights too.

[@The_Smith]

I'm hoping to see her at her Moosejaw stop. Nice to see they gave some thought and painted the diesel in matching livery so it isn't too glaring. Great video.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

That is awesome, best of luck! The Heritage Scheme on the diesels they've been using is definitely a thoughtful detail; I love it. Thank you!

[@OregonBuildingRailfan]

Lucky. We don’t get any steam like this here!

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Thanks OBR! I was always jealous of your Southern Pacific steamer.

[@jamesburnside3023]

Looking forward to seeing it

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

You won't be dissapointed!

[@flyovercounty1427]

Nice video thank you.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@trainmanzach2684]

Awesome action of the 2816! ✅

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Thank you Zach!

[@stevebyrne4235]

Must have been fun in the cab

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Oh, for sure! They were all full of smiles and waves every time they passed... even if it was just me at a spot. It was almost surprising considering I'm sure they were getting tired of all the attention, haha! It sure would have been a chilly day to have your noggin sticking out the window, though, as I was cold just standing around!

[@stillcreekrailfan]

This is AMAZING, I've only shot active steam once and it was really meh, (oil burning steam with no smoke at 10mph isn't that interesting,) but this is some next level action! 2816 isn't gonna come here for some reason sadly. Great shots!

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Thanks a lot Oscar! They need to do a Canada-wide tour next. She's too cool not to have travel the whole system!

[@Greatdome99]

Old pros will tell you cold weather really brings out the steam. Black smoke is only when the fireman occasionally throws sand in the firebox to clear out the carbon.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

That is very true! I was pretty thankful for the cool day to make the steam show that much better! I can only imagine a steamer running on a -40 day!

[@RandomGeneratedMusic]

I wonder why they decided to put ditchlights on that steam locomotive, it looks kind of odd in my opinion.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

It certainly does look odd, but modern day regulations require them on leading units unfortunately! It's too bad, but still a beautiful engine nonetheless!

[@aghauler1964]

​@AlbertaBoundRailfanning plus the cab control unit. Likely not 1940s Era tech.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Definitely not haha!

[@alwhalen3488]

@@AlbertaBoundRailfanning In the US steam locomotives are exempt from ditch light requirements. Not sure about Canada but I do think they look silly. Also not too sure about the whistle. Maybe it doesn't have a good valve to make it moan like most of the other steamers, or the engineer just needs to develop better whistling skills.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

I've seen that CPKC has removed the ditch lights for the US portion, which is really awesome! It must just be a Canadian law... Oh well!

[@absolutetruthgirl]

Wow!!❤❤

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Sure is stunning, isn't it?

[@danherrmann8755]

I do not under stand all about steam power. But I love that sound of raw horse power. I just want to go for a train ride.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

I was in the exact same boat. I used to think steam trains were overrated... and then I chased this one! Just the thundering, steam clouds, and movement truly changed my opinion on these units forever. I wasn't even going to go out this day, but I can say that if it ever comes up here again, I'd love to be the first in line to see it!

[@BarryKruchak]

Steam on. Canadian railroading at its best!

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

You got that right! Thanks for stopping by!

[@tarnishedknight730]

Forgive what may be a silly question but... Is there one engineer to operate both the steam and the diesel engine? Or are there separate engineers for each engine?

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Not a silly question at all! I saw a crew member sitting on the Engineer's side of the diesel, so I assume that means there is separate Engineers for each unit!

[@PiotrBarcz]

It would be great if you could repost this compilation with monophonic audio so that the sound comes out of both channels and not just the left :)

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Well what the heck - you're totally correct. I had someone else recently comment that they could not hear any sound after the intro on another video (but never used to have issues). Now I'm at a loss as to whether it's KZbin, my editor, my camera, or somewhere in between. I'll have to do some research, thank you for pointing that out, and I apologize for the inconvenience! Update - it's definitely on my camera end somehow. That really sucks, I need to take a look at whether it's the settings or if my mic is messed up. I can't believe I haven't noticed sooner. I should really edit with headphones. ;) I really appreciate you bringing this up!

[@PiotrBarcz]

@@AlbertaBoundRailfanning No problem sir! Mixing the audio in Audacity into mono and then converting it into a two channel stereo file (while still technically being mono) and then slapping that into the video again is the quickest way I can think of fixing this ;) Thank you for posting this footage even if the audio is wonky! I saw 2816 for the first time around 13 years ago in the iMAX film Rocky Mountain Express that features it :D

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Thanks for the advice! I did some playing around today, and discovered it's my camera's mic jack that's the root cause. In one position I can get both channels to work, in another just the left, or just the right, or even sometimes none. I've already had one video come out staticky, which I thought was just corrupt. I'm going to look into my options to get it fixed, or upgrade cameras all together! That sounds pretty awesome. It sure was amazing to see in real life! A little disheartened that this and so many other catches were all monophonic, but at least I've got options to remix it haha! Thanks again for catching this!!

[@PiotrBarcz]

@@AlbertaBoundRailfanning If you're looking to upgrade cameras and want one that will last for 30 years without being obsolete (and if you treat it right it might actually last that long) then I recommend getting the Canon XA65. It's a 2000 dollar camcorder but heck it even has XLR inputs so you could hotshoe mount a mic rail and put some nice condensers up top and get super high fidelity audio :D In general the Canon XA series is fantastic. I have an XA10 that just died but it served me well for a good while before it died from humidity damage. Glad I could help catch a video error! Keep up the great work :D

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

That's funny you mention that! I was actually just looking at the XA60 and XA70 haha! They look like fantastic options, so I'm glad to hear your opinion. I started off with an old HF R80, before moving to DSLRs for video. Now I'm thinking about going back into the camcorder lineup, so the XAs are all completely new to me

[@robertgift]

2:43 Does the whistle have an electric valve? Instant On/instant Off.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

It sure sounds like it 9 times out of 10, but the shot at 3:50 makes me think otherwise! That is one of the few times I've actually heard it quilled, making me think it's just the Engineer's style!

[@ghosttrain312]

Is she having 2 newer diesel locomotives tagging along with her on her massive journey?

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

From what I've gathered, it looks like two F-Units will be tagging along. However, I'm not 100% sure!

[@ghosttrain312]

@@AlbertaBoundRailfanning I bring that up because of the moder PTC system in all the trains now a days.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

2816 is actually newly equipped with PTC for the trip, I believe!

[@ghosttrain312]

@@AlbertaBoundRailfanning let's see what happens

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

For sure!

[@tacfoley4443]

EXCELLENT shot of the top of the auxiliary water tender #35508! I'm building this item of rolling stock in 1/32nd scale to go behind my Gauge 1 live steam Hudson, so any good views - any part of it - would be very much appreciated!!!

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Thank you!! I figured a modeler may appreciate the roof shots... but I wish I had the camera lined up better. The 35508 is the third tender, correct? If so, I have a pretty good photo of the top of it I'd love to send you! What would be the best way to get that to you?

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

If you want, shoot me an email at [e-mail] and I'll send it over!

[@wardy98px1]

Are they dead heading her back from Mexico does anyone know.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

That's a question I've been wondering about as well! I can't imagine it coming back on its own power due to operating costs, servicing it, the crew, etc. but it sure would be a cool return trip if it did!

[@tony8074]

It would be cool if CPR would acquire a dome car to go with her.

[@WilliamHarvey-hk5zr]

They do have a dome car...it's a red car with a full length of the car dome

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

That's pretty cool! It would sure be fun to ride in on a trip like this!

[@edmcelhone4501]

ditch lights saftey issue now

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Yes, that's why they're there.

[@agems56]

does the diesel help it along, or is it just used for electrical power?

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

From what I understand, it's for electrical power and possibly dynamic braking. Not too sure about the dynamic braking, but electrical power for sure! She is under her own power!

[@bov634]

I would assume for dynamic braking and a backup power if 2816 breaks down. It looks like they have a generator car in tow. She can pull alot more unassisted at probably 90 mph. "The Hudson was a good fast locomotive, the only one I could out run the rail fans with" - Bill Purdie Master Mechanic Steam for Southern R.R.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

That's great haha!

[@Greatdome99]

I was told each of those aux tenders weighs 200,000 pounds! (91000 kg).

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

That's pretty crazy!! From what I understand, the first one carries fuel (diesel oil) and the last two are water?

[@jason38321]

​@@AlbertaBoundRailfanning in normal service it would've just been the one tender with both coal and oil. Coal would've lasted a reasonably long time, but they'd have had to fill up on water multiple times a day. When they restored her they converted her to burn oil, and also added the extra tenders because CP no longer has water towers every 10 miles. I would *assume* the got converted to hold oil and water, like a historical oil-burner would've had. But I don't actually know.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Ahhh gotcha! Very interesting!

[@2quintly]

Nice, . . . .

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Thank you!

[@GEVOlutionCPKC]

Like1️⃣🚂🏁✨🙌🏼👏🏼

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Thank you for the support!

[@wardy98px1]

One of them is off 4449

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

I had no idea! That's cool!

[@auricom8472]

Awesome vid. Is it just me but her whistle sounds strange.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Thank you! Yes, I definitely agree - it almost sounds like a wayside horn with the sharp on and off!

[@mtnmann1775]

What is the route to Mexico?

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Thanks for watching! You can find the official schedule and route on CPKC's website here - www.cpkcr.com/en/community/final-spike-steam-train

[@shmoop2481]

Ditch lights heck. What is with that whistle? Sharp on and off. Unless the guy blowing it doesn't know how to.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

You're not the first person to say that, and I have to agree. It almost sounds like a wayside horn to me haha! However at 3:50, it sounds absolutely beautiful quilled!

[@johnarnold893]

Is this coming from a fully qualified steam locomotive engineer?

[@fishlickmustaches8088]

I really wish they would drive her across Canada, and then go to the United States, but no…

[@paytongauthier6452]

She’s gone across Canada plenty of times and besides, that’s not the point of the excursion.

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

It is unfortunate that they couldn't visit the whole CP system, but boy would that be an even more expensive journey I'd imagine! I won't be able to catch it on the big trip myself, but at least they're running her at all. Hopefully we'll see more of it in the future!

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Yes! But they were referring to a Canada-wide tour... not just the little bit of Alberta and Saskatchewan haha!

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

Oh most definitely! Certainly cannot complain!

[@davelindsay9736]

Drive it to Ottawa, and freak out Steven Gilbot environment minister !

[@wardy98px1]

I agree looks stupid good for nothing

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

For sure, but we can't complain considering we've got mainline steam!

[@dannellboyd9806]

Highballing ? Really?

[@AlbertaBoundRailfanning]

I'd call 55 MPH highballing!