1939 ROYAL VISIT TO CANADA In 1939 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth journeyed across Canada by train. A memorable event, it marked the first visit to the Dominion by a reigning monarch. The honour of carrying the royal couple and their entourage was shared by Canada's two main railroads. The westbound portion was via Canadian Pacific Railway, and the eastbound portion was by Canadian National Railway. Two CPR Hudsons were selected for the journey to Vancouver: #2850 was used to pull the Royal Train containing the King and Queen, and #2851 pulled the Pilot Train that carried the press and other officials. Finished in a special livery, #2850 was painted in royal blue, dark blue, and aluminium. Royal crowns were placed on the locomotive's running boards and on the sides of the matching coaches and tender. Performing perfectly, neither locomotive had any mechanical trouble during the entire 3,224 mile trek and, aside for some very steep mountainous sections of track, these two locomotives were the sole engines for each train. As a result of operating so reliably during the royal visit, CPR applied for and received permission to retain the royal crowns. Ultimately, royal assent was given to apply these crowns to all CPR semi-streamlined Hudsons, and they became known as Royal Hudsons. MASON'S TRAINS ROYAL HUDSON #2850 SPECIFICATIONS Engine Length: 84" Tender Length: 56" Track Gauge: 7 ½" Height: 22" Width: 15 ½" Bore & Stroke: 2 ½" x 3 ½" Min Turning Radius: 45ft Weight: 900 lbs approx. Fuel: Propane Boiler: 10 ¾" diameter