The locomotive was built in 1912 in Kingston, Ontario as a coal-burning engine. It spent its early years hauling freight, passengers and mixed trains on the prairies. In 1948 it was converted to burn oil. Its last working years were spent on Vancouver Island. 2141 is one of a group of 25 engines (numbers 2130 to 2154) built by the Canadian Locomotive Company in Kingston, Ontario for the Canadian Northern Railway. Her classification is "Light Consolidated" because of her 2‑8‑0 wheel configuration. She is “light axle loading” -114 tons in working order. Her official class is M‑3‑d and she is the only survivor of this type. She has 57" drivers, 23" x 26" cylinders, and her boiler is rated at 180 psi. She has a haulage rating of 35% which means she can pull 30 loaded old-time cars or about 9 loaded modern coal cars. The tender carries 6,000 gallons of water and 3,000 gallons of fuel. When working hard, it can go about 50 miles between water fill ups and 125 miles before needing more fuel. The 2141 was restored over an eight-year period and during the restoration, upgrades were made to the braking and electrical systems to meet modern safety and operating requirements. The locomotive is certified for mainline operations and has MUC (multi unit capability) for working in tandem with a modern locomotive.
Custom built in 2002 from a 1960 freight flat car (ex-MILW 60143). This car was designed to model open air cars of the past and is based on historic photos from trains running through the Rockies and the Fraser Canyon. Railways were expanding into the tourist trade and these types of cars were often added to trains as a feature when travelling through scenic areas. This open air car can seat 60 and has room for an additional 40 people standing. The wooden seats face outward on each side of the car and are not padded. The railings are built to a height that is comfortable for most passengers to lean on as they stand as are the backs of the seats. There are exits via ladders on each side in the middle of the car. Boarding and detraining at the station is through these exits on aluminum stairs with railings. Passengers may also exit through the passenger coach attached to the open air cars. They are covered but wind-driven rain or snow could make its way onto the seats in wet and winter weather. There are garbage and recycling containers on this car as well as a fire extinguisher. This car is lit for night travel and is equipped with speakers for public announcements and entertainment purposes.
Custom built in 2003 from a 1949 freight flat car (ex-CPR 302935). This car was designed to model open air cars of the past and is based on historic photos from trains running through the Rockies and the Fraser Canyon. Railways were expanding into the tourist trade and these types of cars were often added to trains as a feature when travelling through scenic areas. This open air car can seat 40 and has room for an additional 30 people standing. The wooden seats face outward on each side of the car and are not padded. The railings are built to a height that is comfortable for most passengers to lean on as they stand as are the backs of the seats. There are exits via ladders on each side in the middle of the car. Boarding and detraining at the station is through these exits on aluminum stairs with railings. Passengers may also exit through the passenger coach attached to the open air cars. They are covered but wind-driven rain or snow could make its way onto the seats in wet and winter weather. There are garbage and recycling containers on this car as well as a fire extinguisher. This car is lit for night travel and is equipped with speakers for public announcements and entertainment purposes.
Built in 1954, the 'Monte Lake' Cafe-Lounge car (ex-CN/VIA 5592/755) was part of a modernization by CN to upgrade their fleet of passenger equipment. Cafe-Lounge cars where attached to trains to offer a light meal and refreshment service. One end of the car was designated as a lounge area and it would seat 18 passengers. Minors where not allowed in this area as liquor was being served. In the centre area of the car, a full kitchen and refrigeration unit were used to prepare food and to store drinks. At the other end of the car was the cafe with seating for 22. Six of the seats were at a counter and the remainder were in booths. There is one washroom on this car. The KHR has modified the 'Monte Lake' slightly to make the lounge area more comfortable and let in more light. During cold operating days, this car is usually heated.
Built in 1954, the 'Riverside Park' passenger coach (ex-CN/VIA 5590) was part of a modernization by CN to upgrade their fleet of passenger equipment. This passenger coach can seat 76 people in seats that can be arranged to face either way. Seating is often configured for a two facing two on both sides of the coach. Seats are identified by numbers with A for aisle and W for window. Seats are cloth covered and will recline when space permits. All seats are located beside windows and blinds can be pulled down to block sunlight if required. There are two washrooms located at one end of the car. Boarding and detraining is facilitated through the vestibule end of the coach. Steps are steep but can be navigated in all conditions with care. Currently the 'Riverside Park' passenger coach is not heated or cooled. The ride in the coaches is very comfortable and it is quiet compared to the open-air cars.
Built in 1975, the 'Westwold' caboose (ex-BCR 1882) was acquired by the KHR in 2003 from BC Rail. It had been badly damaged in a fire and was completely restored and began operations in 2005. The caboose was modified from how it looked and operated as a caboose. It has been designed to hold passengers and up to 12 people can ride in it at a time. The cupola is a popular spot as the view is unique. There is a washroom onboard and passengers may also ride in the open-air areas at either end of the caboose depending on weather and the railtour.
