Historic transnational railway tour stops in Pittsburg
PITTSBURG, Kan. — The only single-line transnational railway linking Canada, the United States, and Mexico included Pittsburg Tuesday.
The Canadian Pacific Kansas City ‘Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour’ began at its home base in Calgary on April 24. The stop in Pittsburg allowed railroad history buffs – and residents in general – to get an up-close and personal look at this locomotive beauty.
It’s called an Empress 2816. It was built in 1930 and is the first ever steam-powered passenger train in North America to traverse Canada, the U.S., and Mexico in a single trip.
“For me, it’s particularly special after spending 20-years with Kansas City Southern to be able to ride this train, to be able to come back again — it was really fantastic. Track is in great shape, and the service was fantastic, so, it was just a great trip,” said Mike Haverty, former KCS Railway Co. CEO.
“This also reminds me of my brother. He passed away 7-years ago and he loved trains, and so every time I see a train, it thinks — it reminds me of him, but I’ve always loved trains, as well,” said Rhonda Robson, Pittsburg Resident / Train Enthusiast.
The train later passed through Joplin — we caught another glimpse of it just south of Saginaw. The tour is set to end on June 4th when it arrives in Mexico City.
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