Throwback Thursday - RCP "Drumhead."

CP's touring Royal Canadian Pacific equipment has just arrived in Smiths Falls, Ontario on May 28, 2004.

By Peter Mumby.

I could describe today's photo as representing the tail end of an early 1950s named passenger train, but the illusion would be quickly shattered by noticing a few anachronisms.  Consider the container car on the track to the left or the ditch lights below the observation platform.  And then there is that end-of-train unit - probably the biggest fly in the ointment.  The car itself, CP business car 74 "Mount Stephen," is of 1926 vintage and still looks good on May 28, 2004 as it brings up the rear of a long train bearing the cars of the combined Royal Canadian Pacific and "Empress" steam trains.  This train has just arrived at Smiths Falls as Extra 2816 east with CP's touring standard Hudson steam locomotive in the lead.  Trailing power includes GP38-2 3084, FP9A 1401, and F9B 1900.  All three of the diesel locomotives are wearing classic Tuscan and grey CP paint.