Canadian Pacific 374 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canadian Pacific 374 |
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| CPR 374 inside the Engine 374 Pavilion | |
| Power type | Steam |
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| Builder | Canadian Pacific Railway |
| Serial number | 1038 |
| Build date | May 1886 |
| Configuration | 4-4-0 |
| UIC classification | 2′B |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
| Driver diameter | 63 in (1,600 mm) |
| Weight on drivers | 71,000 lb (32 t) |
| Locomotive weight | 115,000 lb (52 t) |
| Boiler pressure | 160 psi (1.1 MPa) |
| Cylinders | Two |
| Cylinder size | 17 in × 24 in (430 mm × 610 mm) |
| Tractive effort | 15,000 lbf (67 kN) |
| Factor of adhesion | 4.73 |
| Retired | July 1945 |
| Disposition | Static display inside Engine 374 Pavilion, Vancouver |
Engine No. 374 is a famous old steam train from the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). It made history by pulling the very first passenger train all the way across Canada to arrive in Vancouver on May 23, 1887. This happened just one year after its sister engine, No. 371, brought the first train to cross Canada into Port Moody, which is about 32 kilometers (20 miles) east.
Contents
The Story of Engine 374
Building a Legend
Engine No. 374 was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in May 1886. It was one of eight similar steam locomotives made that year. These powerful engines were built in the CPR's own Montreal workshops. While its sister engine, No. 371, was taken apart in 1915, Engine No. 374 was completely rebuilt in 1914. It continued to work hard until 1945.
A New Home and a Challenge
Because Engine No. 374 was so important to history, it was given to the City of Vancouver when it retired. The city put it on display in Kitsilano Beach Park. However, being outside meant the engine was exposed to weather and wasn't well cared for. It stayed there until 1983.
Restoration for Expo 86
In 1983, a group of train fans decided to save the engine. They wanted to fix it up in time for Expo 86, a big world fair happening in Vancouver. The engine was moved from the beach and spent several years in different warehouses. A team of dedicated volunteers worked hard to restore it. They finished just in time for Expo 86! Engine No. 374 was then displayed on a turntable at the old CPR Drake Street Roundhouse. It became a very popular attraction.
Finding a Permanent Home
In 1988, the Expo 86 site, including the Drake Street Roundhouse, was sold. The new owners planned to turn the buildings into the Roundhouse Community Centre. There wasn't a clear plan for Engine 374 at first. So, it was temporarily kept inside the roundhouse while a decision was made.
Thanks to successful fundraising efforts by the Vancouver Parks Board and the Lions Club, a new home was built. Just one year later, the special Engine 374 Pavilion was finished.
Visiting Engine 374 Today
Today, the Engine 374 Pavilion is a main feature of the Yaletown area in Vancouver. You can visit it daily to see this historic train. It's open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the summer and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the winter. Every year, on the Sunday before Victoria Day, there's a special celebration for the engine's anniversary. Volunteers from the West Coast Railway Association help run the pavilion. About 41,000 people visit Engine 374 each year!
