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| PACIFIC GREAT EASTERN #2
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Built by Baldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.A. in February 1910 this
locomotive is a "Prairie" type weighing over 90 tons in working trim and delivering
about 22,000 lbs. tractive effort with a Boiler pressure of 185 lbs. The cylinders are 16 x
24" and the locomotive is equipped with Stephenson valve gear. Originally lettered for
the Howe Sound Pemberton Valley & Northern Railway, the name was changed to Howe
Sound & Northern Railway before No. 2 arrived. So as to broaden the appeal to the
English investors financing the line the name was changed again in 1912 to Pacific Great
Eastern Railway.
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For the full size image, click on the photo. |
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No. 2 was the first PGE locomotive on the original North Shore subdivision and was used
in the construction of that line to Whytecliffe. In 1916 No. 2 was involved in an accident
in West Vancouver which wrecked the cab and also destroyed the Gasoline powered
passenger coach involved in the accident. Happily, there were no fatalities.
Engine No. 2 is one of 3 existing Pacific Great Eastern steam locomotives. Sadly the
other two, Nos. 53 & 56, were victims of serious accidents. No. 53 lies at the bottom of
Seton Lake and No. 56 deep in Anderson Lake. They probably will never be recovered.
In 1920 No. 2 was sold to Comox Logging & Railway Co. on Vancouver Island for
$17,250 . Renumbered No. 7 , the oil tank behind the cab was removed and a tender was
added. No. 2 was used first at Headquarters near Courtenay. From 1945 until retirement
No. 2 worked the Nanaimo Lakes line at Ladysmith. In 1965 Crown Zellerbach,
successor to Comox Logging & Railway Co. donated the locomotive to The District of
Squamish. Placed in Stan Clarke Park, No 2 remained there until 1993 when she was
moved to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park.
Plans are to restore the locomotive to 1910 appearance. If tests do not show major
problems necessitating replacing the boiler No. 2 could go back into operation one day.
Grant Ferguson Photo
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