Things got pretty interesting at Aspen Crossing near Mossleigh on April 29 when they welcomed home the newest addition to their fleet, Engine 8454.
The locomotive, which was built in 1951 arrived to its prairie destination by truck, quite a unique fashion for nearly 200,000 lbs. train engine. “We planned on it arriving by railway but when it got caught up in a back log of grain cars near Lethbridge, we decided to have it delivered by truck instead,” said Rochelle Watt, Marketing team member at Aspen Crossing.
“Moving this thing was a mammoth and we are so thankful to the guys at CDI Tucking out of High River who donated their time and resources helping us to get it here,” explained Watt. “It had to be broken down into three parts separating the wheels for the engine just because of the weight of it.”
Originally built by Montreal Locomotive Works, the 1951 Alco S3 was one of the first diesel engines built to replace steam engines. Last owned by Parrish & Heimbecker at Moose Jaw, it came from Saskatchewan to the Alberta prairies where it will now be put to excellent use.
The diesel locomotive will be used to pull the five Aspen Crossing Railway cars– a table car, a passenger car, an open air car, a baggage car and a caboose during the new scenic railway tours which will be offered beginning this spring.
“This will be the workhorse for the new upcoming seven excursions we are offering this year,” said Watt. “It is exciting for us because it will become one of the best tourist attractions in Alberta.”
Located near Mossleigh Alberta, Aspen Crossing is a unique destination which has fantastic dining and shopping, a campground and accommodation rentals, and breathtaking greenhouses in addition to the train excursions. A variety of tours include a Circus Train, Wine & Cheese Tour, Ales on Rails, and a Dinner Theater, Alberta Special Meals in the Field, and a Prairie Tour.
To find out more, visit their website at www.aspencrossing.com
