My CPKC Holiday Train chase begins next week, and I’m preparing like a fiend for it. I’ve already scouted out various photography spots and leisure spots, hoping to improve on past captures and to snag brilliant new captures.
While I’m getting in position … the CPKC Holiday Trains (yes, there are two of them) are getting in position as well.
I shall explain.
CPKC runs two trains through North America – there’s a Canadian train (that makes some stops in New York) and a USA train (that makes some stops in Quebec). This way, the train can cover a multitude of stops in its month-long journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
But it still has to get to the Atlantic side of North America from CPKC’s Calgary rail yards.
So what happens here?
CPKC binds both trains together and does a “deadhead” run across the country. There are no stops or flashing lights on this trip, it just travels like a normal train on a normal destination. And if you’re fortunate enough to see the train on its deadhead run, then you can get somewhat of a preview of the train’s livery and lighting setup as it passes by.
Such as what happened when this YouTuber videoed the train as it deadheaded through Manitoba.
I’m not 100% sure, but I think I saw the light-up car that features Rudy, the original “Holiday Express” train of the Kansas City Southern line (pre-CPKC merge). One of the US cars was adorned with a replica of Rudy’s image last year, so it’s nice to see that again.
Here’s another shot, this time from a videographer who caught the train as it rolled towards Montreal.
Yeah. If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m getting totally pumped up for this year’s Holiday Train run.
I have a feeling it’s going to be one of the best.
