Empress Special From Wolfe Cove QC - Extract, Published 23 July 1934 We
backed up to the base of Wolfe Cove, where Wolfe captured a continent
for the mad George III to lose half of it way back in 1759. Then the
C.P.R. 2811 on the Empress special gave a forward jerk, and away we
went. We ran through the tunnel which connects us with the St. Malo
side and the wreath of smoke followed us out of that tunnel for five
minutes; we could watch it while we switched. The 2811 then broke fast,
and soon was hitting up 60 miles an hour. We coaled and watered at
Three Rivers, and it was just about then that Alan Irwin told me the
C.P.R. was trying for a record, so as not to hold the Toronto and
Vancouver trains too long. (You see how it throws people out, Mr.
Duranleau, when your rivers aren't in shape!) The 2811 got up to 80
miles an hour near Yamachiche, and put the passengers down at Montreal
West about 3 hours and 40 minutes from Sillery Cove. The regular time
is about an hour longer.As I got on the bus that night to go home, I thought of a crowded day, that started on a small, saline-sprayed tender away down in the Gulf, and ended at my apartment door. It was a great experience and I announce smugly that it is one that very few of you ever will be able to enjoy. Meanwhile, I am just sitting around waiting for Mr. Beatty to ask me to go again some time. |