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If memory serves me, #2850 and it's consist was painted in the special blue and silver livery, that the Royals rode on.
Engine #2851 was in charge of the "pilot" train, which carried the Press and Officials following the progress of the Royal tour.
The pilot train preceeded the Royal train by an hour.
Safety and security were stringent, in that all rail traffic were held behind spiked switches and no rail movements allowed until after its passing.
  The pilot train was painted in standard CPR colors but the 2851 had raised numerals installed on the wide running boards as did the 2850. Both locos maintained these features after the Royal tour service.
   Al

 From the London (Ontario) Public Library Site -

 

CN 6401 leading the Royal Pilot Train in 1939

Royal Visit, 1939 - Pilot Train Arrives at Glencoe, Ontario

 

Description:A black and white photograph of Canadian National Railways Engine 6401 which pulled the pilot train, arriving at Glencoe, Ontario prior to the arrival of the royal train carrying King George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth.

 

Notes:The pilot train for the 1939 royal tour ran about 30 minutes before the train carrying the royal couple to ensure the track ahead was safe and to carry the press and others not with the royal party. Source: CN Lines Magazine volume 12, Number 3 (www.cnlines.com)

                                                  

 

A model of this locomotive was offered by Weaver about ten years ago. 

 

Last edited by Os3r

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