The #3716 Steam Locomotive
Our beautiful engine was built by Montreal Locomotive Works in 1912, the Spirit of Summerland 2-8-0 Class N2b. This engine was originally built as a coal-burning locomotive, however, it was rebuilt in 1929 and converted from coal to oil.
Our beautiful engine worked for many years in the Kootenays and put in many miles in the Crowsnest area of southern British Columbia and Alberta in the early-mid 1900s. Once it was time to retire the #3716 was sent to the City of Port Coquitlam in 1966, being saved from the scrapper’s torch.
At this time the #3176 was in need of some repairs and was restored in 1975 at CPR’s Drake Street shops. #3716 worked on the Provincial Museum train line touring the province and starring in many movies and commercials over the years including “The Grey Fox” a movie about Bill Miner, and “The Journey of Natty Gann”, a Walt Disney Production. This engine has used a back for the “Royal Hudson” #2860 until its operating career with BC Rail came to an end in April 2001.
This is when the Kettle Valley Rail Society put in a bid for a lease of the engine. Once this bid was accepted we were able to bring the engine from Port Coquitlam to Summerland. The engine was then renamed to “The Spirit Of Summerland”. Thanks to the Kettle Valley Railway Society the iconic #3716 is enjoyed by visitors from around the world.
Technical Details:
- 170 Tons
- Drivers: 63” Boiler Pressure: 190 lb/in2
The #803 Alco Diesel
The Kettle Valley Steam Railway’s second engine is an Alco Diesel. The #803 was built in 1956 in Schenectady, NY. The #803 is used as the backup for our steam locomotive and is only used when the #3716 is inoperable.
The Alco Diesel was purchased from Neptune Terminals, where it was used as a transport train for materials to be exported overseas.
Technical Details:
- 115 Tons
- 900 HP
- Main Generator GE 584
- Wheel Diameter 40”
- Diesel Fuel Capacity: 600 Gallons
