6060 was assembled in Canada's Montreal Locomotive Works in 1944. This impressive Mountain Type engine is considered to be one of the best remaining examples of a modern steam locomotive. In 1959, 6060 was retired from active service and in 1962 was placed on static display in Jasper National Park, in the province of Alberta, Canada. In 1972 Canadian National Railway restored 6060 to operating conditions and used her to haul steam fan excursions out of Toronto, Ontario.
In 1980, to commemorate the province of Alberta's 75 anniversary as a province, 6060 was presented as a gift to the people of Alberta. After more than five years of retirement, she was restored a second time with the help of the Province of Alberta and most notably, with the help of volunteers from the Rocky Mountain Rail Society. 6060 was a participant in Steam Expo in Vancouver, British Columbia in the year 1986.
See the Trip Schedule page for more information on the trips planned and reservation availability.
6060's design is an extension of CNR Northern U-2-g design (4-8-4) which began to run through divisional points and started establishing performance records. One Northern ran 18,353 miles in one month. They ran from Montreal to Halifax (841 miles) without change. With 6060, they got a lighter and more versatile locomotive. 6060 rolled off the erecting floor at MLW early in October 1944. The 6060 family quickly took over prestigious passenger runs and were capable of speeds of 75 mph. Number 6078 made the run from Toronto to Sarnia, Ontario in two hours and fifty-eight minutes for an average speed, including water stops, of 58.7 mph. This entire sub-class of engine remained in service until the end of steam on the CNR.
See also: 6060 Development
To assist in the raising of funds to maintain
6060 in full operating condition, the
Rocky Mountain Rail Society has items for sale, from colour videos to clothing. Please check our
Gift Shop page.
6060 is a mountain type locomotive, wheel configuration 4-8-2. Length is 93 feet, height 15 feet 1 ½ inches. Operating weight 637,540 lbs., tractive effort 52,500 lbs. (no booster). Driving wheel diameter 73 inches. Operating pressure 260 psi. Cylinders 24 inch diameter, stroke 28 inches.
The reliable Walschaert motion was selected. Reversing gear was a Franklin type E air operated gear. An Elesco exhaust steam injector was fitted to the left side, outboard of the rear driving wheel. The Elesco was replaced in 1973 with a Hancock inspirator. Fuel is light crude oil, converted from coal. Tender capacity is 5,000 imperial gallons oil and 11,000 imperial gallons water.
