J. Craig Thorpe (American, B. 1948) "Canadian Pacific "Royal Hudson" Signed lower right. Original Oil on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands First Day Cover for the 55c Canadian Pacific "Royal Hudson" stamp issued August 23, 1996. In 1939 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited Canada and traveled on a 12-car Royal Train pulled by Canadian Pacific Railway steam locomotive Number 2850. After Canada's royal guests returned to England, CPR christened its 45 engines of that class "Royal Hudsons." Built by Montreal Locomotive Works from 1937 to 1940, the first 40 "Royal Hudsons" burned coal, while the remaining five engines were oil-fired. "Royal Hudsons," comprising the H1c, H1d and the H1e distinguished themselves from earlier Hudsons by their semi-streamlined design. Another distinctive feature of "Royal Hudsons" was the inclusion of cast metal royal crown replicas in their decor. Each engine had two crowns -- one mounted on the running-board skirt on each side of the locomotive, just above the cylinders. The last run of a "Royal Hudson" in regular service was in 1960. Only four of the original 45 engines have survived as museum pieces. "Royal Hudson" No. 2860 is in operating condition and runs tourist excursions out of North Vancouver, British Columbia, on the British Columbia Railway. Image Size: 10 x 13 in. Overall Size: 13.5 x 17.75 in. Unframed. (B15432)