Built in December 1930 by Montreal Locomotive Works, locomotive 2816 at a cost of $116,555 CPR Empress was a coal-fired, Hudson Class (H1b) locomotive with a 4-6-4 wheel arrangement, which could maintain an average speed of 113 km/hr. (70 mph). Over its career, the steam locomotive logged more than 3 million kilometres (over 2 million miles) in active service for the CPR. Although designed primarily for passenger service, locomotive 2816 also hauled fast freights for more than half of its 30-year operating life.

On November 6, 1960, shortly after the end of the steam era, 2816 was stored at Glen Yard for conversion to a stationary boiler.

After being on display for more than 40 years in various rail museums in the US, locomotive 2816 and its tender were returned to their original owner, the CPR, in September 1998. In 2001, Empress 2816 re-entered active service.

Today, locomotive 2816 is the CPR’s roving ambassador for special assignments, charitable events and public relations or community relations activities held as part of the company’s Community Connect program.