All Aboard the 1919 Baldwin Locomotive 107!
The 1919 Baldwin Steam engine and train whisks passengers from the Park’s train station at the front of the Park to the train platform at the back near the 1846 Fort and the new Indigenous Peoples Experience. Adored by guests of all ages, the iconic train ride has become a core memory for many visitors over the decades. Today we’re sharing fun facts and history about our beloved steam engine and train!
Did you know…
The train is included in admission, you can ride it as many times as you like. Many guests come to Fort Edmonton Park just to ride the train over and over again! It is the perfect way to ride around the park in style. You might even encounter costumed interpreters during your ride.
Did you know…
The 1919 Baldwin Steam engine was built in Philadelphia, and it operated in Louisiana for nearly 50 years. In the 70s, Fort Edmonton Park decided it wanted a train on-site to truly bring history to life and give its guests an unforgettable experience. Through the Fort Edmonton Foundation and a group of motivated volunteers and engineers, the train was purchased and moved to Fort Edmonton Park.
Did you know…
Bill Graham’s dream and determination brought the 1919 Baldwin Locomotive 107 and its tender to Fort Edmonton Park officially in 1977, where it began its life as a static display. In June, City Council approved the construction of the railway at Fort Edmonton Park, and with that, the engine re-assembly began. In October, the crew completed the track construction. In April 1978, Bill Graham’s team completed refurbishing the locomotive, and in May, the steam train departed from Fort Edmonton with its first passengers. The Adult fare was $1.50, and children rode for $1.00.
Did you know…
The Power Engineer fires the boiler and the Locomotive Engineer runs the engine; together they operate the steam engine and tender, which weigh in at almost 86 tons and are capable of pulling 1,100 tons. The engine transports visitors around the park on the four-kilometer track of the Edmonton, Yukon, and Pacific (EY&P) Railway, a line that pays homage to Edmonton’s first railway.
Did you know…
The steam engine was originally fueled by wood as it worked as a logging engine (free fuel). When it came to Edmonton it was still a wood-burning engine. The team soon realized that they could not keep enough wood onsite to fuel the engine so it was converted to an oil burner (motor oil).
The motor oil used is recycled and put through filters to get the appropriate BTU rating for our burner. New motor oil is not purchased, instead, the oil that comes out of your car when you get an oil change is used.
Did you know..
The train is typical of what you’d see in the 1900s, although you may notice the train itself is slightly smaller, as it was originally working for the Calcasieu Paper Mill hauling logs from the forest to the mill out of Elizabeth, Louisiana. The design and function, are identical to what you would have seen in the prairies 100 years ago. Back then, rail lines were being built all across Canada, due to the large immigration push from eastern Canada. Families were riding the trains and travelling out west to start a new life.
Did you know…
We have a dedicated train crew that does regular maintenance and yearly inspections to ensure the train is up and running safely for the public. Our specialized train crew has a breadth of experience and knowledge. The team includes ex-engineers who worked with CN and CNR, and many in their youth even worked on steam engines. Plus, our practicum students are eager to learn about these engines, and they are mentored by our experienced veterans on how to run the steam engine.
Did you know…
Our now world-famous train was featured in the 2007 film, Assassination of Jesse James starring Brad Pitt. The train got a refresh for the film, which included a new coat of paint on the engine, and remodeled sleeper car and dining car, which were gifted to the Park after filming.
Photo: Left-right- Al Broadfoot (Steam Engine Consultant), Wil Amundson (Chief Power Engineer), Nick Davis (Power Engineer in training), Landon Lesko (Certified Power Engineer), Seumas Gillis (Certified Power Engineer), J.R. Reynolds (Shop Foreman, Retired CN Locomotive Engineer + Certified Power Engineer)
Learn more about the train in “Our Living History: the First Fifty Years of the Fort Edmonton Foundation” by Caroline Jakeway Roemmich. Copies are sold at the Front Entrance Gift Shop.
Thank you to our Public Interpretation and Engineering teams for sharing their knowledge about the train!
This summer, ride the train and take a trip back in time to Fort Edmonton Park. Experience life through the eras and make memories you’ll never forget!