Objective:

To use Auran’s train simulation software to illustrate the history and operation of

the Canadian Pacific Railway in the mountains of British Columbia, Canada.

To model the 127 miles of the CPR Mountain Subdivision from Field to

Revelstoke, including the Kicking Horse Pass in the Rocky Mountains and Rogers

Pass in the Selkirk Mountains.

To develop operating models for four time periods:

1887 (Early operation)

Including:

The famous Big Hill with its 4.5% grade in the Kicking Horse Pass.

The wooden trestles in the Beaver River valley, the largest wooden

structure of their kind at the time.

The 31 snowsheds which spanned 9 miles in Rogers Pass.

The original Rogers Pass station and yard, which was destroyed by an

avalanche in 1899.

The spectacular double loop containing four magnificent trestles built just

west of Rogers Pass to access the Illecillewaet River valley while avoiding

yet other avalanche prone mountain slopes.

The spur at Revelstoke which led to the steam paddle wheeler wharf on the

Columbia River.

1906

Including:

The Rogers Pass station and the expanded yard relocated farther up the

pass to a less avalanche prone location.

The Arrowhead Branch, built in 1893 to extended the season for transporting

supplies to mining concerns in the south since paddle wheelers could not

ply the low water levels of the Columbia River to Revelstoke in the late

summer and fall.

1935 (Golden age of steam)

Including:

The famous spiral tunnels completed in 1909 to eliminating the Big Hill

and reduce the grade in the Kicking Horse Pass from 4.5% to 2.2%.

The 5 mile long Connaught Tunnel built between 1913 and 1916 to

circumvent the summit of Rogers Pass, eliminate the 31 snow sheds

and the trestle decent into the Illecillewaet River valley.

The steel arch bridge over Stoney Creek (Trainz kuid 109522:32104),

which replaced the wooden trestle.

2010 (Age of Diesel)

Including:

The 9.2 mile Macdonald Tunnel, the longest train tunnel in North America,

completed in 1988. The Macdonald Tunnel parallels the Connaught Tunnel.

With its lower grade it is used to accommodate west bound unit trains

while the Connaught Tunnel is used for east bound trains, many of which,

e.g., grain and potash, are returning empties.

The considerable double tracking, which still leaves 13 sections of single

track to heighten modelling of operation.

To pass along through pictures and tutorials some of what I have gleaned from

reading and using Trainz. This will be directed at those new to Trainz, as I am

relatively new myself.

(If you are revisiting this site check the log for changes/additions which may

have occurred since your last visit, or just browse the site.)

Enjoy!