Development of the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel (6/24)

The Dining Car "Argyle" and the Discovery of the "Trans Canada Limited"

The Dining Car Arundel, one of several such cars built in 1929 for service on the Trans-Canada Limited.

It seems CAMAL had bought the dining car "Argyle" without realizing that under the many coats of "work-train" paint stood a survivor from Canada's most luxurious train, the Trans-Canada Limited, also called the Millionaire's Special. Research led to this discovery just before the car arrived in Cranbrook from Vancouver.

Had 1929 not brought the widespread economic collapse for which it will ever be remembered, this new all-first-class train might have become a long-lived Canadian glory. Promoters claimed it offered "perfect service - unobtrusive, yet watchful for your every need." Billed as the world's longest-distance all sleeper train, its appointments were said to be "unrivalled for taste and excellence by even the best of metropolitan hotels...." Twelve sets of new heavyweight cars were specially built for the Trans-Canada Limited in 1929; the "A" Series dining car "Argyle" had been among the order. Unfortunately, in early 1931 economic conditions forced CPR to discontinue the train; its cars were dispersed to other passenger services.

Through travel and more research, Anderson learned that other cars from these sets had also survived. Realizing that unfolding before him was the potential for not only a unique attraction but also — and more importantly — an unequaled collection of North American railway heritage, he began to make plans for the revival of the entire train.

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