On July 1st 2013 this fine steam locomotive was re-dedicated on the occasion of the completion of its restoration as shown in the photo above. 

Engine #1095, also known as ‘The Spirit of Sir John A.’ has provided a favourite photo op for tourists visiting Confederation Park for more than 40 years.  It is a reminder that Confederation Park in downtown Kingston, Ontario was once an active train yard. The Visitor Information Centre in the park was once the Kingston and Pembroke Railway station. Kingston was also once home to the Canadian Locomotive Company for over 100 years. That company built more than 3,000 steam, electric and diesel engines for the Canadian Pacific Railway, including ‘The Spirit of Sir John A.’.

The locomotive was looking somewhat shabby a few years ago. A group of volunteers formed in 2011 and led the charge to restore Engine 1095 in partnership with the City of Kingston and Local 221 of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada. 

The restored locomotive is not fenced in, has a fine boardwalk it and an outdoors “information book” with the history of the locomotive.  The book features QR codes on every page leading to a web page with more information.

Click here to see more photos of #1095.

Click here for more information about the restoration.

Posting by Russ Milland; Photo below by Michael Guy