Built in 1940, Locomotive 6167 was one of 203 “Northern” locomotives used by Canadian National Railways (CN) for passenger and freight service. No. 6167 was based in the Moncton, New Brunswick area and, during the Second World War, it hauled troops and supplies to the eastern ports.

Deadly collision

On July 6, 1943 at 3:18 p.m., 6167 was involved in a full-speed head-on collision with Locomotive 6166, killing three and injuring many others. Damage to 6167 was extensive but, due to a critical war-time shortage of locomotives, it was repaired and continued in service until 1960, when CN replaced all of its steam engines with diesel engines.

Most photographed locomotive

No. 6167 was given a new lease on life when CN repurposed the locomotive for special excursion trips. Between 1960 and 1964, it carried about 40,000 passengers on popular pleasure trips throughout Ontario, becoming known as Canada’s “most photographed locomotive.”

Centennial presentation

CN presented 6167 to the City of Guelph in 1967 in honour of Canada’s centennial. In 2002, Guelph city council established the Locomotive 6167 Restoration Committee, comprised of railway enthusiasts and City staff. Their mission was to restore 6167 as a stationary display for the citizens of Guelph. The restoration was completed in 2014, and Locomotive 6167 became part
of the Guelph Museums collection.

No. 6167 by the numbers

4-8-4 wheel arrangement:
four leading wheels,
eight driving wheels,
four-wheel trailing truck
beneath the firebox

490,000 lbs
15′ 7″ high
10′ 9″ wide
1,266,930 miles of regular service
12,000 miles of excursion service

See Locomotive as part of a virtual tour.