The Railway History of Wainwright by Don McGuire

• — Table of Contents —

• GTPR Arrives In Wainwright
• Trains Begin Rolling
• The Early Years
• Canadian National Railways Take Over
• Fire Destroys the GTPR Station
• Wainwright Gets a New Station
• George VI Royal Tour
• Buffalo “King” Goes to New York
• Next Generation Technology
• Last of the Steam Locomotives
• Elizabeth II Royal Tour
• The Changing Face of Rail Service
• End One Era, Begin Another

The station received another full paint job in 1959, and the roof was re-done with asphalt shingles. The color of the roof support brackets was changed at this time from green to gold. This spruce up was done for the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on July 21, 1959.

The station was decked out in Union Jack and Red Ensign Flags, and the Royal Coat of Arms and Canadian Coat of Arms. No special paint schemes were used on any locomotives or coaches used on this train. The Queen occupied the Governor General’s coaches (CNR #1 & CNR #2).

This was the last Royal Visit undertaken by the Railroads in Canada. These coaches remained in official use by the Government of Canada until 1994, when they were offered for public sale. Asking price? $150,000.00 each!