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Meet the Little General and Puffer Belly Express – CP’s mini-train fleet!

Community Outreach and Mini-Train

The Community Outreach and Mini-Train team visits communities across the CP network to share the message of rail safety, reminding everyone to stay clear of tracks and trains.  Some events may include one of our ¼ scale trains, the Little General and the Puffer Belly Express.

CP employees and their families are the backbone of the Community Outreach and Mini Train program.  Our volunteers undergo specific training on maintenance and operation of the mini trains to make sure that events run safely.  

 Tab Switcher

 Rail Safety

The safety and security of residents and our employees in the communities where we operate is our top priority. Safe behaviour around tracks and trains prevents injuries and fatalities. 

Test your RailSense

Hey kids! Play the CP RailSense game featuring Cornelius the Conductor. This fun, interactive game will teach you how to be safe around tracks and trains. Start now and get your own Conductor badge!

Play it here

Did you know

Trains and railway property are private property.

  • Walking on railway property is trespassing and illegal. This property includes the right-of-way, which extends 50 feet from either side of the track.
  • In Canada, federal offences under the Railway Safety Act range as high as $10,000. Fines vary by province.
  • In the U.S., felony trespass can result in up to 4 years in jail and/or a $2,500 fine. This varies by local and state jurisdictions.

Stay safe near the railway

To learn more about staying safe near the railway or become a rail safety ambassador, visit Operation Lifesaver: Canada | U.S.



 The Little General
​

The Little General is CP’s newest award-winning miniature train.

Quick Facts

  • The train is a ¼ scale model of a General Electric AC4400 locomotive
  • The locomotive is powered by a Kubota tractor and pulls two cars behind it (a dome car and the caboose) 
  • It has an authentic train bell, a real train horn, a stereo system and a bubble machine
  • 60 feet long, 7.5 feet high, 5 feet wide and has a turning Radius of 45 feet
  • It can accommodate approximately 20 riders
  • Two CP volunteers are required to drive the train (one driver and one spotter)
  • The Little General is transported in a 53 foot trailer pulled by a semi-truck
  • We’re able to do this as each car is disconnected and placed close together
  • 150 feet of space is required to park the trailer and unload train
  • Takes about 1 hour to unload and set up the train for an event
  • A minimum of 5 CP volunteers are needed at stationary event and upwards of 15 volunteers are needed when we give rides
  • Takes about 1 hour to reload the train once the event is done
  • The train is loaded backwards so that the locomotive is the first thing to be unloaded and we can drive the train out at the next event. ​


 Puffer Belly Express
​

Canadian Pacific’s award-winning Puffer Belly Express took two years to build and was completed in 2004. Since then it has won multiple awards, attended hundreds of events and continues to capture hearts everywhere it goes.

Quick facts​

  • ​The train is a ¼ scale model of a real steam locomotive, tender car, passenger car and caboose
  • It has an authentic train bell, a smoke machine to simulate steam, a stereo system and a bubble machine
  • The locomotive is powered by a Kubota tractor
  • 60 feet long, 8.5 feet high and 5 feet wide
  • It can accommodate approximately 25 riders
  • The Puffer Belly Express is transported in a 53 foot trailer pulled by a semi-truck
  • We’re able to do this as each car is disconnected and placed close together
  • 150 feet of space is required to park the trailer and unload train
  • Takes about 1 hour to unload and set up the train for an event
  • A minimum of 5 CP volunteers are needed at stationary event and upwards of 15 volunteers are needed when we give rides  
  • Takes about 1 hour to reload the train once the event is done
  • The train is loaded backwards so that the locomotive is the first thing to be unloaded and we can drive the train out at the next event CP Puffer Belly Express

 2023 schedule
Event NameLocationDate
St. Patrick's paradeMontrealMarch 19
SupertrainCalgaryApril 15, 16
May Days 100th paradePort Coquitlam, B.C.May 13
Children's FestivalAirdrie, Alta.May 27
Franklin Park Railroad DazeFranklin Park, Ill.June 10
Rotary Challenger ParkCalgaryJune 17
Rochesterfest paradeRochester, Minn.June 24
Water Ski Days paradeLake City, Minn.June 25
Calgary Stampede paradeCalgaryJuly 7
CP Women's OpenVancouverAug. 21-27
Spruce Meadows MastersCalgarySept. 10
Spruce Meadows Christmas MarketCalgaryNov. 17 - Dec. 3