In 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth crossed Canada by train, from Quebec to Vancouver. The train was provided jointly by the CP and CN railroads. Westbound it travelled over CP lines, while the return trip was over the CN. CP Hudson #2850 was was given the honor of pulling the Royal Train to Vancouver. It was specially refinished in Royal Blue and aluminum, with a golden crown (the King's crown) at the front of each running board. CP Hudson #2851 was chosen to head the procession as a pilot train. It preceeded the Royal train by exactly one hour, carrying the press and other officials. Both locomotives performed perfectly over the 3224 mile trip. After the trip, 2850 and 2851 were returned to their standard paint scheme. The CP applied for, and was granted, special permission to retain the crowns on the 2850, and to designate the Hudson as a "Royal" Hudson. Eventually, all of the Hudsons in the streamlined class (2820-2864) were fitted with crowns on their running boards and designated as Royal Hudsons. The Royal Hudson 2850 is on display in Montreal at the Railway Museum in Delson. The original 2 coaches that the Royal Couple travelled in are in good condition and are kept at the National Science Museum in Ottawa.