Overview: The Kicking Horse Pass is a mountain range on CPKC’s Laggan Subdivision, featuring a challenging but stunning 2.2% grade. This world famous route features several spiral tunnels, which replaced a much steeper 4.5% grade in the past. The entire Laggan Subdivision runs for 136 miles (218 kilometers) between Calgary, Alberta to Field, British Columbia. The Kicking Horse Pass lies between the 20 mile (32 kilometer) section between Lake Louise and Field. Instead of covering the eastern section, I think it would be better for the route to keep going west into CPKC’s Mountain Subdivison to include Rodgers Pass, which would make the route about 110 miles (177 kilometers) and go to Ross Peak. Services can be split in two, and stop at Field, which is probably where most crew changes would take place. Rolling Stock: Canadian Pacific only recently merged with Kansas City Southern, meaning both CP and CPKC liveries could be included in the route. It would include the typical North American locomotives, the GE ES44AC for heavy freight and the EMD SD40-2 for locals and switching. A more unique locomotive that could be included is the EMD SD70ACU. Additionally, there are some passenger services in the form of the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail, however these run very infrequently; only a couple times a week. They could work as a gameplay pack, but it would probably be a tough sell. Conclusion: The Canadian Rocky Mountains are arguably one of the most beautiful spots on earth, so it would only make sense to have a route set here. If the game can render the extreme mountains properly, it’s bound to be quite stunning! Additional Photos:
