The only thing that differentiates the Mountaineer from the Dominion is the
date. Year round, the Soo-Dominion came up from St.Paul and met the Dominion at
Moose Jaw, where the consist was broken up with some through cars going into
the Dominion, if need be. During the summer season (mid May through early
September, it differed by year) the Mountaineer ran on the Soo-Dominion's
schedule, and I believe the consist was re-distributed between what and been
two sections of the Dominion originating in eastern Canada. Search on the
rather recent thread concerning tourist sleepers on this train for an in-depth
message from Don Thomas.
Keep in mind this route was the major route for summertime tourists into
western Canada, not only to Banff, but on to Vancouver as well. Until the late
forties the Mountaineer originated in Chicago, where it was well placed to
receive not only travelers from all corners of the U.S., but also tour groups
in chartered Pullman cars. If any of these groups happened to be either early
or late for the season, they could be accommodated just as well on the
Soo-Dominion / Dominion's schedule. The only difference would be that the tour
operator would have to make separate arrangements to get his cars to St. Paul,
because the contract to haul the connecting cars on the C&NW's Viking only
covered the summer season, but there is no reason why the tour operator
couldn't contract directly with the C&NW.
Dennis
