Hudsons were capable of hauling freight as well as passengers and locomotive 2850 was chosen to transport King George VI and Queen Elizabeth from Quebec City to Vancouver during their royal visit of 1939. The engine was fitted with a stainless steel boiler jacket and was painted in silver and royal blue. Royal crests were mounted on the front and tender sides while royal crowns appeared on the side running boards. Locomotive 2850 set a North American record by completing the 4,921 km (3,061 mi) tour on its own. When it returned to regular service, the royal crowns were maintained on its running boards. In fact, all Hudson 4-6-4 semi-streamlined locomotives were fitted with royal crowns in tribute to the locomotive's outstanding service.