builder..

model..

builder number..

built..

wheel arrangement..

horsepower..

prime mover..

operational weight..

starting tractive effort..

length..

width..

wheelbase..

AMERICAN LOCOMOTIVE CO

S2

70207

August 1943

B-B

1000 hp

Alco 539-6 cyl turbo

230 000 lbs

57 500 lbs

45 ft 5-½ in

10 ft 0 in

38 ft 0 in

Second 745 came from the Western Pacific in a trade that retired first 745.  This locomotive would hang on to become one of the last pieces of motive power owned by the Tidewater and one of the last engines in service wearing WP's solid orange colors.  It had the longest service life of any of the TS Alco switchers.

Built as Western Pacific 552, it was part of the railroad's first order for the Alco S2 model.  Eight were ordered in November 1942 in what would be the largest order for diesel switch engines the WP ever received.  WP 551 and 552, painted in basic black, were placed into service at Elko, NV on September 14, 1943.  Eventually, the WP would roster 12 original S2s (including 4 equipped for multiple unit operation), the most numerous switcher model on the railroad.  They were seen at most yards in California and often worked the San Francisco trackage.  In the 1950's they wore Zephyr colors and later the solid orange "Pumpkin" paint scheme.  In February, 1970, the WP traded still useful 552 for the Tidewater's ex-MP first 745, which appears to have been unreliable.  Numbered second 745, it would serve for almost 7 years on the TS, being retired the same day as RS1 746.  The last 3 S2s on the WP proper were retired at the same time.

Second 745 was one of only two diesels on the TS that I have not been able to document featuring the trademark rooftop spotlight.  All other TS diesels were fitted with this feature at least some point in their careers.  The other was second 744, the other ex-WP S2.

A contemporary of the Tidewater's 2 Alco RS1s, second 745 could regularly be found stepping away from home rails to assist the Sacramento Northern when TS traffic was light.

The engine was retired on December 20, 1976 and sold to the Stockton Terminal and Eastern three days later for $5776.54.  It reportedly never turned a revenue wheel for the ST&E, and instead became a parts source.  It would linger next to their enginehouse for the next 30+ years, growing progressively more shabby, while sister WP units worked for the little shortline.

Despite attempts by preservationists over the years to save some of the engines, the ST&E Alcos were doomed.  Between March 10-21, 2008, the railroad scrapped all six of the Alco switchers on their roster, including Tidewater Southern 745.

Tidewater Southern Railway

Alco S2 745:2