builder..

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GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY

70 ton

29468

January 1948

B-B

660 hp

Cooper-Bessemer FWL-6T

138 000 lbs

34 500 lbs

37 ft 0 in

10 ft 0 in

33 ft 1 in

TS 141 and 142 arrived together in early 1948, entering service in February.  They were the first GE 70-ton diesels on the WP system and spelled the end of electric power on the Tidewater.  WP 124 was also banished shortly before their arrival, although other WP steam would still appear to help out when power was short.  In 1951, both TS 70-tonners would be renumbered 741 and 742, for reasons as yet undiscovered.  The 44 tonner would also be renumbered into the 7xx series shortly afterward and all subsequent TS power would wear 74x numbers.

According to an account by Robert A. Campbell, Sr. from Garth Groff's Sacramento Northern On-Line, the 141/741 was regularly loaned to the Sacramento Northern in the early 1950's and was typically used around Concord.  He reports that crews found the engine difficult to start, so much so that it appears to have developed a reputation.  The SN management must have been impressed, however.  It would purchase two 70 tonners of its own in 1955 and 1956.  The 70 ton model would prove ideal for light-tracked shortlines and former interurbans.  TS neighbor Modesto and Empire Traction Company would build a sizable fleet of the little units to replace its steam engines.  Even today, it is still 100% powered by venerable GE 70 tonners.

Silver and orange paint replaced the original black and imitation aluminum sometime in the early 1950's, but after the renumbering.  For over 15 years the 741 and her sisters (a third 70 tonner would arrive in 1953: the 743) labored to move the ever increasing volume of freight with its ever growing car sizes.  Finally, the TS bowed to the need for larger power, an option opened to it by the complete rebuilding and improving of its mainline during the late 1950's and early 1960's.  The 741 was the first to go, being stricken from the roster in late 1964 due to a failed crankshaft.  It was sold in 1966 to dealer Preston Duffy and subsequently scrapped.

Tidewater Southern Railway

General Electric 70 ton 141/741