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 the last piece 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.

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 in late 1976 and sold to the Stockton Terminal and Eastern on December 23, 1976.  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