builder..

model..

builder number..

built..

wheel arrangement..

horsepower..

prime mover..

operational weight..

starting tractive effort..

length..

width..

wheelbase..

AMERICAN LOCOMOTIVE CO

S2

75659

February 1948

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

By the mid-1960's, the Tidewater was in dire need of new motive power.  While the little GEs still had life left, freight car sizes and traffic volumes were overpowering them.  A major rebuilding of the mainline had eliminated one of the reasons for their purchase, and opened the road up to hosting bigger power.  WP's own EMDs, Alcos and Baldwins had begun pulling TS trains with greater frequency, but the line still needed more powerful, dedicated locomotives.

In late 1966, a deal was struck with locomotive broker Preston W. Duffy for 4 ex-Missouri Pacific Alco S2s.  Two would go to the Sacramento Northern, while the other two were destined for the Tidewater.  The road numbered theirs directly following the 70 tonners as TS 744 and 745.

TS 744 was built in March 1948 as Missouri Pacific-Texas Pacific Terminal 12.  Later, it was transferred to the MP directly as Missouri Pacific 1058.  The purchase was finalized on January 24, 1967.  The two engines were shipped from Houston, TX along with SN 403 and 404.  All 4 were repainted and overhauled by the WP at Jeffrey Shops, Sacramento, emerging in the solid orange paint scheme that WP was using on its switchers.  The engine was received and placed into service by the TS on May 31, 1967.

TS first 744 was unique in being the only TS Alco switcher equipped with MU and one of only 7 MU equipped Alco S-series switchers on the WP system.  Apparently the MP, like the WP, did not order MU on locomotives it intended just for switching service, while the MP-TPT did use this feature.

TS 70 tonners 742 and 743 ended service in June 1967, replaced by the new power.  The 742 and previously retired 741 sold to Preston Duffy, probably as part of the Alco S2 deal. 

The 744 could be found on any line of the TS.  So far, no evidence has surfaced that it was ever loaned to the SN as most other TS power at one time or another. 

The first 744 did not last long.  Reportedly, the 4 Alcos were tired engines when received and the shopping did not add much life to them.  The engine was traded to the WP effective July 7, 1969 in exchange for WP S2 554.  The TS numbered the "new" engine with the same number, creating TS second 744, while the first 744 became WP's second 554.  The engine was never placed into WP service and sat around Stockton for over a year with only a hastily redone number and initials.

First 744 was finally sold by WP to Chrome Crankshaft on February 18, 1971.  While several rosters list the engine as going to scrap, it actually became Relco 1014.  While under Relco ownership, it served in LA area, mostly switching the GATX facility at Vernon, CA.  There are reports that it was eventually rebuilt as "zombie", a cabless locomotive operated by remote control.

The engine was probably scrapped in the late 1980's, but this has not been verified.

Tidewater Southern Railway

Alco S2 744:1