builder..

railroad class..

builder number..

built..

wheel arrangement..

boiler pressure..

cylinders..

drivers..

operational weight..

starting tractive effort..

length..

width..

wheelbase of drivers..

PITTSBURG

TF-21

978

1888

4-6-0

160 lbs.

18" x 24"

51" diameter

100 500 lbs

20 800 lbs

55 ft 1 in

 ft  in

10 ft 2 in

Built for the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad in 1888 as number 57, this small 4-6-0 became Boca and Loyalton 7 in 1905.  Transferred to the Western Pacific after the B&L was purchased in November, 1916, she was the last of that road's engines to be renumbered into the WP system, becoming WP 125.

In weight and size, she was the smallest 4-6-0 on the WP, but actually had a higher starting tractive effort that TS second 1, which featured the same wheel arrangement and had the same boiler pressure and cylinder size.  Her small, 51" drivers gave her a more powerful grip on the rails.  In August, 1928, she was heavily shopped at the WP's Jeffrey Shops in Sacramento.  Afterward, the engine was mainly used on the Tidewater, working alongside TS second 1 as well as former B&L rostermate WP 124 and the ex-Alameda and San Joaquin engines WP 121 and 122.  In October, 1930, the 125 was set aside needing repairs estimated at over $3000.00.  While there was serious thought given to shopping the engine, the Tidewater was deemed to have sufficient motive power and 125 was ruled surplus.  She was striken from the roster on April 10, 1931 and finally cut up in December, 1934.

WP 125 was definitely a tiny looking engine, sporting a small, straight boiler atop a wheel arrangement more associated with fast passenger locomotives. She does not appear to have ever worn the classic WP Feather medallion on her tender.  All known photos show her wearing the early WP initials on the cabside or the later san serif roadname on the tender.  Other than these cosmetic changes, her overall appearance seems to have changed very little during her 14 years in WP and Tidewater service.

OVERVIEW                                  

. Former Pittsburgh and Lake Erie 57.

. Acquired by WP upon purchase of the Boca and Loyalton in 1916.

. Served until late 1930.

. From 1928 until 1930, was mainly used on the Tidewater Southern.

. Smallest 4-6-0 on the WP roster.

Pittsburg 4-6-0 Western Pacific 125

Tidewater Southern Railway