June 12, 1947.  Aurora, California.

Wire is still evident in this 1947 view at Aurora.  The last vestiges of TS' electric heritage will soon disappear, replaced by scenes like 44 tonner 135 giving 132 a tow.  The diesels would take over the Ninth Street protection duties from the electrics in early 1948 and continue pulling supposedly idling steamers over the Modesto main drag until 132 dropped her fires in late 1953.  According to the memories of crews who worked the TS in late steam days, the "no steamer" ban was often only paid lip service, as the electrics and diesels many times did not have enough horsepower to move the longer trains.  This required the steamers to provide some pull, sacrificing the letter of the law in the name of not stalling in the middle of town or even being able to move at all.

photo by Guy Dunscomb, Martin E. Hansen collection

Tidewater Southern Railway

Baldwin 2-6-2 32/132