The Tidewater Southern, although classified as an electric interurban railroad, did roster a small number of steam locomotives. In fact, it owned more steamers than it ever did electric freight motors.

The lifetime roster of TS steam power included only three owned locomotives, one regularly leased from the WP, and one on long term operating loan. However, this small fraternity included some fascinating locomotives representing four different types and four different builders. Only one of the TS's steamers was built after the turn of the century, yet three lasted into the late 1940's.

Tidewater's steam power had the paradoxic effect of prolonging the life of the road's electric freight motors. In 1932, the company abandoned all electric operations, with one exception. The city of Modesto, fearing the specter of smoke belching locomotives running down the middle of its main drag, had passed an ordinance prohibiting steamers from operating on city streets. Thus, the Tidewater had to shut down its steam power upon reaching the city and drag the train, locomotive and all, down Ninth Street with one of its two freight motors. This curious arrangement lasted until 2-6-2 #132 was set aside in 1953, with diesel locomotives replacing the electrics in 1948. As a footnote, #132 was probably the last steam locomotive in revenue service on a Western Pacific family railroad.

While no regular procedure has been uncovered which stated how steam trains through Modesto were typically handled, photographic evidence suggests that most times the train was towed, steam engine and all, down Ninth Street, although sometimes trains appeared with steam engines several cars deep, sitting on the tail end or even mid-train.  There is evidence that sometimes the steam engine was simply left at Aurora (the changeover point north of Modesto).  Whether this was done only when cars were destined for customers or interchange still under the Modesto wire or if there was a second engine available at the other end is unknown.

Stories from some railroaders who worked during this arrangement would indicate that, at least on some trains, the "juice jack" up front was a sham and the steamer did all the work.

The railroad often needed far more power this this small roster provided.  WP steam engines were common visitors and, as noted above, WP 124 and 125 were frequent and sometimes long-term visitors.  The largest steam locomotives documented on the TS lines were WP's 2-8-0s and 4-6-0s.

While WP power was often used to help the Tidewater move its traffic, its own steamers would on occaision step off-line during times of slack traffic.  The 132 was documented several times working for the Sacramento Northern in West Sacramento.  And, during the 1940's, the Stockton Terminal and Eastern reportedly would borrow a TS steamer whenever its engines were down for service.

None of the steam locomotives that regularly served the Tidewater survive today, although some close siblings still exist.  The Pacific Locomotive Association preserved Central Pacific 223, a 2-6-2T identical to TS first 1.  This locomotive is now owned by the California State Railroad Museum, going to Sacramento as part of an equipment trade.  The PLA is also restoring Sierra Railroad 30, slightly smaller sister to TS 32/132 and its frequent partner on the Angel's Camp Branch.

Tidewater Southern Railway

Steam Locomotives