SP&S class A-1[1]
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderManchester Locomotive Works
Build dateJuly 1907
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • Whyte0-6-0
Gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Driver dia.51 in (1.30 m)
Loco weight150,000 lbs (68 metric tonnes)
Fuel typeOil
Boiler pressure180 lbf/in² (1,723 kPa)
Cylinders2
Cylinder size20x26 inches
Performance figures
Tractive effort31,200 lbf
Career
OperatorsSpokane, Portland and Seattle Railway
ClassA-1
LocaleUnited States
Retired1946 - 1952

The SP&S Class A-1 steam locomotives were a group of 5 identical locomotives. They were used in the rail yards at Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, from 1907 to 1952. They were replaced with diesel-electric switch locomotives.

Background

In 1907, the new SP&S needed equipment for regular operations. Company officials wanted 25 freight locomotives and two switch locomotives to start with.[2] The president of the Great Northern Railway advised SP&S officials that his railroad could contribute excess engines.[2] Because of this, only five switch locomotives were purchased for use in the terminal yards in Portland and Vancouver.[2]

Construction history

All five locomotives in Class A-1 were built by the Manchester plant of American Locomotive Company. Because of the availability of spare parts from the Northern Pacific Railway in Portland, OR, and Pasco and Vancouver, WA,[2] these locomotives were identical to Northern Pacific class L-9 switch locomotives.[3]

Operational history

All five locomotives were delivered to the SP&S in February 1908.[4] They were initially used in work service completing the North Bank line from Portland to Spokane.[4] Upon completion of the main line, these locomotives were transferred to the terminals for switching service. In late 1942 and early 1943 all 5 locomotives were assigned to the Portland Terminal yards as switch locomotives.[5] In 1946 locomotive number 2 was sold to the City of Prineville Railway.[1] With the arrival of SW9 switch engines 43-45 in 1951,[6] the remaining A-1 class steamers were retired in 1952.

Numbering

These locomotives were numbered 1 to 5

Disposition

Locomotive number 1 was scrapped April 25, 1952. Locomotive number 2 was sold to the City of Prineville Railway and renumbered as their number 7 on July 31, 1946. Locomotive number 3 was scrapped January 24, 1952. Locomotive number 4 was scrapped April 25, 1951. Locomotive number 5 was scrapped January 24, 1952.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Gartner 1990, p. 206.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Gartner 1990, p. 14.
  3. ↑ Wood & Wood 1974, p. 151.
  4. 1 2 Gartner 1990, p. 16.
  5. ↑ The Northwest's own Railway. Vol. numbers 3 and 4. The Spokane Portland and Seattle Railway Historical Society. 1998. p. 9.
  6. ↑ Gartner 1990, p. 70.
  • Gartner, John T (1990). North Bank Road, The Spokane Portland and Seattle Railway. WSU Press.
  • Wood, Charles R; Wood, Dorothy (1974). Spokane Portland and Seattle Railway. Superior Publishing Co. p. 151.
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