44-Tonner 135 (nee 735) |
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Photograph Guy Dunscomb | Copyright ©1998-2013 by KPR Media Services Tidewater Southern 44-Tonner
135 was captured by veteran lensman and Modesto resident Guy Dunscomb
over the July 4th weekend of 1947. The venerable G.E. is hauling the Tidewater's
sole remaining steam locomotive, No. 132, and its train down Modesto's
Ninth Street.
By 1946 Tidewater Southern's two electric steeple cab locomotives were tired and worn out. They were also underpowered as train lengths and weights began climbing upward in the post-war Central Valley. The answer was to place an order with General Electric for a one of their popular 44-ton diesel-electric locomotives. The City Of Modesto restricted
the use of steam power within city limits by banning its use on city streets.
Management's creative solution was to use one of their electric steeple
cabs, and later diesel-electric locomotives to haul the silently simmering
steamer down the length of the pavement.
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