Re: WP&YR 73 back at work in AK

Shavano479 Wrote:
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> Although the 69 was featured in the charter, I
> didn't see it anywhere while exploring and
> window-peering around the yard and shop areas
> after hours. I'm a big fan of beefy outside frame
> locomotives, and hope to ride behind the 69 some
> day. I have the photos from this trip and will try
> to post something soon.
>
> ~ Kevin Colbeck

When I was there in April of 2011 for the rotary event, both 73 and 69 were used, and the "caboose" for the rotary train was indeed the Sumpter 211 combine with the cupola. The crews indicated that the 73 was used on the steam run the vast majority of the time. Being superheated, the 73 could make it all the way to Fraser without stopping for water, as Fraser is the only tank on the line. The crews also like the 73's ergonomics better. The 69 has a deckless cab, so the Engineer and Fireman can't see each other, which makes things difficult when firing with oil. In addition, the Fireman cannot see his fire. The 69 is also no longer superheated (the superheaters were removed at some point), so that locomotive requires a water stop at Glacier and the railroad needs to position a tank car there.

If I recall correctly, the 69 is also in the midst of some major maintenance. She's not what you'd call "pretty", but she is definitely unique! Her sole reason for being was to push heavy freights up the hill to White Pass.

Here's what the 69 looked like in the rotary train during a stop at Fraser: WPY 69 at Fraser

/Kevin Madore