Tom,

I think the WP is generally considered to have been the first western Class 1 to dieselize. So, SP, ATSF, UP, NWP, WP, GN, MILW, DRGW, SP&S, NP, etc., the roads that were predominately west of the Plains. I know a few eastern Class 1s dieselized earlier.

The last run of steam on the WP is an interesting question. Recently, some FRRS members found mileage logs for WP steam locomotives in the paperwork we received from Virgil Staff. I reviewed these records and they recorded that Tidewater Southern 2-6-2 132 and WP 0-6-0 164 last worked in October 1953. WP 164 was credited with only 92 miles after several months of no activity, so it is possible that this was a light engine move heading for storage and that WP 329 in June was still the last regular operation. The logs do not clarify this. TS 132 logged what are clearly working miles (if I recall, it was over 200 miles each month) during both September and October, corresponding with the annual fall rush on the Tidewater. Notes that Virgil made in his collection stated that the 132 also operated in November and December of 1953, based on his research into WP records and ICC reports. It is unclear if it was just steamed up and on stand-by, moved light engine or was actually used on freights. However, it does appear that the last working miles for a steamer on the WP system (although not WP proper) was likely the 132.

If anyone has any further info, I would be interested to hear it.

Eugene