ENGINES IN WAR TIME SERVICE

The heavy load placed on the railroads in the United States during World War II caused a shortage of locomotives. During this heavy demand the Southern Pacific Railroad Company leased the three newest and superheater equiped Yosemite Valley locomotives. These engines numbered 25, 26 and 29.

The locomotives were used in "local Service" freeing the heavier Southern Pacific engines for "road service." The engines were run as "extra" with the YVRR number. The pilot on all three of the YVRR locomotives were rigged with a footboard rather than the normal cow catcher type. Also, these engines as all other locomotives had a hood over the headlights - so that they would be difficult to see from the air. The regulations didn't take into account if the light were on the light beam could be seen.



#25 doing its part during world war II
Photo: Unknown - Bought it at a flee market
Number 25 - Southern Pacific yards in Tracy


Photo: Al Rose: Lee Foster Collection; Courtesy Don Foster
Modesto October 11, 1943


Photo: Al Rose
No. 25 at Modesto as SP X441


#26 at rest in El Portal
Photo: David Joslyn
Number 26 - Sacramento Yard May 2, 1944




#26 at rest in El Portal
Photo: Unknown
Number 26 - Southern Pacific turntable at Tracy, California


#29 rest Tracy, California.
Photo: Authors Collection
Number 29 resting between assignments at Tracy SP yard July 2, 1943