Pat Durand's #751
Photos and text by Patrick Durand
 

 

Facing a power crunch during the construction boom in Alaska during World War II, the Alaska Railroad obtained two well used Northern Pacific Class W-1 Mikados. These locomotives were built in November 1909 by American Locomotive Co. Schnectady Works and were builders #46856 and # 46872. Northern Pacific #1676 arrived in February 1942 and received # 751 along with the "Alaska Railroad" name on the tender. Northern Pacific #1692 arrived a year later to become #752. No other changes were made before they were pressed into service. With the arrival of newer diesel locomotives after the war these locomotives both went to scrap in 1947, before their 40th birthday.

Modeling note
I obtained my 751 the same way the ARR did. Got an unpainted brass surplus Northern Pacific W-1 on eBay. Using the roster photo of 751 parked on the Anchorage turntable as reference, I painted her and added some of Bob Barrett's decals. Glazing, wing windows lights and lenses finished the illusion. She is awaiting a Tsunami DCC sound system before going into revenue service.

Just after taking off from the homestead in the old Stinson on a wolf hunting trip, we saw #751 deadheading north. Got this good low level shot of her in contrast with the newly fallen snow and frozen ponds. Boy that new color film is nice.

 

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