I have models of two 4-6-0 Baldwin locomotives from White Pass, Nos.
10 and
14, and has therefore done some research on the history of the prototypes.
WP & YR runs from Skagway on the coast to Whitehorse, Yukon inland.
 |
| Map of WP&YR. |
Alaska became strategically important to the United States during World War II. They were afraid that Japan would attack. It was therefore established a military camp in MacRea in Yukon.
 |
| The military camp was located near Whitehorse, which was the terminus of the WP & YR. |
During the war, the Alaska-Canadian Highway, or ALCAN Highway, was also built. This road goes through Whitehorse.
All of this increased activity in Whitehorse led to a sharp increase in traffic on WP & YR. The US Army therefore purchased No. 10 and No. 14 from East Tennessee & Western North Carolina (ET & WNC) for use on WP & YR.
 |
| No. 10 4 at ET&WNC |
 |
| No. 14 at ET&WNC |
Before the locomotives could be sent to Alaska, they had to be overhauled. The locomotives were sent on standard gauge flat cars to the Tacoma workshop.
 |
| No. 10 being shipped to Tacoma. |
 |
| No. 10 at the Tacoma workshop. |
|
 |
| No. 10 in front and 14 at the back of the Tacoma workshop. Note the temporary laid narrow gauge track. |
 |
No. 10 at the Tacoma workshop.
|
In the summer of 1943 they were shipped to Alaska.
In December 1943 the roundhouse in Whitehorse caught fire with No. 10 and No. 14 on the inside.
 |
| Roundhouse in Whitehorse before the fire |
Both of the locomotives were scrapped after the fire. They served just over half a year at WP & YR.
That two newly restored locomotives are completely damaged in a fire must have been bad news for the US Army and White Pass.
But the fact that the prototypes for two of my favorite model locomotives had so little time in operation in the north is bad news for me...
