The P&WV Hi-Line

WM Historian · Joined: 15 Sep 2015 Posts: 39 Location: Finleyville, Pa.

Was it a common practice to use W&LE steam locomotives east of Rook to Connellsville (Bowest)?

Wreck at Banning on March 11, 1943 shows W&LE 6055 and P&WV 1105 involved..... the accident had one fatality and injuries.

PWVJer · Joined: 13 Dec 2005 Posts: 946

Well, according to Bill P. and Howard W.
Not a real common site, however, Loco-time-power-share etc. could
and did at rare times take place Maybe only as far as Bowest?

(No records, or info on any WLE steam power on the WM) .

Also, the P &WV was not above pulling a fast-one on W&LE
Power use on the East-End Clairton/Monessen ore & coal moves without reporting it to Brewster.

WM Historian · Joined: 15 Sep 2015 Posts: 39 Location: Finleyville, Pa.

I'm sure the W&LE found out FAST when it was reported to them that the 6055 had heavy front end damage in the accident at Banning.

No W&LE or P&WV steam would have been used east of Bowest on the WM.

The interchange for all eastbound P&WV freight was Bowest Yard, they would pull by Bowest Train Order Office and back in to set their train off, cut the cab and engine off and go on the dock. The only use of P&WV power east of Bowest on the WM prior to run thru operation (Oct. 1960) was on Sept. 24 -25, 1953. I trial run of #67-64 on #90 CSP-2 (24th) which failed at Indian Creek, Pa. due to engine failure (replaced by WM 1120).

The next day #67-59 ran successfully thru to Cumberland again on #90 CSP-2 and returned to Connellsville on WM-1.

These two trial runs dealt with a proposed use (lease) of idle P&WV diesels layed over at Bowest.

The WM Mechanical Dept. decided the approval of the lease wasn't justified due to the stocking of FM replacement parts that would be needed at Bowest and Md. Jct. (Cumberland).