The Western Pacific Navy

[isboris4449]

I am designing a model railroad with a car barge service as a major part of the operation. The barges will be patterned after WP's Barge No. 3, and I am looking for any and all information about this barge and the Oakland-San Francisco ferry operations. This barge, the Santa Fe barges and those used by the Milwaukee Road on Puget sound differed from East Coast barges (car floats) by having an elevated wheelhouse on the stern. Any help would be greatly appreciated

[BoxcabE50]

Seems to me that someone, perhaps it was Morning Sun(?), had a book out about barge operations. Mainly a photo content. About 1997-1998? I wonder if that would have something helpful?

:D

Boxcab E50

[isboris4449]

There are two excellent books, "New York Harbor Railroads In Color Vol. I and II", which have a wealth of information and details in them, ALMOST enough to convince me to model these operations. Unfortunately, most of the information just isn't relevant to my modeling focus. As much as the urban scenery and rail/marine operations of New York intrigue me, I have 35 years worth of accumulated Western prototype railroad equipement, and much more first hand experience with them.

Tom

[BoxcabE50]

Can't think of it's title. The one I'm thinking about, had photos from all across North America. One in particular of the barge operation at Port Townsend, WA.

I'll have to ask around and see if someone can tell me.

:D

Boxcab E50

[marty coil]

Tom
Try here
http://www.evergreenfleet.com/

[WPZephyrFan]

Tom, there are some photos in two books I can think of, although they have only a few photos...
1:Western Pacific Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment by Jim Eager. Page 118 has photos of both the Hercules and Las Plumas
2: Western Pacific Trackside with Bob Larson by Tim Morris. Page 8 and 9 feature photos of The Hercules and Las Plumas and some of the ferry slip from the bay.
Good luck! from a fellow WP Lover!

[isboris4449]

Thanks for the leads everyone. I have the WP books, Walther's "Rails Along the Waterfront" and "Where Rails Meet the Sea", along with the article about WP's navy that appeared in the Rail Marine Information Group's "Transfer" magazine. As is a common problem with this type of research project, there are oh so very tantalizing glimpses of these barges in the photos, but not one that can be used to copy detail from. The best view I have of Barge No. 3 is a short clip in Pentex's WP video, showing the tug Humacona bringing her into the apron in San Francisco, and of course its old, grainy film transfered to video. I'm hoping if I post this request in enough places I might get lucky and run across someone who has a few clear photos. As I have good, clear photos of the self powered car barge "Las Plumas", and a very detailed engineering description of her, I may go that route, even though the Puget Sound operations were all tug/barge combinations. I really appreciate everyone's attempts to help, thank you all. I have been railfanning on the West Coast since the early 60's, and have worked in the railroad industry, including mainline steam operations, so if there is anything you think I can help you with, please feel free to ask.

Tom

[BoxcabE50]

Milwaukee Road Guide To Freight & Passenger Equipment Volume 2 Page 116. (Morning Sun Books.) A slightly distant view of one barge.

Bottom of page 182, The Milwaukee Road by Fred Hyde, a smallish view of two barges.

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Well, I don't know if there's any helpful content. But have recalled the book title mentioned earlier: "Railroading Along The Waterfront." Published by Walthers- 1998.

:D

Boxcab E50

[SSW9389]

There was a feature story in Railroad Magazine about 1954 called Operation Tidewater about WP's carfloat operations.

[CHARGER]

Hey I just got Charles Smiley's DVD, WP the Last Decade. In the 5th Chapter, there is a minute long section dedicated to the Ferry operation, A picture of the Ferry "Feather River," a Tug, a glance at the San Francisco moring and a Self Propelled Ferry with an NW boxcar on it.

Good luck in yuor search...
Brad