| 
       The Ahnapee & Western dieselized in 1953 with a pair of General
      Electric 70-Ton switchers. 
       
      
      Ahnapee & Western engines #600-601 were put in service in February
      1953, ending the service of steam locomotives A&W #259 (2-6-0) and
      #351 (2-8-0).  A&W #260 went immediately to a scrapper in
      Chicago, while #351 hung around for a few years but was finally scrapped
      in Sturgeon Bay. 
      The new diesels were painted in this maroon and yellow paint scheme (color photo)
      until 1970 when they were painted orange and white to match the scheme of
      U.S. Plywood Corp., A&W's new owner.  U.S. Plywood purchased the
      line to insure rail service to the Algoma Hardwoods
      plant in Algoma. 
      The A&W diesel era ended in 1972 when the railroad began
      contracting with the GB&W to provide equipment and crews. The two
      engines were sold off -- #601 went to the Moscow Camden & San
      Augustine RR in 1972, and #600 to U.S. Plywood's Champion Paper Co. the
      following year. 
      Thanks goes out to Andy Laurent
      for sharing these great builders photos of #600.  |