917-A was built on January 27, 1950 (SN 8970). It,
along with 923-A were two of the first F7's retired by WP. On 9/19/67 it
was sold to Mt. Newman Mining in Australia via Bechtel Engineering. It
was renumbered to 5450 where it served the mining company into the 1970's.
It later went to the Pilabra
Railways Historical Society collection (near Dampier, WA) where it
is on display now. It is reportedly still operational but needs cosmetic
work. It looks like few physical modifications have been made (besides
paint). The only things that are apparent is the chime horn that replaced
the Leslie Typhon A-200's, and the long horizontal grab-iron that is missing
from the right side of the cab.
Some recent info on the museum is that the museum has
been dissolved due to financial difficulties. It is not known where the
collection will end up.
WP F7 917-A later became Mt. Newman 5450, on display
at Pilabra Railways Historical Society
near Dampier, WA. Photo by Kevin Dunk.
WP 923-A
923-A was part of the second order of F7s (922-924)
that were built in 1951. 923 was built on 6/13/51 (SN 10805) and was retired
and sold to Mt. Newman Mining on 9/19/67 along with 917-A. It ran into
the 70's and was later retired and put on display at in a city park in
Port Hedland, WA. where it sits today. It appears that many parts have
been removed from this unit, including all grab-irons, horns, ladders and
other items. The louvered air intakes on the sides have been cut out and
the headlight and number boards painted over. The lower carbody side panels
appear to be separating from the frame. This unit was gutted some time
ago.
WP F7 923-A became Mt. Newman 5451 in 1967. It was later
retired and put on display at in a city park in Port Hedland, WA.
which is the port city for BHP-Billiton’s iron ore operations
in the Pilbara. Kevin Dunk photo.
Though I don't have a picture of 923 on file, here's
a shot of another F7 from the
same class. 924-A seen in the hole at Hearst siding near
Pleasanton, Ca. during the 60's.
Bob Morris photo.
