Atlanta & West Point class P-74

The closely linked Atlanta & West Point and the Western Railway of Alabama had to pull the Southern Railway's "Crescent" between Atlanta, Georgia and Montgomery, Alabama. So they each ordered one locomotive, which was given the numbers 290 (AWP) and 190 (WRA). Like the Southern Ps-4, they were based on the USRA Heavy Pacific, but like them also had smaller drivers. The diameter was initially 73 inches and was later increased to 74 inches with thicker tires, which explains the designation P-74.

Both machines were operated together. While one hauled the northbound Crescent, the other simultaneously took over the southbound one. They were retired in 1954, after which the 190 was scrapped. The 290 was saved by the “290 club”, but remained non-operational for the time being. It was finally refurbished between 1986 and 1989 and was used until 1992, when maintenance work on the running gear was required. It now resides at the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, Georgia, awaiting visual restoration.