During World War II, Malaya and much of Southeast Asia were in turmoil after the Japanese invasion. This was especially evident on the railways, as many of the lines had been taken up to construct the Burma Death Railway.
Many of the locomotives had been worn out owing to low standards of maintenance. In response, the United States stepped in by designing a powerful yet lightweight locomotive to support the war effort in the Pacific.
This was the United States Army Transportation Corps (USATC) S118 Class, affectionately known as the “MacArthurs” after General Douglas MacArthur.
The story of these locomotives begins in Queensland, Australia. During the war, Queensland Railways needed more locomotives to handle the increase in rail traffic, but local workshops and traditional suppliers from the United Kingdom couldn’t meet the demand.
In 1941, they turned to the US for help. The S118 Class was designed to operate on narrow-gauge tracks commonly found in the Pacific region. Despite some initial opposition, the locomotives were sent to Queensland and elsewhere under the Lend-Lease Agreement.
These great trains, with their distinctive appearance and unique “Banshee” whistle, quickly became a familiar and recognisable sight on the railways.
The MacArthurs were built in large numbers and shipped to various parts of the world as the Allies advanced during the war, many destined for Southeast Asia and beyond. After the war, 96 of these trains were shipped to Malaya, where they played a significant role in post-war recovery.
Classified as WD (War Department) Class and serving on the Malayan railway network, their high haulage capacity contributed to the reconstruction of various railway lines that had been torn up by the Japanese. Their arrival meant existing members of the fleet could finally go in for much-needed overhauls after years of neglect.
After independence in 1957, these locomotives were given the classification “901” by Kereta Api Tanah Melayu (KTMB), and were mostly used as passenger and freight trains, particularly on the east coast, up until the end of Malaysian steam in the 1970s.
While the MacArthurs were instrumental in the post-war recovery, they had some limitations. Their axle loading was higher than other locomotives, restricting their use on certain lines. Additionally, they had a longer wheelbase than older designs, making them unsuitable for tighter curves, prompting KTMB to upgrade the mainline to accommodate them.
Despite these flaws, the MacArthurs were crucial during a challenging period in history.
Where are they now?
Unfortunately, most of the MacArthurs, including the ones in Malaysia, were sold off or scrapped after the war, but a few in other countries have been preserved in varying conditions.
In the US, two examples initially sold to the White Pass and Yukon Route in Alaska are still operational at theme parks. Locomotive No. 190, known as the Yukon Queen, is a star attraction at the Tweetsie Railroad in North Carolina; while No. 192, now called Klondike Katie, delights visitors at the Dollywood Express in Tennessee.
In Australia, No. 221A “The Yank” is part of Queensland Rail’s Heritage Fleet, regularly hauling mainline excursions. Meanwhile, in New South Wales, her former colleague No. 218A is now a prominent member of the Zig Zag Railway, one of the steepest heritage railways in the country.
The preserved MacArthurs stand as a reminder of their vital role during and after the war. They symbolise the adaptability of railways in a time of global conflict, helping to rebuild shattered economies and reconnect communities.
These great trains are a testament to the power of steam and the enduring legacy of railways. Their continued operation in preservation allows future generations to experience a piece of history, ensuring their stories will not be forgotten.
This article was written by Kyan Koh @ Kayden Akisan, railway enthusiast and writer from Subang Jaya, with research assistance provided by Greg Hallam, historian, Queensland Rail. Visit Kayden’s blog here and follow him on Instagram.