all five locomotives were delivered to the sp&s in february 1908. they were initially used in work service completing the north bank line from portland to spokane. upon completion of the main line, these locomotives were transferred to the terminals for switching service. in late 1942 and early 1943 all 5 locomotives were assigned to the portland terminal yards as switch locomotives. in 1946 locomotive number 2 was sold to the city of prineville railway. with the arrival of sw9 switch engines 43-45 in 1951, the remaining a-1 class steamers were retired in 1952.