The Alco C430

(Please note that the latter two Alco models featured on this page are not C430s.)

The Alco C430 was the builder's final model in its Century line of four-axle road switchers. It was the most powerful four-axle design the American Locomotive Company (Alco) would produce although by the late 1960s railroads had finally begin to recognize the value of six-axle locomotives and began to purchase them in larger numbers. As such, once again Alco found little success with its C430 line as the model was the worst sales performer in the series selling less than 20 units to a handful of Class I railroads. The C430 would also close out Alco's line of four-axle diesel locomotives forever as the once-iconic manufacturer, whose history dated back to 1901, would bow out to General Motors' Electro-Motive Division (EMD) and General Electric in early 1969. Today, at least five examples of the C430 remain preserved around the country.

By the mid-1960s railroads were finally beginning to see the benefits that could be achieved through six-axle, C-C setups. As such, four-axle models were purchased in ever decreasing numbers. Unfortunately, for both General Electric and Alco, EMD had all but captured the remaining four-axle market during the 1960s. For instance, its GP30, GP35, and GP38 models (all of which were released during the 1960s) sold a combined 2,987 examples! In comparison, GE's B-B, Universal models sold a little over 1,000 combined units and Alco's four-axle Centuries sold less than 500.

Despite the C430's poor sales numbers it did offer incredible tractive effort including 68,220 pounds starting and 57,200 continuous. The model featured Alco's now-classic carbody design for its Centuries (it had slightly tinkered with the nose length on earlier models) of a long, sweeping long hood and very short nose ahead of the cab. Overall, however, the model's appearance was quite pleasing and generally carried a look of designs being offered by both GE and EMD. Interestingly, while the six-axle market had yet to take off, Alco would actually find improved sales with its C-C Centuries, which were being offered at around the same time.

Today, five Alco C430s are known to survive, the best known of which is Green Bay & Western's #315 preserved at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin. For a total production roster of Alco C430s please click here. If you would like technical information on the model please click here. Finally, for more information about the C430 and all Century series designs please refer to the chart below.

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Century Series

Also consider Mike Schafer's Vintage Diesel Locomotives which looks at virtually all of the classic builders and models from Alco PAs to early EMD Geeps. If you’re interested in classic Alcos, or diesel locomotives in general, this book gives an excellent general history of both. If you're interested in perhaps purchasing either (or both) of these books please visit the links below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.

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