The Alco PA, Diesel Locomotive Icon

The PA, however, for all of its good looks and legendary status was never as successful as similar models of the leading manufacturer of the day, EMD and its E series passenger diesels. This mostly stemmed from the flaws of the original Alco PA (and sister model, the FA, built for freight service) that had serious mechanical troubles which caused several railroads to shy away from the model and never seriously consider purchasing later versions.

The newer PA-2 (which was given an extra 250 horsepower) was actually quite reliable and trouble free. However, it was to no avail and after initially making 170 sales with its first PA design; later PA-2 and PA-3 upgraded models sold a combined total of 77 units. These numbers were a mere fraction when compared to EMD's E and F series, which together sold thousands of units by the time the models ended production in the 1950s and 1960s.

While Alco’s PA was unpopular with most freight railroads it gained instant celebrity status with the railfan community and those historians who study diesel locomotive designs, which has only grown over the years. One reason for the model’s popularity, besides its good looks was for the fact that after the last Alco PA ended its career with the Delaware & Hudson Railroad (whose PAs were originally purchased and owned by the Santa Fe) in 1978 and left for Mexico, none remained on U.S. soil for nearly 25 years until two PAs made their way back in 2002 (the very two which the D&H had sold to Mexico); one to the Smithsonian for restoration and the other to renowned locomotive restorer Doyle McCormick which is nearing its complete operational restoration into Nickel Plate Road #190 adorned in the NKP's "Bluebird" passenger livery.

The restoration of NKP #190 is a near miracle for a few reasons. The first is that it took several years just to negotiate the locomotives’ return to the United States, even though by this time they were literally nothing more than shells, completely stripped of cab, prime mover, trucks and all gearing. The second is the fact that Doyle and his team were even able to restore a locomotive from the shell up using nothing more than hard work and their own resources. While #190 does not have all original PA equipment since much no longer exists, many parts of Alco origin were located (such as the trucks) and now the locomotive is nearing completion after more than six years of restoration.

Like a lot of folks, I have always had a soft spot for Alcos, especially their PA, so it will be great to see #190 roll out of the shop for the final time under its own power ready to once again haul passengers.

Also, Brian Solomon’s The American Diesel Locomotive also studies many of the same diesel models and builders as Mr. Schafer’s publication although at nearly twice the size the book goes into a bit more detail than Vintage Diesel Locomotives. All in all, though, both books are a great read and you shouldn’t be disappointed with them, not to mention that they are loaded with photos (many colored)! If you're interested in perhaps purchasing these books please visit The Railroad Diamond by clicking the tab in the menu to your left marked "TRD Store".