Alco "RS1" Locomotives: Roster, Specs, Data Sheet
Last revised: December 27, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The American Locomotive Company (Alco) could seemingly never outdo the Electro-Motive Division for dominance in the early diesel locomotive market.
Despite this, the company would develop one of the most important layouts for how all future diesel locomotives would be built; the RS1, which pioneered the original road-switcher design.
Not only would EMD go on to use the carbody style in its later General Purpose (GP) series but also the offset cab layout is still used today by General Electric and successor Electro-Motive Diesel.
The RS1 was in production longer than any other model at the time, remaining in Alco's catalog for nearly 20 years. Today, you can still find a handful of these rugged workhorses preserved at various museums around the country - some of which are even still operational.
Photos
It's the early Penn Central era as a former Pennsylvania RS-1 lays over in Bristol, Pennsylvania along the Northeast Corridor during the spring of 1968. Photographer unknown. American-Rails.com collection.The RS1 was released by the builder in early 1941; it was the first in a long line of Road Switcher models that ended in 1963 with the RS36. It is also recognized as the first, true road-switcher ever cataloged by a locomotive manufacturer. Alco's history with its early, cataloged diesel switchers dated all of the way back to its demonstrator HH300 models (High Hood) of the early 1930s.
Pennsylvania RS1 #9919 at Meadows Yard in Kearny, New Jersey, circa 1967. Fred Byerly photo. American-Rails.com collection.However, the company's history with diesel locomotive technology goes back even further to a testbed switcher outshopped in July, 1925 in conjunction with General Electric and Ingersoll-Rand. In his book, "The Diesel Builders, Volume Two: American Locomotive Company and Montreal Locomotive Works," author John Kirkland notes this 300 horsepower, 60-ton unit was completed as Alco order S1484, construction number 65979.
The early "HH" series models were essentially prototypes themselves, built in conjunction with Westinghouse and McIntosh & Seymore, and sold to a handful of railroads. Interestingly, as Kirkland points out, Alco never actually cataloged these switchers as "High Hood," designs. This was yet another term later coined by railfans.
St. Louis-San Francisco Railway RS-1 #105, sub-lettered for subsidiary Alabama, Tennessee & Northern, is seen here in Springfield, Missouri, circa 1965. Mac Owen photo. American-Rails.com collection.The RS1, a design requested at the behest of Rock Island's chief operating officer, J.D. Farrington for use in passenger service along its lightly populated branch lines in the Midwest. In addition to passenger assignments consisting of only one or two cars, railroads soon found the RS1 could handle both light freight duties and switching assignments.
The RS1 was given slight design features from famed industrial designer Otto Kuhler. Most noteworthy is that they were the first to employ raised cabs for better visibility, so commonly employed in today's locomotives. Designed by Westinghouse as the "visibility cab", they were normally wider and taller than the engine hood providing crews with better visibility featuring an arched roof line.
Spokane, Portland & Seattle RS1 #54 at Portland, Oregon; August, 1965. Fred Byerly photo. American-Rails.com collection.As such, it featured a long hood to house the 539T power plant, a McIntosh & Seymore with a cab was placed offset on the frame. This setup gave the locomotive a short hood at one end, used to house a steam generator for passenger service.
Data Sheet and Specifications
1941-1942
| Alco Class | 404-DL-240 |
| Entered Production | 3/14/1941 |
| Years Produced | 3/1941-6/1942 |
| Model Specification | E1640 |
| Engine | 539T, 6-Cylinder In-Line, Turbocharged |
| Engine Builder | Alco/McIntosh & Seymour |
| Horsepower | 1,000 |
| Carbody Styling | Alco |
| Length (Between Coupler Faces) | 55' 11 ¾" |
| Height (Top of Rail to Top of Cab) | 14' 6" |
| Width | 10' 0" |
| Weight | 240,000 Lbs |
| Dynamic Brakes | Yes |
| Air Brake Schedule | 14EL |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | Swing Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (AAR Type-B) |
| Wheelbase | 9' 4" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors | GE 731 (4) |
| Traction Generator | GT533 |
| Gear Ratio | 75:16 |
| Tractive Effort Rating (Starting) | 72,000 Lbs (at 30% adhesion) |
| Tractive Effort Rating | 34,000 Lbs at 8 MPH |
| Top Speed | 60 MPH |
Post World War II
| Alco Class | 404-DL-240 |
| Entered Production | 3/14/1941 |
| Years Produced | 1945-11/1957 |
| Model Specification | E1641/A |
| Engine | 539T, 6-Cylinder In-Line, Turbocharged |
| Engine Builder | Alco/McIntosh & Seymour |
| Horsepower | 1,000 |
| Carbody Styling | Alco |
| Length (Between Coupler Faces) | 55' 11 ¾" |
| Height (Top of Rail to Top of Cab) | 14' 6" |
| Width | 10' 0" |
| Weight | 240,000 Lbs |
| Dynamic Brakes | Yes (Optional) |
| Air Brake Schedule | 14EL |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | Swing Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (AAR Type-B) |
| Wheelbase | 9' 4" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors | GE 731D (4) |
| Traction Generator | GT553A |
| Gear Ratio | 75:16 |
| Tractive Effort Rating (Starting) | 72,000 Lbs (at 30% adhesion) |
| Tractive Effort Rating (Continuous) | 34,000 Lbs at 8 MPH |
| Top Speed | 60 MPH |
Prior to the start of World War II there were thirteen RS1's produced for five different railroads. Please refer to the table below. These locomotives were later requisitioned by the U.S. Army for use on the Trans-Iranian Railway to supply Russia with war materiel during the conflict.
The locomotives were based out of the Port of Bandar Shahpur on the Persian Gulf, running 685 miles largely through an arid, desert environment before entering elevations of 7,000 feet.
The Army had Alco retrofit the units with tapered cabs and change the roof line to meet tunnel clearances. In addition, the B-B, four-axle trucks were swapped out for C-C, six-axle trucks (all-powered). These were essentially the first "RSD-1" models.
New locomotives were later built for the original railroads (paid by the U.S. government) to replace those requisitioned, in April and May of 1943 (1946 for the Tennessee Coal, Iron & Railroad).
One of the Soo Line's rugged RS1s, #106 (built as Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic #106), is tied down at Burlington, Wisconsin in April, 1964. Rick Burn photo.Production Rosters
Pre-War Production Board (WPB) Units
These RS1s were completed before the War Production Board (WPB) took control of manufacturing throughout the nation and imposed restrictions on new diesels produced. This went into effect on April 4, 1942.
Total Built = 13
| Railroad | Road Number | Construction Number | Date Built | Date Rebuilt (Army) | U.S. War Department Number | Replacement Construction Number (RR) | Date Rebuilt For Railroads | New Road Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Island | 748 | 69424 | 3/1941 | 11/1942 | 8005 | 70816 | 5/1943 | 742 |
| Rock Island | 749 | 69425 | 3/1941 | 12/1942 | 8006 | 70817 | 5/1943 | 743 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 901 | 69426 | 3/1941 | 1/1943 | 8010 | 70810 | 4/1943 | 904 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 902 | 69427 | 3/1941 | 1/1943 | 8011 | 70811 | 4/1943 | 904 |
| Tennessee Coal, Iron & Railroad | 600 | 69428 | 4/1941 | 12/1942 | 8008 | 75203 | 10/1946 | 602 |
| Tennessee Coal, Iron & Railroad | 601 | 69566 | 4/1941 | 1/1943 | 8009 | 75204 | 10/1946 | 603 |
| Milwaukee Road | 1678 | 69567 | 6/1941 | 11/1942 | 8002 | 70814 | 4/1943 | 1676 |
| Milwaukee Road | 1679 | 69568 | 6/1941 | 11/1942 | 8003 | 70815 | 4/1943 | 1677 |
| Rock Island | 746 | 69569 | 8/1941 | 12/1942 | 8007 | 70818 | 5/1943 | 744 |
| Rock Island | 747 | 69570 | 8/1941 | 11/1942 | 8004 | 70819 | 5/1943 | 745 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 903 | 69800 | 6/1942 | 1/1943 | 8012 | 70821 | 4/1943 | 906 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 231 | 69992 | 6/1942 | 11/1942 | 8000 | 70812 | 4/1943 | 231 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 233 | 69993 | 6/1942 | 11/1942 | 8001 | 70813 | 4/1943 | 233 |
The six-axle version came in either a C-C or A1A-A1A truck setup. The standard RS1 came in a B-B truck setup (four axles) and could produce 34,000 pounds of tractive effort with a top speed of 60 mph (although it rarely ever reached such speeds). It was quite short at just 54 feet, 11 inches and also featured a very low profile.
Overall, the model weighed just 120 tons and featured electrical and other components from both General Electric and Westinghouse. With the Rock Island's original request it was one of the initial railroads to receive the model when the first batches were completed in March of 1941, delivered to:
- Tennessee Coal & Iron
- Milwaukee Road
- New York, Susquehanna & Western
- Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay Railroad
Post World War II
Total Built = 340
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Construction Number(s) | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akron, Canton & Youngstown | D-2 | 74323 | 10/1945 |
| Alabama, Tennessee & Northern | 101, 102 | 71435, 73096 | 11/1944, 12/1944 |
| Alabama, Tennessee & Northern | 103, 104 | 73326, 73327 | 3/1945 |
| Alabama, Tennessee & Northern | 105, 106 | 73758, 74321 | 6/1945, 10/1945 |
| Alabama, Tennessee & Northern | 107-109 | 75110-75112 | 5/1946 - 6/1946 |
| Alabama, Tennessee & Northern | 110, 111 | 75480, 75481 | 8/1947 |
| Alaska Railroad | 1000, 1001 | 71319, 71320 | 5/1944 |
| Alton Railroad | 50 | 74322 | 10/1945 |
| Alton Railroad | 51-53 | 74494-74496 | 11/1945 |
| Alton Railroad | 54-58 | 74677-74681 | 11/1945 |
| Alton Railroad | 59 | 74823 | 12/1945 |
| Ann Arbor | 20, 21 | 78374, 78375 | 11/1950 |
| Santa Fe | 2385-2387 | 75391-75393 | 6/1947 - 7/1947 |
| Santa Fe | 2388 | 75482 | 8/1947 |
| Santa Fe | 2394, 2395 | 78115, 77838 | 8/1950, 12/1949 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 904, 905 | 70810, 70811 | 4/1943 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 906 | 70821 | 4/1943 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 907, 908 | 70809, 70822 | 11/1943 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 909 | 72812 | 6/1944 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 910, 911 | 73332, 73333 | 4/1945 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 912, 913 | 75559, 77848 | 10/1947, 2/1950 |
| Atlantic & East Carolina | 500 | 79047 | 4/1951 |
| Bamberger Railroad | 570 | 70820 | 5/1943 |
| Central Railroad of New Jersey | 1200-1204 | 78095-78099 | 6/1950 |
| Central Railroad of New Jersey | 1205 | 79234 | 9/1951 |
| Chesapeake & Ohio | 5114, 5115 | 80851, 80852 | 9/1953 |
| Chicago & Eastern Illinois | 115-118 | 73328-73331 | 4/1945 |
| Chicago & North Western | 1066 | 79589 | 9/1953 |
| Chicago & North Western | 1067, 1068 | 79590, 79591 | 8/1953 |
| Chicago & North Western | 1069 | 80850 | 9/1953 |
| Chicago & North Western | 1080 | 72816 | 8/1944 |
| Chicago & North Western | 1081 (1st) | 72921 | 9/1944 |
| Chicago & Western Indiana | 252, 253 | 76799, 76800 | 7/1949 |
| Chicago & Western Indiana | 254-257 | 77172-77175 | 10/1949 - 11/1949 |
| Chicago & Western Indiana | 258, 259 | 77836, 77837 | 12/1949 |
| Chicago & Western Indiana | 260-263 | 77849-77852 | 2/1950 |
| Milwaukee Road | 961-963 | 77469-77471 | 3/1950 |
| Milwaukee Road | 1676, 1677 | 70814, 70815 | 4/1943 |
| Rock Island | 735-739 | 71312-71316 | 1/1944 - 2/1944 |
| Rock Island | 740, 741 | 70823, 70824 | 11/1943 |
| Rock Island | 742-745 | 70816-70819 | 5/1943 |
| Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic (Soo Line) | 100, 101 | 73753, 73760 | 5/1945, 6/1945 |
| Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic (Soo Line) | 102 | 75215 | 12/1946 |
| Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic (Soo Line) | 103-105 | 75217-75219 | 1-2/1947 |
| Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic (Soo Line) | 106, 107 | 75389, 78376 | 5/1947, 1/1951 |
| DuPont | 105-108 | 79050-79053 | 6-7/1951 |
| Gaylord Container | 302, 303 | 75842, 75843 | 5/1948 |
| GE-Atomic Energy Commission | 39-3729, 39-3730 | 75844, 76206 | 6/1948 |
| GE-Atomic Energy Commission | 39-3731, 39-3732 | 76210, 76211 | 10/1948 |
| Genesee & Wyoming | 25, 30 | 79580, 81345 | 1/1952, 5/1955 |
| Grand Trunk Western | 1950, 1951 | 82355, 82356 | 11/1957 |
| Great Northern | 182, 183 | 72922, 72923 | 9/1944 |
| Great Northern | 184, 185 | 72924, 71433 | 11/1944, 10/1944 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1102 | 71438 | 11/1944 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1103, 1104 | 73094, 73095 | 12/1944 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1105-1107 | 73335-73337 | 4/1945 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1108, 1109 | 73573, 73574 | 5/1945 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1110 | 73752 | 5/1945 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1111, 1112 | 74910, 74911 | 1/1946, 4/1946 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1113 | 75216 | 1/1947 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1114, 1115 | 75220, 75221 | 2/1947 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1116, 1117 | 75223, 75224 | 3/1947 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1120 | 76219 | 12/1948 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1121, 1122 | 76624, 76625 | 1/1949 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1123-1125 | 76629-76631 | 3/1949 - 4/1949 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1126, 1127 | 76796, 76798 | 4/1949, 5/1949 |
| Illinois Terminal | 750-752 | 75839-75841 | 5/1948 |
| Illinois Terminal | 754 | 77855 | 3/1950 |
| Illinois Terminal | 755, 756 | 77069, 77070 | 3/1950 |
| Kansas City Southern | 1110-1113 | 70825-70828 | 11/1943 - 12/1943 |
| Lake Erie, Franklin & Clarion | 20, 21 | 76797, 78241 | 4/1949, 8/1950 |
| Lake Superior & Ishpeming | 1001-1003 | 79576-79578 | 11/1951 - 12/1951 |
| Long Island Railroad | 461, 462 | 76220, 76622 | 12/1948, 1/1949 |
| Long Island Railroad | 463-465 | 76626-76628 | 2/1949 - 3/1949 |
| Long Island Railroad | 466-469 | 77475-77478 | 4/1950 |
| Midland Continental Railroad | 401, 402 | 74912, 79579 | 4/1946, 12/1951 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 244 | 71317 | 2/1944 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 744, 944 | 71434, 71436 | 7/1944, 9/1944 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 1044, 1144 | 73093, 79097 | 10/1944, 11/1944 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 645, 745 | 73334, 73759 | 6/1945, 7/1945 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 845, 945 | 74317, 74318 | 8/1945, 9/1945 |
| Minneapolis &a St. Louis | 146, 246 | 74821, 74822 | 1/1946, 2/1946 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 346, 446 | 74824, 74909 | 3/1946, 4/1946 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 546, 646 | 75113, 75114 | 5/1946, 6/1946 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 746, 846 | 75115, 75116 | 7/1946, 8/1946 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 946, 1046 | 75117, 75118 | 9/1946, 10/1946 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 547 | 75390 | 5/1947 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 948, 1048 | 76207, 76208 | 9/1948, 10/1948 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 1148 | 76209 | 11/1948 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 849, 949 | 77842, 77843 | 8/1949, 9/1949 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 1049, 1149 | 77844, 77845 | 10/1949, 11/1949 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 1249 | 77846 | 12/1959 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 950, 1050 | 78243, 78244 | 9/1950, 10/1950 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 1150, 1250 | 78245, 78373 | 11/1950, 12/1950 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 751 | 79235 | 7/1951 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 851, 951 | 79346, 79347 | 8/1951, 9/1951 |
| Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste Marie (Soo Line) | 350, 351 | 80853, 80854 | 12/1954 |
| Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste Marie (Soo Line) | 352, 353 | 80978, 80979 | 12/1954 |
| New York Central | 8100 | 75825 | 2/1948 |
| New York Central | 8101-8105 | 75680-75684 | 1/1948 - 2/1948 |
| New York Central | 8106-8108 | 75826-75828 | 2/1948 - 3/1948 |
| New York Central | 8109-8111 | 77986-77988 | 4/1950 |
| New York Central | 8112, 8113 | 78090, 78091 | 5/1950 |
| New Haven | 0660-0669 | 75829-75838 | 3/1948 - 4/1948 |
| New Haven | 0670, 0671 | 76212, 76213 | 11/1948 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 230 | 71437 | 11/1944 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 231, 233 (2nd) | 70812, 70813 | 4/1943 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 232-236 (Evens) | 73098-73100 | 1/1945 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 238, 240 | 73568, 73569 | 4/1945 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 242, 244 | 73754, 73755 | 5/1945 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 246-252 (Evens) | 75555-75558 | 9/1947 - 10/1947 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 254, 256 | 79584, 79585 | 6/1953 |
| Northern Pacific | 155 | 73761 | 6/1945 |
| Northern Pacific | 156 | 74316 | 10/1945 |
| Northern Pacific | 157, 158 | 73765, 73766 | 8/1945 |
| Oregon Electric Railway | 52-54 | 73570-73572 | 4/1945 - 5/1945 |
| Oregon Electric Railway | 55 | 73756 | 6/1945 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5619, 5620 | 78106, 78107 | 6/1950 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5621-5624 | 78110-78113 | 6/1950 - 7/1950 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5625-5628 | 78100-78103 | 6/1950 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5629 | 78114 | 8/1950 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5630, 5631 | 78116, 78117 | 8/1950 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5632-5636 | 78159-78163 | 8/1950 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5637, 5638 | 78104, 78105 | 6/1950 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5639, 5640 | 78108, 78109 | 6/1950 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5906 | 76214 | 12/1948 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 8485, 8486 | 79582, 79583 | 5/1952 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 8857, 8858 | 78377, 79046 | 4/1951 |
| Rutland Railway | 400, 401 | 79349, 79350 | 10/1951 |
| Rutland Railway | 402-405 | 79572-79575 | 10/1951 - 11/1951 |
| Spokane International | 200-205 | 77166-77171 | 9/1949 - 10/1949 |
| Spokane International | 206-208 | 77839-77841 | 12/1949 |
| Spokane International | 209-211 | 79586-79588 | 7/1953 - 8/1953 |
| Spokane, Portland & Seattle | 50, 51 | 73757, 73762 | 6/1945, 7/1945 |
| Tennessee Coal & Iron | 602, 603 | 75203, 75204 | 10/1946 |
| Tennessee Coal & Iron | 604 | 75484 | 9/1947 |
| U.S. Navy | 6 | 72817 | 9/1944 |
| Washington Terminal | 40 | 71318 | 3/1944 |
| Washington Terminal | 41-43 | 72813-72815 | 6/1944 - 7/1944 |
| Washington Terminal | 44, 45 | 73763, 73764 | 7/1945, 8/1945 |
| Washington Terminal | 46, 47 | 74314, 74315 | 9/1945 |
| Washington Terminal | 48, 49 | 74319, 74320 | 10/1945 |
| Washington Terminal | 50-54 | 75560-75564 | 11/1947 - 12/1947 |
| Washington Terminal | 55 | 75679 | 12/1947 |
| Washington Terminal | 56-59 | 76215-76218 | 12/1948 |
| Washington Terminal | 60-62 | 77472-77474 | 3/1950 |
| Washington Terminal | 63, 64 | 79048, 79049 | 5/1951 |
| Wisconsin Central (Soo Line) | 2360, 2361 | 77853, 77854 | 2/1950, 3/1950 |
| Wisconsin Central (Soo Line) | 2362 | 78242 | 8/1950 |
| Wisconsin Central (Soo Line) | 2363, 2364 | 79054, 79055 | 8/1951 |
| Wisconsin Central (Soo Line) | 2365-2367 | 79231-79233 | 9/1951 |
| Wisconsin Central (Soo Line) | 2368 | 79581 | 3/1952 |
Export
Total Built = 116
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Construction Number(s) | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arabian-American Oil Company (Saudi Arabia) | A11x50, A11x51 | 75222, 75488 | 2/1947, 9/1947 |
| Arabian-American Oil Company (Saudi Arabia) | 1002 | 76623 | 1/1949 |
| Arabian-American Oil Company (Saudi Arabia) | 1003, 1004 | 77071, 77072 | 3/1950 |
| Arabian-American Oil Company (Saudi Arabia) | 1005 | 79348 | 10/1951 |
| Central Railway of Brazil | 3100-3119 | 71413-71432 | 4/1945 - 10/1945 |
| Central Railway of Brazil | 3120-3133 | 73703-73716 | 10/1945 - 1/1946 |
| Central Railway of Brazil | 3134, 3135 | 75924, 75925 | 7/1948 |
| Central Railway of Brazil | 3136, 3137 | 75930, 75931 | 8/1948, 9/1948 |
| São Paulo Railway (Brazil) | 504-507 | 75926-75929 | 8/1948 |
| São Paulo Railway (Brazil) | 508, 509 | 75932, 75933 | 9/1948 |
| Estrada de Ferro Santos-Jundiaí (Brazil) | 510, 511 | 81346, 82018 | 4/1956, 12/1956 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5606, 5607 | 77847, 77073 | 2/1950, 3/1950 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5608, 5609 | 77989, 77990 | 4/1950 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5610-5618 | 78033-78041 | 4/1950 - 5/1950 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5619 (1st) | 78042 | 5/1950 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5620, 5621 (1st) | 78088, 78089 | 5/1950 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5619-5621 (2nd) [MLW] | 76430-76432 | 4/1954 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5622-5624 (1st) | 78092-78094 | 5/1950 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5622-5624 (2nd) | 81347-81349 | 10/1956 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5625-5631 | 82011-82017 | 10/1956 - 11/1956 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5632-5638 | 82019-82025 | 12/1956 - 1/1957 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5639-5643 | 82343-82347 | 1/1957 - 2/1957 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5644-5650 | 82348-82354 | 7/1957 - 8/1957 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5651 | 82357 | 5/1958 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5652-5656 | 82923-82927 | 12/1958 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5657-5662 | 83619-83624 | 12/1959 - 1/1960 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5663 (Final RS1 built) | 83680 | 3/1960 |
Kansas City Southern RS1 #1113 carries out switching work in Kansas City, circa 1967. American-Rails.com collection.Despite only modest sales numbers the RS1 could be found on railroads across the country from the Pennsylvania and New York Central to the Milwaukee Road and Northern Pacific.
While most RS1s were used in light branch line work some were also utilized in other applications, such as switching passenger cars at passenger terminals.
The later RS2 and RS3 sold thousands to several railroads and private industries, offering just the right blend of size and power. Unfortunately, later models could not replicate the same success and throughout the 1950s Alco lost ground to EMD.
Sources
- Foster, Gerald. A Field Guide To Trains. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1996.
- Kirkland, John F. Diesel Builders, The: Volume Two, American Locomotive Company And Montreal Locomotive Works. Glendale: Interurban Press, 1989.
- Pinkepank, Jerry A. Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1967.
- Rail Heritage Publications. Early Diesel-Electric and Electric Locomotives. Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation, 1983.
- Schafer, Mike. Vintage Diesel Locomotives. Osceola: MBI Publishing, 1998.
- Solomon, Brian. Alco Locomotives. Minneapolis: Voyageur Press, 2009.
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Montana Dinner Train Rides Near Lewistown
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The Charlie Russell Chew Choo turns an ordinary rail trip into an evening event: scenery, storytelling, live entertainment, and a hearty dinner served as the train rumbles across trestles and into a t… -
Wisconsin Dinner Train Rides In North Freedom
Feb 18, 26 09:18 AM
Featured here is a practical guide to Mid-Continent’s dining train concept—what the experience is like, the kinds of menus the museum has offered, and what to expect when you book. -
Pennsylvania Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Feb 18, 26 09:09 AM
Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride. -
New Jersey Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Feb 18, 26 09:06 AM
There are currently no murder mystery dinner trains available in New Jersey although until 2023 the Cape May Seashore Lines offered this event. Perhaps they will again soon! -
Huckleberry Railroad: Riding Narrow-Gauge Steam In Michigan!
Feb 18, 26 09:03 AM
The Huckleberry Railroad is a tourist attraction that is part of the Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad Park located in Flint, Michigan featuring several operating steam locomotives. -
New York & Lake Erie Unveils M636 No. 636 In New Colors (2025)
Feb 17, 26 02:05 PM
In mid-May 2025, railfans along the former Erie rails in Western New York were treated to a sight that feels increasingly rare in North American railroading: a big M636 in new paint. -
First Siemens “Northlander” Trainset Arrives In Ontario
Feb 17, 26 11:46 AM
Ontario’s long-awaited return of the Northlander passenger train took a major step forward this winter with the arrival of the first brand-new Siemens-built trainset in the province. -
Sound Transit Set to Launch Cross-Lake Service
Feb 17, 26 10:09 AM
For the first time in the region’s modern transit era, Sound Transit light rail trains will soon carry passengers directly across Lake Washington -
Michigan’s Old Road Dinner Train Still Seeks New Home
Feb 17, 26 10:04 AM
In May, 2025 it was announced that Michigan's Old Road Dinner Train was seeking a new home to continue operations. As of this writing that search continues. -
WMSR Acquires Conemaugh & Black Lick SW7 No. 111
Feb 17, 26 10:00 AM
In a notable late-summer preservation move, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) announced in August 2025 that it had acquired former Conemaugh & Black Lick Railroad (C&BL) EMD SW7 No. 111. -
MBTA Unveils New Haven-Inspired Locomotive
Feb 17, 26 09:58 AM
he Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has pulled back the curtain on its newest heritage locomotive, F40PH-3C No. 1071, wearing a bold, New Haven–inspired paint scheme that pays tribute to the… -
Ohio's Dinner Train Rides At The CVSR!
Feb 17, 26 09:56 AM
While the railroad is well known for daytime sightseeing and seasonal events, one of its most memorable offerings is its evening dining program—an experience that blends vintage passenger-car ambience… -
Missouri Dinner Train Rides In Branson
Feb 17, 26 09:53 AM
Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, the Branson Scenic Railway offers one of the most distinctive rail experiences in the Midwest—pairing classic passenger railroading with sweeping mountain scenery a… -
Texas Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Feb 17, 26 09:49 AM
Here’s a comprehensive look into the world of murder mystery dinner trains in Texas. -
Connecticut Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Feb 17, 26 09:48 AM
All aboard the intrigue express! One location in Connecticut typically offers a unique and thrilling experience for both locals and visitors alike, murder mystery trains. -
RTA To Become The Northern Illinois Transit Authority
Feb 16, 26 12:49 PM
Later this year, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)—the umbrella agency that plans and funds public transportation across the Chicago region—will be reorganized into a new entity: the Norther… -
CPKC Holiday Train Sets New Record In 2025
Feb 16, 26 11:06 AM
Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s (CPKC) beloved Holiday Train wrapped up its 2025 tour with a milestone that underscores just how powerful a community tradition can become. -
Historic Izaak Walton Inn Slated To Close
Feb 16, 26 10:51 AM
A storied rail-side landmark in northwest Montana—the Izaak Walton Inn in Essex—appears headed for an abrupt shutdown, with employees reportedly told their work will end “on or about March 6, 2026.” -
B&O Railroad Museum Unveils Restored American Freedom Train No. 1
Feb 16, 26 10:31 AM
The B&O Railroad Museum has completed a comprehensive cosmetic restoration of American Freedom Train No. 1, the patriotic 4-8-4 steam locomotive that helped pull the famed American Freedom Train durin… -
Union Pacific, Wabtec Ink $1.2B Deal To Modernize AC4400 Fleet
Feb 16, 26 10:25 AM
Union Pacific has signed a $1.2 billion agreement with Wabtec to modernize a significant portion of its GE AC4400 fleet, doubling down on the strategy of rebuilding proven high-horsepower road units r… -
CSX Taps Wabtec For $670M Locomotive And Digital Upgrade
Feb 16, 26 10:19 AM
CSX Transportation says it is moving to refresh and standardize a major piece of its operating fleet, announcing a $670 million agreement with Wabtec. -
New Mexico "Dinner" Train Rides
Feb 16, 26 10:15 AM
If your heart is set on clinking glasses while the desert glows at sunset, you can absolutely do that here—just know which operator offers what, and plan accordingly. -
West Virginia's Dinner Train Rides In Elkins
Feb 16, 26 10:13 AM
The D&GV offers the kind of rail experience that feels purpose-built for railfans and casual travelers. -
Indiana Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Feb 16, 26 10:11 AM
This piece explores the allure of murder mystery trains and why they are becoming a must-try experience for enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. -
Ohio Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides
Feb 16, 26 09:52 AM
The murder mystery dinner train rides in Ohio provide an immersive experience that combines fine dining, an engaging narrative, and the beauty of Ohio's landscapes. -
West Side Lumber Shay No. 12 Heads Home
Feb 16, 26 09:48 AM
A century-old survivor of Sierra Nevada logging railroading is returning west, recently acquired by the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. -
Building A T1 Again: The PRR 5550 Project
Feb 15, 26 06:10 PM
Today, a nonprofit group, the PRR T1 Steam Locomotive Trust, is doing something that would have sounded impossible for decades: building a brand-new T1 from the ground up. -
PRR T1 No. 5550’s Cylinders Nearing Completion
Feb 15, 26 12:53 PM
According to a project update circulated late last year, fabrication work on 5550’s cylinders has advanced to the point where they are now “nearing completion,” with the Trust reporting cylinder work… -
Santa Fe 3415's Rebuild Nears Completion
Feb 15, 26 12:14 PM
One of the Midwest’s most recognizable operating steam locomotives is edging closer to the day it can lead excursions again. -
Ohio Pizza Train Rides
Feb 15, 26 10:59 AM
Among Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad's easiest “yes” experiences for families is the Family Pizza Train—a relaxed, 90-minute ride where dinner is served right at your seat, with the countryside slidi… -
Wisconsin Pizza Train Rides
Feb 15, 26 10:57 AM
Among Wisconsin Great Northern's lineup, one trip stands out as a simple, crowd-pleasing “starter” ride for kids and first-timers: the Family Pizza Train—two hours of Northwoods views, a stop on a tal… -
Illinois "Pizza" Train Rides
Feb 15, 26 10:55 AM
For both residents and visitors looking to indulge in pizza while enjoying the state's picturesque landscapes, the concept of pizza train rides offers a uniquely delightful experience. -
Tennessee's ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Feb 15, 26 10:50 AM
Amidst the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of Tennessee, an exhilarating and interactive experience awaits those with a taste for mystery and intrigue. -
California's ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Feb 15, 26 10:48 AM
When it comes to experiencing the allure of crime-solving sprinkled with delicious dining, California's murder mystery dinner train rides have carved a niche for themselves among both locals and touri… -
Virginia's Dinner Train Rides In Staunton!
Feb 15, 26 10:46 AM
If you’ve ever wished you could pair a classic scenic train ride with a genuinely satisfying meal—served at your table while the countryside rolls by—the Virginia Scenic Railway was built for you. -
New Hampshire's Dinner Train Rides In N. Conway
Feb 15, 26 10:45 AM
Tucked into the heart of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley, the Conway Scenic Railroad is one of New England’s most beloved heritage railways. -
Union Pacific 4014 Begins Coast-To-Coast Tour
Feb 15, 26 12:30 AM
Union Pacific’s legendary 4-8-8-4 “Big Boy” No. 4014 is scheduled to return to the main line in a big way this spring, kicking off the railroad’s first-ever coast-to-coast steam tour as part of a broa… -
Amtrak Introduces The Cascades Airo Trainset
Feb 15, 26 12:11 AM
Amtrak pulled the curtain back this month on the first trainset in its forthcoming Airo fleet, using Union Station as a stage to preview what the railroad says is a major step forward in comfort, acce… -
Nevada Northern Railway 2-8-0 81 Returns
Feb 14, 26 11:54 PM
The Nevada Northern Railway Museum has successfully fired its Baldwin-built 2-8-0 No. 81 after a lengthy outage and intensive mechanical work, a major milestone that sets the stage for the locomotive… -
Metrolink F59PH 851 Preserved In Fullerton, CA
Feb 14, 26 11:41 PM
Metrolink has donated locomotive No. 851—its first rostered unit—to the Fullerton Train Museum, where it will be displayed and interpreted as a cornerstone artifact from the region’s modern passenger… -
Oregon's Dinner Train Rides Near Mt. Hood!
Feb 14, 26 09:16 AM
The Mt. Hood Railroad is the moving part of that postcard—a century-old short line that began as a working railroad. -
Maryland's Dinner Train Rides At WMSR!
Feb 14, 26 09:15 AM
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) has become one of the Mid-Atlantic’s signature heritage operations—equal parts mountain railroad, living museum, and “special-occasion” night out. -
Colorado Wild West Train Rides
Feb 14, 26 09:13 AM
If there’s one weekend (or two) at the Colorado Railroad Museum that captures that “living history” spirit better than almost anything else, it’s Wild West Days.
