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The Alco RS2

The Alco RS2 was the builder's second entry into its Road Switcher series of diesel locomotives. Buoyed by the success of its earlier RS1 model, the American Locomotive Company (Alco) released a more powerful version following the end of World War II. Externally, the RS2 nearly resembles the RS3 released a few years later. However, it is somewhat less powerful and Alco also tweaked the design just slightly. In any event, at the time of the RS2's production, Alco was essentially the early leader in roadswitchers, as railroads were quite pleased with the lightweight, yet powerful locomotives. The RS2 sold slightly better than its early counterpart, the RS1 although the new styling and increased horsepower paved the way for the phenomenally successful RS3. Today, the design is one of the leased preserved early RS series models although of those which are a few remain operational.

The Alco RS2 is sometimes a forgotten model in the builder's early roadswitcher series. Interestingly, there is little internal or external differences in the two models although the RS2 was the first to employ Alco's very own model 244 prime mover. Before this time the builder had been using engines supplied from McIntosh & Seymour (the model 539T), which proved to be fairly reliable in the early RS1, S1, S2, and original HH models. However, while the 244 did prove its worth in the RS2 and later RS3 it suffered from the same issues as the 539T in main line applications. Alco had tried the M&S prime mover in its first main line models, the DL series, but mechanical issues resulted in few being sold.

The 244 experienced the same problems in Alco's model FA and PA, also released in 1946 with the RS2, which was primarily due to the fact that the manufacturer did not spend enough research and development time of the prime mover. It was said that after World War II had ended and locomotive builders were free of wartime restrictions, Alco management wanted the 244 ready for production by no later than early 1946. Interestingly, despite the model's problems in heavy-haul service it proved to be quite successful in the switcher and small road switcher deigns.

The Alco RS2 debuted at 1,500 horsepower, which would increase to 1,600 before production ended in March, 1950. The first railroads to begin receiving their initial orders of RS2s included the Delaware & Hudson Railway and Detroit & Mackinac between November and December, 1946 (both lines were also loyal Alco customers practically through the end of the builder's time in business of the late 1960s). Most noticeably from the RS1, the RS2 used a newer, beveled carbody design that was likewise used on its successor, the RS3. With added streamlining some railroads found the RS2 much more practical in passenger service than the RS1 (despite the fact that both could be equipped for such).

Mechanically, the RS2 used air brakes and compressors from Westinghouse while the model 752 traction motors were produced by General Electric. The B-B truck setup could produce 42,500 pounds of tractive effort (nearly 10,000 pounds more than the RS1), and the RS2 came equipped with dynamic brakes. At 55 feet, 5 inches in length it was about the same size as the earlier RS1 and the later RS3 was just slightly longer. With the RS2s finely designed carbody, horsepower, and other attributes it came to be used in applications far outside of what Alco had intended as railroads found the model useful from passenger service to axillary power in heavy drag service.

From a sales standpoint the RS2 was modestly successful outshopping more than 400 units. Perhaps more importantly, though, dozens of Class Is all over the country purchased the RS2. As such, it set the stage for the successes of the RS3 a few years later. It should be noted that Alco's Canadian arm, the Montreal Locomotive Works, also produced eight models total between the Canadian Pacific, Ontario Northland, and Roberval & Saguenay. For a total production roster of Alco RS2s please click here. Also, for technical data of the model please click here. Finally, for more information about the RS2 and all RS series designs please refer to the chart below.

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RS Series

Model Type	Units Built	Date Built	Horsepower
RS-1	417	1941-1960	1,000
RSD-1	257	1942-1946	1,000
RS-2	469	1946-1950	1,500-1,600
RSC-2	81	1946-1950	1,500-1,600
RS-3	1,370	1950-1956	1,600
RSD-4	36	1951-1952	1,600
RSD-5	204	1952-1955	1,600
RSD-7	29	1954-1956	2,250-2,400
RS-11	426	1956-1964	1,800
RSD-12	161	1956-1963	1,800
RSD-15	87	1955-1960	2,400
RS-27	27	1959-1962	2,400
RS-32	35	1961-1962	2,000
RS-36	40	1962-1963	1,800

For a comprehensive look at the American Locomotive Company and all of the motive power types it built from steam, diesel, to electrics consider the book Alco Locomotives by Brian Solomon. Covering more than 175 pages Mr. Solomon's book details the history of Alco from its esteemed 4-6-4 Hudsons and 4-6-6-4 Challengers to vaunted RS and PA series diesel locomotives. If you have any interest in Alco this book is a must have!

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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