The Alco RS3

The Alco RS3 was the builder's pinnacle in its early road switcher designs. While the American Locomotive Company (Alco) would have some success in later Road Switcher (RS) series models, like the RS11 and RSD5, nothing would compare to the amazing success of the RS3. By the time the design was released Alco had already cataloged to previous versions, the RS1 and RS2, both of which had seen modest success. Unfortunately, the Schenectady, New York manufacturer was having little success seriously competing with GM's Electro-Motive Division in the main line locomotive market (its FA and PA models sold just a fraction of EMD's early E and F series models). In any event, the RS3 would go on to be the most commonly seen Alco model across the country and it remained in the company's catalog for more than six years. Today, numerous examples of this locomotive remain preserved, several of which are still operational.

While the RS1 and RS2 had sold relatively well for Alco, perhaps it was the RS3's extra 100 horsepower over its predecessor that really appeared to railroads. As with the RS2, the RS3 employed Alco's first prime mover, which it had developed on its own. While the model 244 proved reliable and rugged in its smaller switcher and road switcher designs the prime mover had just not been properly developed for heavy-haul use and as such, the FA and PA models being constructed at the time were not nearly as popular experiencing mechanical issues regularly.

Interestingly, a year prior to the RS3's release EMD was finally cataloging a competitor, the GP7. Unfortunately for EMD their initial design, the BL2, proved unsuccessful although the industry leader quickly learned from their mistake with the GP7. The model used the same road switcher design setup pioneered by Alco in its 1941 RS1 with a long trailing hood, offset cab, and short front hood. At the time, and historically, the RS3 has been deemed an incredible success for Alco. However, had the builder acquired the reputation of EMD it may have sold even more as the GP7 went on to sell more than 2,700 units before its production run ended in 1954 (its successor, the GP9, was even more successful).

Many lines that purchased the RS3, like the Reading, Lehigh Valley, Louisville & Nashville, Southern and others beat them to pieces in this capacity. However, it was the model's ability to take these beatings that so endeared them to railroads and resulted in many returning to Alco to order more.

By the time production ended in 1956 Alco would sell more than 1,300 RS3s and even today you can still find these venerable locomotives operating on shortlines and tourist trains across the country. Most interesting is that when Alco introduced its RS line in 1941 and found success with a locomotive that could be used in multiple roles, EMD was convinced to manufacture its own line of road switcher, the GP (or Geep), which would ultimately help to put Alco out of business one day. Of note, Alco's Canadian arm, the Montreal Locomotive Works, was not nearly as successful with the RS3 selling just 98 to the Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, Ontario Northland, Pacific Great Eastern, Quebec, North Shore & Labrador, and the Roberval & Saguenay.

Additionally, Alco built another 69 units for foreign sale including the Algerian Railways, Central do Brazil, Consolidated Railways of Cuba (before trade bans with Cuba were enacted), Ferrocaril del Pacifico, and National de Mexico. For a total production roster of Alco RS3s please click here. Also, for technical data on the RS3 please click here. Finally, for more information about the RS3 and all RS series designs please refer to the chart below.

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RS 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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