The Alco RS32

The Alco RS32 was one of the final models of the RS series built, and few were constructed making it about as successful as the earlier RS27, which sold just 27 units. It is somewhat puzzling that the American Locomotive Company (Alco) decided to release so many models in such a short time span in the late 1950s and early 1960s although perhaps they were trying whatever means necessary to grasp back a respectable share of the market. The RS32 was a bit less powerful than the previous RS27 but featured an upgraded prime mover, one that would be used in the later Century series as well. The model could almost be classed as a variant with so few units sold and just two railroads ultimately purchasing it. Today, at least one example of the RS32 remains preserved and in operation on shortline Fillmore & Western Railway (it is used in regular freight service).

An interesting feature of the RS32 was that Alco reverted back to an earlier design with the model, as it looked quite similar to the RS11 and RSD12 which both sported a low but elongated short hood. When Alco released the RS27 that model featured a carbody design very similar to what the Century series would employ, a flush cab and long hood with a very short, low front hood/nose. Along with being less powerful than the RS27, the RS32 also sported less tractive effort (66,000 pounds starting and 35,000 pounds continuous) although all other dimensions and components from General Electric and Westinghouse, remained the same.

The purpose behind the development of the RS32 was quite likely to compete with EMD's GP20, which entered production that same year and offered a similar horsepower rating. The purpose behind the GP20, and ultimately the RS32 as well, was to give railroads a unit that could offer plenty of power yet was small enough to be used in a wide range of applications, from switching duties to main line freight service. Of course, by the 1960s railroads were beginning to see the practicality of six-axle units yet still were not fully embracing them. In any event, despite the GP20 being a relatively unsuccessful model for EMD it still far outsold the RS32 by more than seven times (260 units to 35). Today, as mentioned before, you can still see at least one active Alco RS32, used on the Fillmore & Western Railroad, originally built for the Southern Pacific as #7309. For a total production roster of Alco RS32s please click here. Also, for technical data on the model please click here. Finally, for more information about the RS32 and all RS series designs please refer to the chart below.

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RS Series

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