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The Alco RS36

The Alco RS36 was the final design of the Road Switcher series the builder would produce. It also saw a reduction in horsepower from the previous design, the RS32. Unfortunately, the model sold very poorly and only saw a two-year production run. Despite its limited sales numbers the RS36 was purchased by a larger selection of railroads many of which were already quite loyal American Locomotive Company (Alco) buyers. The future of the Schenectady manufacturer was looking increasingly fuzzy, as by the time the RS36 entered production in the early 1960s a new competitor had arisen, General Electric. No longer known as a revolutionary and reliable locomotive builder, by the time second-generation models were being produced Alco was regularly releasing reactive designs in an attempt to remain competitive. From a historical perspective, two RS36s are preserved today, both former Delaware & Hudson units (#5017 and #5019).

The Alco RS36 (listed by the builder as its DL701A), offering 1,800 horsepower, began production in 1962, just a year before the manufacturer would unveil its second line of road switcher, the Century series. The model, while offering less horsepower was meant to compete with the Electro-Motive Division's GP30 (which boasted 2,250 horsepower) released at the same time as well as General Electric's U25B (offering 2,500 horsepower) The RS36 used Alco's new 251C prime mover, a design that was used later in the Century series. Unfortunately, just like the RS32 the RS36 sold less than 50 units to seven different railroads; the Apache Railway, Delaware & Hudson, Atlantic & Danville, Chicago & North Western, Nickel Plate Road, Norfolk & Western, and Tennessee Central. Production ended on the line lasted for just two years, ending in 1963 when the Century series was rolled out (it may have sold somewhat better had Alco left it in the catalog).

Of the roads which bought the RS36, the D&H rostered the most, which included fifteen units. Despite the fact that Alco was slipping further behind EMD and, eventually, GE in the locomotive market some lines were loyal customers until the end like the D&H, Lehigh Valley, Norfolk & Western, C&NW, and others. This was mostly due to the fact that Alco models were (even at the time) nearly iconic for their ability to pull heavy loads with relative ease (even though they generally were harder on the track because of their heavier weight). Additionally, most Alco's came turbocharge-equipped and those which were not could be easily convertible.

Of especial note, the builder offered something no one else could; better fuel mileage. Alco's model 244 and 251 prime movers could get more horsepower using fewer cylinders than the competition. At the time, of course, such savings wasn't (generally) a high priority although in today's environment it would be a real marketing tool if the company were still in business. Unfortunately, by the early 1960s the sun was setting for the Schenectady builder. Unable to keep up with the competition (EMD's GP30 began yet another wave of highly successful models for that company as it sold thousands of GP35s, GP38s, GP40s, and their variants) Alco would be history before 1970.

For a total production roster of Alco RS36s please click here. Also, for technical data on the model please click here. Finally, for more information about the RS36 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	1962-1960	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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