The Alco RSC2

(Please note that the Alco models featured on this page are not RSC2s.)

The Alco RSC2 was the builder's six-axle version of its RS2 design. Interestingly, the American Locomotive Company (Alco) may have never developed a six-axle road switcher had it not been for the US Army, which requested such in the RS1 model (known as an RSD-1). During the time Alco cataloged the RSC2 many railroads still did not simply see a need for a six-axle diesel locomotive and as such, few sold. Of note, after producing the RSD-1 for the Army during the early 1940s, Alco did not offer another C-C RS model in its catalog until 1951. Interestingly, on the flip side, the RSC3 of the early 1950s was the final A1A-A1A design the builder offered to domestic, US railroads (its Montreal Locomotive Works branch did offer an RSC13 and RSC24 for Canadian lines in the late 1950s). Given their small production run, unfortunately, no RSC2s are known to be preserved today.

(The above video depicts an HO scale version of the RSC2.)

As such, the already lightweight model at just 117.5 tons, could more easily negotiate secondary and branch lines that were laid with lighter rail. The model's other marketable trait was its increased tractive effort. For instance, the four-axled RS2 could produce 57,800 pounds of initial tractive effort while the RSC2 was able to achieve 64,100 pounds. One reason Alco gave the model an A1A-A1A truck design was for further weight savings making it that much more useful to railroads in branchline service (without really costing the unit too much in the way of tractive effort). Interestingly, one railroad that found the Alco RSC2 quite useful was the Milwaukee Road.

Mechanically, the model was all but identical to its four-axle cousin save for just a slight increase in length at 55 feet, eleven inches. To learn more about the RS2 please click here. The Alco RSC2 was produced until 1950 but sold less than 100 units (whereas the RS2 sold over 400). Still, four Class I railroads purchased the RSC2 with the Seaboard Air Line owning the most, 37 (the Soo Line owned four units and the Union Pacific purchased another 10 with the rest purchased by foreign lines). For a total production roster of Alco RSC2s please click here. Also, for technical data on the RSC2 please click here. Finally, for more information about the RSC2 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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