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The Alco RSD5

(Please note that the Alco models featured on this page are not RSD5s.)

The Alco RSD5 was essentially an extension of the RSD4 model as it meant to replace a flaw in the earlier design. After fixing the issue, which had to do with inadequate spacing the RSD5 sold nearly six times as many units as its predecessor. The model was meant to compete with the Electro-Motive Division's SD7 design, the six-axle cousin of the GP7. Interestingly, despite railroads' disinterest in C-C locomotives at the time, Alco actually outsold its competitor by a few units. The RSD5 was, of course, nearly identical to the RSD4 although Alco did bump its horsepower rating just slightly, which actually made it a touch more powerful than the SD7. Today, at least two of these units have been preserved, former Utah Railway #306 (as Nickel Plate #324) and Chicago & North Western #1689.

The Alco RSD5 was rushed into production as a replacement for the earlier RSD4, whose frame was not long enough to support the main generator. As such, at nearly 56 feet, 7 inches the later RSD5 was nearly eight inches longer than its predecessor. Internally, the model was identical to the RSD4 and both were essentially the same as the four-axle RS3. From a strength standpoint, the RSD5 was slightly better; it offered 1,000 pounds more starting tractive effort (90,000 pounds) and an additional 100 horsepower (1,600 hp). Interestingly, despite the RSD4's issues most railroads that purchased it returned to buy the RSD5.

(A short clip of an AT&SF RSD5 pulling a short excursion.)

The Alco RSD5 entered production in 1952 directly after the unsuccessful RSD4 and remained in the company's catalog until 1955. The new model used the same Alco 244 prime mover. As with all other "D" designated models, the Alco RSD5 used a C-C truck arrangement with all six axles powered. The six axle models were meant to provide a sizable increase in traction and be used on light branch/secondary lines allowing the locomotive's weight to be distributed more evenly over additional axles.

In an attempt to probably ease railroads fears over the problematic RSD4, Alco even built an RSD5 demonstrator to prove that the model no longer suffered from its previous issues. Apparently, the Atchison, Topeke & Santa Railway was quite impressed as they purchased more than 50 units of the design after only picking up ten examples of the RSD4. Additionally, lines like the Chesapeake & Ohio and Southern Pacific, both of which had not even purchased the RSD4 bought nearly 90 of RSD5s between them.

Many of the railroads that purchased the RSD5 employed them in heavy freight service such as the Utah Railway, Milwaukee Road, Chicago & North Western, Southern Pacific. The latter three roads particularly loved six axle diesels, practically since they were first manufactured by Alco and EMD. In any event, for a six-axle model the Alco RSD5 sold relatively well at 204 units for a number of Class I railroads such as the Milwaukee Road, Southern Pacific, Chesapeake & Ohio, and Santa Fe (this also includes the 37 purchased by Mexican lines, Ferrocarril del Pacífico and Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México).

For a total production roster of Alco RSD5s please click here. Also, for technical data of the model please click here. Finally, for more information about the RSD5 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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