Alco "FA" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Roster, Specs
Last revised: December 21, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The Alco FA was intended to be the builder's answer to Electro-Motive's ever popular FT and subsequent models. The design was the road freight model of Alco's passenger service PA.
The FA also replaced Alco's original DL series, which used the builder's initial prime mover, the model 539T, which proved trouble-prone and unreliable (the company, however, continued to use the DL markings for factor designations).
Overview
Unfortunately, Alco's new 244 engine also had problems which seriously hurt impacted it from ever making a serious run at EMD's F series. Despite the prime mover's flaws the FA model, and its variants, would sell a little more than 1,000 units making them one of Alco's most successful lines.
The locomotive could be found far and wide in service across America from the Baltimore & Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York Central in the east to the Great Northern, St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco), Wabash, and Union Pacific in the west/Midwest. Today, several examples of the classic design can be found preserved at museums around the country.
Photos
Rock Island FA-1 #154 (with its aging "RF" ["Rocket Freight"] decal) and an FTB make a set-out at Cadiz Street in Dallas, Texas during the early 1950's. Lemar Kemp photo.The FA, sporting a beefier carbody than EMD's ubiquitous designs, was introduced in 1946 and initially offered 1,500 horsepower with a B-B wheel arrangement.
Alco also built a B unit, just as EMD offered in its catalog, which was also capable of producing 1,500 horsepower. Unfortunately, the initial FA-1 model and its new 244 model diesel engine proved troublesome and unable to take the pounding required in daily road service.
The 244 was used in several early Alco designs and while problematic in main line applications, such as powering the PA and FA design, it actually proved quite reliable in some of the smaller models such as early road switchers like the RS2 and RS3.
With the onset of World War II in late 1941 the American Locomotive Company's diesel development was delayed. This would prove costly to Alco as the Electro-Motive Corporation had already unveiled its FT and EA models between 1937 and 1939, years before the war had started.
Missouri-Kansas-Texas FA-1 #83-C at Parsons, Kansas, circa 1968. Mac Owen photo. American-Rails.com collection.The FT was particularly noteworthy as it paraded around the country with much fanfare; a sensational marketing success it convinced railroad after railroad that main line, heavy-haul diesel locomotives could truly match steam despite offering less horsepower per unit.
While Electro-Motive, like all other builders, was restricted by the U.S. government from continuing their diesel program during the war they already had a model in production before the conflict began and one in which was reliable and sought after by railroads.
Data Sheet
| Alco Class | 404-DL-223 |
| Entered Production | 5/8/1946 |
| Years Produced | 1946-1950 |
| Model Specification | DL-208/A/B/C |
| Engine | 244, V-12 |
| Turbocharger | General Electric RD1 |
| Horsepower | 1,500 (Increased to 1,600 HP in 1949.) |
| RPM | 1,000 |
| Carbody Styling | General Electric's Engineering Department |
| Length (Between Coupler Pulling Faces) | 51' 6" |
| Weight | 230,000 lbs. (Optional ballast to 240,000 lbs.) |
| Dynamic Brakes | Optional |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | Swing Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (AAR Type-B) |
| Truck Wheelbase | 9' 4" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors | GE 726 or GE 731 (4) |
| Traction Generator | GT564B |
| Auxiliary Traction Generator | GT564C |
| Steam Generator | Not Optional |
| Gear Ratio | 74:18 |
| Tractive Effort Rating | 34,000 lbs. at 13.5 MPH (Later increased to 42,500 lbs. at 11 MPH.) |
| Top Speed | 65 MPH |
| Alco Class | 404-DL-223 |
| Entered Production | 5/8/1946 |
| Years Produced | 1946-1950 |
| Model Specification | DL-209/A/B/C |
| Engine | 244, V-12 |
| Turbocharger | General Electric RD1 |
| Horsepower | 1,500 (Increased to 1,600 HP in 1949.) |
| RPM | 1,000 |
| Carbody Styling | General Electric's Engineering Department |
| Length (Between Coupler Pulling Faces) | 50' 6" |
| Weight | 230,000 lbs. (Optional ballast to 240,000 lbs.) |
| Dynamic Brakes | Optional |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | Swing Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (AAR Type-B) |
| Truck Wheelbase | 9' 4" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors | GE 726 or GE 731 (4) |
| Traction Generator | GT564B |
| Auxiliary Traction Generator | GT564C |
| Steam Generator | Not Optional |
| Gear Ratio | 74:18 |
| Tractive Effort Rating | 34,000 lbs. at 13.5 MPH (Later increased to 42,500 lbs. at 11 MPH.) |
| Top Speed | 65 MPH |
| Alco Class | 404-DL-223 |
| Entered Production | 10/1950 |
| Years Produced | 1950-1953 |
| Model Specification | DL-212/A |
| Engine | 244, V-12 (244G, model DL-212A) |
| Turbocharger | General Electric RD1 |
| Horsepower | 1,600 |
| RPM | 1,000 |
| Carbody Styling | General Electric's Engineering Department |
| Length (Between Coupler Pulling Faces) | 53' 6" |
| Weight | 240,000 lbs. (Optional ballast to 250,000 lbs.) |
| Dynamic Brakes | Optional |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | Swing Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (AAR Type-B) |
| Truck Wheelbase | 9' 4" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors | GE 752 (4) |
| Traction Generator | GT581 |
| Auxiliary Traction Generator | - |
| Steam Generator | Optional (2,750 gallons-per-hour): If equipped, designated FPA-2. |
| Gear Ratio | 68:15 (60 MPH), 74:18 (65 MPH), 65:18 (75 MPH) |
| Tractive Effort Rating | 52,500 lbs. |
| Top Speed | 75 MPH |
| Alco Class | 404-DL-223 |
| Entered Production | 10/1950 |
| Years Produced | 1950-1953 |
| Model Specification | DL-212/A |
| Engine | 244, V-12 (244G, model DL-212A) |
| Turbocharger | General Electric RD1 |
| Horsepower | 1,600 |
| RPM | 1,000 |
| Carbody Styling | General Electric's Engineering Department |
| Length (Between Coupler Pulling Faces) | 52' 8" |
| Weight | 240,000 lbs. (Optional ballast to 250,000 lbs.) |
| Dynamic Brakes | Optional |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | Swing Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (AAR Type-B) |
| Truck Wheelbase | 9' 4" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors | GE 752 (4) |
| Traction Generator | GT581 |
| Auxiliary Traction Generator | - |
| Steam Generator | Optional (2,750 gallons-per-hour or 4,500 gallons-per-hour): If equipped, designated FPB-2. |
| Gear Ratio | 68:15 (60 MPH), 74:18 (65 MPH), 65:18 (75 MPH) |
| Tractive Effort Rating | 52,500 lbs. |
| Top Speed | 75 MPH |
Note that the first two FA-1's, and FB-1, were largely completed in December, 1945; A's #1500 and #1502 along with B #1501 tested on the Lehigh Valley before they were purchased by the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio and became #700, #B-1, #701.
The units officially were not complete until receiving their new 244 engines on January 9, 1946. The FA-1's unofficial production period began following completion of testing and GM&O #703's out-shopping on May 8, 1946.
New York Central FA-1 #1036 leads a long freight westbound/northbound through Dearborn, Michigan during the 1960's. Note the Ford World Headquarters building can be seen in the distance. Author's collection.With the war restriction Alco was not able to release its FA model until January of 1946. The Gulf Mobile & Ohio was the first railroad to receive its order; #700-754 (FA) and #B1-B33 (FB).
Reception
Around the same time, three demonstrators; two FA-1s and one FB-1 toured on the Delaware & Hudson between January and mid-February that year. Unfortunately, a union strike at Alco's Schenectady, New York plant further delayed production on the GM&O's order and the railroad did not begin receiving its units until May of that year.
New Haven FA-1 #0421 and other FA's and FB's at Maybrook, New York during the 1960s. American-Rails.com collection.Despite the FA-1 having reliability issues it provided incredible pulling power, an Alco trademark for many of its models and was certainly one reason why some railroads continued buying its products.
The FA's carbody was also very well designed, on par with Electro-Motive's now-classic cab designs.
It was developed by General Electric's own Ray Patten as the company during this time was working right alongside Alco in producing diesel locomotives.
Louisville & Nashville FA-2 #300 is seen here at Cone Yard (shared with the Baltimore & Ohio) in East St. Louis, Illinois during the 1960's. Author's collection.Patten, who also designed the beautiful sister PA model, shortened the FA's length to just 51 feet, 6 inches (the PA was 65 feet, 8 inches) as well as giving it a shorter, somewhat blunter front nose. Still, the overall slanted front windshields and streamlined look was a hallmark of both models, capped off by the notable grills over the centered headlight.
The FA used a B-B truck arrangement, which could produce a continuous 46,000 pounds of tractive effort and reach a top speed of around 65 mph.
Alco's FA-2 demonstrator set - dubbed the "Western Demonstrators" - led by #1602-A, tests on Southern Pacific's Tehachapi Pass in late 1950. This set became Great Northern #278A/278B and #279A/279B.When production ended on the FA-1, Alco was able to sell 672 A and B units to nearly twenty domestic railroads (including those built at its Montreal Locomotive Works for Canadian roads).
In October of 1950 the builder released its upgraded FA-2, which featured a slight increase in horsepower and longer carbody at 54 feet. This pushed the radiator shutters slightly forward allowing the unit to receive a steam generator for passenger service (similar to what EMD would do with its FP7 design).
Great Northern FPA-2 #277-B, one of two the road owned, at Seattle's Interbay Yard during the 1960s. American-Rails.com collection.The FA-2 also received an upgraded generator from GE (the model GT581, which replaced the GT564). Both the FA-1 and FA-2 featured turbocharging and dynamic brake capability (if ordered, it was not standard on the model). In the end, the FA-2 sold slightly better than its early cousin with 597 units produced.
Production Rosters
Alco
FA-1
Total Built = 417
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Date Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Pacific | 4000 - 4007 | 76852-76859 (Alco) | 5/1949 - 6/1949 |
| Erie Railroad | 725A, 725D - 727A, 727D | 75428-75433 | 12/1947 |
| Erie Railroad | 728A, 728D - 732A, 732D | 75575-75584 | 1/1948 - 2/1948 |
| Erie Railroad | 733A, 733D | 75705-75706 | 2/1948 |
| Central of Brazil (Brazil) | 3201 - 3212 | 76020-76031 | 6/1948 - 9/1948 |
| Erie Railroad | 734A, 734D - 735A, 735D | 76667-76670 | 1/1949 |
| Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Obras Públicas -SCOP (Mexico) | 23031 | 76666 | 1/1949 |
| Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Obras Públicas - SCOP (Mexico) | 23032 - 23034 | 76841-76843 | 5/1949 |
| Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Obras Públicas - SCOP (Mexico) | 23039 | 77014 | 2/1950 |
| Great Northern | 276A, 276B | 77015-77016 | 4/1950 |
| Great Northern | 310A, 310C | 77017, 78118 | 4/1950 |
| Great Northern | 440A, 440D | 75995, 75996 | 8/1948 |
| Great Northern | 442A, 442D | 76838, 76839 | 4/1949 |
| Green Bay & Western | 501, 502 | 73679-73680 | 12/1947 |
| Green Bay & Western | 503 (1st) | 73681 | 12/1947 |
| Green Bay & Western | 503 (2nd) | 76836 | 4/1949 |
| Green Bay & Western | 507 | 76837 | 4/1949 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 700, 701 | 73292-73293 | 1/1946 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 702 | 73297 | 1/1946 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 703 - 720 | 73303-73320 | 5/1946 - 8/1946 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 721 - 723 | 73294-73296 | 8/1946 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 724 - 728 | 73298-73302 | 9/1946 - 10/1946 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 729 - 754 | 73649-73674 | 10/1946 - 1/1947 |
| Lehigh & New England | 701, 702 | 75739, 75740 | 4/1948 |
| Lehigh & New England | 703 - 706 | 75983-75986 | 6/1948 |
| Lehigh & New England | 707 - 709 | 76258-76260 | 10/1948 |
| Lehigh & New England | 710 | 76840 | 4/1949 |
| Lehigh Valley | 530 - 548 (Evens) | 76261-76270 | 11/1948 |
| Minneapolis, St. Paul & Soo Ste. Marie (Soo Line) | 205A, 205B, 206A, 206B | 75741-75744 | 4/1948 |
| Minneapolis, St. Paul & Soo Ste. Marie (Soo Line) | 207A, 207B - 209A, 209B | 75962-75967 | 4/1948 - 5/1948 |
| Minneapolis, St. Paul & Soo Ste. Marie (Soo Line) | 210A, 210B, 211A, 211B | 77003-77006 | 7/1949 |
| Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) | 326A, 326C - 327A, 327C | 76271-76274 | 11/1948 |
| Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) | 328A, 328C - 330A, 330C | 76678-76683 | 2/1949 |
| Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) | 331A (1st), 331C | 76684, 76685 | 3/1949 |
| Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) | 332A, 332C, 333A, 333C | 76686-76689 | 3/1949 |
| Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) | 334A, 334C | 76690, 76677 | 3/1949 |
| Missouri Pacific | 301 - 320 | 75719-75738 | 3/1948 - 4/1948 |
| Missouri Pacific | 321 - 330 | 78119-78128 | 5/1950 - 6/1950 |
| New York Central | 1000 - 1003 | 73675-73678 | 2/1947 |
| New York Central | 1004 - 1013 | 75709-75718 | 2/1948 - 3/1948 |
| New York Central | 1014, 1015 | 76275, 76276 | 11/1948 |
| New York Central | 1016 - 1030 | 76520-76534 | 11/1948 - 12/1948 |
| New York Central | 1031, 1032 | 76547, 76548 | 12/1948 |
| New York Central | 1033 - 1040 | 76844-76851 | 5/1949 |
| New York Central | 1041 - 1043 | 77007-77009 | 8/1949 - 9/1949 |
| New Haven | 0400 - 0407 | 75275-75282 | 5/1947 |
| New Haven | 0408 - 0411 | 75288-75291 | 7/1947 - 8/1947 |
| New Haven | 0412 - 0415 | 75296-75299 | 8/1947 |
| New Haven | 0416 - 0419 | 75302-75305 | 9/1947 |
| New Haven | 0420 - 0423 | 75310-75313 | 9/1947 |
| New Haven | 0424 - 0427 | 75417-75420 | 10/1947 |
| New Haven | 0428 - 0429 | 75425-75426 | 10/1947 |
| Pennsylvania | 9600 - 9603 | 75987-75990 | 7/1948 - 8/1948 |
| Pennsylvania | 9604 - 9607 | 77010-77013 | 3/1950 |
| Reading | 300A - 305A | 75977-75982 | 6/1948 |
| Rock Island | 145 - 149 | 76015-76019 | 9/1948 |
| Rock Island | 150 - 160 | 76247-76257 | 9/1948 - 10/1948 |
| St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 5200 - 5203 | 75991-75994 | 6/1948 |
| St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 5204 - 5216 | 76549-76561 | 12/1948 - 1/1949 |
| St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 5217 - 5223 | 76657-7663 | 1/1949 |
| St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 5224 - 5226 | 76704-76706 | 3/1949 |
| St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 5227 - 5231 | 76831-76835 | 4/1949 |
| Seaboard Air Line | 4200 - 4202 | 75974-75976 | 5/1948 |
| Spokane, Portland & Seattle | 850A-1, 850A-2 thru 854A-1, 854A-2 (Evens) | 75968-75973 | 5/1948 |
| Spokane, Portland & Seattle | 856A-1, 856A-2 thru 860A-1, 860A-2 (Evens) | 76671-76676 | 2/1949 |
| Spokane, Portland & Seattle | 866A-1, 866A-2 | 78286-78287 | 12/1950 |
| Tennessee Central | 801 - 805 | 76691-76695 | 3/49 |
| Union Pacific | 1500A - 1502A | 75283-75285 | 6/1947 |
| Union Pacific | 1503A - 1506A | 75292-75295 | 6/1947 - 9/1947 |
| Union Pacific | 1507A, 1508A | 75300-75301 | 9/1947 |
| Union Pacific | 1509A - 1512A | 75306-75309 | 9/1947 - 10/47 |
| Union Pacific | 1513A | 75314 | 10/1947 |
| Union Pacific | 1514A - 1516A | 75414-75416 | 11/1947 |
| Union Pacific | 1517A - 1520A | 75421-75424 | 11/1947 - 12/1947 |
| Union Pacific | 1521A | 75427 | 12/1947 |
| Union Pacific | 1522A, 1523A | 75286, 75287 | 11/1947 |
| Union Pacific | 1542A, 1543A | 75707, 75708 | 2/1948 |
| Union Pacific | 1626 - 1643 | 75997-76014 | 8/1948, 9/1948 |
| Wabash Railroad | 1200, 1200A | 76664, 76665 | 1/1949 |
| Wabash Railroad | 1201, 1201A - 1204, 1204A | 76696-76703 | 3/1949 |
| Wisconsin Central (Soo Line) | 2220A, 2220B - 2222A, 2222B | 76860-76865 | 6/1949 |
| Wisconsin Central (Soo Line) | 2223A, 2223B | 77001, 77002 | 7/1949 |
Montreal Locomotive Works
Total Built = 28
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Date Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian National | 9400 - 9407 | 77295-77302 | 4/1950 - 6/1950 |
| Canadian Pacific | 4008 - 4027 | 77303-77322 | 6/1950 - 10/1950 |
Wabash FA-1 #807 lays over at the Decatur, Illinois shops on July 28, 1961. Richard Wallin photo.FB-1
Total Built = 229
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Date Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Pacific | 4400 - 4403 | 76878-76881 (Alco) | 5/1949 - 6/1949 |
| Erie Railroad | 725B, 725C - 728B, 728C | 75597-75604 | 12/1947 - 1/1948 |
| Erie Railroad | 729B, 729C - 733B, 733C | 75745-75754 | 1/1948 - 2/1948 |
| Erie Railroad | 734B, 734C, 735B, 735C | 76713-76716 | 1/1949 |
| Great Northern | 310B | 78129 | 4/1950 |
| Great Northern | 440B, 440C | 76044-76045 | 8/1948 |
| Great Northern | 442B, 442C | 76871, 76872 | 4/1949 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | B1 - B5 | 73321-73325 | 1/1946 - 9/1946 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | B6 - B8 | 73682-73684 | 10/1946 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | B9 - B24 | 73687-73702 | 2/1947 - 4/1947 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | B25 | 75434 | 9/1947 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | B26 - B29 | 76889-76892 | 9/1949 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | B30 - B33 | 78345-78348 | 7/1950 - 8/1950 |
| Lehigh & New England | 751 - 752 | 76285-76286 | 10/1948 |
| Lehigh & New England | 753 | 76873 | 4/1949 |
| Lehigh Valley | 531 - 549 (Odds) | 76287-76296 | 11/1948 |
| Missouri Pacific | 301B - 310B | 75762-75771 | 3/1948 - 4/1948 |
| Missouri Pacific | 321B - 325B | 78130-78134 | 4/1950 |
| New York Central | 2300 - 2301 | 73685-73686 | 2/1947 - 3/1947 |
| New York Central | 2302 - 2306 | 75757-75761 | 2/1948 - 3/1948 |
| New York Central | 2307 - 2311 | 76297-76301 | 12/1948 |
| New York Central | 2312 - 2315 | 76874-76877 | 5/1949 |
| New York Central | 2316 - 2322 | 76882-76888 | 8/1949 - 9/1949 |
| New Haven | 0450 - 0453 | 75435-75438 | 6/1947 |
| New Haven | 0454-0455 | 75442-75443 | 6/1947 |
| New Haven | 0456 - 0459 | 75448-75451 | 8/1947 |
| New Haven | 0460-0461 | 75587-75588 | 8/1947 |
| New Haven | 0462 - 0464 | 75593-75595 | 10/1947 |
| Pennsylvania | 9600B - 9603B | 76038-76041 | 7/1948 - 8/1948 |
| Pennsylvania | 9604B - 9607B | 76893-76896 | 3/1950 |
| Reading Railroad | 300B - 305B | 76032-76037 | 6/1948 |
| Rock Island | 145B - 148B | 76277-76280 | 9/1948 |
| Rock Island | 149B - 152B | 76281-76284 | 10/1948 |
| St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 5300 - 5301 | 76042-76043 | 6/1948 |
| St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 5302 - 5306 | 76302-76306 | 12/1948 |
| St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 5307 - 5311 | 76707-76711 | 1/1949 |
| St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) | 5312 - 5315 | 76867-76870 | 3/1949 - 4/1949 |
| Seaboard Air Line | 4300 - 4302 | 75772-75774 | 5/1948 |
| Spokane, Portland & Seattle | 856B-1, 856B-2 thru 860B-1, 860B-2 (Evens) | 76717-76722 | 2/1949 |
| Spokane, Portland & Seattle | 866B-1, 866B-2 | 78288, 78289 | 12/1950 |
| Tennessee Central | 801B | 76723 | 3/1949 |
| Union Pacific | 1524B - 1526B | 75439-75441 | 6/1947 |
| Union Pacific | 1527B - 1530B | 75444-75447 | 6/1947 - 9/1947 |
| Union Pacific | 1531B, 1532B | 75452, 75453 | 9/1947 - 10/1947 |
| Union Pacific | 1533B, 1534B | 75585, 75586 | 10/1947 - 11/1947 |
| Union Pacific | 1535B - 1538B | 75589-75592 | 11/1947 - 12/1947 |
| Union Pacific | 1539B | 75596 | 12/1947 |
| Union Pacific | 1540B, 1541B | 75755, 75756 | 2/1948 |
| Union Pacific | 1618B, 1618C - 1642B, 1642C (Evens) | 76046-76071 | 8/1948 - 9/1948 |
| Wabash | 1200B | 76712 | 2/1949 |
| Wabash | 1201B - 1203B | 76724-76726 | 3/1949 |
| Wabash | 1204B | 76886 | 3/1949 |
Montreal Locomotive Works
Total Built = 20
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Date Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Pacific | 4404 - 4423 | 77325-77344 | 6/1950 - 9/1950 |
FA-2
Total Built = 331
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Date Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alco (Demonstrators) | 1602A, 1602D (became Great Northern #278A-279A) | 78270, 78271 | 11/1950 |
| Alco (Demonstrators) | 1603A, 1603D (became Chicago & North Western #4103A-4104A) | 78272, 78273 | 11/1950 |
| Ann Arbor Railroad | 50, 50A - 52, 52A | 78379-78384 | 12/50 |
| Ann Arbor Railroad | 53, 53A | 78385, 78476 | 12/1950 |
| Ann Arbor Railroad | 54, 54A - 56, 56A | 78477-78482 | 12/1950 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 801, 801A - 805, 805A (Odds) | 78188-78193 | 10/1950 - 11/1950 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 807, 807A | 78266, 78267 | 11/1950 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 809, 809A - 817, 817A (Odds) | 78483-78492 | 12/1950 - 1/1951 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 819, 819A - 823, 823A (Odds) | 79710-79715 | 1/1952 - 2/1952 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 825, 825A | 79744, 79745 | 3/1952 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 827, 827A | 79746, 79955 | 3/1952 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 829, 829A - 831, 831A (Odds) | 79956-79959 | 3/1952 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 833, 833A - 837, 837A (Odds) | 79984-79989 | 4/1953 - 5/1953 |
| Consolidated Railway of Cuba (Cuba) | 1600-1605 | 78608-78613 | 3/1951 |
| Consolidated Railway of Cuba (Cuba) | 1650-1655 | 78614-78619 | 3/1951 |
| Erie Railroad | 736A, 736D - 737A, 737D | 78184-78187 | 10/1950 |
| Erie Railroad | 738A, 738D, 739A, 739D | 78620-78623 | 3/1951 - 4/1951 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 6507A-6516A | 78986-78995 | 7/1951 - 8/1951 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 6517A-6520A | 79283-79286 | 9/1951 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 6519A (2nd) | 80824 | 12/1953 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 6521A, 6522A | 79742, 79743 | 3/1952 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 6534A | 80897 | 4/1954 |
| Great Northern | 277A, 277B | 78268, 78269 | 11/1950 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 300-305 | 79716-79721 | 2/1952 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 306, 307 | 79990, 79991 | 5/1953 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 308-310 | 80902-80904 | 5/1956 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 311-315 | 81083-81087 | 12/1954 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 316-321 | 81963-81968 | 6/1956 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 350-352 | 79739-79741 | 3/1952 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 353, 354 | 79737, 79738 | 3/1952 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 355-369 | 79722-79736 | 2/1952 |
| Lehigh Valley | 580-588 (Evens) | 78276-78280 | 11/1950 |
| Lehigh Valley | 590 | 78351 | 12/1950 |
| Lehigh Valley | 592, 594 | 78624, 78625 | 4/1951 |
| Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) | 331A (2nd) | 78493 | 12/1950 |
| Missouri Pacific | 331-344 | 78626-78639 | 4/1951 |
| Missouri Pacific | 345-360 | 79447-79462 | 12/1951 - 1/1952 |
| Missouri Pacific | 374-380 | 80001-80007 | 6/1953 - 8/1953 |
| Missouri Pacific | 381-386 | 80825-80830 | 1/1954 - 3/1954 |
| New York Central | 1044-1047 | 78652-78655 | 6/1951 - 7/1951 |
| New York Central | 1048-1070 | 78961-78983 | 6/1951 - 7/1951 |
| New York Central | 1071-1080 | 79001-79010 | 8/1951 - 9/1951 |
| New York Central | 1081-1087 | 79276-79282 | 9/1951 |
| New York Central | 1088-1107 | 79287-79306 | 10/1951 |
| New York Central | 1108-1117 | 79960-79969 | 5/1952 - 7/1952 |
| New York Central | 1118-1123 | 79972-79977 | 8/1952 - 9/1952 |
| Pennsylvania | 9608A-9619A | 78640-78651 | 5/1951 |
| Pennsylvania | 9620A-9631A | 79435-79446 | 11/1951 - 12/1951 |
| Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Obras Públicas -SCOP (Mexico) | 7121-8, 7121-9 | 79970, 79971 | 7/1952 - 8/1952 |
| Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Obras Públicas -SCOP (Mexico) | 7121-10 thru 7121-13 | 79978-79981 | 10/1952 - 12/1952 |
| Spokane, Portland & Seattle | 868A-1, 868A-2 | 78352, 78378 | 12/1950 |
| Western Maryland | 301, 302 | 78494, 78495 | 1/1951 |
| Western Maryland | 303, 304 | 78606, 78607 | 1/1951 |
Montreal Locomotive Works
Total Built = 45
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Date Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian National | 9408, 9410 | 77323, 77324 | 2/1951 |
| Canadian National | 9412-9426 (Evens) | 77626-77633 | 2/1951 - 5/1951 |
| Canadian National | 9428-9436 (Evens) | 77270-77274 | 2/1952 - 3/1952 |
| Canadian National | 9438-9456 (Evens) | 79144-79153 | 2/1953 - 5/1953 |
| Canadian Pacific | 4042-4051 | 77712-77721 | 7/1951 - 9/1951 |
| Canadian Pacific | 4084-4086 | 77275-77277 | 6/1953 - 7/1953 |
| Canadian Pacific | 4087-4093 | 79154-79160 | 9/1953 - 10/1953 |
FB-2
Total Built = 182
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Date Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alco (Demonstrators) | 1602B, 1602C (became Great Northern #278B-279B) | 78202, 78203 | 11/1950 |
| Alco (Demonstrators) | 1603B, 1603C (became Chicago & North Western #4103B-4104B) | 78281, 78282 | 11/1950 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 801x-807x (Odds) | 78198-78201 | 10/1950 - 11/1950 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 809x | 78502 | 1/1951 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 811x-817x (Odds) | 78498-78501 | 12/1950 - 1/1951 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 817ax | 78497 | 12/1950 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 819x-823x (Odds) | 79760-79762 | 1/1952 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 825x-831x (Odds) | 80011-80014 | 3/1952 - 5/1952 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 833x-837x (Odds) | 80030-80032 | 4/1953 - 5/1953 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 837ax | 80033 | 5/1953 |
| Erie Railroad | 736B, 736C, 737B, 737C | 78194-78197 | 10/1950 |
| Erie Railroad | 738B, 738C | 78503, 78504 | 3/1951 |
| Erie Railroad | 739B, 739C | 78505, 78656 | 4/1951 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 6507B-6516B | 79023-79032 | 7/1951 - 8/1951 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 6517B-6520B | 79327-79330 | 9/1951 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 6519B(2nd) | 80910 | 12/1953 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 6521B, 6522B | 79766, 80009 | 3/1952 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 6523B-6527B | 80905-80909 | 9/1953 - 12/1953 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 6534B | 81166 | 4/1955 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 834-837 | 81167-81170 | 6/1955 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 200-202 | 79763-79765 | 3/1952 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 203-209 | 80023-80029 | 3/1953 - 4/1953 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 330, 331 | 80911, 80912 | 2/1954, 1/1954 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 210, 211 | 81969, 81970 | 6/1956 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 383, 384 | 79982, 79983 | 4/1953 |
| Lehigh Valley | 581, 583 | 78283, 78284 | 11/1950, 12/1950 |
| Lehigh Valley | 585, 587 | 78657, 78658 | 4/1951 |
| Missouri Pacific | 331B-335B | 78659-78663 | 4/1951 |
| Missouri Pacific | 345B-356B | 79748-79759 | 12/1951 - 1/1952 |
| Missouri Pacific | 370B-380B | 80034-80044 | 6/1953 - 8/1953 |
| Missouri Pacific | 381B, 382B | 80913, 80914 | 1/1954 - 2/1954 |
| Missouri Pacific | 383B-386B | 81111-81114 | 2/1954 - 4/1954 |
| New Haven | 465-469 | 79482-79486 | 11/1951 |
| New York Central | 3323-3333 | 78670-78680 | 5/1951 - 6/1951 |
| New York Central | 3334-3345 | 79011-79022 | 6/1951 - 7/1951 |
| New York Central | 3346-3354 | 79318-79326 | 8/1951 - 9/1951 |
| New York Central | 3355-3364 | 79472-79481 | 10/1951 |
| New York Central | 3365-3372 | 80015-80022 | 5/1952 - 9/1952 |
| Pennsylvania | 9608B-9618B (Evens) | 78664-78669 | 5/1951 |
| Pennsylvania | 9620B-9628B (Evens) | 79487-79491 | 11/1951 - 12/1951 |
| Pennsylvania | 9630B | 79747 | 12/1951 |
| Spokane, Portland & Seattle | 868B-1, 868B-2 | 78285, 78496 | 12/1950 |
Montreal Locomotive Works
Total Built = 21
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Serial Number(s) | Date Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian National | 9409-9427 (Odds) | 77700-77709 | 2/1951 - 5/1951 |
| Canadian National | 9429-9437 (Odds) | 77722-77726 | 2/1952 - 3/1952 |
| Canadian Pacific | 4465-4467 | 77727-77729 | 6/1953 - 7/1953 |
| Canadian Pacific | 4468-4470 | 79161-79163 | 9/1953 - 10/1953 |
FPA-2
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Construction Number(s) | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alco (Demo) | 1602A, 1602D (To Great Northern, 276A-277A) | 78272, 78273 | 11/1950 |
| Baltimore & Ohio | 4008-4017 | 78483-78492 | 12/1950-1/1951 |
| Ferrocarril del Pacífico | 901-904 | 80898-80901 | 5/1954 |
| Great Northern | 277A-277B (Ex-Alco Demonstrators) | 78272, 78273 | 11/1950 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 350-352 | 79739-79741 | 3/1952 |
| Louisville & Nashville | 383-384 | 79982-79983 | 3/1952-4/1952 |
| Missouri Pacific | 361-369 | 79463-79471 | 1/1952 |
| Missouri Pacific | 370-372 | 79707-79709 | 1/1952 |
| Missouri Pacific | 373 | 80008 | 8/1953 |
| Missouri Pacific | 387-390 | 80831-80834 | 3/1954-4/1954 |
| Missouri Pacific | 391-392 | 80895-80896 | 4/1954 |
| National Railways Of Mexico | 6500-6501 (As) | 78274-78275 | 11/1950 |
| National Railways Of Mexico | 6502A-6506A (As) | 78996-79000 | 8/1951 |
| National Railways Of Mexico | 6523A (A) | 80009 | 9/1953 |
| National Railways Of Mexico | 6524A-6527A (As) | 80820-80823 | 9/1953-10/1953 |
| National Railways Of Mexico | 6502B-6504B (Bs) | 79033-79035 | 8/1951 |
| National Railways Of Mexico | 6505B-65064B (Bs) | 79316-79317 | 8/1951 |
| National Railways Of Mexico | 6523B-6527B (Bs) | 80905-80909 | 9/1953-10/1953 |
Montreal Locomotive Works
FPA-2/FPB-2
Total Built = 33
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Construction Number(s) | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian National | 6706-6711 (As) | 79197-79202 | 3/1955-4/1955 |
| Canadian National | 6806-6809 (Bs) | 79212-79215 | 3/1955-4/1955 |
| Canadian National | 6810-6911 (Bs) | 81186-81187 | 4/1955 |
| Canadian Pacific | 4082-4083 (As) | 72278-72279 | 8/1953-9/1953 |
| Canadian Pacific | 4094-4098 (As) | 79170-79174 | 11/1953-12/1953 |
| Canadian Pacific | 4463-4464 (Bs) | 77730-77731 | 8/1953-9/1953 |
| National Railways Of Mexico | 6528A-6532A (As) | 79175-79179 | 12/1953-2/1954 |
| National Railways Of Mexico | 6533A (A) | 79196 | 2/1954 |
| National Railways Of Mexico | 6528B-6533B (Bs) | 79206-79211 | 12/1953-2/1954 |
FPA-4/FPB-4
Total Built = 46
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Construction Number(s) | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian National | 6760-6766 (As) | 82269-82275 | 10/1958-12/1958 |
| Canadian National | 6767-6793 (As) | 83145-83171 | 1/1959-5/1959 |
| Canadian National | 6860-6862 (Bs) | 82276-82278 | 10/1958-11/1958 |
| Canadian National | 6863-6866 (Bs) | 82441-82444 | 8/1958-12/1958 |
| Canadian National | 6867-6871 (Bs) | 82584-82588 | 1/1959-3/1959 |
Finally, Alco offered a passenger version of its FA, the FPA-2 and FPA-4 which sold modestly (it should be noted that the final model, the FPA-4, used Alco's much improved 251 model engine although by the time it was released the builder had already lost most confidence from railroads in its ability to produce reliable locomotives).
All told, Alco would sell over a thousand FA units (EMD's F series in comparison sold more than 4,800 units).
In any event, it is interesting to wonder how well the model would have sold had the initial troubles with the 244 (and early 241) model engine had not been present with further research and development taking place before they entered production.
Photos
A Baltimore & Ohio FA-2/FB-2/FA-2 set, led by #813, works a "Time Saver" time freight over Sand Patch at Meyersdale, Pennsylvania on September 25, 1952. Photographer unknown.Sources
- Foster, Gerald. A Field Guide To Trains. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1996.
- Kirkland, John F. Diesel Builders, The: Volume Two, American Locomotive Company And Montreal Locomotive Works. Glendale: Interurban Press, 1989.
- Pinkepank, Jerry A. Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1967.
Recent Articles
-
Detroit & Toledo Shore Line Railroad: Map, Roster, History
Sep 18, 26 12:32 AM
Detroit & Toledo Shore Line—Pleasant Bay 1898, named 1899, Detroit–Toledo freight bridge, GTW and Clover Leaf/NKP/N&W. Merged into Grand Trunk Western June 26, 1981. -
Lackawanna Steam Locomotives: History, Roster & Photos
Sep 18, 26 12:17 AM
Delaware, Lackawanna & Western steam—Camelback 2-8-0s, Mikados, freight Pacifics, Poconos 4-8-4s, Hudsons. Post-1900 roster after Drury. Last steam July 13, 1953. -
Lackawanna (DL&W) Diesel Roster: All Time
Sep 18, 26 12:11 AM
Delaware, Lackawanna & Western diesel—boxcabs 1926, EMC SC 425–426 1935, FTs 1945, F3/F7/E8, GP7s, RS-3s, FM Train Masters. All-time roster. Last steam 1953. -
Lackawanna Railroad: Map, History, Viaducts, Rosters
Sep 18, 26 12:04 AM
TDelaware, Lackawanna & Western—Liggett’s Gap 1832, named March 11 1853, Hoboken–Buffalo, anthracite, Phoebe Snow, Cutoff and Tunkhannock. It merged with the Erie to form Erie Lackawanna on Octobe… -
Rail News, The Latest
Sep 17, 26 11:56 PM
This page provides a portal to the latest in rail news, from preservation and restortation subjects to other notable topics. -
Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 Sets First Holiday Tour for Make-A-Wish
Sep 17, 26 11:54 PM
Union Pacific Big Boy 4014’s first holiday tour: Cheyenne–Denver tickets, Nov. 21 Denver-area display, Make-A-Wish. Museum patrons Oct. 16; public Oct. 19. -
Conrail Diesel Roster (All Time)
Sep 17, 26 10:27 PM
Conrail diesel—~5,000 inherited 1976, Big Blue, GP15-1s, SD40-2s, SD50s, Dash-8s, SD60/60M/60I, SD80MACs. All-time CR-number roster. -
Chessie System (Railroad): The C&O, B&O, And WM
Sep 17, 26 09:38 PM
Chessie System, Inc.—C&O, B&O, and Western Maryland. Kitten-C paint 1972, holding company February 26 1973, CSX November 1 1980, C&O into CSXT August 31 1987. -
Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Diesel Roster: All-Time
Sep 17, 26 06:01 PM
Chesapeake & Ohio diesel—late steam, no Fairbanks-Morse, E7s 1946, GP7/GP9 flood, F7s, GP40-2s, B30-7s, SD50s 1984–85. All-time roster. Steam ended 1956. -
Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Steam Roster: Post-1900
Sep 17, 26 03:18 PM
Chesapeake & Ohio steam—H-8 Alleghenies, K-4 Kanawhas, T-1 Texas, Greenbriers, H-6 1949 Mallets. Post-1900 class roster including Pere Marquette and Hocking Valley. Last steam 1956. -
Chesapeake and Ohio Railway: Map, Logo, History
Sep 17, 26 02:36 PM
Chesapeake & Ohio Railway—Louisa Railroad 1836, named August 31 1868, Ohio River 1873. Coal, Chessie the kitten, Pere Marquette 1947, B&O control 1963, into CSX August 31 1987. Complete corporate… -
TVRM Valentine Train Ride (2026)
Sep 17, 26 02:31 PM
2026 TVRM Valentine Train Ride in Chattanooga—Feb. 6–15, plated dinner, Grand Junction Depot. Confirm on tvrail.com. -
River Fox Train Dining (2026)
Sep 17, 26 02:29 PM
2026 River Fox Train in West Sacramento—Brunch Train and Murder Mystery dinner. 18095 County Road 117. Confirm on riverfoxtrain.com. -
Weehawken Terminal, Serving The West Shore Railroad
Sep 17, 26 01:38 PM
Weehawken Terminal—West Shore / New York Central Hudson waterfront station, opened 1884. Five ferry slips, sixteen tracks, Weehawken Tunnel 4,014 feet. Last ferry March 25, 1959. Port Imperial and HBL… -
West Shore Railroad: Map, History, Timetables
Sep 17, 26 01:32 PM
West Shore Railroad—New York, West Shore & Buffalo 1880–83, Weehawken to Buffalo. PRR-backed rival to the Central. Morgan settlement, 475-year NYC lease January 1 1886. CSX River Sub today. -
Jersey Central Diesel Locomotives: History, Roster & Photos
Sep 17, 26 01:20 PM
Central Railroad of New Jersey diesel—boxcab 1000, Baldwin double-enders, F3s, Train Masters, SD35s, GP40Ps. All-time roster. Steam ended July 1, 1954. -
Jersey Central Steam Locomotives: History, Roster & Photos
Sep 17, 26 01:17 PM
Central Railroad of New Jersey steam—Camelback Ten-Wheelers, USRA Mikados, G-class Pacifics, suburban tanks. Post-1900 class roster after Drury. Dieselized July 1, 1954. -
Jersey Central Railroad (CNJ): Map, Rosters, History
Sep 17, 26 01:14 PM
Central Railroad of New Jersey—Elizabethtown & Somerville 1831, named April 23 1849. Communipaw, anthracite, Blue Comet, Reading/B&O control. Conrail April 1 1976. Complete corporate history. -
Central Vermont Diesel Locomotives: History, Roster & Photos
Sep 17, 26 11:35 AM
Central Vermont diesel—Alco S-2s 1942, RS-3s, RS-11s from DW&P, EMD GP9s 1956–57, GP38ACs 1971. All-time roster. Last steam April 4, 1957. -
Central Vermont Steam Locomotives: History, Roster & Photos
Sep 17, 26 11:19 AM
Central Vermont steam—ten Alco 2-10-4s of 1928, four U-1-a Mountains, Consolidations. Post-1900 class roster after Drury. Last steam April 4, 1957. -
Central Vermont Railway: Map, Logo, Rosters
Sep 17, 26 11:03 AM
Central Vermont Railway—Vermont Central charter October 1843, Bethel–White River Junction June 26, 1848. Grand Trunk 1898, CN 1923, RailTex/NECR 1995. Complete corporate history. -
Fitchburg Railroad: Map, History, Timetables
Sep 17, 26 10:40 AM
Fitchburg Railroad—chartered March 3, 1842, Boston–Fitchburg March 5, 1845. Alvah Crocker, Hoosac west door, Vermont & Massachusetts, Cheshire. B&M 99-year lease July 1, 1900. Complete corpora… -
Steam Railroading Institute Dining (2026)
Sep 17, 26 10:30 AM
2026 SRI Owosso dining—vintage dining cars, select evenings. 2026 dinner calendar not posted; 2025 Up In Smoke is the recent example. Confirm on michigansteamtrain.com. -
Canadian Pacific Railway: Map, History, Logo, Photos
Sep 17, 26 12:06 AM
Canadian Pacific Railway—incorporated February 16, 1881. Last spike Craigellachie November 7, 1885. Soo, Milwaukee, D&H, DM&E. CPKC April 14, 2023. Complete corporate history. -
Canadian Pacific Diesel Locomotives: History, Roster & Photos
Sep 17, 26 12:03 AM
Canadian Pacific diesel—E8A 1800 in 1949, FP7/FP9, FA-2, C424, SD40-2, SD40-2F Red Barns, AC4400CW, ES44AC, SD30C-ECO, SD70ACu heritage. All-time roster. Last steam November 6, 1960. -
Canadian Pacific Steam Locomotives: History, Roster & Photos
Sep 16, 26 11:35 PM
Canadian Pacific steam—3,257 engines 1881–1949. D10 Ten-Wheelers, G3 Pacifics, Royal Hudsons, Selkirk 2-10-4s. Post-1900 class roster after Drury. Last steam November 6, 1960. -
Woodstown Central Dining in Motion (2026)
Sep 16, 26 11:31 PM
2026 Woodstown Central Dining in Motion—Salem County table car, 50–60 minutes, private table of four from $190. Confirm on woodstowncentral.com. -
NCTM Wine & Dine on the Rails (2026)
Sep 16, 26 11:28 PM
2026 NCTM Wine & Dine on the Rails in Spencer—Feb. 13–15, three-course dinner, 21+, $145/$140. Sold out. Confirm next season on nctransportationmuseum.org. -
Southern Railway 4-6-2 1380: The Streamlined Ps-4
Sep 16, 26 10:34 PM
Southern Railway Ps-4 4-6-2 1380—Alco 1923, serial 64857. Otto Kuhler streamlining at Spencer 1940–41 for the Tennessean. Only streamlined steam locomotive on the Southern. Scrapped Baltimore 1953. -
Texas Mexican Railway: Serving The Border Since The 1880s
Sep 16, 26 09:58 PM
Texas Mexican Railway—Corpus Christi, San Diego & Rio Grande March 1875, 3-foot. Tex-Mex June 1881, Laredo Sept 1881, Rio Grande bridge 1883. Standard gauge July 17 1902. Mexican government 1900–1… -
Mount Hood Railroad Dining (2026): No Plated Dinner Train This Season
Sep 16, 26 09:53 PM
2026 Mount Hood Railroad in Hood River is scenic Fruit Loop trains with snacks and sandwiches—not a plated dinner train. Confirm on mthoodrr.com. -
Peoria and Eastern Railway: Map, Timetables, History
Sep 16, 26 09:39 PM
Peoria & Eastern—Danville, Urbana, Bloomington & Pekin 1866, IB&W 1869, OI&W 1887. Incorporated Feb 21 1890, Big Four next day. NYC 1930, Conrail 1976. GP7s 5612–5625. Complete corporate history. -
Boston and Maine Railroad: "Route Of The Minute Man"
Sep 16, 26 11:30 AM
Boston & Maine—Andover & Wilmington 1833, NH charter June 27 1835. Eastern, Boston & Lowell, Fitchburg/Hoosac, Concord & Montreal. Section 77 March 12 1970. Guilford June 30 1983. CSX June 1 2… -
Smoky Valley Limited Dinner Train (2026)
Sep 16, 26 11:24 AM
2026 Abilene & Smoky Valley Smoky Valley Limited—two-hour dinner from the 1887 Rock Island Depot. Kansas catering, ~$72–$110. Confirm on asvrr.org. -
Canadian National Diesel Locomotives: History, Roster & Photos
Sep 16, 26 11:14 AM
Canadian National diesel—CLC boxcabs 1929, GMD FP9 and GP9, MLW FPA-4 and RS-18, GMD1, wide-cab SD40-2W, Dash-9s, ES44AC and ET44AC. All-time roster. -
Canadian National Steam Locomotives: History, Roster & Photos
Sep 16, 26 10:07 AM
Canadian National steam—CGR, Canadian Northern, Grand Trunk, GTP. 4-8-4 Confederations, U-1 Mountains, J and K Pacifics. Post-1900 class roster. Last scheduled steam April 25, 1960. -
Canadian National Railway: Map, Logo, History, Photos
Sep 16, 26 08:55 AM
Canadian National—name Dec 20 1918, incorporated June 6 1919, Grand Trunk Jan 20 1923. Crown corporation, IPO Nov 17 1995. IC, Wisconsin Central, BC Rail, EJ&E. Class I, mark CN. -
Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh Railway: "Safety and Service"
Sep 16, 26 12:12 AM
Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh—Rochester & State Line 1869, BR&P March 12 1887. Pennsylvania coal to Buffalo and Rochester. B&O January 1 1932. All-time steam roster, LL 2-6-6-2s, XX… -
Buffalo Creek & Gauley Railroad: Map, Roster, Logo, Photos
Sep 15, 26 11:55 PM
Buffalo Creek & Gauley—Elk River Coal & Lumber, April 1 1904, Dundon–Widen. Last all-steam WV coal road, February 27 1965. All-time steam roster, #4 Baldwin 59472, Majestic and Elk River diesels… -
Buffalo and Susquehanna Railroad: Map & History
Sep 15, 26 11:42 PM
Buffalo & Susquehanna—Goodyear hemlock railroad, Sinnemahoning Valley December 14 1885, 1893 merger, coal to Sagamore, Buffalo extension, bankruptcy May 6 1910, B&O 1932, WAG 1956. -
WMSR Allegheny Mountain Dinner Train (2026): Dates & Tickets
Sep 15, 26 11:36 PM
2026 Western Maryland Scenic Allegheny Mountain Dinner Train—Cumberland, 3 hours, 21+, Saturday 7 p.m. Confirm on wmsr.com. -
Boston and Albany Railroad: Map & History
Sep 15, 26 11:28 PM
Boston & Albany Railroad—Boston & Worcester June 23 1831, Western Railroad across the Berkshires, merger 1867–70. NYC 99-year lease July 1 1900. Berkshires, New England States, CSX and MBTA today. -
Grand Bellevue Dinner Train (2026): Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Sep 15, 26 11:14 PM
2026 Grand Bellevue Rail Dining in Portsmouth, RI—2.5-hour seated dinner on Narragansett Bay. Fall/winter TBA after Aug. 29. Confirm on thegrandbell.com. -
The "John Bull": The C&A's First Locomotive (1831)
Sep 15, 26 11:01 PM
John Bull locomotive—Stephenson Planet-type 0-4-0, 1831. Dripps assembly, 4-2-0 rebuild, cowcatcher. Specs, Camden & Amboy career, Smithsonian 1884, 1981 steam-up, 1939 replica. -
Napa Valley Wine Train Dining (2026): Lunch, Dinner & Vista Dome
Sep 15, 26 10:56 PM
2026 Napa Valley Wine Train dining—downtown Napa, 36-mile round trip, gourmet lunch and dinner, Vista Dome. Confirm packages on winetrain.com. -
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train (2026): Dates, Tickets & What to Expect
Sep 15, 26 10:50 PM
2026 My Old Kentucky Dinner Train in Bardstown—2.5 hours, 35-mile round trip, four-course dinner from $116. Confirm on kydinnertrain.com. -
LaSalle Street Station: One Of Chicago's Great Terminals
Sep 15, 26 10:42 PM
LaSalle Street Station—Rock Island October 10, 1852. Frost & Granger July 1, 1903. 20th Century Limited, Rockets, Golden State. Headhouse razed 1981. Metra Rock Island District today. -
Charlie Russell Chew Choo (2026): Montana Dinner Train from Lewistown
Sep 15, 26 10:39 PM
2026 Charlie Russell Chew Choo dinner train—Hanover/Lewistown, 4.5 hours, 56-mile round trip, prime rib. Adult $151. Remaining listed dates sold out. Confirm on montanadinnertrain.com. -
Central Pacific Railroad: Map, History, Facts, Logo
Sep 15, 26 10:30 PM
Central Pacific—Judah, Big Four, June 28 1861. Sierra, Chinese labor, Donner Summit Tunnel. Ten-mile day April 28 1869. Promontory May 10. Southern Pacific lease April 1 1885. Dissolved June 30 1959… -
Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad: "The Bessemer Road"
Sep 15, 26 05:20 PM
Bessemer & Lake Erie—Bear Creek 1865, Carnegie 1897, U.S. Steel 1901. Ore south from Conneaut, coal north. 2-10-4s, Missabe sister road. CN May 10, 2004. Complete corporate history.
%20in%20East%20St.%20Louis%2C%20Illinois%20during%20the%201960's.%20%20Author's%20collection.){kind=link}
