Alco 244 Engine: Problems, Specs, History
Last revised: December 22, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The American Locomotive Company's model 244 prime mover was developed during the mid-1940s to power its post-war diesel locomotives.
Interestingly, while Alco helped pioneer diesel technology dating back to the 1920s it had difficulty truly competing against Electro-Motive due to reliability issues with its diesel engines.
Before Alco began implementing the 244 in its locomotives the builder had spent most of the 1930s developing an earlier model that was used in most of its early switchers.
The new prime mover was supposed to usher in a new era for Alco but instead saw it slip further behind EMD in the marketplace.
During the early 1950s the manufacturer replaced the engine with the more reliable 251 that powered its Century series. It would prove to be the company's last engine as it exited the market before 1970.
Despite its problems, ironically the 244 was Alco's most successful prime mover in the locomotive market.
While the engine was problematic in main line service it was so successful in light-duty applications that Alco sold thousands of switchers and light road-switchers, such as the S-1, RS-1, RS-3, and others.
Photos
A pair of Rio Grande's handsome PA-1's, led by #6011, is stopped in Colorado Springs, Colorado with the "Royal Gorge" as the train takes on mail at the joint Rock Island/D&RGW depot; December 31, 1964. American-Rails.com collection.Early Engines
As early as 1931 Alco began producing its own line of small diesel switchers beginning with the HH-300 (High Hood, 300 horsepower).
Altogether the company cataloged five models, which along with the one already mentioned included the HH-600, HH-660, HH-900, and HH-1000.
All of these switchers were fairly successful and employed 4-stroke diesel engines ranging from an early 330 model to the 531 and later 538 (Alco generally classed its prime movers with the last two digits referring to the year in which it entered production).
During 1940 Alco formally cataloged a full line of switchers in an attempt to gain an early edge in the growing diesel market, especially after EMD successfully demonstrated in 1939 with its FT that such a locomotive could be used in main line service.
Specifications
| Entered Production | August 1, 1945* |
| Builders | McIntosh & Seymour (Auburn, New York) Alco (Schenectady, New York) |
| Years Produced | McIntosh & Seymour (1945-1948) Alco (1948-1955) |
| Bore & Stroke | 9" x 10 ½" (Vee) |
| Cylinder Variants | 12 and 16 (Turbocharged) |
| RPM Ratings | 1000 |
| First Production Examples | FA-1 Demonstrators #1500, 1502 and FB-1 Demonstrator #1501: January 9, 1946** |
| Horsepower Ratings | 1500, 1600, 2000, 2250, 2400 |
| Models (Alco) | FA-1/FB-1, FA-2/FB-2, PA-1/PB-1, PA-2/PB-2, FPA-2/FPB-2, RS2, RSC2, RS3, RSC3, RSD4, RSD5, RSD7 |
| Models (Montreal Locomotive Works) | FA-1/FB-1, FA-2/FB-2, FPA-2/FPB-2, RS2, RS3, RSC3, RS10, RS10S, RS24 |
| Successor Engine | 251 |
* John Kirkland notes in his book, "The Diesel Builders: Volume Two, American Locomotive Company And Montreal Locomotive Works," it was on this date that drawings for the new 244 engine in 12 and 16-cylinder variants were completed for general production
The very first engine, serial #4253, was completed at Alco's McIntosh & Seymour subsidiary in Auburn, New York on October 20, 1945. This engine was subsequently sent to Alco's Schenectady plant for further testing that December.
Interestingly, the Auburn plant ultimately produced 34 boxcab freight locomotives for Gulf, Mobile & Ohio (engine serials 4253-4286) which were equipped with early 244 power plants, although the company listed them as model 241 prime movers.
** These units became Gulf, Mobile & Ohio #700 (FA-1), B1 (FB-1), and #701 (FA-1)
At the same the company began moving away from steam, an unheard of thought just a decade earlier. The S1 was the first produced, a 600 horsepower design that was compact and offered crews clear and easy sight lines with a high cab on one end with large windows.
It utilized the model 539 prime mover, which also powered the S2, S3, S4, the DL 100 Series cab units (a pre-FA/PA design), and the groundbreaking RS1 (the first, true road-switcher ever put into service).
However, the manufacturer opted not to stick with this engine as it continued to further develop diesel technology. Around the time of World War II Alco began developing the model 241, which it hoped would power all of its new road-switcher models.
However, after three years of design the builder apparently was not pleased with results and dropped it before it ever entered production.
Development
During 1944 it began developing the model 244, based from the 241, that featured a "V" design and a 9 x 10.5-inch bore and stroke.
The engine was a 12-cylinder version and offered a respectable 1,500 horsepower just like EMD's F3 released around the same time that carried its builder's model 567B.
Interestingly, one advantage Alco always held over its competitors that you may not know about was gas mileage; until the development of its Centuries Alco always utilized 12-cylinder engines instead of the sixteen employed by most other builders.
This equated to better gas mileage while still offering the same level of horsepower albeit at the time this wasn't a big selling point. Today, of course, such an economical advantage would be a much different story.
After World War II Alco cataloged its FA-1 cab unit, designed for freight service and it first entered production during the end of 1945. The FA was meant to compete against EMD's F3, and later F7.
The model sported a very clean, attractive, and streamlined carbody and initially sold quite well. However, since the model 244 was not as extensively developed as EMD's 567 and rushed into production it ran into mechanical issues, notably teething problems (in light to medium freight work the engine actually proved fairly reliable).
Models Utilizing
These same issues cropped up with the beautifully designed passenger model as well, the PA. The problems with the 244 truly hurt Alco's reputation as a world-class builder despite the fact that it worked quickly to correct the flaws by releasing the model 251 engine during the mid-1950s.
This prime mover was far more reliable as Alco spent an extensive period of time making sure to get it right. In doing so it closed out earlier models like the FA and PA but gave railroads the option of returning theirs to be upgraded with 251s.
Mechanical Issues
Unfortunately, the company's reputation had already been seriously damaged and sales for both models remained flat. Other models that carried the 244 diesel engine include the RS2, RSC2, RS3, RSC3, RSD4, RSD5, and RSD7.
In the end, it is quite unfortunate that Alco suffered so much from the problems encountered with its first mass production prime mover given its once proud history of building such fine locomotives. As has been seen time and again in the world of business, the inability to adapt can doom a company.
The rippling effect went beyond the 244 setback, however. General Electric, which had been a partner for years in supplying the manufacturer with parts (such as traction motors) eyed the incident as Alco's inability to effectively compete against EMD.
As such, GE would break away and launch its own diesel line before the end of the 1950s. As Alco's one-time ally continued to improve its locomotives it would eventually put the company from Schenectady, New York out of business before 1970.
Sources
- Hayden, Bob. Diesel Locomotives: Cyclopedia, Volume 2 (Model Railroader). Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1980.
- Kirkland, John F. Diesel Builders, The: Volume Two, American Locomotive Company And Montreal Locomotive Works. Glendale: Interurban Press, 1989.
- Marre, Louis A. Diesel Locomotives: The First 50 Years, A Guide To Diesels Built Before 1972. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1995.
- Pinkepank, Jerry A. Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee: Kalmbach Publishing Company, 1967.
- Solomon, Brian. Alco Locomotives. Minneapolis: Voyageur Press, 2009.
- Solomon, Brian. American Diesel Locomotive, The. Osceola: MBI Publishing, 2000.
Recent Articles
-
Pikes Peak Cog Railway Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 14, 26 11:36 PM
Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog—year-round summit trains with late September–mid-October aspen color. ~3-hour RT from Manitou Springs. Book cograilway.com. -
Osceola & St. Croix Valley Fall Colors Trains (2026)
Aug 14, 26 11:28 PM
Named Fall Colors trains from Osceola, WI through the St. Croix River Valley—~90 minutes, weekends mid-Sept through late Oct. Book trainride.org. -
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 14, 26 11:18 PM
Elbe–Mineral steam excursions through Cascade foothill forests—~75-minute scenic trains into autumn. Adults from ~$34. Book mtrainierrailroad.com. -
Conway Scenic Pumpkin Patch Express (2026): Dates, Tickets & Tips
Aug 14, 26 11:01 PM
Conway Scenic Railroad Pumpkin Patch Express—North Conway to White Mountain Cider Co. / Glen area pumpkin pick, family October special, 2026 booking tips. -
Black River & Western Pumpkin Trains (2026): Dates, Tickets & Tips
Aug 14, 26 10:46 PM
Black River & Western Pumpkin Trains—Ringoes/Flemington family pumpkin package, steam #60 when rostered, maze and wagon activities, 2026 booking tips. -
Halloween Train Rides (2026): Pumpkin Patch, Haunted & Spooky Trips
Aug 14, 26 10:02 PM
2026 Halloween train rides—pumpkin patch trains, haunted excursions, and family fall specials at tourist railroads across the U.S. National hub with state directory and planning tips. -
Vermont Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 09:35 PM
Vermont tourist trains—Green Mountain Railroad / Champlain Valley Dinner Train, Shelburne Museum context, foliage and lake-country planning. 2026 guide. -
Virginia Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 08:04 PM
Virginia tourist trains and rail museums—Virginia Scenic Railway, Buckingham Branch context, VMT Roanoke, C&O Heritage Center, O. Winston Link Museum. 2026 planning guide. -
Scenic Train Rides (USA 2026): State Guide to Tourist Railroads
Aug 14, 26 07:44 PM
Find scenic and tourist train rides in every U.S. state—heritage railroads, steam excursions, dinner trains, and fall foliage. National hub with history, what to expect, and state-by-state guides. -
Rhode Island Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 07:01 PM
Rhode Island tourist trains—Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad and the Rhode Island Railroad Museum. 2026 Ocean State guide. -
Commuter Rail (USA): Definition, History & Systems Directory
Aug 14, 26 06:36 PM
American commuter rail—private suburban trains to public agencies (LIRR, Metro-North, NJ Transit, Metra, Metrolink, and more). History, vs light rail, and a national systems directory. -
New Jersey Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 06:23 PM
New Jersey tourist trains—Black River & Western, Woodstown Central, Cape May Seashore Lines, Delaware River Railroad, Pine Creek, Whippany. 2026 guide. -
Rail Tours (USA & Canada): Luxury Trains, Cruise Trains & History
Aug 14, 26 06:11 PM
North American rail tours explained—luxury multi-day trains vs Amtrak packages vs tourist excursions. Rocky Mountaineer, Chepe Express, historic AOE, New River Train, and directory of AR profiles. -
Massachusetts Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 04:23 PM
Massachusetts tourist trains—Cape Cod Central, Berkshire Scenic, Edaville, Shelburne Falls Trolley. 2026 Bay State scenic and heritage guide. -
Amtrak Unique Trainsets: TurboTrain, Turboliner, Metroliner & More
Aug 14, 26 03:44 PM
Amtrak’s distinctive trainsets—United Aircraft TurboTrain, French RTG and Rohr RTL Turboliners, German ICE and Swedish X2000 tests, and Budd Metroliners on the Northeast Corridor. -
Amtrak Locomotive Roster: Historical & Current Power
Aug 14, 26 01:55 PM
Amtrak motive power—heritage E/F/SDP40F/F40/Genesis roster research plus mid-2020s ALC-42 Chargers, state SC-44s, ACS-64 electrics, NextGen Acela, and Airo ALC-42E dual-modes. -
Connecticut Dinner Train Rides From Essex
Aug 14, 26 01:55 PM
Connecticut's rail heritage can be traced back to the industry's earliest days and a few organizations preserve this rich history by offering train rides. The Essex Steam Train also hosts dinner-theme… -
Virginia Dinner Train Rides From Staunton
Aug 14, 26 01:41 PM
If you’ve ever wished you could pair a classic scenic train ride with a genuinely satisfying meal—served at your table while the countryside rolls by—the Virginia Scenic Railway was built for you. -
Discontinued Amtrak Trains: Lost Named Services & Routes
Aug 14, 26 01:25 PM
List of discontinued Amtrak and Amtrak-era named trains—Broadway Limited, Floridian, Pioneer, Desert Wind, Metroliners, North Coast Hiawatha, and dozens more with route and date notes. -
Illinois Dinner Train Rides From The MRM
Aug 14, 26 01:11 PM
The Monticello Railway Museum (MRM) is one of those places that quietly does a lot: it preserves a sizable collection, maintains its own operating railroad, and—most importantly for visitors—puts hist… -
Georgia Dinner Train Rides From Nashville
Aug 14, 26 01:05 PM
If you’ve ever wished you could slow down, trade traffic for jointed rail, and let a small-town landscape roll by your window while a hot meal is served at your table, the Azalea Sprinter delivers tha… -
Amtrak Ridership by Year (1971–2025): Passengers, Miles & Revenue
Aug 14, 26 01:03 PM
Amtrak fiscal-year ridership tables 1971–2019 from American-Rails.com research, plus FY2024–FY2025 record years from Amtrak public reports. -
Amtrak (USA): History, Routes, Ridership, Fleet & The National Network
Aug 14, 26 12:21 PM
Amtrak history and network—Railpax 1970, May 1 1971 startup, Northeast Corridor and long-distance trains, ridership through FY2025 records, Superliners to NextGen Acela and Airo, ALC-42s, and route di… -
Kentucky Dinner Train Rides Departing From Bardstown
Aug 14, 26 11:10 AM
The essence of My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is part restaurant, part scenic excursion, and part living piece of Kentucky rail history. -
Railroad Infrastructure (USA): Track, Bridges, Signals, Yards, History
Aug 14, 26 10:54 AM
American railroad infrastructure—what it means (track, ballast, ties, bridges, tunnels, signals, yards, towers), T-rail and standard gauge roots, and a full directory of fixed-plant topics. -
Arizona Dinner Train Rides From Williams
Aug 14, 26 10:48 AM
While the Grand Canyon Railway does not offer a true, onboard dinner train experience it does offer several upscale options and off-train dining. -
Railroad Maintenance-of-Way Equipment: Machines, Track Work, History
Aug 14, 26 12:22 AM
Railroad maintenance-of-way (MOW)—section gangs to mechanized track work: ballast, tampers, undercutters, Jordan spreaders, spike machines, Sperry defect cars, and a full equipment directory. -
Railroad Freight Cars (USA): Types, History, AAR Codes, Modern Designs
Aug 14, 26 12:10 AM
American freight cars—from Granite Railway tram flats and B&O gondolas to boxcars, hoppers, tanks, reefers, autoracks, well cars, AAR type codes, and a full car-type directory. -
Maine Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 12:03 AM
Maine train rides offers the public incredible views of the state's back country with experiences including narrow-gauge operations, trolleys, and more. -
Passenger Train Cars (USA): Types, History, Pullman & Streamliners
Aug 13, 26 11:53 PM
American passenger cars—from stagecoach-style coaches and B&O’s Imlay cars to Pullman sleepers and diners, heavyweights, air-conditioning, streamliners, and a full type directory (coach, dome, RPO… -
Electric Locomotives (USA): History, Models & Preservation
Aug 13, 26 10:41 PM
American electric locomotives—from B&O’s 1895 Belt Line and Sprague’s streetcars to PRR GG1s, Milwaukee Little Joes, Virginian rectifiers, NEC power, and a roster of preserved classic motors. -
Steam Locomotive Terms & Definitions: Glossary of Parts, Types & Talk
Aug 13, 26 09:14 PM
Steam locomotive glossary—articulated, Mallet, superheater, feedwater heater, cab-forward, camelback, Shay/Heisler/Climax, duplex-drive, pop valve, quartered drivers, and more shop and type terms used… -
Steam Locomotives (USA): History, Types, Whyte Notation & Builders
Aug 13, 26 08:47 PM
American steam locomotives—from Trevithick and Stephenson to Tom Thumb, Super Power Berkshires, Big Boys and Challengers, How steam works, Whyte types, Baldwin/Alco/Lima, dieselization, and living ste… -
Locomotive History (USA): Steam, Electric & Diesel Power
Aug 13, 26 04:50 PM
How American trains are powered—steam, electric, and diesel-electric locomotives from Tom Thumb and Stourbridge Lion through B&O’s Howard Street motors, EMD FT, and today’s Progress Rail &am… -
Interurbans & Streetcars (USA): Definition, History & State Guides
Aug 13, 26 04:09 PM
American interurbans and trolleys—what an interurban was, peak ~15,580 miles (1916), Hilton & Due, Midwest epicenter, decline, survivors (South Shore, Iowa Traction), and links to state traction h… -
Maryland Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 13, 26 03:09 PM
Maryland tourist trains—Western Maryland Scenic, Walkersville Southern, B&O Railroad Museum, streetcar museums. 2026 mountains-to-Baltimore guide. -
Streamliners (USA): History, Famous Trains & Why They Mattered
Aug 13, 26 02:51 PM
American railroad streamliners—UP M-10000, Burlington Pioneer Zephyr, Hiawatha, Super Chief, California Zephyr, Art Deco design, diesel power, and the decline into Amtrak. Full named-train directory. -
Michigan Dinner Train Rides From Owosso
Aug 13, 26 02:28 PM
The Steam Railroading Institute is best known as the home of Pere Marquette #1225 and even occasionally hosts a dinner train! -
Minnesota Dinner Train Rides From Duluth
Aug 13, 26 01:02 PM
One of the best ways to feel the region's history in motion today is aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR), which operates out of Duluth’s historic depot. -
Delaware Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 13, 26 12:58 PM
Delaware tourist trains—Wilmington & Western Railroad steam and specials in the Red Clay Valley. 2026 planning guide. -
Connecticut Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 13, 26 12:42 PM
Connecticut tourist trains—Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Naugatuck Railroad, Danbury Railway Museum, Connecticut Trolley Museum, Shore Line Trolley. 2026 planning guide. -
North Carolina Dinner Train Rides From Spencer
Aug 13, 26 12:15 PM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
West Virginia Railroads: History, Map, Coal Lines & Today’s Network
Aug 13, 26 12:09 PM
West Virginia railroad history—B&O, C&O, N&W, Virginian, Western Maryland; coal and logging heritage; abandonments; CSX, Norfolk Southern, short lines; Amtrak Cardinal; Cass and mountain tourist train… -
Railroad Bridges (USA): History, Types, Trusses & Famous Spans
Aug 13, 26 11:51 AM
History of American railroad bridges—from stone viaducts and wooden trestles to Howe, Pratt, and Warren trusses, plate girders, movable spans, and landmarks still carrying freights and Amtrak today. -
California Dinner Train Rides From Sacramento
Aug 13, 26 11:47 AM
Just minutes from downtown Sacramento, the River Fox Train has carved out a niche that’s equal parts scenic railroad, social outing, and “pick-your-own-adventure” evening on the rails. -
New Jersey Dinner Train Rides From Woodstown
Aug 13, 26 11:42 AM
For visitors who love experiences (not just attractions), Woodstown Central’s dinner-and-dining style trains have become a signature offering—especially for couples’ nights out, small friend groups, a… -
Texas Dinner Train Rides On The TSR
Aug 13, 26 11:38 AM
Today, TSR markets itself as a round-trip, four-hour, 25-mile journey between Palestine and Rusk—an easy day trip (or date-night centerpiece) with just the right amount of history baked in. -
Iowa Dinner Train Rides From Boone
Aug 13, 26 11:07 AM
If you’ve ever wished you could pair a leisurely rail journey with a proper sit-down meal—white tablecloths, big windows, and countryside rolling by—the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum… -
Railroad Landmarks (USA): Famous Bridges, Tunnels, Passes & Grades
Aug 13, 26 11:04 AM
U.S. railroad landmarks hub—Horseshoe Curve, Tehachapi Loop, Hoosac and Moffat tunnels, Starrucca and Thomas viaducts, mountain passes, cutoffs, and railfan hot spots. Engineering feats still carrying… -
Indiana Dinner Train Rides From Jasper
Aug 13, 26 10:00 AM
In the rolling hills of southern Indiana, the Spirit of Jasper offers one of those rare attractions that feels equal parts throwback and treat-yourself night out: a classic excursion train paired with…
