Alco "RS1" Locomotives: Roster, Specs, Data Sheet
Last revised: December 27, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The American Locomotive Company (Alco) could seemingly never outdo the Electro-Motive Division for dominance in the early diesel locomotive market.
Despite this, the company would develop one of the most important layouts for how all future diesel locomotives would be built; the RS1, which pioneered the original road-switcher design.
Not only would EMD go on to use the carbody style in its later General Purpose (GP) series but also the offset cab layout is still used today by General Electric and successor Electro-Motive Diesel.
The RS1 was in production longer than any other model at the time, remaining in Alco's catalog for nearly 20 years. Today, you can still find a handful of these rugged workhorses preserved at various museums around the country - some of which are even still operational.
Photos
It's the early Penn Central era as a former Pennsylvania RS-1 lays over in Bristol, Pennsylvania along the Northeast Corridor during the spring of 1968. Photographer unknown. American-Rails.com collection.The RS1 was released by the builder in early 1941; it was the first in a long line of Road Switcher models that ended in 1963 with the RS36. It is also recognized as the first, true road-switcher ever cataloged by a locomotive manufacturer. Alco's history with its early, cataloged diesel switchers dated all of the way back to its demonstrator HH300 models (High Hood) of the early 1930s.
Pennsylvania RS1 #9919 at Meadows Yard in Kearny, New Jersey, circa 1967. Fred Byerly photo. American-Rails.com collection.However, the company's history with diesel locomotive technology goes back even further to a testbed switcher outshopped in July, 1925 in conjunction with General Electric and Ingersoll-Rand. In his book, "The Diesel Builders, Volume Two: American Locomotive Company and Montreal Locomotive Works," author John Kirkland notes this 300 horsepower, 60-ton unit was completed as Alco order S1484, construction number 65979.
The early "HH" series models were essentially prototypes themselves, built in conjunction with Westinghouse and McIntosh & Seymore, and sold to a handful of railroads. Interestingly, as Kirkland points out, Alco never actually cataloged these switchers as "High Hood," designs. This was yet another term later coined by railfans.
St. Louis-San Francisco Railway RS-1 #105, sub-lettered for subsidiary Alabama, Tennessee & Northern, is seen here in Springfield, Missouri, circa 1965. Mac Owen photo. American-Rails.com collection.The RS1, a design requested at the behest of Rock Island's chief operating officer, J.D. Farrington for use in passenger service along its lightly populated branch lines in the Midwest. In addition to passenger assignments consisting of only one or two cars, railroads soon found the RS1 could handle both light freight duties and switching assignments.
The RS1 was given slight design features from famed industrial designer Otto Kuhler. Most noteworthy is that they were the first to employ raised cabs for better visibility, so commonly employed in today's locomotives. Designed by Westinghouse as the "visibility cab", they were normally wider and taller than the engine hood providing crews with better visibility featuring an arched roof line.
Spokane, Portland & Seattle RS1 #54 at Portland, Oregon; August, 1965. Fred Byerly photo. American-Rails.com collection.As such, it featured a long hood to house the 539T power plant, a McIntosh & Seymore with a cab was placed offset on the frame. This setup gave the locomotive a short hood at one end, used to house a steam generator for passenger service.
Data Sheet and Specifications
1941-1942
| Alco Class | 404-DL-240 |
| Entered Production | 3/14/1941 |
| Years Produced | 3/1941-6/1942 |
| Model Specification | E1640 |
| Engine | 539T, 6-Cylinder In-Line, Turbocharged |
| Engine Builder | Alco/McIntosh & Seymour |
| Horsepower | 1,000 |
| Carbody Styling | Alco |
| Length (Between Coupler Faces) | 55' 11 ¾" |
| Height (Top of Rail to Top of Cab) | 14' 6" |
| Width | 10' 0" |
| Weight | 240,000 Lbs |
| Dynamic Brakes | Yes |
| Air Brake Schedule | 14EL |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | Swing Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (AAR Type-B) |
| Wheelbase | 9' 4" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors | GE 731 (4) |
| Traction Generator | GT533 |
| Gear Ratio | 75:16 |
| Tractive Effort Rating (Starting) | 72,000 Lbs (at 30% adhesion) |
| Tractive Effort Rating | 34,000 Lbs at 8 MPH |
| Top Speed | 60 MPH |
Post World War II
| Alco Class | 404-DL-240 |
| Entered Production | 3/14/1941 |
| Years Produced | 1945-11/1957 |
| Model Specification | E1641/A |
| Engine | 539T, 6-Cylinder In-Line, Turbocharged |
| Engine Builder | Alco/McIntosh & Seymour |
| Horsepower | 1,000 |
| Carbody Styling | Alco |
| Length (Between Coupler Faces) | 55' 11 ¾" |
| Height (Top of Rail to Top of Cab) | 14' 6" |
| Width | 10' 0" |
| Weight | 240,000 Lbs |
| Dynamic Brakes | Yes (Optional) |
| Air Brake Schedule | 14EL |
| Trucks | B-B |
| Truck Type | Swing Bolster, Drop-Side Equalizer (AAR Type-B) |
| Wheelbase | 9' 4" |
| Wheel Size | 40" |
| Traction Motors | GE 731D (4) |
| Traction Generator | GT553A |
| Gear Ratio | 75:16 |
| Tractive Effort Rating (Starting) | 72,000 Lbs (at 30% adhesion) |
| Tractive Effort Rating (Continuous) | 34,000 Lbs at 8 MPH |
| Top Speed | 60 MPH |
Prior to the start of World War II there were thirteen RS1's produced for five different railroads. Please refer to the table below. These locomotives were later requisitioned by the U.S. Army for use on the Trans-Iranian Railway to supply Russia with war materiel during the conflict.
The locomotives were based out of the Port of Bandar Shahpur on the Persian Gulf, running 685 miles largely through an arid, desert environment before entering elevations of 7,000 feet.
The Army had Alco retrofit the units with tapered cabs and change the roof line to meet tunnel clearances. In addition, the B-B, four-axle trucks were swapped out for C-C, six-axle trucks (all-powered). These were essentially the first "RSD-1" models.
New locomotives were later built for the original railroads (paid by the U.S. government) to replace those requisitioned, in April and May of 1943 (1946 for the Tennessee Coal, Iron & Railroad).
One of the Soo Line's rugged RS1s, #106 (built as Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic #106), is tied down at Burlington, Wisconsin in April, 1964. Rick Burn photo.Production Rosters
Pre-War Production Board (WPB) Units
These RS1s were completed before the War Production Board (WPB) took control of manufacturing throughout the nation and imposed restrictions on new diesels produced. This went into effect on April 4, 1942.
Total Built = 13
| Railroad | Road Number | Construction Number | Date Built | Date Rebuilt (Army) | U.S. War Department Number | Replacement Construction Number (RR) | Date Rebuilt For Railroads | New Road Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Island | 748 | 69424 | 3/1941 | 11/1942 | 8005 | 70816 | 5/1943 | 742 |
| Rock Island | 749 | 69425 | 3/1941 | 12/1942 | 8006 | 70817 | 5/1943 | 743 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 901 | 69426 | 3/1941 | 1/1943 | 8010 | 70810 | 4/1943 | 904 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 902 | 69427 | 3/1941 | 1/1943 | 8011 | 70811 | 4/1943 | 904 |
| Tennessee Coal, Iron & Railroad | 600 | 69428 | 4/1941 | 12/1942 | 8008 | 75203 | 10/1946 | 602 |
| Tennessee Coal, Iron & Railroad | 601 | 69566 | 4/1941 | 1/1943 | 8009 | 75204 | 10/1946 | 603 |
| Milwaukee Road | 1678 | 69567 | 6/1941 | 11/1942 | 8002 | 70814 | 4/1943 | 1676 |
| Milwaukee Road | 1679 | 69568 | 6/1941 | 11/1942 | 8003 | 70815 | 4/1943 | 1677 |
| Rock Island | 746 | 69569 | 8/1941 | 12/1942 | 8007 | 70818 | 5/1943 | 744 |
| Rock Island | 747 | 69570 | 8/1941 | 11/1942 | 8004 | 70819 | 5/1943 | 745 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 903 | 69800 | 6/1942 | 1/1943 | 8012 | 70821 | 4/1943 | 906 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 231 | 69992 | 6/1942 | 11/1942 | 8000 | 70812 | 4/1943 | 231 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 233 | 69993 | 6/1942 | 11/1942 | 8001 | 70813 | 4/1943 | 233 |
The six-axle version came in either a C-C or A1A-A1A truck setup. The standard RS1 came in a B-B truck setup (four axles) and could produce 34,000 pounds of tractive effort with a top speed of 60 mph (although it rarely ever reached such speeds). It was quite short at just 54 feet, 11 inches and also featured a very low profile.
Overall, the model weighed just 120 tons and featured electrical and other components from both General Electric and Westinghouse. With the Rock Island's original request it was one of the initial railroads to receive the model when the first batches were completed in March of 1941, delivered to:
- Tennessee Coal & Iron
- Milwaukee Road
- New York, Susquehanna & Western
- Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay Railroad
Post World War II
Total Built = 340
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Construction Number(s) | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akron, Canton & Youngstown | D-2 | 74323 | 10/1945 |
| Alabama, Tennessee & Northern | 101, 102 | 71435, 73096 | 11/1944, 12/1944 |
| Alabama, Tennessee & Northern | 103, 104 | 73326, 73327 | 3/1945 |
| Alabama, Tennessee & Northern | 105, 106 | 73758, 74321 | 6/1945, 10/1945 |
| Alabama, Tennessee & Northern | 107-109 | 75110-75112 | 5/1946 - 6/1946 |
| Alabama, Tennessee & Northern | 110, 111 | 75480, 75481 | 8/1947 |
| Alaska Railroad | 1000, 1001 | 71319, 71320 | 5/1944 |
| Alton Railroad | 50 | 74322 | 10/1945 |
| Alton Railroad | 51-53 | 74494-74496 | 11/1945 |
| Alton Railroad | 54-58 | 74677-74681 | 11/1945 |
| Alton Railroad | 59 | 74823 | 12/1945 |
| Ann Arbor | 20, 21 | 78374, 78375 | 11/1950 |
| Santa Fe | 2385-2387 | 75391-75393 | 6/1947 - 7/1947 |
| Santa Fe | 2388 | 75482 | 8/1947 |
| Santa Fe | 2394, 2395 | 78115, 77838 | 8/1950, 12/1949 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 904, 905 | 70810, 70811 | 4/1943 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 906 | 70821 | 4/1943 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 907, 908 | 70809, 70822 | 11/1943 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 909 | 72812 | 6/1944 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 910, 911 | 73332, 73333 | 4/1945 |
| Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay | 912, 913 | 75559, 77848 | 10/1947, 2/1950 |
| Atlantic & East Carolina | 500 | 79047 | 4/1951 |
| Bamberger Railroad | 570 | 70820 | 5/1943 |
| Central Railroad of New Jersey | 1200-1204 | 78095-78099 | 6/1950 |
| Central Railroad of New Jersey | 1205 | 79234 | 9/1951 |
| Chesapeake & Ohio | 5114, 5115 | 80851, 80852 | 9/1953 |
| Chicago & Eastern Illinois | 115-118 | 73328-73331 | 4/1945 |
| Chicago & North Western | 1066 | 79589 | 9/1953 |
| Chicago & North Western | 1067, 1068 | 79590, 79591 | 8/1953 |
| Chicago & North Western | 1069 | 80850 | 9/1953 |
| Chicago & North Western | 1080 | 72816 | 8/1944 |
| Chicago & North Western | 1081 (1st) | 72921 | 9/1944 |
| Chicago & Western Indiana | 252, 253 | 76799, 76800 | 7/1949 |
| Chicago & Western Indiana | 254-257 | 77172-77175 | 10/1949 - 11/1949 |
| Chicago & Western Indiana | 258, 259 | 77836, 77837 | 12/1949 |
| Chicago & Western Indiana | 260-263 | 77849-77852 | 2/1950 |
| Milwaukee Road | 961-963 | 77469-77471 | 3/1950 |
| Milwaukee Road | 1676, 1677 | 70814, 70815 | 4/1943 |
| Rock Island | 735-739 | 71312-71316 | 1/1944 - 2/1944 |
| Rock Island | 740, 741 | 70823, 70824 | 11/1943 |
| Rock Island | 742-745 | 70816-70819 | 5/1943 |
| Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic (Soo Line) | 100, 101 | 73753, 73760 | 5/1945, 6/1945 |
| Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic (Soo Line) | 102 | 75215 | 12/1946 |
| Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic (Soo Line) | 103-105 | 75217-75219 | 1-2/1947 |
| Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic (Soo Line) | 106, 107 | 75389, 78376 | 5/1947, 1/1951 |
| DuPont | 105-108 | 79050-79053 | 6-7/1951 |
| Gaylord Container | 302, 303 | 75842, 75843 | 5/1948 |
| GE-Atomic Energy Commission | 39-3729, 39-3730 | 75844, 76206 | 6/1948 |
| GE-Atomic Energy Commission | 39-3731, 39-3732 | 76210, 76211 | 10/1948 |
| Genesee & Wyoming | 25, 30 | 79580, 81345 | 1/1952, 5/1955 |
| Grand Trunk Western | 1950, 1951 | 82355, 82356 | 11/1957 |
| Great Northern | 182, 183 | 72922, 72923 | 9/1944 |
| Great Northern | 184, 185 | 72924, 71433 | 11/1944, 10/1944 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1102 | 71438 | 11/1944 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1103, 1104 | 73094, 73095 | 12/1944 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1105-1107 | 73335-73337 | 4/1945 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1108, 1109 | 73573, 73574 | 5/1945 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1110 | 73752 | 5/1945 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1111, 1112 | 74910, 74911 | 1/1946, 4/1946 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1113 | 75216 | 1/1947 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1114, 1115 | 75220, 75221 | 2/1947 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1116, 1117 | 75223, 75224 | 3/1947 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1120 | 76219 | 12/1948 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1121, 1122 | 76624, 76625 | 1/1949 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1123-1125 | 76629-76631 | 3/1949 - 4/1949 |
| Gulf, Mobile & Ohio | 1126, 1127 | 76796, 76798 | 4/1949, 5/1949 |
| Illinois Terminal | 750-752 | 75839-75841 | 5/1948 |
| Illinois Terminal | 754 | 77855 | 3/1950 |
| Illinois Terminal | 755, 756 | 77069, 77070 | 3/1950 |
| Kansas City Southern | 1110-1113 | 70825-70828 | 11/1943 - 12/1943 |
| Lake Erie, Franklin & Clarion | 20, 21 | 76797, 78241 | 4/1949, 8/1950 |
| Lake Superior & Ishpeming | 1001-1003 | 79576-79578 | 11/1951 - 12/1951 |
| Long Island Railroad | 461, 462 | 76220, 76622 | 12/1948, 1/1949 |
| Long Island Railroad | 463-465 | 76626-76628 | 2/1949 - 3/1949 |
| Long Island Railroad | 466-469 | 77475-77478 | 4/1950 |
| Midland Continental Railroad | 401, 402 | 74912, 79579 | 4/1946, 12/1951 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 244 | 71317 | 2/1944 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 744, 944 | 71434, 71436 | 7/1944, 9/1944 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 1044, 1144 | 73093, 79097 | 10/1944, 11/1944 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 645, 745 | 73334, 73759 | 6/1945, 7/1945 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 845, 945 | 74317, 74318 | 8/1945, 9/1945 |
| Minneapolis &a St. Louis | 146, 246 | 74821, 74822 | 1/1946, 2/1946 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 346, 446 | 74824, 74909 | 3/1946, 4/1946 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 546, 646 | 75113, 75114 | 5/1946, 6/1946 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 746, 846 | 75115, 75116 | 7/1946, 8/1946 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 946, 1046 | 75117, 75118 | 9/1946, 10/1946 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 547 | 75390 | 5/1947 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 948, 1048 | 76207, 76208 | 9/1948, 10/1948 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 1148 | 76209 | 11/1948 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 849, 949 | 77842, 77843 | 8/1949, 9/1949 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 1049, 1149 | 77844, 77845 | 10/1949, 11/1949 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 1249 | 77846 | 12/1959 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 950, 1050 | 78243, 78244 | 9/1950, 10/1950 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 1150, 1250 | 78245, 78373 | 11/1950, 12/1950 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 751 | 79235 | 7/1951 |
| Minneapolis & St. Louis | 851, 951 | 79346, 79347 | 8/1951, 9/1951 |
| Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste Marie (Soo Line) | 350, 351 | 80853, 80854 | 12/1954 |
| Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste Marie (Soo Line) | 352, 353 | 80978, 80979 | 12/1954 |
| New York Central | 8100 | 75825 | 2/1948 |
| New York Central | 8101-8105 | 75680-75684 | 1/1948 - 2/1948 |
| New York Central | 8106-8108 | 75826-75828 | 2/1948 - 3/1948 |
| New York Central | 8109-8111 | 77986-77988 | 4/1950 |
| New York Central | 8112, 8113 | 78090, 78091 | 5/1950 |
| New Haven | 0660-0669 | 75829-75838 | 3/1948 - 4/1948 |
| New Haven | 0670, 0671 | 76212, 76213 | 11/1948 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 230 | 71437 | 11/1944 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 231, 233 (2nd) | 70812, 70813 | 4/1943 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 232-236 (Evens) | 73098-73100 | 1/1945 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 238, 240 | 73568, 73569 | 4/1945 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 242, 244 | 73754, 73755 | 5/1945 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 246-252 (Evens) | 75555-75558 | 9/1947 - 10/1947 |
| New York, Susquehanna & Western | 254, 256 | 79584, 79585 | 6/1953 |
| Northern Pacific | 155 | 73761 | 6/1945 |
| Northern Pacific | 156 | 74316 | 10/1945 |
| Northern Pacific | 157, 158 | 73765, 73766 | 8/1945 |
| Oregon Electric Railway | 52-54 | 73570-73572 | 4/1945 - 5/1945 |
| Oregon Electric Railway | 55 | 73756 | 6/1945 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5619, 5620 | 78106, 78107 | 6/1950 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5621-5624 | 78110-78113 | 6/1950 - 7/1950 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5625-5628 | 78100-78103 | 6/1950 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5629 | 78114 | 8/1950 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5630, 5631 | 78116, 78117 | 8/1950 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5632-5636 | 78159-78163 | 8/1950 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5637, 5638 | 78104, 78105 | 6/1950 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5639, 5640 | 78108, 78109 | 6/1950 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 5906 | 76214 | 12/1948 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 8485, 8486 | 79582, 79583 | 5/1952 |
| Pennsylvania Railroad | 8857, 8858 | 78377, 79046 | 4/1951 |
| Rutland Railway | 400, 401 | 79349, 79350 | 10/1951 |
| Rutland Railway | 402-405 | 79572-79575 | 10/1951 - 11/1951 |
| Spokane International | 200-205 | 77166-77171 | 9/1949 - 10/1949 |
| Spokane International | 206-208 | 77839-77841 | 12/1949 |
| Spokane International | 209-211 | 79586-79588 | 7/1953 - 8/1953 |
| Spokane, Portland & Seattle | 50, 51 | 73757, 73762 | 6/1945, 7/1945 |
| Tennessee Coal & Iron | 602, 603 | 75203, 75204 | 10/1946 |
| Tennessee Coal & Iron | 604 | 75484 | 9/1947 |
| U.S. Navy | 6 | 72817 | 9/1944 |
| Washington Terminal | 40 | 71318 | 3/1944 |
| Washington Terminal | 41-43 | 72813-72815 | 6/1944 - 7/1944 |
| Washington Terminal | 44, 45 | 73763, 73764 | 7/1945, 8/1945 |
| Washington Terminal | 46, 47 | 74314, 74315 | 9/1945 |
| Washington Terminal | 48, 49 | 74319, 74320 | 10/1945 |
| Washington Terminal | 50-54 | 75560-75564 | 11/1947 - 12/1947 |
| Washington Terminal | 55 | 75679 | 12/1947 |
| Washington Terminal | 56-59 | 76215-76218 | 12/1948 |
| Washington Terminal | 60-62 | 77472-77474 | 3/1950 |
| Washington Terminal | 63, 64 | 79048, 79049 | 5/1951 |
| Wisconsin Central (Soo Line) | 2360, 2361 | 77853, 77854 | 2/1950, 3/1950 |
| Wisconsin Central (Soo Line) | 2362 | 78242 | 8/1950 |
| Wisconsin Central (Soo Line) | 2363, 2364 | 79054, 79055 | 8/1951 |
| Wisconsin Central (Soo Line) | 2365-2367 | 79231-79233 | 9/1951 |
| Wisconsin Central (Soo Line) | 2368 | 79581 | 3/1952 |
Export
Total Built = 116
| Owner | Road Number(s) | Construction Number(s) | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arabian-American Oil Company (Saudi Arabia) | A11x50, A11x51 | 75222, 75488 | 2/1947, 9/1947 |
| Arabian-American Oil Company (Saudi Arabia) | 1002 | 76623 | 1/1949 |
| Arabian-American Oil Company (Saudi Arabia) | 1003, 1004 | 77071, 77072 | 3/1950 |
| Arabian-American Oil Company (Saudi Arabia) | 1005 | 79348 | 10/1951 |
| Central Railway of Brazil | 3100-3119 | 71413-71432 | 4/1945 - 10/1945 |
| Central Railway of Brazil | 3120-3133 | 73703-73716 | 10/1945 - 1/1946 |
| Central Railway of Brazil | 3134, 3135 | 75924, 75925 | 7/1948 |
| Central Railway of Brazil | 3136, 3137 | 75930, 75931 | 8/1948, 9/1948 |
| São Paulo Railway (Brazil) | 504-507 | 75926-75929 | 8/1948 |
| São Paulo Railway (Brazil) | 508, 509 | 75932, 75933 | 9/1948 |
| Estrada de Ferro Santos-Jundiaí (Brazil) | 510, 511 | 81346, 82018 | 4/1956, 12/1956 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5606, 5607 | 77847, 77073 | 2/1950, 3/1950 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5608, 5609 | 77989, 77990 | 4/1950 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5610-5618 | 78033-78041 | 4/1950 - 5/1950 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5619 (1st) | 78042 | 5/1950 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5620, 5621 (1st) | 78088, 78089 | 5/1950 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5619-5621 (2nd) [MLW] | 76430-76432 | 4/1954 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5622-5624 (1st) | 78092-78094 | 5/1950 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5622-5624 (2nd) | 81347-81349 | 10/1956 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5625-5631 | 82011-82017 | 10/1956 - 11/1956 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5632-5638 | 82019-82025 | 12/1956 - 1/1957 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5639-5643 | 82343-82347 | 1/1957 - 2/1957 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5644-5650 | 82348-82354 | 7/1957 - 8/1957 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5651 | 82357 | 5/1958 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5652-5656 | 82923-82927 | 12/1958 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5657-5662 | 83619-83624 | 12/1959 - 1/1960 |
| Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (Mexico) | 5663 (Final RS1 built) | 83680 | 3/1960 |
Kansas City Southern RS1 #1113 carries out switching work in Kansas City, circa 1967. American-Rails.com collection.Despite only modest sales numbers the RS1 could be found on railroads across the country from the Pennsylvania and New York Central to the Milwaukee Road and Northern Pacific.
While most RS1s were used in light branch line work some were also utilized in other applications, such as switching passenger cars at passenger terminals.
The later RS2 and RS3 sold thousands to several railroads and private industries, offering just the right blend of size and power. Unfortunately, later models could not replicate the same success and throughout the 1950s Alco lost ground to EMD.
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.
- Rail Heritage Publications. Early Diesel-Electric and Electric Locomotives. Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation, 1983.
- Schafer, Mike. Vintage Diesel Locomotives. Osceola: MBI Publishing, 1998.
- Solomon, Brian. Alco Locomotives. Minneapolis: Voyageur Press, 2009.
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Michigan Dinner Train Rides At Owosso!
Feb 02, 26 09:35 AM
The Steam Railroading Institute is best known as the home of Pere Marquette #1225 and even occasionally hosts a dinner train! -
Virginia ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 01:08 PM
Among the state's railroad attractions, murder mystery dinner trains stand out as a captivating fusion of theatrical entertainment, fine dining, and scenic travel. -
Maryland ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 12:29 PM
Maryland is known for its scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the most thrilling murder mystery dinner trains? -
North Carolina St. Patrick's Day Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 12:21 PM
If you’re looking for a single, standout experience to plan around, NCTM's St. Patrick’s Day Train is built for it: a lively, evening dinner-train-style ride that pairs Irish-inspired food and drink w… -
Connecticut St. Patrick's Day Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 12:19 PM
Among RMNE’s lineup of themed trains, the Leprechaun Express has become a signature “grown-ups night out” built around Irish cheer, onboard tastings, and a destination stop that turns the excursion in… -
Alabama's Valentine's Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 12:17 PM
The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum (HoDRM) is the kind of place where history isn’t parked behind ropes—it moves. This includes Valentine's Day weekend, where the museum hosts a wine pairing special. -
Florida's Valentine's Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 11:25 AM
For couples looking for something different this Valentine’s Day, the museum’s signature romantic event is back: the Valentine Limited, returning February 14, 2026—a festive evening built around a tra… -
Connecticut's Valentine's Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 11:03 AM
Operated by the Valley Railroad Company, the attraction has been welcoming visitors to the lower Connecticut River Valley for decades, preserving the feel of classic rail travel while packaging it int… -
Virginia's Valentine's Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 11:00 AM
If you’ve ever wanted to slow life down to the rhythm of jointed rail—coffee in hand, wide windows framing pastureland, forests, and mountain ridges—the Virginia Scenic Railway (VSR) is built for exac… -
Maryland's Valentine's Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 10:54 AM
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) delivers one of the East’s most “complete” heritage-rail experiences: and also offer their popular dinner train during the Valentine's Day weekend. -
Massachusetts ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 10:27 AM
This article dives into some of the alluring aspects of wine by rail in Massachusetts, currently offered by the Cape Cod Central Railroad. -
Kentucky Dinner Train Rides At Bardstown
Jan 31, 26 02:29 PM
The essence of My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is part restaurant, part scenic excursion, and part living piece of Kentucky rail history. -
Arizona Dinner Train Rides From Williams!
Jan 31, 26 01:29 PM
While the Grand Canyon Railway does not offer a true, onboard dinner train experience it does offer several upscale options and off-train dining. -
Washington "Valentine's" Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 12:02 PM
Whether you’re a dedicated railfan chasing preserved equipment or a couple looking for a memorable night out, CCR&M offers a “small railroad, big experience” vibe—one that shines brightest on its spec… -
Georgia "Valentine's" Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:55 AM
If you’ve ridden the SAM Shortline, it’s easy to think of it purely as a modern-day pleasure train—vintage cars, wide South Georgia skies, and a relaxed pace that feels worlds away from interstates an… -
Maryland ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:49 AM
This article delves into the enchanting world of wine tasting train experiences in Maryland, providing a detailed exploration of their offerings, history, and allure. -
Colorado ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:40 AM
To truly savor these local flavors while soaking in the scenic beauty of Colorado, the concept of wine tasting trains has emerged, offering both locals and tourists a luxurious and immersive indulgenc… -
Iowa's ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:34 AM
The state not only boasts a burgeoning wine industry but also offers unique experiences such as wine by rail aboard the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. -
Minnesota ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:24 AM
Murder mystery dinner trains offer an enticing blend of suspense, culinary delight, and perpetual motion, where passengers become both detectives and dining companions on an unforgettable journey. -
Georgia ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:23 AM
In the heart of the Peach State, a unique form of entertainment combines the thrill of a murder mystery with the charm of a historic train ride. -
Colorado's ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:15 AM
Nestled among the breathtaking vistas and rugged terrains of Colorado lies a unique fusion of theater, gastronomy, and travel—a murder mystery dinner train ride. -
Colorado "Valentine's" Train Rides
Jan 30, 26 11:02 AM
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is the kind of trip that feels tailor-made for railfans and casual travelers alike, including during Valentine's weekend. -
Massachusetts "Valentine's" Train Rides
Jan 30, 26 10:37 AM
The Cape Cod Central Railroad (CCCR) blends classic New England scenery with heritage equipment, narrated sightseeing, and some of the region’s best-known “rails-and-meals” experiences. -
California "Valentine's" Train Rides
Jan 30, 26 10:34 AM
Operating out of West Sacramento, this excursion railroad has built a calendar that blends scenery with experiences—wine pours, themed parties, dinner-and-entertainment outings, and seasonal specials… -
Kansas Dinner Train Rides In Abilene
Jan 30, 26 10:27 AM
If you’re looking for a heritage railroad that feels authentically Kansas—equal parts prairie scenery, small-town history, and hands-on railroading—the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad delivers. -
Georgia's Dinner Train Rides In Nashville!
Jan 30, 26 10:23 AM
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… -
Georgia "Wine Tasting" Train Rides In Cordele
Jan 30, 26 10:20 AM
While the railroad offers a range of themed trips throughout the year, one of its most crowd-pleasing special events is the Wine & Cheese Train—a short, scenic round trip designed to feel like… -
Arizona ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 30, 26 10:18 AM
For those who want to experience the charm of Arizona's wine scene while embracing the romance of rail travel, wine tasting train rides offer a memorable journey through the state's picturesque landsc… -
Arkansas ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 30, 26 10:17 AM
This article takes you through the experience of wine tasting train rides in Arkansas, highlighting their offerings, routes, and the delightful blend of history, scenery, and flavor that makes them so… -
Wisconsin ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 29, 26 11:26 PM
Wisconsin might not be the first state that comes to mind when one thinks of wine, but this scenic region is increasingly gaining recognition for its unique offerings in viticulture. -
Illinois Dinner Train Rides At Monticello
Jan 29, 26 02:21 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… -
Vermont "Dinner Train" Rides In Burlington!
Jan 29, 26 01:00 PM
There is one location in Vermont hosting a dedicated dinner train experience at the Green Mountain Railroad. -
California ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 29, 26 12:50 PM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Alabama ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 29, 26 12:46 PM
While the state might not be the first to come to mind when one thinks of wine or train travel, the unique concept of wine tasting trains adds a refreshing twist to the Alabama tourism scene. -
Washington's "Wine Tasting" Train Rides
Jan 29, 26 12:39 PM
Here’s a detailed look at where and how to ride, what to expect, and practical tips to make the most of wine tasting by rail in Washington. -
Kentucky ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 29, 26 11:12 AM
Kentucky, often celebrated for its rolling pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon legacy, has been cultivating another gem in its storied landscapes; enjoying wine by rail. -
Duffy's Cut: A Forgotten Railroad Tragedy
Jan 29, 26 11:05 AM
Duffy's Cut is an unfortunate incident which occurred during the early railroad industry when 57 Irish immigrants died of cholera during the second cholera pandemic. -
Wisconsin Passenger Rail
Jan 28, 26 11:47 PM
This article delves deep into the passenger and commuter train services available throughout Wisconsin, exploring their history, current state, and future potential. -
Connecticut Passenger Rail
Jan 28, 26 11:30 PM
Connecticut's passenger and commuter train network offers an array of options for both local residents and visitors alike. Learn more about these services here. -
South Dakota ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 28, 26 12:29 PM
While the state currently does not offer any murder mystery dinner train rides, the popular 1880 Train at the Black Hills Central recently hosted these popular trips! -
Wisconsin ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 28, 26 12:23 PM
Whether you're a fan of mystery novels or simply relish a night of theatrical entertainment, Wisconsin's murder mystery dinner trains promise an unforgettable adventure. -
Florida ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 28, 26 11:18 AM
Wine by train not only showcases the beauty of Florida's lesser-known regions but also celebrate the growing importance of local wineries and vineyards.
