The New Alco Locomotive Co.

[Anonymous]

I had heard a year or better that there was a possibility that the new Alco Locomotive Company was going to try and bring out a new locomotive. I was wondering if any one had heard anything about this?? Thanks.

[BRAKIE]

If that is so,and I read that my self.I just hope the "New ALCOS" is better then the old bell ringers,er,uh,Alcos.

[Anonymous]

A local shortline here in my area had a few RS-11's and I loved those old gals.I spent a lot of time listening to them. They really pulled good. I hope that they can get things going and bring out a good locomotive, and hope that they have the beautiful chant that the 251 prime mover has. Our mrs-1s at our museum sound and smoke like a steamer when the throtling up, but have a completly different sound. But I love starting them up! They are Alcos!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Hello Marvin...I hope like heck that someone put's the kybo***o the Alco's return! That is if history is any indication, and there is the remotest chance that it may repeat itself any-time soon. Riding on and using the Alco's was always a nerve racking experience. One remembers the sounds one heard while running along...who dumped all the pot's and pan's in the back and let them crash around. It used to illicit huge amount's of laughter for us.
I hope that if they do return, at least they will have the foresight to make them 2-Stroke's instead of the old 4-Stroke's, that very rarely made a one way trip without brakeing down. I hope you'll excuse my negativity, but nostalgia and interesting look's certainly are'nt enough for a come-back unless they have seriously altered the dynamic's of design and operation...Hommie

[Anonymous]

Hello Hommie.... I haven,t had a lot of experience with the Alcos, but I have heard a lot of both sides of the stories. I think that the old research and developement divisions did not do their homework very well. I have had the opertunity to be around a few RS-11,s that pulled their weight on a short line very well. I also experienced them pulling much better than the EMD,s, and yes, I do miss them. I also am enjoying learing to work on a couple of them at a museum, (MRS-1's). I have a good mentor, and I love getting dirty and trying to get things working that a few years of neglect have wrought on them. My friend has worked on Alcos before, and he gives me a chance to think and try to figure it out. But back to the original subject, I think the new group will take their time and do it right the first time. I don,t think that in todays market, there will be any chance in you know where to have a chance if they don't!!

[Anonymous]

I understand that the folks that own the ALCO design for the powerplants still build them and they do quite well in marine and industrial applications. There is hope.

[Anonymous]

One can certainly still find 251 series engines operating in Industrial and Marine applications. There are even Fairbanks Morse opposing piston engines(new built)operating in these industries(the U.S nuclear submarine fleet still uses them for Auxilary power). But the "big dogs on the block" in these sectors are Caterpillar and (you guessed it) EMD,who dominate these markets. The biggest problem with new built 251 locomotives would be compliance with the new EPA emissions regulations,which even George W. shows no interest in relaxing. I too have fond Alco memories(RS-3's in Amtrak M.O.W/Switching service on the NEC,Providence & Worcester's M420W's operating well into the 90's)but I'm not holding my breath for new production engines.McDonnell Douglas will be building MD-12's before we see a C660AC or even a switcher(TC20?).