Road switchers...what does it mean?

[Jacktal]

I often see locos being classified as "road switchers".However when I look at them,I often find that they are what I think full sized locos much capable to pull regular freights.Is it that they can do both fairly well(switching and mainline) or is it that they are regular locos geared slower for switching purposes?I find the term confusing.

[dehusman]

They are locomotives that are designed that they can do both switching and road work. The primary inovation is the "hood' design. The term was coined back when a "road' engine was an F unit. The first road switcher was the Alco RS1. It was literally a Alco 1000 hp switcher mechanism on a longer frame to accomodate road trucks (which are capable of higher speeds than switcher trucks). It was literally a road switch engine.

Now that virtually all freight engines are built as hood units the designation is not as specific.

Dave H.

[DSchmitt]

As Dave said the first road switcher, the RS1 was a switcher redesigned so that was suited for use as a road locomotive. Electro Motive went the other way. They based their road switcher design, the GP, on a road locomotive, the F modified so it was also suitable for switching duties.

The RS1 and others based on switchers are often called "light road switchers"

[Anonymous]

Good info. ditto & ditto