Diesel Roadswitchers for Transition-Era Railroads
The RS-2 was Alco's first roadswitcher to incorporate its new 244-Series
prime mover. The 1,500-horsepower units were designed for versatility -
they were equally at home working road freights or switch runs. If equipped
with a steam generator, they were adept at working commuter and secondary
passenger runs. Production began in 1946 with just over 350 units
constructed for U.S. and Canadian roads before the unit was succeeded by
the 1,600-horsepower RS-3 in 1950 (although a few late RS-2s were rated at
1,600 horsepower).
RS-2s have worked for Class I, shortline and industrial lines across the
continent. The engines have been long lived, with one survivor still
holding down daily freight duties in 2007. A few others still see service
at museum and tourist lines.
These detailed locos feature a heavy die cast chassis,factory-installed
9-pin DCC harness, 14:1 gear ratio helical-cut gears for quiet operation
and easy multiple unit operation with PROTO 2000 locos, a five-pole
skew-wound motor, all-wheel drive and electrical pickup, dual machined
brass flywheels, RP-25 contour blackened wheels and Proto MAX(TM) metal knuckle
couplers. Each engine is equipped with constant and directional headlights.
NYC #8214
NYC #8221
PRR #4046
PRR #4048
GBW #302
GBW #304
