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{{Short description|Model of diesel-electric locomotive}}{{more footnotes|date=June 2017}}
{{Short description|Model of diesel-electric locomotive}}
{{more footnotes needed|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox Locomotive
{{Infobox locomotive
| name=ALCO RS-3
| name=ALCO RS-3
| powertype=[[Diesel-electric]]
| powertype=[[Diesel-electric]]
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| height={{convert|14|ft|5+1/8|in|2|abbr=on}}
| height={{convert|14|ft|5+1/8|in|2|abbr=on}}
| locoweight={{convert|247,100|lb|abbr=on}}
| locoweight={{convert|247,100|lb|abbr=on}}
| primemover=ALCO 244-D
| primemover=[[American Locomotive Company|Alco]] [[ALCO 244|244-C]]
| enginetype=[[V12 engine|V12]] [[Four stroke diesel engine|Four stroke diesel]]
| enginetype=[[V12 engine|V12]] [[Four stroke diesel engine|Four stroke diesel]]
| aspiration=[[Turbocharger]]
| aspiration=[[Turbocharger]]
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}}
}}


The '''ALCO RS-3''' is a {{convert|1,600|hp|MW|abbr=on}}, [[AAR wheel arrangement#B-B|B-B]] [[diesel-electric locomotive]]. It was manufactured by [[American Locomotive Company]] (ALCO) and ALCO's subsidiary [[Montreal Locomotive Works]] (MLW) from May 1950 to August 1956, and 1,418 were produced &mdash; 1,265 for [[United States|American]] railroads, 98 for [[Canada|Canadian]] railroads, 48 for [[Brazil]]ian and 7 for [[Mexico|Mexican]] railroads. It has a single, 12 cylinder, model 244 engine. The RS-3 was the successor to the [[ALCO RS-2|RS-2]].<ref>{{cite book|author =Pinkepank, Jerry A.|title=The Second Diesel Spotter's Guide|publisher=Kalmbach Publishing Co., Milwaukee, WI|year=1973|isbn=0-89024-026-4|pages=243–244}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Foster |first1=Gerald L. |title=A field guide to trains of North America |date=1996 |publisher=Houghton Mifflin |location=Boston |isbn=0-395-70112-0 |page=20}}</ref>
The '''ALCO RS-3''' is a {{convert|1,600|hp|MW|abbr=on}}, [[AAR wheel arrangement#B-B|B-B]] [[diesel-electric locomotive]] manufactured from May 1950 to August 1956 by [[American Locomotive Company]] (ALCO) and its subsidiary [[Montreal Locomotive Works]] (MLW). A total of 1,418 were produced: 1,265 for [[United States|American]] railroads, 98 for [[Canada|Canadian]] railroads, 48 for [[Brazil]]ian railroads, and seven for [[Mexico|Mexican]] railroads.


The RS-3 greatly resembled the [[ALCO RS-1|RS-1]] and [[ALCO RS-2|RS-2]],<ref>{{cite book |author=Pinkepank, Jerry A. |title=The Second Diesel Spotter's Guide |publisher=Kalmbach Publishing Co., Milwaukee, WI |year=1973 |isbn=0-89024-026-4 |pages=243–244}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Foster |first1=Gerald L. |title=A field guide to trains of North America |date=1996 |publisher=Houghton Mifflin |isbn=0-395-70112-0 |location=Boston |page=20}}</ref> but it had 100 more horsepower thanks to its 12-cylinder, 1,600&nbsp;hp ALCO Model 244 engine. It also had some changes to the fuel system and body shape.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Schafer |first=Mike |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/38738930 |title=Vintage diesel locomotives |date=1998 |publisher=Motorbooks International |isbn=0-7603-0507-2 |location=Osceola, WI |pages=52 |oclc=38738930}}</ref>
Much like its predecessor, the RS-1, RS-3s served for many years and some are still in active use in 2021 despite their advanced age (over 70 years for the oldest examples). A number were rebuilt into [[ALCO RS-3m|RS-3ms]] due to the unreliability of their ALCO 244 prime movers.


Much like the RS-1, many RS-3s served for decades; some are still in use as of 2022.
== Design ==
The RS-3 was an evolution of ALCO's preceding RS-2 and RS-1 designs, which are both very similar to the RS-3 in appearance. Compared to the previous RS-2, the RS-3 differed by increasing power output from 1,500 hp to 1,600 hp, and in some changes to the fuel system and body shape. In most aspects, both models were identical, using the same ALCO 244 prime mover and hood unit design.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Schafer|first=Mike|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/38738930|title=Vintage diesel locomotives|date=1998|publisher=Motorbooks International|isbn=0-7603-0507-2|location=Osceola, WI|pages=52|oclc=38738930}}</ref>


== Variants ==
== Variants ==
[[ALCO RSC-3|RSC-3]] - An RS-3 that used two 3-axle trucks instead of the standard 2-axle trucks. The number of powered axles (4) remained unchanged - the middle axle on each truck was unpowered. This variant was designed for service on light track, as the extra axles better spread the weight of the locomotive.<ref name=":0" />
[[ALCO RSC-3|RSC-3]]: an RS-3 that used 3-axle trucks instead of 2-axle trucks. The middle axle on each truck was unpowered. This variant was designed for service on light track, as the extra axles better spread the weight of the locomotive.<ref name=":0" />

[[ALCO RS-3m|RS-3m]]: an RS-3s whose engines was replaced with the more reliable EMD 567B engine.


==Competition==
==Competition==
ALCO built the RS-3 to compete with [[Electro-Motive Diesel|EMD]], [[Fairbanks-Morse]], and [[Baldwin Locomotive Works]]—and in particular with EMD's [[EMD GP7|GP7]], introduced in 1949.
⚫
ALCO built the RS-3 to compete with [[Electro-Motive Diesel|EMD]], [[Fairbanks-Morse]], and [[Baldwin Locomotive Works]]. In 1949, EMD introduced the [[EMD GP7]]. In 1950, Fairbanks-Morse introduced the {{convert|1,600|hp|MW|abbr=on|lk=in}} [[FM H-16-44|H-16-44]]. Also in 1950, Baldwin introduced the {{convert|1,600|hp|MW|abbr=on}} [[Baldwin AS-16]]. In the case of ALCO, Fairbanks-Morse, and Baldwin, each company increased the power of an existing locomotive line from {{convert|1500|to|1600|hp|MW|abbr=on}}, and added more improvements to create new locomotive lines. All of this was to be more competitive with EMD. ALCO's {{convert|1,500|hp|MW|abbr=on}} line was the [[ALCO RS-2|RS-2]], although 31 were built in 1950 with {{convert|1,600|hp|MW|abbr=on}}. Fairbanks-Morse's {{convert|1,500|hp|MW|abbr=on}} line was the [[FM H-15-44|H-15-44]]. Baldwin's {{convert|1,500|hp|MW|abbr=on}} line was the [[Baldwin DRS-4-4-1500]]. EMD, however, kept its competing [[EMD GP7|GP7]] at {{convert|1,500|hp|MW|abbr=on}}. But in 1954, EMD introduced the [[EMD GP9|GP9]]. It was rated at {{convert|1,750|hp|MW|abbr=on}}.


⚫
The arrival of the 1,500-hp GP7 led ALCO, Fairbanks-Morse, and Baldwin to increased the power of an existing locomotive line from {{convert|1500|to|1600|hp|MW|abbr=on}} and add more improvements to create new locomotive lines. In 1950, Fairbanks-Morse introduced the {{convert|1,600|hp|MW|abbr=on|lk=in}} [[FM H-16-44|H-16-44]], while Baldwin introduced the {{convert|1,600|hp|MW|abbr=on}} [[Baldwin AS-16]]. ALCO's {{convert|1,500|hp|MW|abbr=on}} line was the [[ALCO RS-2|RS-2]], although 31 were built in 1950 with {{convert|1,600|hp|MW|abbr=on}}. Fairbanks-Morse's {{convert|1,500|hp|MW|abbr=on}} line was the [[FM H-15-44|H-15-44]]. Baldwin's {{convert|1,500|hp|MW|abbr=on}} line was the [[Baldwin DRS-4-4-1500]]. EMD kept its [[EMD GP7|GP7]] at {{convert|1,500|hp|MW|abbr=on}} until 1954, when it introduced the [[EMD GP9|GP9]], rated at {{convert|1,750|hp|MW|abbr=on}}.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}
⚫
In the end, EMD won the road switcher production race. EMD produced 2,729 GP7s. ALCO produced 377 RS-2s, and 1,418 RS-3s. Fairbanks-Morse produced 30 H-15-44s, and 296 H-16-44s. Baldwin produced 32 DRS-4-4-15s, and 127 AS-16s.

⚫
In the end, EMD won the road switcher production race. EMD produced 2,729 GP7s. ALCO produced 377 RS-2s, and 1,418 RS-3s. Fairbanks-Morse produced 30 H-15-44s, and 296 H-16-44s. Baldwin produced 32 DRS-4-4-15s, and 127 AS-16s.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}


== Exports ==
== Exports ==


===Brazil===
===Brazil===
In 1952 the [[Brazil]]ian railway the [[Estrada de Ferro Central do Brasil]] purchased forty six new RS-3s from the [[Montreal Locomotive Works]]. Some are still active as work train engines for [[CPTM]], [[Supervia]], and [[Brazilian Company of Urban Trains|CBTU – BH]] respectively São Paulo's, Rio de Janeiro's and Belo Horizonte's commuter railways. In Brazil these units were nicknamed Canadians or Hot Tails. Currently, these locomotives are being used in the [[Expresso Turístico]] service offered by [[CPTM]].
In 1952, the [[Brazil]]ian railway the [[Estrada de Ferro Central do Brasil]] purchased forty six new RS-3s from the [[Montreal Locomotive Works]]. Some are still active as work train engines for [[CPTM]], [[Supervia]], and [[Brazilian Company of Urban Trains|CBTU – BH]] respectively São Paulo's, Rio de Janeiro's and Belo Horizonte's commuter railways. In Brazil these units were nicknamed Canadians or Hot Tails.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}


===Spain===
===Spain===
In 1964 the [[Spain|Spanish]] railway the [[Ferrocarril de Langreo]] purchased four RS-3s from the [[Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis]]. A fifth unit, number 1604, was purchased in 1971 from the [[Burlington Northern Railroad]] (BN), a piece of surplus [[Great Northern Railway (U.S.)|Great Northern Railway]] stock from the 1970 merger that formed BN. The locomotives served until 1984, when the line was [[Gauge conversion|converted]] to {{RailGauge|1000mm|allk=on}}.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://alcoworld.railfan.net/langreo.htm| title=Ferrocarril de Langreo en Asturias| work=AlcoWorld| date=2000-05-14| access-date=2007-09-13}}</ref>
In 1964, the [[Spain|Spanish]] railway the [[Ferrocarril de Langreo]] purchased four RS-3s from the [[Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis]]. A fifth unit, number 1604, was purchased in 1971 from the [[Burlington Northern Railroad]] (BN), a piece of surplus [[Great Northern Railway (U.S.)|Great Northern Railway]] stock from the 1970 merger that formed BN. The locomotives served until 1984, when the line was [[Gauge conversion|converted]] to {{RailGauge|1000mm|allk=on}}.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://alcoworld.railfan.net/langreo.htm| title=Ferrocarril de Langreo en Asturias| work=AlcoWorld| date=2000-05-14| access-date=2007-09-13}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[RS3m|RS-3m]], a rebuild of the RS-3
* [[List of ALCO diesel locomotives]]
* [[List of ALCO diesel locomotives]]
* [[List of MLW diesel locomotives]]
* [[List of MLW diesel locomotives]]

⚫
==References==
{{Commons category|ALCO RS-3 locomotives}}
{{Commons category|ALCO RS-3 locomotives}}
⚫
{{reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
* {{Dorin-North Western|page=140}}
* {{Dorin-North Western|page=140}}
* {{cite book|author =Solomon, Brian|year=2000|title=The American diesel locomotive|publisher=MCI Publishing Company|isbn=0-7603-0666-4}}
* {{cite book|author =Solomon, Brian|year=2000|title=The American diesel locomotive|publisher=MCI Publishing Company|isbn=0-7603-0666-4}}
* {{cite book|author1=Coelho, Eduardo J. J. |author2=Setti, João B.|year=1993|title=A era diesel na EFCB|publisher=Associação dos Engenheiros Ferroviários}}
* {{cite book|author1=Coelho, Eduardo J. J. |author2=Setti, João B.|year=1993|title=A era diesel na EFCB|publisher=Associação dos Engenheiros Ferroviários}}

⚫
==References==
⚫
{{reflist}}


{{ALCO diesels}}
{{ALCO diesels}}
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[[Category:Freight locomotives]]
[[Category:Freight locomotives]]
[[Category:Standard gauge locomotives of the United States]]
[[Category:Standard gauge locomotives of the United States]]
[[Category:Diesel-electric locomotives of Brazil]]
[[Category:Diesel–electric locomotives of Brazil]]
[[Category:Standard gauge locomotives of Spain]]
[[Category:Standard gauge locomotives of Spain]]
[[Category:5 ft 3 in gauge locomotives]]
[[Category:Broad gauge locomotives in Brazil]]
[[Category:Standard gauge locomotives of Canada]]
[[Category:Standard gauge locomotives of Canada]]
[[Category:Diesel-electric locomotives of Canada]]
[[Category:Diesel–electric locomotives of Canada]]
[[Category:Diesel-electric locomotives of Spain]]
[[Category:Diesel–electric locomotives of Spain]]
[[Category:Diesel-electric locomotives of the United States]]
[[Category:Diesel–electric locomotives of the United States]]
[[Category:Shunting locomotives]]

Latest revision as of 17:39, 29 November 2024

ALCO RS-3
A former Central Railroad of New Jersey ALCO RS-3 at Steamtown National Historic Site
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderAmerican Locomotive Company
Montreal Locomotive Works
ModelRS-3
Build dateMay 1950 – August 1956
Total produced1,418
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARB-B
Gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm);
5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm) for Brazil
TrucksAAR type B
Wheel diameter40 in (1,016 mm)
Minimum curve21°
Wheelbase39 ft 4 in (11.99 m)
Length56 ft 6 in (17.22 m)
Width10 ft 1+5⁄8 in (3.09 m)
Height14 ft 5+1⁄8 in (4.40 m)
Loco weight247,100 lb (112,100 kg)
Prime moverAlco 244-C
Engine typeV12 Four stroke diesel
AspirationTurbocharger
GeneratorGE GT-581
Traction motors(4) GE 752
Cylinders12
Cylinder size9 in × 10+1⁄2 in (229 mm × 267 mm)
Performance figures
Maximum speed65–85 mph (105–137 km/h)
Power output1,600 hp (1.2 MW)
Tractive effort61,775 lb (28,021 kg)
Career
LocaleNorth America; Spain (purchased from US railroads); Brazil (MLW);

The ALCO RS-3 is a 1,600 hp (1.2 MW), B-B diesel-electric locomotive manufactured from May 1950 to August 1956 by American Locomotive Company (ALCO) and its subsidiary Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW). A total of 1,418 were produced: 1,265 for American railroads, 98 for Canadian railroads, 48 for Brazilian railroads, and seven for Mexican railroads.

The RS-3 greatly resembled the RS-1 and RS-2,[1][2] but it had 100 more horsepower thanks to its 12-cylinder, 1,600 hp ALCO Model 244 engine. It also had some changes to the fuel system and body shape.[3]

Much like the RS-1, many RS-3s served for decades; some are still in use as of 2022.

Variants

[edit]

RSC-3: an RS-3 that used 3-axle trucks instead of 2-axle trucks. The middle axle on each truck was unpowered. This variant was designed for service on light track, as the extra axles better spread the weight of the locomotive.[3]

RS-3m: an RS-3s whose engines was replaced with the more reliable EMD 567B engine.

Competition

[edit]

ALCO built the RS-3 to compete with EMD, Fairbanks-Morse, and Baldwin Locomotive Works—and in particular with EMD's GP7, introduced in 1949.

The arrival of the 1,500-hp GP7 led ALCO, Fairbanks-Morse, and Baldwin to increased the power of an existing locomotive line from 1,500 to 1,600 hp (1.1 to 1.2 MW) and add more improvements to create new locomotive lines. In 1950, Fairbanks-Morse introduced the 1,600 hp (1.2 MW) H-16-44, while Baldwin introduced the 1,600 hp (1.2 MW) Baldwin AS-16. ALCO's 1,500 hp (1.1 MW) line was the RS-2, although 31 were built in 1950 with 1,600 hp (1.2 MW). Fairbanks-Morse's 1,500 hp (1.1 MW) line was the H-15-44. Baldwin's 1,500 hp (1.1 MW) line was the Baldwin DRS-4-4-1500. EMD kept its GP7 at 1,500 hp (1.1 MW) until 1954, when it introduced the GP9, rated at 1,750 hp (1.30 MW).[citation needed]

In the end, EMD won the road switcher production race. EMD produced 2,729 GP7s. ALCO produced 377 RS-2s, and 1,418 RS-3s. Fairbanks-Morse produced 30 H-15-44s, and 296 H-16-44s. Baldwin produced 32 DRS-4-4-15s, and 127 AS-16s.[citation needed]

Exports

[edit]

Brazil

[edit]

In 1952, the Brazilian railway the Estrada de Ferro Central do Brasil purchased forty six new RS-3s from the Montreal Locomotive Works. Some are still active as work train engines for CPTM, Supervia, and CBTU – BH respectively São Paulo's, Rio de Janeiro's and Belo Horizonte's commuter railways. In Brazil these units were nicknamed Canadians or Hot Tails.[citation needed]

Spain

[edit]

In 1964, the Spanish railway the Ferrocarril de Langreo purchased four RS-3s from the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis. A fifth unit, number 1604, was purchased in 1971 from the Burlington Northern Railroad (BN), a piece of surplus Great Northern Railway stock from the 1970 merger that formed BN. The locomotives served until 1984, when the line was converted to 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) metre gauge.[4]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to ALCO RS-3 locomotives.
  1. ^ Pinkepank, Jerry A. (1973). The Second Diesel Spotter's Guide. Kalmbach Publishing Co., Milwaukee, WI. pp. 243–244. ISBN 0-89024-026-4.
  2. ^ Foster, Gerald L. (1996). A field guide to trains of North America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. p. 20. ISBN 0-395-70112-0.
  3. ^ a b Schafer, Mike (1998). Vintage diesel locomotives. Osceola, WI: Motorbooks International. p. 52. ISBN 0-7603-0507-2. OCLC 38738930.
  4. ^ "Ferrocarril de Langreo en Asturias". AlcoWorld. 2000-05-14. Retrieved 2007-09-13.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Dorin, Patrick C. (1972). Chicago and North Western Power. Burbank, California: Superior Publishing. p. 140. ISBN 0-87564-715-4.
  • Solomon, Brian (2000). The American diesel locomotive. MCI Publishing Company. ISBN 0-7603-0666-4.
  • Coelho, Eduardo J. J.; Setti, João B. (1993). A era diesel na EFCB. Associação dos Engenheiros Ferroviários.
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