ALCo RS-1

Built by ALCo, MLW

Top speed

105 km/h

65 mph

Power output

746 kW

1,000 hp

Length

16.91 m

55 ft 6 in

Track gauge

1,435 mm

Standard gauge

Years built

1941–1960

469 units

Axle arrangement

Bo'Bo'

Overview of the ALCo RS-1

Discover the versatile RS-1 diesel locomotive, a powerhouse built by ALCo and MLW between 1941 and 1960.

This iconic diesel locomotive, with its robust Bo'Bo' wheel arrangement, has served on railways across the United States, including the Black River & Western, Green Mountain Railroad, and Washington Terminal Company.

Featuring a powerful ALCo 539T S6 prime mover generating 746 kW and a top speed of 105 km/h, the RS-1 is renowned for its reliability and efficiency.

With a length of 16.91 meters and a standard gauge of 1435 mm, the RS-1 remains a significant piece of railway history.

ALCo RS-1 technical specifications

	Value	Imperial / US
Built by	ALCo, MLW · 1941–1960469 units
Top speed	105 km/h65 mph	65 mph
Power output	746 kW1,000 hp	1,000 hp
Tractive effort	180 kN40,466 lbf	40,466 lbf
Prime mover	ALCo 539T S6
Track gauge	1,435 mmStandard gauge4 ft 8½ in	4 ft 8½ in
UIC axle arrangement	Bo'Bo'
Length	16.91 m55 ft 6 in	55 ft 6 in
Width	3.05 m10 ft 0 in	10 ft 0 in
Height	4.39 m14 ft 5 in	14 ft 5 in