Alco Locomotives

Presents a comprehensive history of the American Locomotive Company. This title tells the story from the founding of the Schenectady Locomotive Works in 1848 to the company's merger with smaller locomotive builders in 1901, it's growth, and ultimate demise in the competition for domestic diesel business.

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Once the second-largest steam locomotive builder in the U.S., American Locomotive Company (Alco) produced 75,000 locomotives, among them such famous examples as the 4-6-4 Hudsons and 4-8-4 Niagaras built for the New York Central, and the 4-6-6-4 Challengers and 4-8-8-4 Big Boys built for the Union Pacific. Alco Locomotives is the first book to tell the full story of this company central to American railroad historyand beloved by railfans for its rich heritage and its underdog appeal. Noted rail historian Brian Solomon looks back at the founding of Schenectady Locomotive Works in 1848 and proceeds to cover that companys merger with several smaller locomotive builders in 1901 to form Alco. Solomon describes the locomotives that made Alcos name around the world, from the standard designs like Mikados, Atlantics, and Mallets to the more powerful and flashy postWorld War I models. His detailed, richly illustrated narrative re-creates the drama of a tough, ambitious company in the American traditionrising again and again to the demands of an ever-changing industry and economy. Solomon also covers Alco electrics (built in partnership with GE), as well as the companys successful and quirky diesel offerings, including the RS-2 and RS-3 road switchers, FA/FB road freight units, PA road passenger diesel, and the wares of Canadian affiliate Montreal Locomotive Works. Enlivened by numerous historical photographs, modern images, curious details, and firsthand accounts, this history is a complete, fascinating, and fitting tribute to a true icon of American railroading.