- In March of 1941, the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) introduces a new 1000-horsepower RS1 -- deemed by many to be "the first true roadswitcher". The model is built at the
urgings of the Rock Island RR; initial units carry CRI&P numbers 748 and
749. During a production run that lasts 19 years, more than 350 of the B-B trucked locomotives are constructed. Grand Trunk Western 1950 and 1951 are the last RS-1s to leave the Schnectady, NY plant.
- Nearly two years ahead of Electro-Motive Division (EMD), Fairbanks Morse (FM) enters the
roadswitcher locomotive market in March of 1947 by offerring a 1500-horsepower freight hauler. The Beloit-built units features an eight-cylinder opposed-piston powerplant and ride atop
a set of B-B trucks. Two new H15-44s are delivered later that year as Monon 45 and 46. Production of the H15-44 lasts a short two years, with only 35 of the model constructed.
Central of Georgia, Central of New Jersey, Denver Rio Grande & Western, Kansas City
Southern, Long Island, Rock Island and Union Pacific are early purchasers of the new model.
- At Baldwin's Eddystone, PA plant, the first two production units of a new DT66-2000 (2000 horsepower) locomotive model are ready for shipment to owner Elgin Joliet &
Eastern. The big center-cab transfer locomotives carry EJ&E numbers 101
and 102 and are part of an order for 25 six-axle freighters. Two 1000
horsepower 606SC (super-charged) engines power these elongated
center-cabs.
- Lake Superior & Ishpeming, an all ALCo diese-powered railroad, opts for two new General Electric roadswitchers after long-time Schnectady builder American Locomotive Company declines a LS&I request in 1967 to construct a pair of Century 624 locomotives. Riding on six-wheel trucks and wearing a new reddish-brown LS&I livery, the two 2300 horsepower GEs are shipped late in March of 1968.
- It is March, 1952, and Electro-Motive Division (EMD) dispatches two new 567B-powered "Special Duty" roadswitchers on a seven-month tour of American railroads. The two La Grange, IL products sport a fancy EMD red/yellow demonstrator paint scheme and produce 1500 horsepower. A total of 188 SD7s are built during 1952 and 1953. Demonstrator 990 is sold to the
Southern Pacific as 5308.
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