description Alco RS-2 Overview
The Alco RS-2 is a four-axle B-B diesel-electric road switcher locomotive manufactured by the American Locomotive Company (Alco) between 1946 and 1950. Rated at 1,500 horsepower using an Alco 244-series prime mover, it served as the direct and more powerful successor to the pioneering RS-1 design. The RS-2 was marketed to a variety of North American railroads for both mainline and branch-line freight services.
help Alco RS-2 FAQ
When was the Alco RS-2 built?
The American Locomotive Company built the RS-2 from 1946 to 1950. It was a four-axle B-B road switcher rated at 1,500 horsepower. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALCO_RS-2)
What engine did the Alco RS-2 use?
The RS-2 used a 12-cylinder Alco 244B prime mover rated at 1,500 horsepower. The engine replaced the RS-1's earlier Alco 539T and gave the RS-2 more power for heavier road service. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALCO_RS-2)
How did the Alco RS-2 compete with the EMD GP7?
Both were 1,500-horsepower postwar road switchers competing for North American railroad orders. The RS-2 used Alco's 244 engine, while the GP7 used EMD's 567B engine and became one of EMD's strongest competitors in the late 1940s. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALCO_RS-2)
How many Alco RS-2 locomotives were produced?
A total of 377 RS-2 locomotives were produced, including nine built by Alco's Canadian subsidiary Montreal Locomotive Works. Production ended in 1950 as Alco moved toward the improved RS-3. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALCO_RS-2)
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