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ALCO S-2

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description ALCO S-2 Overview

The ALCO S-2 is a diesel-electric switcher locomotive built by the American Locomotive Company and its Canadian licensee, Montreal Locomotive Works, beginning in 1940. Unlike the 660-horsepower S-1, the S-2 used a turbocharged six-cylinder ALCO 539T diesel engine rated at 1,000 horsepower and was fitted with Blunt trucks. Its end-cab layout and low-speed tractive design suited railroad yards and industrial switching, making it a representative North American diesel switcher of the 1940s and 1950s.

help ALCO S-2 FAQ

Was the ALCO S-2 a 660-horsepower locomotive?

The ALCO S-2 is generally identified as a 1,000-horsepower switcher, while the similar S-1 was the 660-horsepower model. This distinction matters when identifying an S-series locomotive from its builder plate or engine details.

When was the ALCO S-2 built?

ALCO produced the S-2 from 1940 through 1950. It used a turbocharged six-cylinder ALCO 539 diesel engine and was one of the company's principal small switchers.

How can I distinguish an ALCO S-2 from an S-4?

The S-2 used ALCO Blunt trucks, while the closely related S-4 used AAR Type A switcher trucks. Both were 1,000-horsepower models, so the truck design is a useful visual clue.

What was the ALCO S-2 used for?

It was built for switching duties in railroad yards, industrial plants, and terminals rather than sustained high-speed mainline service. Its B-B wheel arrangement gives it four powered axles for moving freight cars at low speed.

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