I just received my order for an Alco S-1 switcher to provide hopper service for my cement plant. Any idea of the top speed of the prototype? I would guess that being just a switcher it would only reach about 25 or 30 mph. Am I close on this?
My guess would be that one could coax one up to 40 or 45 on level track and on a long enough downgrade, who knows?, but your estimate sounds pretty good for non-spectacular operation.
traindog1,
Here’s a great web site with pictures and info on yard switchers: Yard Limit
Below is a link to their S1 page that will answer your question: 60 MPH
Tom
We used an S series as a test switcher here at GE , I operated it many times. And it was no speed demon , I guarantee that. But I think it would have done 25-35 on an open track. We used it to shuffle around test units , in our yard. It would creep really nice. As will the model.
By itself with no cars? Probably 60 or 70 before the overspeed trips.
The Reading experimented with an NW-2 on commuter runs, but it didn’t have the acceleration to maintain schedule.
Many railroads restrict the AAR switcher truck to 50 mph because it doesn’t have as much lateral play in the trucks.
Dave H.
I remember being in a UP S-1 in about 1968. There was a big sign above the engineer’s position saying “Do not exceed 40 mph under any circumstances”. I suspect the S-1 was capable of a higher speed but that higher speeds would damage the trucks and maybe the gears.
IN 1979 a shortline used one on the Erie Lackawanna line.I remember driving beside it at 50 mph.