New Road Names & New Model!

The Alco C424 model was one of the first “Century-series” locomotives to be produced. Its 16-cylinder 251B-series prime mover produced 2,400-hp, making it a direct competitor to the 2,500-hp GE U25B and EMD GP35 models. A total of 190 units were built between 1963 and 1966 for customers throughout North America, including 53 for roads in the US, 92 for Canada and 45 for Mexico. Erie Lackawanna, Canadian Pacific and National de Mexico purchased some of the largest fleets in their respective countries.

By late 1964 Alco had determined that an extra 100-hp did make a difference to some customers, and the 2,500-hp C425 model was the result. Improvements over the C424 included a higher capacity main generator, a simplified electrical control system, increased radiator capacity and an upgraded 251C prime mover. The appearance of the body was nearly identical to the C424, with one major exception being the addition of a bulge above the radiator intake grille at the rear of the long hood. A total of 90 units were produced between late 1964 and 1966, all for US roads. The largest purchases were made by Pennsylvania and Spokane Portland & Seattle.

Features:
New to this production run is a C425 Phase II body style. Phase II models had the battery boxes moved to rear of the locomotive, placed under the left side of the sill. The air reservoirs were moved to the right side of the sill, above the fuel tank. The cab of Phase II models features a simple set of steps in place of the battery boxes which were located fore and aft the cab on Phase I models. Also new to this run is an alternate cab “face” with horizontal-mounted headlights and a center-mounted horn to match the prototype ordered by New Haven and Pennsylvania.

Features: