New Paint Schemes & Road Numbers!

The RS-1 was introduced by ALCO in March of 1941 with the delivery of the first of two units to the Rock Island. Combining the accessibility of a switching locomotive and the higher-speed tracking of a road unit, the RS-1 started a revolution in locomotive design that was soon embraced by all of the major diesel-electric builders. Despite ALCO's own introduction of higher horsepower roadswitchers, the 1,000 h.p. RS-1 had a production span of 19 years (1941-1960) with 623 units.

One locomotive on this production run has an interesting history. Lake Erie Franklin & Clarion 20 was purchased in 1949. It was later sold to the Livonia Avon & Lakeville in 1972. LA&L retained the classic black & yellow LEF&C paint scheme, applying their own road name in bolder type on the long hood. #20 is still in service for LA&L today, wearing nearly the same paint scheme. It has the distinction of being the first ALCO diesel locomotive acquired by LA&L which went on to amass an all-ALCO roster.

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