Anotace
Once the second-largest steam locomotive
builder in the U.S., American Locomotive Company (Alco) produced 75,000
locomotives, among them such famous examples as the 4-6-4 Hudsons and
4-8-4 Niagaras built for the New York Central, and the 4-6-6-4
Challengers and 4-8-8-4 Big Boys built for the Union Pacific. Alco Locomotives
is the first book to tell the full story of this company central to
American railroad history—and beloved by railfans for its rich heritage
and its underdog appeal. Noted rail historian Brian Solomon looks back
at the founding of Schenectady Locomotive Works in 1848 and proceeds to
cover that company's merger with several smaller locomotive builders in
1901 to form Alco. Solomon describes the locomotives that made Alco's
name around the world, from the standard designs like Mikados,
Atlantics, and Mallets to the more powerful and flashy post–World War I
models. His detailed, richly illustrated narrative re-creates the drama
of a tough, ambitious company in the American tradition—rising again
and again to the demands of an ever-changing industry and economy.
Solomon also covers Alco electrics (built in partnership with GE), as
well as the company's successful and quirky diesel offerings, including
the RS-2 and RS-3 road switchers, FA/FB road freight units, PA road
passenger diesel, and the wares of Canadian affiliate Montreal
Locomotive Works. Enlivened by numerous historical photographs, modern
images, curious details, and firsthand accounts, this history is a
complete, fascinating, and fitting tribute to a true icon of American
railroading.