ALCO RSD-16

ALCO RSD-16
ALCO RSD-16 on the NCA (Nuevo Central Argentino) railroad.
Type and origin
Power type Diesel-electric
Builder American Locomotive Company
Model RSD-16
Build date 1957-1959
Total produced 130
Specifications
Configuration:
 ​
 • AAR Co'Co'
Loco weight 108 metric tons
Prime mover ALCO 251-B
Performance figures
Maximum speed 122 km/h
Power output 1950 horsepower
Career
Locale Argentina

The ALCO RSD-16 is a diesel locomotive, built by American Locomotive Company. The engine weights approximately 108 metric tonne (106.3 imperial tons). The locomotive is used exclusively on railroads in Argentina having been built for use on the broad gauge routes in the country.

History

In 1956 American Locomotive Company (ALCO), responded to an order for 130 diesel electric locomotives for use in the Republic of Argentina. Three contracts were signed for the Ferrocarril Domingo Faustino Sariemto, Ferrocarril General Barolomé Mitre, and the Ferrocarril General San Martín. The engines were built at ALCO's Schenectady, New York factory in 1957, with the finished locomotives for export shipped from 1958-1959. The locomotives' electrical systems were made using General Electric components, and the air brake system was built using Westinghouse parts. The ALCO RSD-16 was one of the first North American built locomotives to be used in large quantities in Argentina.

The 30 locomotives that Ferrocarril Nacional Domingo Faustino Sarmiento owned were not well suited on that line due to a lack of traffic on the route. From 1964- 1967, 20 of those engines were leased to the San Martín line although they would later return to the Sarmiento. During the same era, several engines from the Mitre and San Martín were loaned to the Ferrocarril Nacional General Roca were they were put in use between Mar del Plata and San Carlos de Bariloche.

During the 1970's the RSD-16's were heavily used in services between Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza, Santa Rosa, and the resorts in Mar del Plata.

In 1978, one engine was rebuilt with a FIAT A-230-12 diesel motor replacing the original ALCO 251 motor block. In 1980/1981, 16 other locomotives were rebuilt with 251-C Bombardier engines imported from Canada. Materfer would later use shop space at an Electro-Motive Diesel plant in Argentina to build new engine blocks for use in the RSD-16's.

References

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