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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.
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