Locomotives
Reading Company Alco RS-3, Class RS-1, 485
Background & History
Locomotive 485, an Alco RS-3 arrived on the Reading in June 1952, one of 32 Alco 1600hp RS-3’s purchased during a diesel-buying spree in 1952. It was a return order since 25 more were purchased in 1951. Another 10 were purchased in 1953, for a total of 67 units, more than any other model on their roster.
The Reading Company Classed the units as RS1s, the first Road Switchers acquired. Subsequent orders placed with Baldwin (RS2), EMD (RS3) and Fairbanks Morse (RS4) were determined by date of order. The RS1 class for an Alco RS3 confused many. All Reading RS-3’s were early production units, and are what are commonly called “phase 1” units. All were delivered in Pullman Green paint; unit Nos 445, 449 and 494 were eventually repainted into yellow and green. Some units, including 485, were delivered with dynamic brakes for freight service, while others came equipped with steam boilers for coach heating.
Sister RS-3’s 484 and 471 pull a freight past the Trent Tower, NJ
(R. Short).
(Photo Courtesy of the Reading Modelers Group)
Reading RS-3 485 quietly waits its turn for restoration at Leesport in April 2003. It represents the series equipped with dynamic brakes for freight service.
(Photo Courtesy Mike Shirk)
The first 25 units without dynamic braking worked trains between Abrams Yard and Port Reading, NJ. The 16 passenger units covered assignments between Philadelphia and Reading, Newtown and other branch services. Equipped with manual transition (similar to an auto’s manual transmission) the RS3s were operated in groups of like power initially. They were found almost anywhere on the Reading except the Shamokin Division. Their carbody design afforded crews maximum visibility with additional windows in the cab overlooking the lower hood. This feature was useful in switching and branch line service. Seven of the last units purchased in 1953 were equipped specifically for dedicated Bethlehem Steel iron ore train service between the Grace Mine in Joanna, PA and Bethlehem.
In July 1973, 485 was retired from the Reading roster, and sold to United Railway Supply Co. of Montreal. It served for a time on the Roberval & Saguenay RR as 30, then was leased to Domtar Packaging (a huge Canadian paper company). It served as Domtar 68 in cold and remote Red Rock, Ontario, from 1978 to 1987. Eventually its owner, Andre Merrilees Ltd. Of Toronto, retired the unit.
After some confusion and turmoil involving a Canadian historical group which also wanted 485, we were finally able to acquire it in 1993. On October 28th, 1996, a volunteer went to Stouffville, Ontario to examine the locomotive and over the next year, an additional trip was made along with a hundred phone calls to arrange contract repairs and inspections of the locomotive. Finally, it was moved 30 miles to CN’s Macmillan Yard, where additional repairs were made. It arrived at Reading on October 28, 1997, exactly one year after its initial inspection.
Unfortunately, our acquisition is not in great mechanical shape, due to its lengthy service in the brutal paper mill environment. The service log from that time describes indignities like a collision with a CN switcher and a total freeze-up of the cooling system. Although it ran when removed from service, its stack was left uncovered, causing rain and snow damage to at least several cylinders and the turbo charger. However, the unit is complete.
Alco RS-3 485 Specifications
(As Built)
Builder:
American Locomotive Co (Alco)
Schenectady, NY
Date Built:
June 1952
Builder’s #:
799444
Engine:
Model 244
4-stroke diesel
12 cylinder (v)
Horsepower:
1600
Top Speed:
65 mph
Weight:
248,500 lbs.
Continuous Tractive Effort:
52,500 lbs @ 9.5 mph
Length:
56’0″
Fuel:
800 gallons
Lube Oil:
200 gallons
Water:
250 gallons
Aspiration:
Turbocharger
Bore x Stroke:
9 x 10.5″
Displacement:
8,016 c.i. (567 per cylinder)
Idle Speed:
350 rpm
Max Speed:
1000 rpm
Transmission:
GE – DC generator,
GE – DC traction motors
Brake System:
24-RL Air and dynamic