my ESPEE MODELERS ARCHIVE

California's Railroad to the U.S. 1861 - 1996

Southern Pacific ALCo S3

1023 - 1032

10 units delivered

SP received 10 ALCo S3's in 1951. These were the post war version of the 660hp S1, and were bought to dieselize light yards. As there were only ten, and light yards may be out of the way, references are very thin on the ground for this rare? model (S3).

By 1968 three had been vacated, the remaining 7 were assigned to the Western and San Joaquin Divisions, and were expected to be scrapped as they came up for heavy repairs.

References:

• MR Diesel Cyclopedia Vol.2 page 40 - Plans for an S2.
• SP Dieselization by John Bonds Garmany - Chapter 9, Post War switchers.
• Extra 2200 South 1976 Roster Part III, Issue 56, Apr/May/Jun 1976
• Some early SP Motive Power Annuals may have black and white photo's of these units.

Don't forget to check out our Magazine Article Database, for any further S3 references.