ATLAS (HO SCALE) C424/425
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.
Special Notes: Green Bay & Western 314 was a one-of-a-kind
in that it was the only phase 3 C424 on their roster. This locomotive
is still in service today as Minnesota Commercial (MNNR) 314
which is also being produced along with sister unit MNNR 313,
an ex-GBW phase 2 C424 of the same number.
Another example of an ALCO Century "before and after" is
the British Columbia Railway. Several BCR C425s were sold to
the Mohawk Adirondack & Northern (MHWA) in the early 90s and
several of these units are still in service today. Our models
represent units that were only "patched" for service on the
MHWA and still retain their BCR colors.
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