C420 - MagnumMacKivler/RLCPT2 GitHub Wiki

yellow jacket

Image Copyright flickr user granitefan713

The C420 was introduced in 1963 along with the C424 and the C624 as part of ALCO's "Century" series. A direct replacement for the RS-32, the C420 sports an all-new carbody design much like it's stablemates. Due to the solidity of the design, a healthy number of C420s are operational in revenue freight service with a number of railroads.

PT-Specific Information 

General Info -
Prime Mover ALCO 12-251C
Horsepower 2000
Truck Type AAR Type B (1)
Axles 4
Traction Motors 4
Minimum Weight 240,000 lbs
Maximum Weight 272,000 lbs
Model Base Speed 70 MPH (2)
Top Speed 70, 80, or 86 MPH (2)

Electrical System -
Generator Max Current 3600 Amps
Max Traction Motor (TM) Current 1800 Amps
Max Continuous TM Current 1085 Amps (3)
Traction Motor Type DC
Factor of Adhesion 25% (1)
Transition Mode Automatic with Selector
Transition Groups 2, 2, 1, 1
Transition Shunts 1, 0.75, 1, 0.75
Generator Transition No
Traction Control APR
Dynamic Braking (DB) Mode (if used) Mechanical Blowers @ 50%
DB Max Current 830 Amps
DB Max Continuous Current 830 Amps
Blended Braking No

Miscellaneous -
Head-End Power (HEP) No
HEP Power Consumption N/A
HEP Standby/Run Mode N/A
Load Ramp Speed 10 Amps/Tick
TM Overload Protection No
Starter Mode Latched Primer, Manual Start
Air Brake Schedule 26-L
Compressor CFM 230.625 (Wabco 3CDC @ 1025 RPM)
Main Reservoir Volume 35.2 Cubic Feet

Notes

⚠: Not Verified or Educated Guess

(1): Late production C420s could be bought with Alco's two-axle Hi-Ad trucks, boosting the adhesion to 29%.

(2): Later in production the gearing options changed, making the base speed 67 MPH and the max speeds 67, 75, 79, or 84 MPH

(3): Later Alcos had newer GE 752 traction motors, changing this rating to 1195 Amps.