RSD 5 - MagnumMacKivler/RLCPT2 GitHub Wiki
Image Copyright flickr user Chuck Zeiler
The RSD-5, introduced in early 1952, was Alco's follow up to the RSD-4. With very few differences (most being electrical and some visual), the RSD-5 preformed almost identical to it's predecessor, thought with significantly more units built due to it's longer production time. Despite not running into the same issue as the RS-3, FA-2, and PA-2 had with awful GE air cooled turbos, they had the same stigma attached that came with the name '244'; Most units being built with Alco's now proven 510 turbo (notable exceptions being the C&O which actually ran their units with RD-2s until they were retired), had very unremarkable lives, being retired at the end of their life span. The largest operators (C&O, ATSF, and, SP) seemed to sample the four axle counter part, owning only a few RS-2s or RS-3s, before deciding on the six axles, likely finding the advantage of extra motors early on. With it's decent production numbers it is no surprise that three survive, albeit, one as a snow plow.
PT-Specific Information
| General Info | - |
|---|---|
| Prime Mover | ALCO 12-244D (1) |
| Horsepower | 1600 |
| Truck Type | Alco Trimount C |
| Axles | 6 |
| Traction Motors | 6 |
| Minimum Weight | 280,000 lbs |
| Maximum Weight | 360,000 lbs |
| Model Base Speed | 65 MPH |
| Top Speed | 65, 75, or 80 |
| Electrical System | - |
|---|---|
| Generator Max Current | 4500 Amps (2) |
| Max Traction Motor (TM) Current | 1500 Amps (2) |
| Max Continuous TM Current | 1085 Amps |
| Traction Motor Type | DC |
| Factor of Adhesion | 25% |
| Transition Mode | Manual with Selector |
| Transition Groups | 2, 1 |
| Transition Shunts | 1, 1 |
| Generator Transition | No |
| Traction Control | APR |
| Dynamic Braking (DB) Mode (if used) | Electrical Blowers (3) |
| DB Max Current | 1500 Amps (2) |
| DB Max Continuous Current | 640 Amps (4) |
| 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 | 6-SL (5) |
| Compressor CFM | 225 (Wabco 3CDC @ 1000 RPM) (6) |
| Main Reservoir Volume | 35 Cubic Feet |
Notes
⚠: Not Verified or Educated Guess
(1): Later units were built with a 12-244G, 12-244H, or rebuilt with a 12-250.
(2): Very late units had a Max TM Current and DB Max Current of 1800 Amps, and a Gen Max Current of 3600 Amps.
(3): Very late units had Mechanical Blowers @ 50%
(4): In later production A high capacity brake grid was optional, raising the max continuous of 800 Amps.
(5): 24-RL was optional.
(6): 307 and 450 CFM compressors were available.