Alaska Railroad's first diesel electric locomotives were purchased under a special wartime resource allocation. The long tunnels into Whittier were unvented and the diesel engines were needed to replace steamers in regular service. American Locomotive Co. provided two ALCO RS-1 locomotives, builders numbers 71319 and 71320, to become Alaska Railroad #1000 and #1001. They were identical in construction, weighing 240,000 pounds and developed 1000 horsepower. A steam generator was installed in the short hood to provide heat for passenger cars.

The model is a special commission for the new Whittier Museum Association exhibit being prepared for the Prince William Sound Economic Development District. The 1/48 scale model has all the special features, paint and custom decals applied to an undecorated Atlas 2 rail O scale locomotive. Built by Pat Durand October 2004.