ALCO RS1 #1000 and sister #1001 were the first diesel locomotive on the Alaska Railroad.   Construction Numbers 71319 and 71320, they were obtained as a special war materials priority in 1944 to serve the new Port of Whittier through the long tunnels from Portage.  Studies revealed that the use of these diesels through the Whittier tunnel would eliminated the need for a forced ventilation system.

Numbers 1000 and 1001 were received in Anchorage on June 9, 1944 and made their initial run from anchorage to Whittier on June 15, 1944.  They were equipped so they could be coupled together and operated from a single cab in road service.

#1000 is shown here in the Anchorage Yard.

 

Alaska Railroad photo, Jack Klingbeil collection