SW1
by
Mike Gerenday
The Alaska Railroad over the years had many oddball or unique locomotives, including early first generation diesels. The ARR owned four EMC (later became EMD) SW1 switchers. The SW1 was a 600 HP locomotive built from 1938 to 1953 with a two year hiatus from 1943 to 1945.
The 1200s were originally owned by the US Army, built in 1942, the ARR obtained them in 1947. The 1203 was retired in 1957 and scrapped around 1960. 1204 was retired/scrapped in 1973. Retirement/scrap info on the 1201 and 1202 are unknown at this time.
With the ARR numbering systems of the first two numbers reflecting the horsepower rating and the last two reflecting the number of the locomotive on the roster, it's interesting that the SW1s were numbered 12xx, but it's safe to say it was to eliminate any confusion with the then steam roster.
Photos of the 1200s are rare, some of them pop up albeit parts of them in other photos of ARR locomotives in the deadlines in Birchwood. Birchwood was the place retired locomotives and rolling stock went to die. Walthers released ARR SW1 locomotives in two numbers 1202 and 1203 a few years ago. The scheme is correct and with a little detailing and weathering, you can have an early diesel era switcher.
Page created 11/30/20 and last updated 11/30/20