ALCo S1 Switcher w/no 77120 aka BSC 801 starting for the first time in over 25 years

[herbgarratt]

On the first start, when she kicks, that thing is going WAY too fast for an ALCO.

The second start is more like it. Those guys on the side platform are risking their necks standing next to a diesel engine that size over-revving like that. 

[RustonDave]

@herbgarratt She was being overfueled and also was running on ether for a bit to get her to kick. She didn't run very long before being shut down, rechecked, and then restarted again which is the second start up you see.

[RustedBovine]

This is AWESOME! Now THAT is an engine! What an absolute beast. Seriously if I had the money I'd import locomotives from the USA too, to hell with the loading gauge!

[hellfiregrowler]

My Lordz!

[alco804]

Yes and Alco 804 is very near start up and movement too! Thanks to these boys for their help to do it. 2 Alco's working bring on 803!

[RustonDave]

No worries.

[RustonDave]

For those that haven't heard 804 has now been started as well - hopefully we'll get some video up soon...

[northumbriarail]

And this loco motive now moves under it's own power - please see latest video.

[tpvalley]

An alco in england?!!!

where is it based?

I love these locos, never seen one in person though.

Where will u run shuch a heavy and out of gauge loco?

[YTthios]

and how the hell did it end up there XD

[tpvalley]

supposedly there r several at private quarries/ stone companies, some r mothballed just witing to be preserved, but they weigh to much for our private railways....shame.

oh and they r over 2ft wider than our english locos!

[northumbriarail]

Only 5 came to the Wales in 1949/1950 bought by the steel company of wales. 2 were cut up and the remaining 3 are at heritage railway sites in England. The two locos at quarries are EMD/GM switchers and still in use. They are all 10 feet wide (1 foot wider than BR loading gauge). Axle weight is 24 tons - no more than the heaviest steam locos to run on BR that can be seen running on heritage lines.

[run202run]

Great work guys, thats awesome!!!

[tgears1]

She can be an honorary steam engine.

[alg4709]

Just remember that 539s are prone to cracking the blocks in freezing weather since they won't drain all the way, be careful with the jewels that they are.....

[locohog]

dam right for sure, the railraod im at has 2 S4s and a S2, the S2 our best runner cracked one witner thanks to a dumbass trhat left one tank untouched. we hope one day to swap blockes with our S4 parts unit

[arthurtrans]

All Right!! I remember the feeling I had when my partner and I started our S1 for the first time. Also, they are very forgiving little beasts.

Tommy

[toinze69]

beatiful noise,smoke and locomotive is awsome to see one old loco in activity again, bye

[JonFinnerud]

This was a wery pleasant surprise as i tought these beasts were lost long ago.

Great work guys!

[ve2pgi]

great job , BRAVO . nice work gentlemen

[SpeakerPolice]

Wonderful!! Another Alco at it again. You just can't kill them. XD I'm going to check some out tomorrow with 539 engines; an RS-1 and S2.

[37201xoim]

Major congrats once again.

[okotokspaul]

Nothing like an Alco firing up - well worth waiting for!

[sgprailfan]

impressive

[DNRY122]

Well done, chaps! I'm a member of Orange Empire Ry. Museum in Southern California, and we have three locos with Alco 539 engines. They all run, and two will run in "multiple unit". Many years ago I worked for Santa Fe Ry., which had dozens of similar machines. That sound is music to the ears of vintage diesel fans.

[thunderstruck154]

Hellfire. What more can you say.

[31144]

Well in Mr Shell,you cant beat the site and sound of ressurecting an big old diesel engine

[45115xeTO]

What a beast! Well done!

[alco804]

Hope 804 is next. A small group is working on her at this time at Railworld.

[alco804]

Well done, i'm next I hope!

[Toontrain]

Congrats dave :) I had no doubt that you would not have been able to get 801 running with a little effort and a few batterys :) JL (C15PS)

[37254]

Nice one! A proud moment.

[kf7strng]

Goob Job guys!