ALCO DL-203

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

ALCO DL-203 "Black Maria"
Power type Diesel-electric
Builder American Locomotive Company
Model DL-203
Total production 3
AAR wheel arr. B-B
UIC classification Bo'Bo'
Prime mover ALCO 241
Engine type 4-stroke diesel
Cylinders V12

The ALCO DL-203 diesel-electric locomotive (known informally as the Black Maria) was an experimental freight locomotive produced by ALCO of Schenectady, New York.[1] It was a predecessor to the ALCO FA series. Built in September 1945, the total production run included 2 cab A units, and a single B (cabless booster) unit. The locomotives were powered by a V12 ALCO 241 diesel engine, rated at 1500 hp (1,100 kW). The locomotive could attain a top speed of 80 mph (Freight) and 125 mph (Passenger).[2] With the B-B wheel arrangement and carbody construction, these experimental units hinted at the FA units to come.

The three units were numbered 1500A, B, C and were tested on the New York Central Railroad, the Delaware and Hudson Railroad, the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, and the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad,[3] among others. They were scrapped in September 1947.[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Pinkepank, Jerry A. (1973). The Second Diesel Spotter's Guide. Milwaukee, WI: Kalmbach Publishing Co.. ISBN 0-89024-026-4. 
  2. ^ Alco "Black Marias". The Diesel Shop. Retrieved on 2006-12-01.
  3. ^ Brian Solomon (2000). American Diesel Locomotives. MBI, 83. ISBN 0-7603-0666-4. 

[edit] External links