ALCO's C415

[Green_Elite_Cab]

I had to Google Alco C415 just to see what one looked like.

Interesting looking loco. Wonder if it was a design or operation problem that made them unpopular. Would make an interesting modeling project.

There were a couple problems

• These were ~1500 HP units at a time where the market for small locomotives were slow. There were many RS3s and other types out there already.
  
• They were offered 1966-1968, right before Alco shut down forever. They didn't really have a chance to sell.
  
• they had V8 251 engines. These were the only locomotives with this type, though these engines are common in stationary and marine applications.
  
• Wheel slip issues due to unbalanced weight apparently were also a concern with these units.

For the C415, the problem was mostly bad timing.