Does anyone know how many Alco S4 Switchers were used by the Auto-Train Corporation between the late 70s/early 80s?. Also, I have pics showing the side view, but does the white band continue around the back of the cab as is the case with the Baldwin Switchers that were also used?

I'd really appreciate any help please. Thanks Ken Wright

-- Ken Wright (ken@kwright.freeserve.co.uk), May 05, 2002

Answers

Hi Dave

Dave, I would really appreciate if you could mail me those/any pics of #625. I have nearly finished painting it (for MS Trainsim). I have already done 2 U36Bs, plus the passenger cars, and there is a caboose which will be available soon. The whole package is for the SCL/CSX A- Line Project, of which I am a member.

Thanks so much everyone for the information forwarded to me!

Cheers

-- Ken Wright (ken@kwright.freeserve.co.uk), May 07, 2002.

Ken, I too have two photographs of the auto-train's Alco #625 taken at Lorton. I photographed both the front and the back and the white stripe did not cross the rear of the cab. If you'd like me to e-mail you a copy of photo of the rear of the engine just let me know.

-- Dave George (DEGIII@MSN.COM), May 07, 2002.

First, hi Gary and Mark, and thanks very much for your quick replies. However, it does pose a question though as I have 2 photos of #625 which is most certainly an S2 (I said incorrectly S4). The pics can be found at: http://www.dnaco.net/~gelwood/other/at.html I'm not sure if the paint scheme would follow the practice of the Baldwins with the white stripe around the cab rear; it seems logical, but there are always exceptions! Also I now wonder if #625 was a loner, the only S2 used by Auto-Train?

The plot thickens! Thanks again for your time in replying to me.

Regards Ken Wright

-- Ken Wright (ken@kwright.freeserve.co.uk), May 07, 2002.

Ken, if your question is about the original Auto Train yard switchers then Gary Riccio’s answer is on point. They had Baldwin’s not Alco’s. The roster is listed in the 12/74 Trains magazine and it matches Mr. Riccio’s response and includes some additional information. The 12/74 Model Railroader paint shop article features the paint job on an Athearn S-12 for Auto-Train Corp, road #621. The article indicates that the stripe does not continue around the back of the cab. Photos I have of the Sanford VO’s and Fred Clark’s photo of #622 on page 68 of his SCLin Florida book indicate that at one time the white Auto-Train stripe did not wrap around the cab.

-- Mark Kuehler (qler@cfl.rr.com), May 06, 2002.

Auto Train Corporation had one(1952)Baldwin S12 Auto Train #621 ex EL #621 ex Erie #621 and three (1944-45)Baldwin VO 1000 Auto Train #622 ex US Navy #65-00059 Auto Train #623 ex WP #583 Auto Train #624 ex WP #581. The photo I have of AT #624 has no white band across the back of the cab.

-- Gary Riccio (g.riccio@worldnet.att.net), May 06, 2002.