C-415 Diesel Locomotive

Prototype Information

The ALCO C-415 entered production in 1966 as part of ALCO’s Century Series. It was designed as a heavy switcher and light road locomotive. The center-cab layout gave crews excellent visibility in yard and local service. It used a 1,500-hp 251-series diesel engine and offered different cab heights and truck options.

Railroads were shifting away from new switchers and reused older road locomotives for yard work. Demand stayed low. ALCO built only 26 units before ending production in 1968. Rock Island and Southern Pacific placed the largest orders. A few went to short lines and industrial operators, including one sold to Hamersley Iron in Australia. The C-415 became one of ALCO’s final new locomotive designs.