FPA/FPB Diesel Locomotive

Prototype Information

The Alco FPA-4 and FPB-4 were the final passenger cab units built by Alco and its Canadian branch, MLW. These locomotives debuted in the late 1950s to handle tough Canadian routes. The P in their name stands for the steam generators used to heat passenger cars. They used the 1,800-horsepower Alco 251B V12 engine. Railfans loved them for their classic streamlined look and the famous thick Alco smoke they produced.

Earlier variations like the FPA-2 and FPB-2 appeared in 1950. These were upgraded versions of the original FA freight units, stretched by two feet to fit a steam generator. They used the older 1,600-horsepower Alco 244 engine, which was less reliable than the later 251 series. While EMD dominated the U.S. market, these FPA models became Canadian legends. They hauled mainline trains for CN and VIA Rail until the 1980s. Today, several units still run on tourist lines or sit in museums.