The American Locomotive Company (Alco) had a long history of manufacturing steam and diesel locomotives in America, Canada, and around the globe through subsidiaries or licensees. Alco had developed a strong reputation in the 1940s and 1950s with its successful road switchers, but as railroads competed to carry more tonnage at faster speeds, the market demanded more horsepower. The “Century” series was introduced in 1963, remaining in production until Alco closed its famed Schenectady, N.Y., plant to domestic production in 1969. The Century name celebrated the corporate history of Alco and its predecessors manufacturing locomotives for 100-plus years. 

The product of decades of research by Tom Carver and edited and designed by Dale Sanders, this new book contains more than 300 beautifully reproduced color images, representing some of the best selections from a number of railroad photographers and historical archives. An informative text, paired with detailed photo captions, supports photos and diagrams of each of the ten Century series models. Presented together for the first time in our premium 256-page railroad book format, these images will surely delight aficionados of the second generation of Alco’s diesel locomotives on the railways of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Australia. Showcased in their elements from gritty industrial scenes to beautiful vistas along the rails of their owners, all models from the Century 415 to the Hydraulic 643 are thoughtfully portrayed for each of the 43 original purchasing railroads. 

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Alco 251 Progression

Chapter 3: Century 415

Chapter 4: Century 420

Chapter 5: Century 424

Chapter 6: Century 425

Chapter 7: Century 430

Chapter 8: Century 628

Chapter 9: Century 630

Chapter 10: Century 636

Chapter 11: Century 855

Chapter 12: Hydraulic 643-H

As-Delivered Roster

Dedication/Bibliography