MTH - Premier Diesel Locomotives - FA-2 A Unit Non-Powered - O Scale 3 Rail - (Hi-Rail Wheels)

The American Locomotive Company, one of the nation's premier steam locomotive builders, joined forces with Schenectady, New York neighbor General Electric to build the first standardized diesel-electric locomotives in the 1920s. But when the diesel revolution began in earnest after World War II, Alco seemed doomed to forever playing second fiddle to industry leader EMD.

Observers frequently point to reliability problems with Alco's 1600 hp model 244 diesel motor as the cause. But one wonders today if Alco's problem was really its motor, or EMD's commanding sales lead. During World War II, EMD had been the only company permitted to manufacture road diesels, and shop crews nationwide had learned to service the EMD 567 prime mover. Perhaps a lack of familiarity led to lesser-quality maintenance of Alco motors; as evidence, Alco fans today point to the New Haven, an all-Alco railroad that got great service from its Alco fleet while others complained.