#alcoc636

[railwayhistorical]

IC’s Alco C636s

The Illinois Central had six of these huge locomotives constructed the the American Locomotive Company (Alco). They were built in May of 1968 and retired in 1979, lasting only a decade. The top photograph was taken in Champaign, Illinois, on the Bicentennial: July 4th 1976. The bottom image came from the night before, I believe also taken in Champaign.

One other interesting fact: the locomotive second in line in the top image is an EMD SD45, and this was the only unit of that type on the entire railroad.

Two images by Richard Koenig; taken July 3rd and 4th 1976.

[railwayhistorical]

ICG Big Alco

Illinois Central Gulf number 1101 is an Alco Century 636. It sits in the Oak Street Yard in Louisville, Kentucky.

This big unit was built in 1968 but retired by 1979—not a long career for such an expensive piece of equipment. And yes, that is ICG’s bicentennial unit lurking in the background.

Image by Richard Koenig, Shot on November 1st 1975.