A New Mexico thunderstorm builds in the background as refrigerator cars of California produce, freshly iced, await a crew change on July 28, 1967 at Belen, New Mexico. Led by the 818, two hefty Alco RSD15’s bracket a pair of EMD SD24’s, so there will be plenty of power as the train tackles the climb to Abo Pass in driving rain. Beloved by railfans as much for the clatter of their 4-cycle 251B V-16 prime movers as for their husky appearance, and, and nicknamed “Alligators” for obvious reasons, the big Alcos were less popular with railroads. Schenectady built about a hundred, of which Santa Fe bought 50. Nevertheless they lasted well into the 1970s. From the cab that long nose was like looking out over a ping-pong table.
