The first couple of newly designed and constructed MRS-1s (Military Road Switchers) were delivered to the U.S. Army in 1952; they came with a price tag of approximately $500,000 per unit. Perhaps, the most expensive locomotive model of the time; they were more than twice the cost of a standard Alco RSC-3 road-switcher or one of EMD's soon to be introduced SD7s. Although the manufacturing start-up cost for a new locomotive model could typically be extra-ordinary, the MRS-1's high-degree of customization substantially increased the government's cold-war investment.

Separate design/build MRS-1 contracts had been awarded by the Army to EMD and GE (which subcontracted to Alco). The new six-axle model featured a 1600-hp engine, 65-mph gearing and a low-profile car-body. Multi-gauge trucks combined with a reduction in locomotive weight enabled operation of the 120-ton locomotive on various railroad gauges. The initial purchase was for 26 units, split evenly between EMD and GE. Build to one common specification, the two models were evaluated and the final contract for seventy additional units went to the GE/Alco team.

The six-axle military locos were designed to operate wherever around the world there might be a fight against communist aggression, regardless of the climatic environments from -40 to +125 degrees F. As it turned-out, only two ever "saw action." GM-built MRS-1s (U.S. Army #1810 & 1811) arrived in Korea by late 1952; they hauled troops and materiel, transported ammunition, fuel and food, and helped evacuate wounded to hospitals in rear areas. It should also be noted that several of the MRS-1s saw service here and beyond the shores of the U.S. after the Korean War and prior to being sold as surplus by the U.S. Government in the 1970s.

Spotting features:

• The number-boards on an Alco-built MRS-1 are located on the roof of the short and long hoods; they are embedded in the nose of EMD-built models
• The EMD-built MRS-1 incorporates a peaked roof on the long hood and cab. (See Bon French's photo)

Alaska RR #1609 at Anchorage, AK on 26 June 1977 (Matt Herson photo)

The #1609 was one of 13 MRS-1s transferred/ sold to the Alaskan railroad by the U.S. Government in 1974 and 1975. The GE/Alco loco had been originally buit as US Army #B2067.

Blue Grass RR Museum #2043 at Versailles, KY. (Photo courtesy of Hawkins Rails)

GE/Alco-built #2043 has been a static display at BGRM for several years. At last report, sister #B2087 is operational and still occasionally hauls visitors around the museum.

U.S. Army #B2078 at Fort Bragg, NC on 19 May 1982 (Doug Lilly photo)

Prior to its demise in 2007, Cape Fear Railways provided service to Fort Bragg and adjcaent Pope Air Force Base. The railroad leased locomoitves from the military.

Eastern Shore B2085 at Cape Charles, Virgin1a on 11 April 2006 (Chris England photo)

The Eastern Shore held title to two MRS-1s: B2085 & B2090. The RR ceased operations in 2006, and it became the Bay Coast. The two-ex-Army locos were scrapped when the short-line folded in 2018.

Heber Valley #1813 at Heber City, UT on 11 February 2006 (M.J. Scanlon photo)

EMD-built #1813 stands ready to lead the Provo Canyon Limited excursion. In 2009, the ex-US Army loco will shed the red banding in favor of a D&RGW-inspired paint scheme. Prior to being acquired by the Heber Valley, the #1813 worked for the U.S. Department of Transportation. *** NEED PERMISSION

Liberty Rail #9 near Pueblo, CO on 18 October 1998 (Cozephyr photo)

Prior to becoming a civilian and securing employment at Liberty Rail, this MRS-1 worked at the Navy's Weapon Support Center in Indiana as #9 (USN 65-00617). It was built as US Army B2064.

Sierra Railway #612 at Jamestown, CA on 8 April 2018 (Dick McLeisch photo)

Deemed surplus by the Pentagon in the early 1970s, several MRS-1s were assigned to the U.S. Navy, including GE/Alco-built #612 and 613 (US Navy 65-00612 & 13), which were later donated to "Railtown 1897."

South Branch Valley #28 in West Virginia on 21 September 1981 (Bob Todten photo)

During the 1980s, the South Branch Valley acquired a pair of MRS-1s (#26 & 28) from the U.S. Navy #65-00587 & 65-00589; they were ex-USAX #B2105 and B2109.

Texas State #8 at Rusk, TX on 15 October 2015 (Mike Roth photo)

On a Saturday morning, TSR #8 has drawn excursion duty, which means leading the annual Pumpkin Patch Special to Palentine. The Alco-built road-switcher was the only MRS-1 to work for three major military services: US Army (B2101), US Air Force (2101) and US Navy (65-00560).

TSWR #B2070 at Royal City, WA on 28 December 2010 (Mark Herren photo)

Toppenish Simcoe and Western Railroad acquired GE/Alco-built #B2070 in 1993, and according to some reports, the locomotive is still operational, on a part-time basis.

U.S. Army #1810 at Yongsan (Seoul), Korea in 1953 (Don's Depot photo)

USA #1810 and sister #1811 arrived in Korea in late 1952, and they stayed long after the cease-fire agreement was signed. The #1811 is now an exhibit at Ft. Eustiss, VA.

U.S. Air Force #2104 is one of the exhibits at Pacific Southwest RR Museum at Campo, California. (Thomas E. Hirsch photo)

U.S. Navy operated 20 MRS-1s; 20 per cent of them are depicted here at Port Chicago, CA in September, 1982. (Thomas E. Hirsch photo)

Yreka Western #244 at Montague, CA on 28 June 2003 (Greg Brown photo)

Alco-built #244 was easily one of the most colorful of all MRS-1s. The road number was probably a reference to the loco's 12-cylinder-244 engine that drove the excursion puller. It was scrapped in 2011.