Caption:

The one and only 2400 HP MLW RSD-17

The (ALCO) / MLW response to the 1953 – 1956 built (FM)/ CLC H24-66 ( ' Train Master ' )

The CLC Road Switcher units CPR Class DRS -24 (a to d) built 1955 -1956, CPR versions #8900 (FM built) and CLC built 8901 – 8920, were ahead of the competition with 2400 HP. The lone CLC Train Master built 1955 for CN ++ was #3000 (To #2900 in 1956).

EMD's response took until July 1958 when the first 2400HP SD-24 rolled out of La Grange

The MLW 16-251B engined 2400 HP unit built May 1957, serial #81603, model RSD-17 ** originally numbered MLW #7007; worked as a demonstrator: first as CPR 7007 to December 1957 then to PGE 624, CNR 3899 and purchased September 1959 by the CPR.

The original CPR Class DRS-24e, the ' Empress of Agincourt ' at its home, June 22, 1980 Kodachrome by S.Danko

Noteworthy

** The US ALCO version is the 16-251B engined RSD-15 with 87 units produced February 1956 to June 1960, bought by B&LE (DMIR), C&O, PC (PRR) and low nose versions by ATSF, SP, TNO & SSW. Note: The 1954 built RSD-7 is 16-244 engined, (see Diesel Spotter's Guide).

++ of local interest is the CN Train Master #2900 last regular assignment: Mimico – Danforth transfer. Final assignment was the Scarborough Hill helper, TTR Cherry Street to CN Danforth to CN Scarborough. (see Constructed in Kingston, CLC book)

CPR / CP Rail 8921 pulling capability was legendary hauling lengthy transfers up the North Toronto Sub. / Belleville Sub.'s Leaside / Scarborough hill into Agincourt. Reportedly 8921 was allowed to single handle 80+ freight cars on that grade, without stalling.

The 8921 chopped nose car body and frame, sans 16-251B resides at the now closed (winter 2026) Elgin County Railway Museum, St. Thomas, future fate unknown.

sdfourty