Schenectady County HistoryCast Episode 8: ALCO in Schenectady

[@Bal4833]

I was working for GE in Schenectady in 1978. At that time the Large Steam Turbine Division (Bldg 273 in GE complex) was using the Nott St. ALCO space for assembling large steam valves, pipe fabrication, oil tanks and hydraulic tank assembly. I remember walking the floor to check on production issues. I do remember seeing the American Locomotive Co. painted on at least one building and regret not taking a picture of it. In the latter half of 1950s my dad was working on the Enrico Fermi plant for Detroit Edison. I have a photo of him next to a liquid sodium heat exchanger to be used in that nuclear plant ready for shipment. The placard on the equipment states that it was manufactured by ALCO Products Inc. in Dunkirk NY. Since a steam locomotive is a heat exchanger on wheels, I have always assumed (since I discovered that photo in his effects after his passing) that it was the same company. The Brooks Locomotive Co. of Dunkirk was absorbed by Alco in 1901, so seems logical.

[@2PistonRolling]

Good one

[@brenthill3241]

Love the smell of deisel. Hope to visit the Alco museum one day. No engine ever had as much charm.

[@edwarddavis507]

Thank you both! Great interview! I think people are fascinated with railroads, especially steam, because they were integral to the development of our country and marked the beginning of the industrial era. There’s the lure of travel as well. Trains served as the first means for Americans to travel from coast to coast and explore our country. Anyway, it’s a great question and the answer is probably different for everyone.

[@TNGIBSONMAN]

My GGGD was the master mechanic for this RR in the 1840's . His name is William Cessford. I have lots of letters from that time from him and other family there.

[@StephenCarlBaldwin]

Very enlightening insights into ALCO and Schenectady's industrial history. Good luck with the musuem!

[@babettepeatross6914]

my father worked as a engineer @ alco he retired 1967 his name was dewey gilbert milo he died 1970. i remember as a little girl he would come home and he always smelled of diesel love that smell.

[@paulw.woodring7304]

UP Challenger "retired" at least for now, but UP Big Boy 4014 has been restored to operating and will operate in 2021 in the West.

[@afleetcommand]

Very important information and it saddens me real history such as this is completely ignored by academia, our kids NEVER learn these stories.

[@davidnewcomb8874]

No buildings let there now that's where rivers casino sits now.