M&StL Diesel Engines S2

M&StL Diesel Power
S2 D741

Alco-GE Model S-2 1000hp. 230,000lbs. Alco No. 69531

From: Louis Claeson Date: Thu Jan 9, 2003 Subject: S2 D741 Modelers Nightmare?
For all you anal types out there (no not just you, Clark): How many undec S2s would you need to model the 741, including its renumbered self 102 to cover all its manifestations? Would eleven surprise you? Here's how it works out.

Number 1
s2 version 1
The S2 D-741 is delivered in August 1941. The builder photos show it was delivered with the yellow stripping and without a stack. Less obvious is that it had 36" wheels. This and following drawings modified by Joe Binish.

Number 2
S2 version 2
At some point before 1944 the bell and RS-1 type stack were added. The walkway over the radiator (on top of the front of the hood) appeared around this time.(Another variation?) There appear to be no records of the exact date. Unfortunately the Landmesser diaries go back only to 1944 and there is no mention of these modifications in the diaries. On the other hand I always remember the 741 with a bell and stack and my reliable recollections go back to at least 1943. I would suspect that they were added within the first year.

Number 3
s2 version 3
On August 25,1944 pilots were added to both the front and rear as well as marker lights on the front hood as with the RS-1s. The Landmesser Diary entry makes specific comparison to the 244.

Number 4
S2 version 4
On December 15,1947 an additional fuel tank was added ahead of the rear truck along with 40" solid (not tired) wheels reflecting the on-again-off again use 0f the 741 as a road switcher.

Number 5
S2 version 5
Sometime around 1948 the stack was removed and the unit operated stackless for a time.

Number 6
S2 version 6
After going stackless, a unique black and silver stack was added with a definitely different shape from the standard RS-1 type stack. This lasted for several months.

Number 7
Finally the silver portion was repainted black and this lasted a few more months.

Number 8
S2 version 8
By sometime in late 1948 or early 1949 the odd stack was replaced with the common RS-1 type.

Number 9
In 1956 the D-741 is renumbered 102.

Number 10
S2 version10
Sometime in 1958 the blunt trucks and radiator shutter assembly are replaced with type B road trucks and the shutters from a scrapped RS-1. The auxiliary fuel tank is also removed.

Number 11
S2 version 11
Sometime in 1959 or 1960 a black box like structure was added on the engineer's side along the hood just in front of the cab along with some odd sheet metal tht never got painted until the unit was repainted in C&NW colors (I suppose you could call this number 12, but by then it's not really M&STL anymore and it's been renumbered 92). I thought it might have been a watchman's heater but I really don't know for sure. Anyway that's the saga of the 741. Anyone feel compelled to model all these variations? Anyone really care (probably a question I shouldn't ask). Louis Claeson