1952 RR Publication two page advertisement caption included: A continuing program of dieselization keynotes the long-range planning of the Rock Island as it enters its second century of railroading this month. Aided by a fleet of 95 ALCO-GE locomotives, this “railroad of planned progress” already has dieselized 85% of its operations. First to dieselize completely its suburban service into Chicago, the Rock Island selected ALCO-GE road switchers almost exclusively to handle this high-speed passenger service. Whether in passenger or switching service, or heading up the crack ROCKET freights, economical ALCO-GE locomotives are helping the Rock Island to win more and more tonnage to the rails. |