Bulletin: Alco 12-251C

Manufacturer: Atlas, Item number: 99443, Version: V2-R1

Atlas C-420

The ALCO 251 prime mover was the most popular and abundant prime mover ever made by the company. While it proved to be quite successful, it sadly outlived its original manufacturer, ALCO who closed their doors in 1969. The 251 prime mover is actually still available to purchase today from Fairbanks Morse for use in Marine, Generator, and locomotive uses.

The 12cyl 251C can be found in the following Locomotives:

RS-32, C420, M420, M420B, M420R, M420TR, HR-412, M424, 45 Class, 442 Class, 600 Class, 700 Class, A-321

The 2000 Horsepower 12cyl 251C version was extremely close to 251B in the way that is sounded. The 1800 horsepower 12cyl version of the 251B could be found in the following locomotives:

RS-11, RSD-12, RS-18, RS-36, FPA-4, FPB-4, RSC-14, FD-6, FD-7, FD-9, RSD-16, DL-560, 44 Class, 930 Class

The 12cyl 251 was also used in many rebuilt locomotives including:

RS-3m, C424m, and others...

Recorded from a ALCO C-420

File also contains an "Isolation Switch" Mode on F15 when Standing Still.
Pressing F15 while not moving will lower the prime mover and lock the motor. F15 must be turned off to begin moving.

Another Mode is "Reverser In Center Position". When pressing F24 while stopped, the motor will lock so you can throttle through the notches like the prototype in neutral. F24 must be turned off to begin moving.

This project has "Run 8" mode. When turning on F26 with F28 off, the prime mover goes to run 8. Turning off F26 returns the prime mover sounds back to normal mode.

This project has "Coast" mode. When turning on F27 with F28 off, the prime mover goes to idle for coasting purposes. Turning off F27 returns the prime mover sounds back to normal mode.

You can still use F26 and F27 for manual nothing. You have to keep both F26 and F27 off before pressing F28 to turn on manual notching. Once F28 is on, you can use F26 to notch up and F27 to notch down. F26, F27, and F28 must be turned off to return to normal mode.

1st Generation Horn Pack 2
Horns (SoundCV9):
CV163=0 Nathan P5
CV163=1 Nathan K5LA
CV163=2 Nathan M3H
CV163=3 Leslie RS-2M
CV163=4 Nathan K3HA
CV163=5 Nathan K3L
CV163=6 Nathan K3H
CV163=7 Nathan K5H
CV163=8 Nathan P5A
CV163=9 Nathan P5 (Old Cast)
CV163=10 Nathan M3RT1
CV163=11 Leslie S3L (Default)
CV163=12 Leslie S5T
CV163=13 Nathan K5LR24
CV163=14 Leslie S5TRF

ALCO Bell Template Pack 1
Bells (SoundCV10):
CV164=0 ALCO Bronze Bell 003
CV164=1 ALCO Bronze Bell 005
CV164=2 ALCO Bronze Bell 006
CV164=3 ALCO Bronze Bell 010

1st Gereration Brake Squeal Template Pack 1
Brake Squeal (SoundCV11)
CV165=0 Composition Shoe #1
CV166=1 Cast Iron Shoe #1

ALCO Air Dryer Template Pack 1
Air Dryer (SoundCV12)
CV166=0 S-1 Air Dryer 1
CV166=1 C-425 Air Dryer 1
CV166=2 RS-18 Air Dryer 1
CV166=3 RS-18 Air Dryer 2

KeyFunctionsSound slotsVolume CVsVolume values
F0Headlights Front/Rear
F1Bell428360
F2Horn3275128
F3Coupler529160
F4Dynamic Brake629975
F6MARS Light - MONON
F7Flange Squeal2343530
F8Prime Mover, Traction Motor, Starting Delay1, 19, 25, 26259, 403, 451, 459100, 30, 60, 60
F9Drive Hold
F10Independent Brake1133940
F11Radiator Fan831560
F12Dimmer
F13Aux4-Aux5 Rear Ditchlights Flashing by default
F14Hand Brake1436370
F15Isolation Switch2141930
F16Air Dryer On Shutdown
F17Brake Set/Release Automatic2948340
F18Sanding Valve1335520
F19Short Air Let Off2444380
F20Compressor730770
F21Air Dryer1738780
F22Cab Door1537180
F23Engine Compartment Doors1637980
F24Reverser Center2041130
F25Shutters Open/Closed3250730
F26Manual Notching Up / Run 8
F27Manual Notching Down / Coast
F28Manual Notching Logic2746720
F29Automatic Brake Emergency932340
F30Automatic Brake1033140
F31Soundfader

Make sure that index CV31 is set to 16 and index CV32 is set to 1 before changing a volume CV.