United States Air Force Locomotive No. 1246 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids United States Air Force 1246
2008 photo
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder General Electric Serial number 31870 Model 44-ton Build date January 1953
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR B-B  • UIC Bo′Bo′ Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Prime mover Caterpillar D17000, 2 off Engine type V8 diesel
Performance figures Power output 380 hp (283 kW)
Career Operators United States Air Force Current owner Fort Smith Trolley Museum Disposition Static display
United States air Force Locomotive No. 1246
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location in Arkansas Show map of Arkansas Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	100 S 4th St., Fort Smith, Arkansas
Area	less than one acre
Built	1953
Architect	General Electric Company
NRHP reference No.	06000840
Added to NRHP	September 20, 2006

The United States Air Force Locomotive No. 1246 is a special train engine. It is a historic diesel-electric railroad switcher. You can see it today at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

This locomotive was built in 1953 by the General Electric Company. It was made in Schenectady, New York. The United States Air Force ordered eleven of these 44-ton locomotives. A "switcher" locomotive is a smaller engine used to move train cars around in a rail yard or at a base.

It is thought that Locomotive No. 1246 spent its entire working life at Grissom Air Force Base in Indiana. The museum got this locomotive in 1992.

A Special Place in History

In 2006, this locomotive was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical item in the United States. It helps tell the story of our country's past.