The American Locomotive Company
"I know my grandfather was pleased that his work [at ALCO] was contributing to the war effort—especially because he had been turned down by the Navy recruitment office."
Andrew Brozyna
Andrew Brozyna
ALCO and World War II
A poster produced by ALCO, 1944
ALCO was an important producer of locomotives and tanks for the war. During the first four years of the war, ALCO produced more product than it had in the first twenty-five years of the 20th century.
On November 23, 1940, more than a year before Pearl Harbor, the Schenectady plant received a contract to build medium tanks. They immediately began the conversion of their locomotive manufacturing buildings, dedicating thousands of square feet to the production of tanks. By April 19, 1941 their first tank was successfully tested and approved by government officials. Having never built a tank, ALCO was the first to produce a M3 "General Lee" tank that was satisfactory to the army.
On November 23, 1940, more than a year before Pearl Harbor, the Schenectady plant received a contract to build medium tanks. They immediately began the conversion of their locomotive manufacturing buildings, dedicating thousands of square feet to the production of tanks. By April 19, 1941 their first tank was successfully tested and approved by government officials. Having never built a tank, ALCO was the first to produce a M3 "General Lee" tank that was satisfactory to the army.
