Between 1967 and 1968, 34 C636 locomotives were built by Alco in
Schenectady, New York. Despite many new and innovative features, the C636 could not hold its own in the marketplace. Three demonstrator locomotives were built costing Alco about $5.5 million. Problems with Alco demonstrator number 636-2, the only demonstrator locomotive operating, were a factor in dissuading potential customers. During an evaluation on the
Santa Fe Railway, the same traction motor blower on 636-2 failed and was replaced on three of four runs. Unit 636-2 also had unsatisfactory results while being tested on the
Southern Pacific Railroad.
Montreal Locomotive Works produced the
MLW M-636 variant of the C636 for
Canadian Pacific Railway and
Canadian National Railway. In
Australia,
AE Goodwin built 29 C636s between May 1968 and September 1970 for
Pilbara iron ore railroads.
Hamersley Iron purchased 12 units in 5 separate orders. Bechtel purchased 5 C636s for use in the construction of the
Mount Newman Mining facilities. The latter company ordered 12 C636s a year later and bought Bechtel's locomotives. Hamersley Iron had their fleet rebuilt in the 1980s by
Comeng,
Bassendean with the Australian designed Pilbara cab. == Original owners ==