Number 1718 was one of five EMD MRS-1 locomotives on the ARR in the 17XX series and was the only one of the 17xx to be painted in ARR colors. One other unit, 1714 only received it's road number. The other 17xx I believe were stored and never used. The ARR also had the ALCO version on the MRS-1 and had 13 examples.

The MRS-1 was built for the United States Army Transportation Corps from both ALCO and EMD with ALCO building more than EMD. EMD only built 13 MRS-1 locomotives, and had the 16cyl 567B engine. This type of locomotive was designed to be able to run on European railroads where tight clearances such as tunnels and bridges were a concern and also had telescoping axles for various track gauges.

Number 1718 was used in Germany, France and Belgium for testing and eventually was used back in the U.S. and was used by the U.S. Navy prior to the ARR purchasing it and four other EMD examples in 1977. 1718 was used by the ARR, then it was the locomotive used on the ALCOP train, then finishing it's career as one of the switchers used at Clear AFB moving coal hoppers around.

In 1999 1718 was retired and in 2000 was purchased by private donors, which their names are photographed here. 1718 has been at MATI since 2001. By luck, if it hadn't been the locomotive used on the ALCOP train, it most likely would have been scrapped at the butchering at Birchwood of 1986 where all the other MRS-1s both the 16xx and 17xx were cut up, leaving 1718 the sole survivor. These images show a behind the scenes look at the 1718 as most are not allowed in equipment at the museum, and gives you a good reference for those who may want to model this unit. 1718 was very well cared for and is in great shape. The old heads were right about the cabs on these locomotives, very cramp with a low ceiling. Next time I visit and have more time, I may try to get some more detail photos and maybe engine shots, but for now here's something to look at. - Mike Gerenday, 5/8/21

Casey Durand added, "The GE also came from Clear. Same place as the MRS1. The Baldwin S12 sisters came from EAFB. All 4 locos were replaced with GP40s."