This model has the distinction of having the longest production run of any diesel locomotive for the North American market.

[2] For these reasons, most North American locomotives built since have followed this basic hood unit design.

The requisitioned RS-1s were remanufactured by ALCO into six axle RSD-1s for use on the Trans-Iranian Railway to supply the Soviet Union during the war.

It was used in much the same manner as the original variant, though the axle load was distributed for operation on light rail such as are found on branch lines.

True to their designation as 'road switchers', RS-1s could also be frequently found hauling mainline trains, especially on branch lines.

The RS-1 enjoyed a long service life, despite its manufacturer ALCO shutting down in 1969, just 9 years after the last locomotive was produced.