This engine was built by the American Locomotive Company of Schnectady, N.Y. in February 1950. It was built as model RS-1, serial number 77853. It was originally numbered Wisconsin Central (part of Soo Line) 2360. It was purchased by the Sydney & Louisburg (later Cumberland Railway Company, and Cape Breton Development Corp, Devco) in October 1961 and helped finish off steam on the S&L. It was donated to the S & H by Devco at the time 208 was purchased.

The RS-1 model was the first mass-produced road switcher built in the U.S.A. The production ran from 1941 to 1960 with very few changes in the basic design. The power plant was a 6-cylinder 12.5" bore 13" stroke model 539 diesel, turbocharged for 1000 HP. The traction motors were GE 731. All electrical equipment was made by General Electric.