Alco RS-3-- come on 3rd rail

Atlas 2 rail RS1s did have fixed pilots.   My friend had 2-3 of them at one time.

As for weaver motors, I have a large fleet of Weaver RS3s and FA/FB units and have never had a motor failure.    The motors in the single motor versions were real can motors from Pittman.      And these units still show up at train shows in decent quantities.     I have no experience with the 2 motor ones.

I think there are so many RS3s from various importers, that a Sunset version would not get enough reservations to be a go.

It might make more sense to do some models that have not been done recently or not done often.    Perhaps an ALCO RSD7 or RSD15.   Perhaps some of many Baldwin models or Fairbanks Morse would sell better.

"It might make more sense to do some models that have not been done recently or not done often. "

Well that explains why they did F7s and F3s.

- Crank

I dont agree I think in the three rail community they would be a hot item done right

@prrjim posted:

Atlas 2 rail RS1s did have fixed pilots.   My friend had 2-3 of them at one time.

As for weaver motors, I have a large fleet of Weaver RS3s and FA/FB units and have never had a motor failure.    The motors in the single motor versions were real can motors from Pittman.      And these units still show up at train shows in decent quantities.     I have no experience with the 2 motor ones.

I think there are so many RS3s from various importers, that a Sunset version would not get enough reservations to be a go.

It might make more sense to do some models that have not been done recently or not done often.    Perhaps an ALCO RSD7 or RSD15.   Perhaps some of many Baldwin models or Fairbanks Morse would sell better.

I agree with the highlighted statements made here; the weakest feature of the Weaver diesels was the plastic "frame" and the possibility of   bending (warping) over time. Other than that, they're great.

Mark in Oregon

Red Vermont Railway, rear of this picture.  Down side of both the GP38-2 and RS-3 shown was no cab detail.  Sorry I don't have a good picture of the  Weaver RS-3.   Truck side frames were plastic.  Trucks and base frame of both models pictured, were metal. 

I would be in. I emailed Scott some time ago for a CN in the olive green and gold color scheme. His reply:

Thank you for the suggestion. It's not the first time RS-3 has been
mentioned. We will see what the future holds.

Bob

I appreciate what 3rd Rail does, but they don't fit into my budget these years. However, I would be super tempted by a correct, as-delivered CNJ RS-3.

@CNJ Jim posted:

I appreciate what 3rd Rail does, but they don't fit into my budget these years. However, I would be super tempted by a correct, as-delivered CNJ RS-3.

I hear you on that, EBT Jim!  I'd be in for at least two...and probably 3 or 4 if they also offered the 6-axle version RSD4!

@20centuryhudson posted:

Anybody want to see this engine done right? Practically every railroad had them so paint schemes galore---as I recall weavers from a long time ago were closest on looks but bad motors and impossible to find---Lionel's were terrible looking-----Atlas trainman was so-so --MTH not sure but didnt have fixed pilots ---Atlas RS1's were nice but no fixed pilots.

What do you mean by "bad motors"? The early scale shaft drives had Pittman motors. Its more the shaft drive had chain sprocket issues than a "bad motor" The "New Century" drives were twin vertical motors with flywheels like any other o guage engine made. Both can motor types give years of service. Do you even own a Weaver model diesel?

As long as you have the green paint out for the CNJ’s. I would be in a for a couple of Rutlands.

Give me Rutland and I be in

Lehigh and Hudson River or Susquehanna for me

@CNJ #1601 posted:

I hear you on that, EBT Jim!  I'd be in for at least two...and probably 3 or 4 if they also offered the 6-axle version RSD4!

Oh man,  I would have to make room in the "fleet" for a CNJ version also !

@superwarp1 posted:

Yes on the Rutland RS-3 with fixed pilots!

a LIRR in 1960's paint scheme and an NH in green for me

While looking at photos of Conrail RS3 engines, I came across this one;

Conrail 9961 Altoona, PA. 08/051984

The “shortened hood”  is an interesting feature.  

Was this a factory option or a common modification?

@GregM posted:

While looking at photos of Conrail RS3 engines, I came across this one;

Conrail 9961 Altoona, PA. 08/051984

The “shortened hood”  is an interesting feature.  

Was this a factory option or a common modification?

The program of modifications was started by Penn Central in 1972 at the former NYC DeWitt shops and the former PRR Altoona shops.  Conrail continued to do RS3 rebuilds until 1978.  There are a lot of variations on the RS3m models from lowered hoods of varying heights to boxy enclosures where an EMD prime mover was used to replace the original Alco one. 

@GregM posted:

While looking at photos of Conrail RS3 engines, I came across this one;

Conrail 9961 Altoona, PA. 08/051984

The “shortened hood”  is an interesting feature.  

Was this a factory option or a common modification?

That's a shop modification, not an option from Alco.  Note the twin stacks on the long hood.  The original Alco prime mover and electrical equipment have also been replaced by an EMD prime mover and EMD electrics.  Some of these modifications were done by Conrail and some were done by Penn Central.  The locomotives were classed RS3m.

EDIT - Looks like Jonathan is a faster typist than I am!