Best Alco RS-11?

Atlas O has never made an RS-11.

I have several of the Lionel RS-11s. Some of my favorite diesels. I think they're very well detailed and mine look, run and sound great.

Weaver RSD12 (3 axle trucks) TMCC., Electro Couplers.  No cab detail, No smoke.   RS-11 (2 axle trucks).  A quick check of the Weaver Archive shows some of these models around 2000 with QSI control, TMCC would have been a few years later. The one pictured does have TMCC but no advance speed control, i.e later EOB or now ERR boards.

 

The sound package on the recent Lionel Legacy offering is top notch. I have the Penn Central and it's fabulous.

 

http://www.lionel.com/Customer....cfm?documentID=6412

Peter

I have the Lionel Legacy NKP & N&W and really like both of them.

 

Doug

 

I have the MTH RK Scale RS-11, no smoke, but nice sound file and control 

I have the Lionel Legacy RS-11, and it is a thing of beauty indeed. The detail is excellent, it runs beautifully, the smoke output is brilliant, the sound is terrific, and the horn at full blast can make you feel as if your ears have exploded. 

One of my all time favorite locos is the RS-11, form follows function, yet handsome. I have the Lionel D&H version, It is an early production with only a single roller pickup on each truck and it sometimes stalls entering yard ladders. I also have an Atlas C&O RSD-7 / 15, It looks like an RS-11 on steroids.

RSD-7/15  From the Atlas Website.  2006.  Chop nose, Alligator look.   RSD-7 1800hp. RSD-15  2400hp.   Note the Alco asymmetrical 3 axle trucks.

Lionel NYC RS-11

Lionel Nickel Plate Road RS-11:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to all that responded.

 

It appears to me that the Lionel RS-11 is the most popular with the responders.  Its is very detailed. 

 

If looked on the web at the catalog pictures of the MTH Premier RS-11.  The fuel tank detail on the MTH and the gap between the trucks and the body greatly detracts from its appearance. The pictures on FB seem to show that MTH has address them though it is hard to tell when looking at black trucks, fuel tanks, and other lower body detail.

 

The Atlas trainman RSD is also nice looking engine.  It has 3-axel trucks like the RS-12.

 

Jan

I just took delivery of the latest MTH premier RS-11 last week (in Delaware & Hudson livery), powered and non-powered units. They have gray trucks, so maybe you'll be able to get a good view of the gap you mentioned. I will try to post some photos this weekend.

 The NYC never took delivery of its RS11's. Thats not prototypical!

RickO, you're correct! The NYC never took delivery. They ended up going to the D&H.

Why didn't the Central take them.  Seems to me the Central had some 24-66's on order, and those where cancelled also!

 

Saw thenm on the SP.  Smoked like an insense pot during a Midnight Liturgy!

 

Dominic,

 The story goes that, the NYC had a verbal agreement with ALCo for units. The units were built, but never delivered do to financial considerations and no written contract. They set at ALCo for over a year(in full NYC attire) when the D&H elected to purchase them in 1961. Numbered 8009 to 8014, they became D&H 5000 to 5005 and were delivered with newly built 5006 to 5011.

 

So, in a way, they are 'prototypical'. Just never operated as such.    (Right RickO and joeyA???   {lol...}  )

joeyA,

 I only saw the MTH units in the catalog. I hope someone can also post pictures of the Lionel version in D&H colors for the comparison you guys are talking about. It may help me decide which ones to look for later on.

 Thanks.

Chopped liver?

 

Originally class drs-10a, numbered 8000-8008, renumbered and reclassified ars-18 7600 -7608 in 1966.

 

Lionel's only guilty of using a number from the cancelled RS11 order.

 

Rusty

When the Central finally took delivery of some RS 11s, they were not in Lightning Stripe livery but had the thankfully short lived Script logo

I'd have to cast my vote for the Legacy unit by Lionel.  I bought one at that little train show in Pa and it is OUTSTANDING.  It's a Penn Central, but hey, it's what I grew up around.  (Don't hate me, I really do like PC!)

 

AF

 

Jan, sorry it took me so long to post some photos of the MTH Premier Delaware & Hudson RS-11.  This is from MTH's latest run of RS-11's...I just received it last week.

 

I don't own any Lionel RS-11's to do a detail-for-detail comparison, and I have no dog in the Lionel vs. MTH fight!!  However, if it's the space between the body and trucks that was a concern to you, it appears (to me, anyway) that the MTH version rides significantly lower on its trucks than the Lionel versions pictured above in this thread.

 

 

 

 

 

I will post a video of it (along with the non-powered unit) in action as soon as I get a chance.

 

Thanks Joe.

 

It looks like MTH improved their RS-11 when they came out with Premier version.  I had only seen pictures of the Railking version.

 

Jan

Actually, the prototype RS-11 rode somewhat high on its trucks. The MTH looks like a bit of a low rider compared to the prototype engine.

 

A WEAVER RS-11

 

I have a Weaver RS-11 and a recent MTH Premier RS-11.  I like both, but as far as detail, paint, and features, the MTH version wins hands down, IMHO.