MTH Railking LongIsland RS-3 "Blue Bird" Scheme is Coming

Although #1519 was an RS-2 in real life!

looks nice. The LIRR acquired two RS-2s from the D&H about 1960 or so.

That's a sharp looking diesel.

Yes that scheme was done in the early 1960's. The blue stripe was to match the all parlor car train the "Cannon Ball".  Here she is hauling freight North Fork of Long Island 1962

That would look great pulling these...

I believe Model RR did an article about converting an RS3 to an RS2. It didn't look like too much work as you need to add the fuel filler on the cab sides and possibly create the ALCo "long tank"- review prototype photos beforehand!

Those K-Line LIRR cars are in the 1976 scheme.  The blue stripe rs-3 "in real rs-2's 1519 & 1520" where a match for the heavyweight parlor car train "The Cannon Ball" those had a blue stripe to match the motive power. A real nice sight RS-2 #1519 & 1520 at Montauk in 1963!!

Never got to see that RS-2/scheme in real life. They changed that paint scheme at the end of 1963.

Those fantasy passenger cars above would not be accurate in style or size operating with any MTH LIRR diesel.   Best to find the LIRR "true O" Atlas T-man commuter coach cars.

Diesel looks nice but would not go with power units after 19 63 plus I dont need a 3rd RS3.

SIRT posted:

Never got to see that RS-2/scheme in real life. They changed that paint scheme at the end of 1963.

Those fantasy passenger cars above would not be accurate in style or size operating with any MTH LIRR diesel.   Best to find the LIRR "true O" Atlas T-man commuter coach cars.

I thought there were a lot of posts about issues with those particular cars.

What about these from MTH?

Atlas would require adding some metal weights for better reliability. Railking is OK but has a smaller compressed look. Problem is the large gap between the cars. Cant change to short couplers like the subways.

Not a whole lot of choices out there. It is what it is. MTH wont buy the correct P54 Ping Pongs from I.MW.

The K-Line Long Island 18" heavyweight parlor car set is the most correct LIRR set made and would be perfect for the new MTH RS-3 . But only to be found on ebay at $499 or over. Even has the CORRECT Cannon Ball drum head on the observation car!!!!

Nice set!

There is also a Worlds Fair version for later years after 63. All rare. My layout would not support the long look of 17" cars. I would assume you would need 72" curves and a BIG layout to make them fit in better.

Not sure what sounds MTH will add into the 1950's RS3 blue stripe. Probably silly MTH Freight or passenger?

No in cab radios or CSX reefers back then as MTH put into previous 1964 W.F. RS3's. LOL!  Crew used track side telephone call boxes for tower communications.

Hope Roy gets it right?

They generally overlook black trucks and silver stacks as on the RS-1.

Someone please post a video when it arrives. I'm excited to see this engine. :-)