K-Line(by Lionel) RS-3, what do you think?

 I think I remember there being something said about problems w/  the boards on them

I have had the K-line Long Island RS-3 with TMCC for a number of years with no problems.  I just recently upgraded it with an ERR Commander to give me speed control.  The only problem I have had is with the air and signal hoses on the pilot (they break off easily) and the flexible plastic walkway (I finally just glued them in place).

I vaguely recall one comment that the K-line chassis rode slightly lower on the trucks than the Lionel version.  I chose the K-line because I wanted the LI version.

The Atlas model looks nice.

Good luck. 

Chris and Dan,

Thanks.

Dan, how much difference is there with the ERR Commander installed?

Chris, were the mother board failures consistant or random? (i.e. no horn, no reverse, etc. or complete failure?) (I wonder if Lionel would still warranty it if the item was purchased new from a hobby store?)

Did the RS-3 use a new sound set or a generic Lionel ALCO sound set? My understanding is, please correct me, that Lionel only let other TMCC licensed manufactures use the generic. Would K-line have had something better since it was by Lionel? Just curious.

Dan, the Western Maryland "Fireball" scheme is calling me on this one. I know that Atlas did D&H Champlain Blue & Gray, and Reading Dark Green. (I kind of wish that the D&H would also have been done in their as delivered black scheme).

I need to start researching what MTH made available (Premier & RK).

Thanks again.

Henry, with ERR you get constant speed as you would with Legacy or PS2/PS3.

The sound set is generic Alco, it lacks the distinctive Alco turbo whine.  I also have a newer Lionel S-2 which is also missing that special whine.  The horn seems to be a Nathan M3 which would be correct for a Long Island version.  From what I have seem WM used the M5 horn.

K-line used TMCC under license from Lionel so, at best, it would be identical to Lionel, certainly not better.

If yo can find the WM Fireball at a good price, go for it if it makes you happy.

Dan

Dan,

Thank you for the information! I appreciate it. Was the ERR Commander a plug and play arrangement? Again, just curious.

Given the old catalog picture I have seen, the WM would be the unit I would like to get one day. Additionally, I would like to get a D&H and Reading RS-3 from Atlas (unless someone else produces them in the future).

I love them old ALCO's!

Henry,

There's a Weaver one in Reading for sale ($75) on here right now. It's an early production version which means barely enough room for TMCC but not enough for Railsounds. i like the detail level of the Weaver ones, but it's a bear to add TMCC inside that narrow hood.

jackson

https://ogrforum.com/t...-line-mth-lionel-etc

I thought the K Line engine was pretty nice. It sat a little high but I think Kline by Lionel versions may have sat lower and were better looking. The Atlas Trainman engine is too long. The wheelbase is designed to allow both 4 wheel and 6 wheel versions. The MTH model doesnt seem to have the correct body contours but it looks and runs well and as a railking model is quite reasonable.

I'm not sure about the board failure issues. I'm going off memory here.   I don't believe that Lionel would warranty them now, even if bought new

Henry,

Basic installation is pretty simple.  The cruise commander replaces the standard DCDR module.  One thing, for the cruise commander to work your R2LC chip has to be revision C08, or higher.  Any original K-line RS-3 is likely to be C07, like mine.  So add another $40 for a new R2LC.

modeltrainsparts,

Thanks for the lead! While I am currently just seeking information, I will look into it (especially at that price!). And you gave me another manufacture to consider.

Edit: has anyone purchased the newer offering from Weaver?

Chris,

Thank you for your input. I will keep that in consideration when I am ready to do something.

LIRR Steamer,

Thank you for the information on the atlas rs-3. I did not realize that about the dimensions. That said, I would still probably buy one at the right price. D&H Champlain Blue and Gray is tough to resist!

Dan,

That is valuable information about the ERR Commander. I will note that.

This forum is "the go to place for information". You folks are Great!!!

Henry,

Like you i love those early Alcos - currently have 3 PA's, 1 FA and 2 RS3's (one Weaver, one MTH). I have had the Weaver one over 25 years now and love it. Yes, it has fragile hand rails but they look great; it has the early chain drive and Weaver replaced the broken sprocket and it's been great for over 20 years; yes, i like that it does NOT run at toy train speeds; installing TMCC was not fun, but i did it; opening the coupler pockets was essential for 042" curve navigation - that took a lot of fiddling.All and all a very good loco.

For the last year or so i've been looking for another one, either late Weaver or Atlas (both with TMCC and Railsounds) in PRR markings at something less than the price of a new one. I seriously considered the Reading one advertised here for $75 as a repaint and upgrade project, but then looked at all my current projects and passed.

jackson

Dan,

Something else to consider regarding the ALCO turbo whistle/wine, that distinct sound was typical of the 531T, 538T & 539T inline engines in the "HH" & S-Series switchers and RS-1.

While turbo-charged, the 244 and 251 V12 & V16 engines used on the FA, PA, RS-2/on and Century Series had more of a burble to bark depending on how far they were throttled up. 'Careful' ears can probably hear the spool up of the turbo on those engines.

Regardless, there is nothing better than the sound of an ALCO!   

(Music. Sweat Music!)

I have a few versions by K-line and am very happy with it. Some however as stated before seem to have the experience with board failures. But many, including myself have had no issues. 

That is correct for the WM RS-3's.  

Poppyl 

I have a Kline by Lionel version. It looks nice but run terrible. It is not very smooth running. I might upgrade with ERR stuff.

My Weaver RS3 from a few years ago. 

Weaver RS3 webpage.

Mike CT,

This is the latest version by Weaver? TMCC and RailSounds?  Great looking locomotive!

Thanks for your post!