3rd Rail RDC

I got my RDC-1 and -2. The RDC-1 had the trucks hanging lose from the frame and the axles not in their bearings. Clearly not shipping damage, I guess someone at the factory screwed up. Scott has sent a return label to get it repaired.

Wonderful!!!! Mine is bouncing across the country right now!!!! I’ll pray!!

I have received my RDC 1 and RDC 2. Both run fine. I also have a RDC 1 from the prior 3rd Rail release. The new ones look great; there are some very subtle differences compared to the older, metal version. I'll post photos tomorrow

OK, here are pics of the 3rd Rail RDC units. First is a pic of the RDC 1 and RDC 2. Second is a comparison of the RDC 1 to the older RDC 1 release in metal. Differences include the detailing of the roof vents over the prime mover, different horns, and differences in the underbody equip

I prefer the new release - not only is the exterior detail sharper in a couple of areas, but the interior lighting is better and the tables are a neat touch. The older release was not a great runner; these seem much better.

Can kadees be installed? Is there a scale pilot provided as in the recent diesels?

@20centuryhudson posted:

Can kadees be installed? Is there a scale pilot provided as in the recent diesels?

Have you asked Scott these questions?

Seeing as someone got one and posted pictures why not ask here

@20centuryhudson posted:

Seeing as someone got one and posted pictures why not ask here

Wouldn't you rather have the exact facts, from the owner of the company?

I’d rather not bother the owner of a company—with a relatively mundane issue—isn’t the whole point of the forum to exchange ideas and ask questions of each other to foster fellowship within the hobby

@20centuryhudson posted:

I’d rather not bother the owner of a company—with a relatively mundane issue—isn’t the whole point of the forum to exchange ideas and ask questions of each other to foster fellowship within the hobby

Well, yes,,,,,,,,,assuming you do get an answer, and the answer is accurate & correct. I've known Scott Mann for many, many years, and he really does NOT mind answering such questions, even if he is in China at the time. Just my opinion but, I would much rather receive a correct, factual response from the company.

FYI, I have three of the earlier release plastic body 3rd rail RDC's and at the time of their release Scott did have the two rail pilots available. Not cheap but they look way better than the 3 rail pilots.

Ken

I have one of the first runs and now wish that I had gotten a two-rail version:

I am anticipating my demo model. I did receive an Email from Scott M that the undecorated versions arrived unpainted and are going back to get painted in the Silver body.

When I do receive my undecorated version, it's going to be painted Amtrak ph1. I'll have to see about adding the additional lights on the end doors b4 going to paint.

@prrhorseshoecurve posted:

I am anticipating my demo model. I did receive an Email from Scott M that the undecorated versions arrived unpainted and are going back to get painted in the Silver body.

When I do receive my undecorated version, it's going to be painted Amtrak ph1. I'll have to see about adding the additional lights on the end doors b4 going to paint.

Indeed they were unpainted. I’m glad Scott is sending it back to get painted.

I have yet to take photos of mine yet but hope to when I get a spare moment here soon.  Mine are CNJ and I am very pleased with them.  One is three rail and one is two rail.  I plan on swapping body shells to put the 3R CNJ body on my undecorated 2R one and one-day paint what will be my two 3R undecorated ones for another road, probably Amtrak.  No rush on that though.

In a sign that I may indeed have too many trains, I can't for the life of me figure out where my undecorated 2R RDC is from the last run though. 

It will turn up soon I'm sure.

@20centuryhudson posted:

I’d rather not bother the owner of a company—with a relatively mundane issue—isn’t the whole point of the forum to exchange ideas and ask questions of each other to foster fellowship within the hobby

Guys how about send a question to 3 rd rail? E mail works best for non critical questions.

3 rail RDC with 2 rail pilot.

Ken

@HiramO posted:

OK, here are pics of the 3rd Rail RDC units. First is a pic of the RDC 1 and RDC 2. Second is a comparison of the RDC 1 to the older RDC 1 release in metal. Differences include the detailing of the roof vents over the prime mover, different horns, and differences in the underbody equip

Do you notice on the newer models how the horns are all pointing downward? I wonder why? I

Here are my CNJ ones finally!  The horns are bent down because of the packing.  They are brass castings, and I was able to straighten them easily.

Here is the Susquehanna RDC! I may try to bend them up, how did you do it?

@Cincytrains posted:

Here is the Susquehanna RDC! I may try to bend them up, how did you do it?

I just gently straightened the horns using my fingertips.  The bend pretty easily so not a lot of force is required.

The Susie-Q ones turned out great! 

For you guys that just got the latest run of RDC's, what soundset is used? I have ones from the earlier issue of plastic body RDC's and the sounds used sound nothing like an RDC.  Listen to this:

Ken

@kanawha posted:

For you guys that just got the latest run of RDC's, what soundset is used? I have ones from the earlier issue of plastic body RDC's and the sounds used sound nothing like an RDC.  Listen to this:

Ken

Since they are stuck using ERR I don't think there is an rdc sound available.  Would be nice if there was.  I bet the 2rail have more accurate sound file

I just took delivery of my latest diesel Demonstrator, the Budd RDC1

FYI, for long term storage-remember to REMOVE THE BATTERY in any 3rd rail locomotive! Replace with GRJ's Your Last Battery sold at Hennings Trains.

@tom21pa posted:

Since they are stuck using ERR I don't think there is an rdc sound available.  Would be nice if there was.  I bet the 2rail have more accurate sound file

Listening to several RDCs on YouTube, I think just turning the sound down a bit would make for a more realistic RDC sound.  They just aren't that loud compared to a diesel locomotive.

I had a 3rd Rail Reading RDC from previous run, was beautiful,  i sold it to someone on the forum.  If they did Reading & Northern I'd be in for two, and if they had smoke & real RDC sound file.

@prrhorseshoecurve posted:

I just took delivery of my latest diesel Demonstrator, the Budd RDC1

FYI, for long term storage-remember to REMOVE THE BATTERY in any 3rd rail locomotive! Replace with GRJ's Your Last Battery sold at Hennings Trains.

Since I’ll be at Hennings on Saturday, I’ll pick one up. How difficult is it to remove the shell. I know the manual says it’s easy. But is it?