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!

@GG1 4877 posted:

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.

@Bob posted:

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!

Both responses are appreciated, always interesting to learn new things.

I would order 2 NYC, as well as Milw.

- Crank

The Alco RS 1 and/or 3 seemed to get some traction awhile back in a “3rd Rail wishlist” thread. It seemed poised to have enough “support” to catch Scott’s attention. I’d say close but a few other items popped up with big support like EA,E1, E5-6 rerun, P42 and I think F3. Tough competition and going slow to get em done. Then there’s the hopefully soon to be done SD40-2. Don’t forget the stalled FA too. A lot of competition for some $$$$$.
I’d welcome a RS model. Email Scott if you do too. It’ll take a BIG voice and follow-up reservations to get this model moving. Right now the Q is Really Long. Remember. Numbers Talk !!!!!!!  
Cheers

It has been discussed.  The question is are people willing to pay the same price as the SD40-2 for a smaller locomotive?  The current supply chain disruptions really just translate to added cost to a project.  I would love to have some nice CNJ ones.

I have a Weaver CNJ 2 rail that I converted to a dummy 3rs locomotive that I will be converting back to a 2 rail powered locomotive one day now that I moved away from 3rs.  It needs a new set of handrails though.

@Strummer posted:

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

The ORIGINAL weaver shaft drive RS3, FA-2, and GP38 back in yhe last century  has a plastic frame.

The Dual flywheel motor setup on all Weaver diesels in the new century have the stamped sheetmetal frame.

@GG1 4877 posted:

It has been discussed.  The question is are people willing to pay the same price as the SD40-2 for a smaller locomotive?  The current supply chain disruptions really just translate to added cost to a project.  I would love to have some nice CNJ ones.

I have a Weaver CNJ 2 rail that I converted to a dummy 3rs locomotive that I will be converting back to a 2 rail powered locomotive one day now that I moved away from 3rs.  It needs a new set of handrails though.

There’s no doubt these would be the most expensive RS-3 ever but what’s one to do?  Hide under a rock and hope prices will come down?  Think that ship has sailed

@prrhorseshoecurve posted:

The ORIGINAL weaver shaft drive RS3, FA-2, and GP38 back in yhe last century  has a plastic frame.

The Dual flywheel motor setup on all Weaver diesels in the new century have the stamped sheetmetal frame.

I see.

"...the last century"...that makes me feel old...  

Mark in Oregon

@superwarp1 posted:

There’s no doubt these would be the most expensive RS-3 ever but what’s one to do?  Hide under a rock and hope prices will come down?  Think that ship has sailed

Since Scott took a chance on the GP7/9 units, would it hurt to feel out the market gor the RS3's? I for one would be in for a PRR passenger steam units with sealed beam headlights, trainphone and the unique fuel/water tank that went OVER the air tanks...

PHOTO DELETED by moderator because there was no indication that the photo was taken by poster.  Guys, please follow our copyright rules in the TOS found in the blue bar at the top of all forum pages above the banner ads.

Waiting on this from MTH/Trainworld. Hopefully, it arrives before Christmas. Great price and it will be the first RS3 in my roster.

@Strap Hanger posted:

Waiting on this from MTH/Trainworld. Hopefully, it arrives before Christmas. Great price and it will be the first RS3 in my roster.

Just such a disappointment they are doing THREE blue and yellow LIRR RS3s and not a single one has an accurate paint scheme.

@RJ I posted:

Just such a disappointment they are doing THREE blue and yellow LIRR RS3s and not a single one has an accurate paint scheme.

Yeah, but the one I picked above is close enough.  I’m going to remove the Black LIRR on the cab and place on some “M” decals. I’ll leave the incorrect yellow “Long Island”, but weather the heck out of it so it’s less noticeable.  I also bought a couple of engineer figures for the cab.  For $349, it’s a steal and in light of that price, I don’t really mind the upgrade work. It’ll be a fun project turning it into this - https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?67673

PHOTO removed see above statement by moderator.

edit - sorry about that mods!  Thanks for just deleting the photo and not my whole post.  Thought the pic was public domain, since it’s on the nyc subway organization website, won’t make the same mistake again. Thx!

Ive become a bit of a snob I guess--I wont buy diesels without fixed pilots anymore---its night and day in my opinion

@prrhorseshoecurve posted:

Since Scott took a chance on the GP7/9 units, would it hurt to feel out the market gor the RS3's? I for one would be in for a PRR passenger steam units with sealed beam headlights, trainphone and the unique fuel/water tank that went OVER the air tanks...

PHOTO DELETED by moderator because there was no indication that the photo was taken by poster. 

Photo taken by me March 2021 Tuckerton, NJ.

From past research there were 3 phases of RS3s with different louver locations:

@GG1 4877 posted:

It has been discussed.  The question is are people willing to pay the same price as the SD40-2 for a smaller locomotive?  The current supply chain disruptions really just translate to added cost to a project.  I would love to have some nice CNJ ones.

I have a Weaver CNJ 2 rail that I converted to a dummy 3rs locomotive that I will be converting back to a 2 rail powered locomotive one day now that I moved away from 3rs.  It needs a new set of handrails though.

I think that people would gladly Q up for the RS3 (of course IMHO). This size is still decent - at least as big as the F3, perhaps a bit larger ???   (I’m Not sure a switcher like a SW or MP would fly at current pricing).
In fact, I think Scott would have to split (and balance reservation numbers) the model into 2 runs to avoid a previous F3 like production “jam up”. LOTS of roads to nominate for production.  
I’d love to see it. The production Q is Looonnggg right now though. Would this be more popular right now than the Hot Amtrak P42 models ???  I don’t think so but Who knows. Email Scott and let’s see where this goes.

Cheers

I would certainly be in for CN in green and gold. Units from northern New England would also be very tempting.

Bring on the D&H units... especially the blue dip scheme!

I’d take either a Erie or Erie Lackawanna in a heartbeat

If Scott offers these in Lackawanna, Erie, or Erie Lackawanna.  I'm in trouble.  If he offers all three simultaneously, my wallet will disown me, but my railroad will be happy.  I would happily order at least two locomotives in any of the above three mentioned paint schemes.

@Bob Delbridge posted:

From past research there were 3 phases of RS3s with different louver locations:

I have never purchased any RS3 in the past as none them have the correct phase configuration that I wanted. It would seem like the best way to do this would to have all the long hood produced as separate parts.