I am beginning my search for an RS-1. I think Locomotive Workshop made one, Car Works(?), and other. I haven't paid so much attention to the brass end of the hobby before, so not only am I ignorant of what has been produced, but of the general evaluation each. If anyone could share come ideas of which models are worth pursuing and which to avoid, I'd appreciate it.
Mike
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I think the Car Works might have done an RS-3. You could go to the website and ask Stan Richmond, the owner:
http://www.thecarworks.com/index.html
If you watch the images cycle around on the home page you will see an RS. I'm sure if you contact Stan he can tell you what version it was, and maybe turn you on to where one might be. Can't hurt to ask. Pretty much certain that you will have to go secondary market.
Simon
The other possibility is the NJ Custom Brass RS-1. They are sometimes listed on Ebay or the O Scale Yard Sale (Yahoo). I have an CB RS-3 that used an All Nation delrin chain drive and is a very smooth runner. I believe the RS-1 has the same mechanism.
Wes
The Custom Brass loco would be a great choice.
Jeff C
I have an NJCB RS1. It is a very nice runner also. My has gear towers, I think instead of the chain and sprocket drive. All Nation did produce the for a line of NJCB engines at that time. The detail is not as fine or as much as more modern locos but is good as it is. I would recommend it.
I have not seen a Carworks version, but I have a Carworks Baldwin VO1000 switcher. It is nicely detailed and runs well too. It has a Weaver drive. I don't think the detail is at a higher level than the NJCB RS1 however.
So either would be a good choice depending on what you find. They do show up ar various 2 rail train shows. The big March Meet in Chicago (Lombard) next march would be a good place to shop.
Another non-brass choice is the Atlas O version. I have seen some of these run and they seem to run pretty well also. However, to me they look oversize for O scale. I have never measured one to find out if that is true or an illusion.
If you're brave, there's a Locomotive Workshop kit for an RS-1 on eBay, 
look for the custom brass or an atlas rs1 you will be much better off. and if mwb thinks you need to be brave to assemble the loco workshop rs1 to buy one and think you will have a nice piece you are kidding yourself. watch the bay as a custom brass rs1 sold for under 300. with a central loco works drive. the drive needed assembly but still miles ahead of that loco works t_ _ d!
look for the custom brass or an atlas rs1 you will be much better off. and if mwb thinks you need to be brave to assemble the loco workshop rs1 to buy one and think you will have a nice piece you are kidding yourself. watch the bay as a custom brass rs1 sold for under 300. with a central loco works drive. the drive needed assembly but still miles ahead of that loco works t_ _ d!
You only have to brave to buy it; you have to be lot more to build it! I've actually built a number of LWS kits and managed to retain a modicum of sanity.
They go together very neatly, just like this illustration.....
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