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Just for example.
Sunset Model / 3rd Rail make scale Budd RDC cars. (Both 2 and 3 rail)
A Budd car, for 3-rail, is an RDC for 2-railers. For 2- rail, a Budd car is a passenger car with distinctive stainless steel corrugations, usually distinguished from Pullmans by the continuation of corrugations across the roof. Most famous "Budd Cars" are the California Zephyr" cars, again released by Atlas.
A Budd car, for 3-rail, is an RDC for 2-railers. For 2- rail, a Budd car is a passenger car with distinctive stainless steel corrugations, usually distinguished from Pullmans by the continuation of corrugations across the roof. Most famous "Budd Cars" are the California Zephyr" cars, again released by Atlas.
I've always made the distinction between a Budd car and an RDC (and the distinction between an RDC 1, 2, 3, and 4). This is yet another little factoid that implies I've been a "closeted 2-railer" for more than two decades. You're scaring me, Bob
Lionel. MTH and Williams all made semi-scale Budd (RDC). I believe they all shorten the cars to 64 ft by removing one or two windows. I do not know if they narrowed the width and reduced the height. The full size RDC-1 was 85 ft long by 10 ft wide and 14.6 fe high.
Jan
The Lionel (and I believe the Williams as well) were very close to the proper height and width (the trucks were wrong, though). They shortened them by removing a row of windows from each end. Instead of five rows of windows on one side of the center of the radiators end and six rows on the other, the Lionel and Williams had four and five, respectively. Jack Whitmeyer showed me how he did his conversion to make a Lionel RDC-1 (appropriately in ATSF livery) the proper length. He also did one for Joe Lesser. Basically, he stretched the four-row end into a six-row end using the end from another shell.
As I recall, the MTH Rail King RDC-1 had the correct number of windows, and as I recall, the correct truck wheelbase. MTH uses a unusual technique in shrinking its passenger equipment. The number of windows is usually correct, but they're shortened -- i.e., a bit more square than prototype. That's combined with reductions in other spots to get a well-proportioned, but short passenger car.

The Sunset "Budd Cars" in plastic would more than satisfy me; I think you will love them!
I love my Division Point RDC-3! "Budd Car"

I've said it before I shall again. The finest Budd body in any scale. OMI came close in their recent projects, that Woosung Brass masterpiece is fabulous.

I want to share with you guys the perfect Budd body. Sunset in 2001 tried to make a run of these and cut all the corners to make a less expensive piece. Woosung Brass did it all. Every stainless pressing on the 1:1 was pressed of brass and plated, soldered just like the shot welded Budd panels. Every screw, every rivet. This model is so good it is an educational piece for Budd construction methodology.
Truly without a doubt Division Point's RDC series brass imports. (1997 Woosung Brass Model) is the benchmark for Budd car bodies in miniature.

Truly astonishing with all the pressed and built up panels to complete the exact prototype Budd construction. DVP's RDC was amazing, WBM really outdid themselves on this project.




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I had heard stories about the Division Point RDC's but had never seen one. That's one impressive model. Did they do all four variants?
Re rdc's, I am surprised no one has painted them up in more modern colorful flavors!
While decidedly not scale, two RMT Buddy RDCs arrived yesterday in the mail. The details, such as metal handrails & chains, & directional lighting, are cool. It would be great if they had a whistle & bell, too, but imagine that space & cost might be limiting factors. The cars appear to be well made, but because they are mostly plastic, they feel more fragile than a WBB Geep or a cast steamer. None the less, I am pleased with my purchase.
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Interesting thread I will have to show it to some of the guys upstairs that worked for Budd.
I have heard that Sunset is right now finishing its current run in China.
Get them while you can, RDC Budd cars.
Our Train club asked members if they would be interested in a special run and got a very good response so very happy about the custom British Columbia Railway special run for the Canadian Toy Train Association.
http://www.canadiantoytrains.o...ub-cars/coming-soon/
These are really nice cars no what road name you are looking for check what if any might be available with Sunset 3rd Rail.
If you are looking for the Budd passenger cars Sunset has done some really nice cars for different road names have the CP Canadian set and it is really well done and Atlas is doing some nice detailed cars.
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Does anyone know what the minimum radius is for the Sunset RDC? I can not seem to find it on the website..Thanks