Key Imports O-scale Alco RS-3 (NYC version)

wow that is beautiful, if you don't mind me asking, how much was it?  I'm a 3 railer and am always curious what these 2 rail items go for.  thanks!

It appears to have a CLW drive, rather than Key. Perhaps it has simply been modified from the original Key mechanicals (if in fact it is Key).

I had a Key PRR RS3 back in the early 1990's and the drive train was totally different from the one in your pictures.  Each truck was independently powered by a small motor mounted between the axels.  The body detail was state of the art for the time, however some modelers expressed concern about whether or not the drive was robust enough for heavy O scale operation. The nicely detailed side frames look like the ones I remember on the Key RS3.  It seems possible that your RS3 has a Key body repowered with CLW, Weaver, or P&D drive train components. 

It is definitely KEY. The Hancock Air Whistle is on the "front" end of the cab as on the KEY (when crews insisted on hood front operation) and the air tank mounting is the same as my KEY RS3. The details with the class light cables are also the same. The individual truck mounted motors and drive Ed Rappe described are the same as the KEY RS3 I have. It can handle 5 PSC NYC rebuilt standard commuter and a Car Works club car. Numbering is a coincidence, mine is in the " cigar band" scheme and the number chosen when it was custom painted was 5223.

Phil Spencer

Thank-you Mr. Spencer, Mr. Rappe, and Mr. Smith for your technical input. I feel much better about my acquisition, knowing I obtained the real thing.

Although there are many fantastic plastic diesel models being made in 2-rail, I much prefer those that are made of metal, which I can still feel with my fingers. Years of working in the cold make it difficult to handle plastic, which just slips out of my hands.

Gerry, you will find that the market for 2-rail vs. 3-rail is fickle. I have acquired some 2-rail locomotives for far less than 3-rail versions because older 2-rail locos often lack sound, smoke, and remote control which seem standard in 3-rail. However, the most detailed locomotives are usually 2-rail. I value detail and prototypical accuracy: everything else can be added later. I like to enter "2-rail" or "brass" into the eBay search engine and see what pops up.

It took years of patience to find this. When you see something from your train wish list come up for bid, go for it, because it could be years before you see another one.

-Charlie

If you look at the way the trucks are fabricated you will notice that the drop equalizers are made as two thin pieces just like the prototype.  Definitely Key.

As was noted it seems someone repowered it from the individual Canon motors in the trucks to a Weaver drive. 

I remember seeing the NYC version you got on eBay. You see RS2s on occasion.  

I’d love to find a PRR version someday.   Sadly no one wants to do RS2/3s again prototypically so it’s just a game of watching and waiting. 

Fantastic  KEY imports  NYC LS  RS3!!!

hey , Chainsawcharlie, your luck was with you. I remember waiting years for some O scale NYC stuff years back, very exciting times mid 80's to 1990's for me. I share your enthusiasm.

BTW, I don't remember Key Imports having a chain drive, is it metal chain  or derlin? Looks to be a single drive. Some components appear  as stated by ED Rappe to be an after market drive re establishment. Weaver, P&D, CLW replacement or modification. 

Without doubt, the engine body is esquisite, paint job superbly done. 

Does it run smoothly at slow speeds? Is it limited to road switcher top scale speed? I remember seeing them at O scale shows a few times in the general price range of  5  to $700 with Various levels of weathering and imperfection. I remember them running silently and smooth.

Run it in the best of health 2019 +

Leroof

Hey ROB M.  Yes its possible to find rare  RS2's and RS 1 in O scale brass. 

They are available now and then , anyone go to CHICAGO?

Also Norm has had them for sale.

All good

I forgot to thank you Chainsawcharlie for sharing photos.

That's a real gem Chainsaw!

Thanks, Howard! I guess everybody else was busy watching the NFC Championship game when the auction ended, otherwise someone else would be posting this topic....

Nice win!  Looks like the bottom sprocket is quite large so it ought to start and run pretty smooth.   

That is one great looking locomotive.I wish Atlas ,3rd Rail,MTH or Lionel would make a true scale version in 2 or 3 Rail with fixed pilots.