MTH Railking Proto 3 RS-3 Diesel

Arnold,

I have a RS-3 version from the 2018 Vol. 2 catalog (30-20547-1).  Below are a couple quick videos and a picture. 

I will say, by way of comparison, I much prefer my MTH RS-1 (30-20384-1).  The detail on the RS-1 looks like a Premier engine.  I was expecting more of the same so I was a underwhelmed when I received the RS-3.  The RS-3 has much less add-on detail, no crew figure and not even a cab interior.  However, that's just where my expectations met reality.  Fact is, the really, really nice RS-1 set me up for disappointment.  The RS-3 is still a nice looking engine.

-Sounds are okay to my ear but I don't know anything about the prototype. 

-I am disappointed with the smoke on this engine but that may just be my unit.  The smoke is prodigious like you'd expect from MTH but it seems to just gently waft out of the stack almost like a LionChief engine.  I think there is something wrong with the fan.  I can hear the fan spinning but I haven't opened the engine to look yet. 

-I'm using the RS-3 to pull four K-Line diecast hoppers (see video).  No problems with those and they're heavy. 

Let me know if I can provide any more details.

Hi Arnold...a picture is supposedly worth a thousand words.  Not sure what that makes a video worth, but here are two videos I shot back in 2018 when I received a pair of D&H units...

Thanks for the input so far. I'm also very interested about the performance of the front and rear electrocouplers for using it as a switching engine. Arnold

Arnold, I have the older RailKing Scale PS2 version.  I would like to tag along and see what folks say about the PS3 if you please.  I love RS3s, and may get another someday.

New CNJ due out in a few weeks!

30-20652-1

I have one in LIRR. They added smoke on later units. Operates and runs great. Only beef I have is I have to add dual beam head lamp lenses to correct the MTH oversite. All MTH units come with cab Engineers. 

LASH UP VIDEO HERE - https://youtu.be/HS3l_EAf7dI

MikeH posted:

Arnold,

I have a RS-3 version from the 2018 Vol. 2 catalog (30-20547-1).  Below are a couple quick videos and a picture. 

I will say, by way of comparison, I much prefer my MTH RS-1 (30-20384-1).  The detail on the RS-1 looks like a Premier engine.  I was expecting more of the same so I was a underwhelmed when I received the RS-3.  The RS-3 has much less add-on detail, no crew figure and not even a cab interior.  However, that's just where my expectations met reality.  Fact is, the really, really nice RS-1 set me up for disappointment.  The RS-3 is still a nice looking engine.

-Sounds are okay to my ear but I don't know anything about the prototype. 

-I am disappointed with the smoke on this engine but that may just be my unit.  The smoke is prodigious like you'd expect from MTH but it seems to just gently waft out of the stack almost like a LionChief engine.  I think there is something wrong with the fan.  I can hear the fan spinning but I haven't opened the engine to look yet. 

-I'm using the RS-3 to pull four K-Line diecast hoppers (see video).  No problems with those and they're heavy. 

Let me know if I can provide any more details.

Thanks Mike.

I have pre-ordered this model in NY Central livery. Your comments make sense from what I see from the videos, but the engine, for my purposes (to use it as a switching engine on my layout that has features of The Put) looks pretty good to me. 

Does the engine run well at slow speed, and how are the front and rear electrocouplers for switching purposes?  Arnold

CNJ #1601 posted:

Hi Arnold...a picture is supposedly worth a thousand words.  Not sure what that makes a video worth, but here are two videos I shot back in 2018 when I received a pair of D&H units...

Love how it runs, nice and slow and steady. As I asked before, how are the electrocouplers for switching purposes? Arnold

As Mike H. stated above, the RS3’s lack some of the fine, scale-like details that the RS1’s have.  For example, grab irons, coupler cut bars and brake hoses are molded-in...similar to many products in the RailKing line.  

However, MTH has been known to occasionally upgrade some details without even announcing it anywhere.  Case in point...upon receiving my two D&H (PS3) units in 2018, I immediately noticed that the truck side frames were much more detailed than the ones on the earlier D&H (PS2) unit I owned.  Check out the photos below...

Latest run:

Earlier production:

It will be interesting to see if they continue this trend moving forward.

Arnold....I'am not a big MTH fan...but I will say that my Rail King RS1 is one of the best runners I have...engine sounds as well as bell and horn are great....detail wise it's better then the RS2.....joe

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

CNJ #1601 posted:

Hi Arnold...a picture is supposedly worth a thousand words.  Not sure what that makes a video worth, but here are two videos I shot back in 2018 when I received a pair of D&H units...

Love how it runs, nice and slow and steady. As I asked before, how are the electrocouplers for switching purposes? Arnold

Arnold, the electrocouplers work just fine in my opinion.  Reliable/dependable for sure, but they are not as smooth as Kadees.  You still need to back up against the cars you’re about to couple up to with enough force to close the knuckles.  Probably very similar to any other modern electrocouplers out there today.

I have both the MTH RK RS3 and RS1...the RS3 stays in the box. 

Operation is great, but not nearly as nice as the RS1

FWIW, if you want smooth coupler operation from either MTH or Lionel, first step is to pop out the coupler rivet and smooth all the latching surfaces.  Frequently, they have molding "flash" on them that makes them hard to close.  Once they're smooth, they can work almost like Kadee couplers, very slow coupling.  It's a little work, but I've had good luck with the job.

Hi Arnold 

I have two Proto 3  Rs-3  engines   .  One is NYC & one  PL&E(NYC)  .    Both run great !  The couplers work great .  I oiled my couplers with a light weight oil by Labelle  107 

Couplers work great with other MTH RAILKING  CARS .  They do not couple with Lionel cars well.   The MENARDS cars are 55/50 !  

I love both of mine .  I also have a MTH RSD-5 with proto 3  !  

gunrunnerjohn posted:

FWIW, if you want smooth coupler operation from either MTH or Lionel, first step is to pop out the coupler rivet and smooth all the latching surfaces.  Frequently, they have molding "flash" on them that makes them hard to close.  Once they're smooth, they can work almost like Kadee couplers, very slow coupling.  It's a little work, but I've had good luck with the job.

GunrunnerJohn, I wish you were my neighbor. I would gladly give you my repair business, which is plentiful, and pay your reasonable fees for your services. 

I have a couple of local repair guys that used to be great, but now it usually takes them forever (6 months to a year and even longer) to do anything. Arnold

WRGMILW posted:

Hi Arnold 

I have two Proto 3  Rs-3  engines   .  One is NYC & one  PL&E(NYC)  .    Both run great !  The couplers work great .  I oiled my couplers with a light weight oil by Labelle  107 

Couplers work great with other MTH RAILKING  CARS .  They do not couple with Lionel cars well.   The MENARDS cars are 55/50 !  

I love both of mine .  I also have a MTH RSD-5 with proto 3  !  

 

Thank you, WRGMILW, your comments are very helpful.  Arnold

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

 

Does the engine run well at slow speed, and how are the front and rear electrocouplers for switching purposes?  Arnold

Arnold, yes the engine creeps along nicely beginning at 2 on the DCS remote.  The couplers have been 100% reliable.

The couplers on the freight cars are the greatest variable !  

Arnold, you might want to look at what I do to use Lionel-style 'claw' couplers successfully in switching operations:

https://ogrforum.com/...g-with-claw-couplers

And yes, the electrocouplers on my MTH PS3 SW1500s work beautifully. At about 8 smph they will couple to my standing three-car Dinner Train.