Premier Scale Alco RS3

just for my own understanding, what about the railking scale RS3 isn’t true to scale? Side by side it looks virtually identical to the late Weaver RS3 I have. Actually, I’d say it’s a better model.

I agree with Eric, I own a few of the recent MTH Railking RS3.  I have never understood why it wasn't marketed as a Premier model. It appears to be built to scale, good detail, a strong puller and equipped with PS3 as well as many ancillary functions.  I know it is priced more like Railking?

Fixed pilots, scale couplers, and scale flanged insulated wheelsets would be a good start

Dave, you have a point, and I wouldn't disagree, I am most likely not qualified to comment further as my likes and budget are satisfied.  However, I doubt MTH will see a market for that level of construction so shortly after the recent release and success of their Railking RS3. Possibly 3rd Rail/Sunset might be more likely to consider this kind of project.

I own 5 units and quite happy with them. Two older LIRR waves, EL black, ERIE and CNJ. They are great for mix n match / lash ups too. No plans for another road.

The only downside on these is that the speaker audio has a lot of treble. I do like the improved (later versions) with added smoke and lighted number boards. The early PS2 shells don’t have the number bd. cutouts.

As for Marks post, the RS-3 request would be a better fit for 2 railers. As long as you still run with a center rail, any other changes would be costly and pointless I.M.O. With the declining economy and model train market, I wouldn’t think MTH wouldn’t sell enough to make a profit.

Look at the distance from the top of the cab roof to the top of the hoods, or the shape of the small cab windows that look out over the hoods.  The Weaver model looks like the prototype.  The MTH looks like somebody stepped on the roof and squashed it down.

prototype:

https://thedieselshop.us/AlcoSurv-RS-4.HTML

Weaver:

https://imgur.com/yOKFGjD

MTH:

https://www.grahamstrains.com/...?type=D&id=12652

Here is a thread comparing the O gauge RS3 options:

Who makes a quality RS-3 Diesel?

Some people object to the stanchions and side-handrails on every O gauge RS-3 model. On the full-size RS-3, the stanchions  were fastened to the tops of the walkways, not the sides. Each of the models is incorrect in this regard but, in my opinion, the Atlas O and Weaver versions have the best stanchions of the three. The front handrails on the MTH and Weaver models are molded-in. On the Atlas O model, they are added-on. Compared to photographs of full-size New Haven RS-3s, the height of the cab roof and front/rear windows on the Weaver model look closest to the prototype. All three models have walkways with no-slip treads. In my opinion, the MTH model is the best runner, followed by the Atlas and Weaver models. All three are satisfactory for me, but I might buy an MTH Premier or Atlas Master Line model if one was made in the New York Central, New Haven or Boston & Maine liveries.

MELGAR

We would be thrilled with an all-new MTH Premier model of an RS-3, but in all reality it would be an upgraded model of the Railking Scale tooling.

The MTH Electric Trains Railking Scale RS-3 is about as nice as the K-Line model, but the Weaver had a higher level of separately applied hand railings etc..  We had opportunity recently to compare a Weaver with the MTH Railking Scale.  The Weaver model is definitely a nice one to own, but a lot of effort would be required in the motor/control department to bring it up to modern standards.

I like my two MTH Railking Scale models #8255 and #8223.  I also like my first-run K-Line RS-3 #8322.  They all compliment each other.  It is hard to beat the Proto-Sound 3.0 Alco sounds MTH models has.

We did a wildly popular MTH custom run of New York Central's first RS-3 #8223 with customized Proto-Sound PFA for the Adirondack Railroad where the #8223 was flagship of the railroad.  The Adirondack Railroad is now the longest tourist railroad east of the Mississippi River.