Athearn RS-3 Review

[@SianiAnne]

I do love RS-3s, almost the only diesel I really do like. Contemporary engines are just, I don't know, too block like. I do like some of those sleeker types though. I'm really more a steam enthusiast.

[@brunobiava4833]

Nice Review, Steven! BN received RS3s from the Spokane Portland & Seattle... the Locomotive you recall at French Lick is an RS1 formerly on the Duluth South Shore & Atlantic. At the Monticello Railway Museum, we had an RS3 that at one time belonged to the Long Island Railroad...so using your RS3 on a Tourist Train would be entirely plausible. Will be fun to see what you do with this locomotive... hopefully you will bring it to Lee's soon and we can all see and hear it out on the UPSF!

[@signalupproductions]

Thanks for jogging my memory Bruno. What's the easiest way to tell an RS-1,2,3 apart?

[@brunobiava4833]

@@signalupproductions ... to know the Spotting Features, LOL! ... but seriously, folks: RS1s had a cab with "Awnings", and their Exhaust Stack was nearer to the cab... The Cooling Fan housing is rectangular and they also were equipped with the Macintosh & Seymour designed 539 Prime Mover. RS2 and RS3s had Rounded Lines in the Cab Rooflines, and also their Exhaust Stacks were placed further away on the Long Hood. The Cooling Fan housing is circular and both were equipped with the infamous ALCo designed 244 Prime Mover. To tell the difference between an RS2 and an RS3, look at the Short Hood along the Walkway... an RS3 should have Battery and Equipment Boxes on both sides of the Short Hood, but RS2s don't.

[@philloughlin4339]

I purchased the DC version for the New Haven railroad. Although the locomotive looks great (however the green is more of an olive drab which seems incorrect to me), the performance of the engine on the slightest incline is poor at best. Pulling a consist of three Walthers Mainline PS1 boxcars, one Atlas Trainman PS1 cover hopper and one 50 foot open hopper (Trainman as well) along with a caboose, caused the speed to drop by at least 50%. The engine seems way to light and I regret my purchase. I do not recommend the DC version to anyone. Please note, none of my other Walthers , Bowser or Atlas engines have this issue.

[@signalupproductions]

Good thoughts. I'll give mine a test working the yard on my friend's layout tomorrow. Was that on flat track or a grade?