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Post by thunderhawk on Sept 28, 2020 5:11:08 GMT -8
I've done some searching around and have come up empty on RS3 etched steps. Does anyone make these? In looking at the Kato RS3 I have it would be a bear to remove them so perhaps that is why I'm not finding anything. Likely wouldn't fit what I would use them for anyway.  Pic of the prototype with it's mother U30B's storming Tacoma Hill. I believe this is a Martin Burwash photo.  Had to make a new frame for this one as the Kato donor has the motor set down into the fuel tank which is no longer there. |
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Post by nsc39d8 on Sept 28, 2020 9:03:42 GMT -8
I have never seen etched steps for a RS3 either. I will say that because of there are so many different designs it would not be possible to make them all.
In three trips to Scranton, I have photographed the RS3's. The DL has three working RS3's and a RSD4. I looked thru my pictures and I do not have a down on picture of the steps.
I did find at least two different designs. I have also looked at my pictures of the RS3 at Virginia Museum of Transportation and the N&W RS3 there has a differnet
design as well.
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Post by thunderhawk on Sept 28, 2020 9:17:27 GMT -8
I don't have a good photo of the steps on The Twinkie but in one photo one can see the shadow of an Apex style. Now if that is original who knows. Or even if all the steps were the same. Cabooses often had mismatched steps due to damage repairs over the years. I think I was able to get the steps themselves about right going from photos. It's long gone so no measuring possible.
Maybe I'll add steps to the next batch of stuff I get etched.
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Post by Christian on Sept 28, 2020 9:25:49 GMT -8
I've done some searching around and have come up empty on RS3 etched steps. Were they solid plate on your prototype? Looking through the proto photos on Bowsers site I detect all sorts of steps. Diamond plate and Morton were clear from shadows. Probably lots of others over the years. When you say "Kato" you mean the Atlas designed models built by Kato in the yellow box and a variety of Hong Kongese makers in the decades since. Were any of these later versions produced with revised steps? What about the Athearn/MDC model? When all else fails Plano makes sheets of common walkway materials. You'll need lots of bandaids.  |
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Post by thunderhawk on Sept 28, 2020 9:54:52 GMT -8
In one pic I can make out an Apex shadow and that's it.
eta-The one I have is a yellow box. Not much of an Alco fan here.
Everything, including the walkways, are new parts other than the drivetrain on the Twinkie. I need to make a motor mount and bolsters for the Athearn option yet.
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Post by simulatortrain on Sept 28, 2020 10:50:37 GMT -8
I don't think there is anything. On the RS2 I'm working on I just used some Plano Morton material but didn't cut out the steps beneath. Most Alcos I've had the chance to examine (S, RS, and Century) had step treads with round holes, but a few-mainly Centuries- did have Apex (sometimes both on the same unit.) Edit: you've probably seen this picture from RRPA, but the one shadow that is visible shows round holes.  |
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Post by thunderhawk on Sept 28, 2020 11:06:29 GMT -8
Yeah, it apparently had a mix on it. Missed that pic but I have one with an Apex shadow as well. The model has Morton as Apex is a bit too fine to print consistently.
Showing my lack of knowledge on HO RS3's here; Do all Atlas/Kato RS3's have the molded on brake cylinders? If there are not replacements I may be forced to make them as they really don't look very good at all.
Funny thing is the first time I posted a screenshot of the hood under development I was asked to make this phase of RS3. The MILW guys knew what I was making but the WM guys thought I just hadn't done the cab yet.
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Post by simulatortrain on Sept 28, 2020 11:45:45 GMT -8
Funny thing is the first time I posted a screenshot of the hood under development I was asked to make this phase of RS3. The MILW guys knew what I was making but the WM guys thought I just hadn't done the cab yet. I was one of them, and almost mentioned that again here! Between phase 2 and 3, I'd be in for 4 hoods if they fit Athearn. Those corner notches would help the cause as well. |
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Post by fishbelly on Sept 28, 2020 11:53:33 GMT -8
Yes, all the Kato RS2's have molded on brake cylinders. once painted and weathered, they really are not all that noticeable. They stick out like a sore thumb in shiny plastic.
My opinion says the Kato AAR B truck is the finest looking of its kind on the market. Although they are not on the market anymore because Kato is sold out. I think I bought them all on my last purchase. Even with the molded on brake cylinders. In my modeling days when I was filled with piss and vinegar. I used to rebuild them. Today I am just fine with them the way they are. The Kato truck has the best looking springs and thickness tot eh frames that gives them the heavy look.
I do hope Kato will restock these though.
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Post by thunderhawk on Sept 28, 2020 12:07:28 GMT -8
Funny thing is the first time I posted a screenshot of the hood under development I was asked to make this phase of RS3. The MILW guys knew what I was making but the WM guys thought I just hadn't done the cab yet. I was one of them, and almost mentioned that again here! Between phase 2 and 3, I'd be in for 4 hoods if they fit Athearn. Those corner notches would help the cause as well. Well, this hood won't fit either the Atlas nor the Athearn as it is the correct length. Of course adding/subtracting some length to make it fit wouldn't be much trouble in CAD. Since I had to make a new underframe due to the missing fuel tank on the Twinkie I essentially made everything but the drivetrain and sideframes. The stock walkways need a fair bit of reworking on the Atlas after removing the cab as well. And of course the handrails are different. Fun fact; SG-1 had 12 stanchions on one side and 13 on the other. (And the PSC stanchions come in a pack of 24... argh. So I made the handrails as well.) Bowsers are coming next year I see so probably won't offer it as a kit with a cab. |
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Post by nsc39d8 on Sept 28, 2020 14:19:59 GMT -8
I have several pictures that show the same round hole pattern as Adam posted. The older Kato/Atlas trucks do look horrible with the solid cast on brake cylinder.
I would look to the newest Atlas AAR truck as it has separate cylinders. I do not have a RTR Athearn to look at but when I did build one Southern unit from the Athearn it
was easier to work with than the Atlas and had better fuel tank detail.
I would be one for the PH3 RS in Interstate. Had several conversations with Bowser about that model. My two Interstate's are the only RS3's(Atlas) left since I changed time period.
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