S RS-3 Diesel Locomotives

Online Article:

Additional Photos

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

These models' frames started developing problems in later years (made out of zamac with lead, which deteriorates over time). The trucks on these models are made out of cast white metal that doesn't age well, either. The company sent out a survey with the release of this engine, asking if S modelers would be interested in the RS-2 and RSD-4/5.

Bob painted and lettered his for the Chicago & North Western.

This photo shows the model as it came from the factory.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

American Models (click for web site)

Manufacturer ID:

RS3000

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted, not lettered

Power:

AC or DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

The original version came as a sort of kit, where the chassis and body were assembled, but you had to install the handrails, the cut levers, brake details, and windows. Over the years, AM changed to selling the complete model, ready-to-run.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

American Models (click for web site)

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Louisville & Nashville (LN)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

2023

Road Number:

148

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC or DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

American Models (click for web site)

Manufacturer ID:

RS315

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Lehigh Valley (LV)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

2020

Road Number:

216

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC or DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

American Models Handrails

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

American Models Window Set

Supplemental Part:

Des Plaines Hobbies Decal

Supplemental Part:

Des Plaines Hobbies Decal (repaints)

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

American Models (click for web site)

Manufacturer ID:

RS3004

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Great Northern (GN)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

229, 231

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC or DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

American Models (click for web site)

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Norfolk & Western (N&W)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

2023

Road Number:

300

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC or DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

Black body color.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

American Models

Manufacturer ID:

RS3002

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

St. Louis Southwestern (Cotton Belt)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

310

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC or DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

American Models

Manufacturer ID:

RS3014

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Rock Island (RI/ROCK)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

474

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC or DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Des Plaines Hobbies Decal

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

American Models

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Reading (RDG)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

474, 489, 494

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC or DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

American Models (click for web site)

Manufacturer ID:

RS3005DX

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

New York, New Haven & Hartford (NH)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

529

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC or DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

American Models (click for web site)

Manufacturer ID:

RS3005

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

New York, New Haven & Hartford (NH)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

550, 561

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC or DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Holt's model in the photo was built from the original kit version (today's version is in the ready-to-run one). It has the 1956 black scheme for NH road switchers. This kit came with working couplers and road numbers on the number boards. Holt painted and attached all the handrails as per the prototype. Dry transfers were used for additional road numbers at both ends, just to the right of the headlights, as per NH practice. He then used only the front and rear cab glazing, leaving side cab windows open for better airflow.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

American Models

Manufacturer ID:

RS3003

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Erie Lackawanna (EL)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

1019

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC or DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

American Models (click for web site)

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Gulf, Mobile & Ohio (GMO)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Road Number:

1519, 1523, 1522

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC or DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

American Models (click for web site)

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Chicago & North Western (CNW)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

2024

Road Number:

1551, 1552

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC or DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Chicago and North Western Gong Bell

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

American Models (click for web site)

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Norfolk & Western (N&W)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

2023

Road Number:

2542

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC or DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

Blue body color.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

American Models

Manufacturer ID:

RS3006

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

New York Central (NYC)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

8245, 8305

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC or DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

This model was available in kit form, but is now released as a ready-to-run version. Holt painted the handrails yellow, as per the NYC prototype. Also note that there are no side windows in the cab. This, too, is per the prototype to increase airflow into the engine. The model also has illuminated number boards with dry transfers from Woodland Scenics, and working couplers.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

American Models (click for web site)

Manufacturer ID:

RS3007

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

8818, 8856

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC or DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

The PRR purchased 121 RS-3s between 1950 and 1953, for both freight and passenger (commuter) duty. Many came with dual controls (as did # 8849) to permit operation with either long hood or short hood forward. The RS-3s were used in all regions of PRR's operations; many served for 20 years into the Conrail era.

Carl Tuveson runs his engine, converted to Lionel's TMCC system, on his layout.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

American Models (click for web site)

Manufacturer ID:

RS3001

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Conrail (CR)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

9944

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC or DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

nullroute (click for web site)

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

2025

Product Type:

3D-print File

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

Railmaster Exports (click for web site)

Manufacturer ID:

L136

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Ext. Reference:

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1990

Product Type:

Pewter Kit

Finish:

unpainted

Power:

No Chassis

Notes:

The kit can be made into either an RS-3 or an RS-2; both sets of cab sides are included. The battery boxes for the RS-3 are included.

These are copies of the original instruction sheets that accompanied this kit.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

S-Helper Service

Factory:

American Models

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted, not lettered

Power:

AC, DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

S-Helper Service

Factory:

American Models

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Conrail (CR)

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC, DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

S-Helper Service

Factory:

American Models

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Milwaukee Road (MILW)

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC, DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

S-Helper Service

Factory:

American Models

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Great Northern (GN)

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

231

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC, DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

S-Helper Service

Factory:

American Models

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

St. Louis Southwestern (Cotton Belt)

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

310

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC, DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

S-Helper Service

Factory:

American Models

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Reading (RDG)

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

474, 489, 494

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC, DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

S-Helper Service (click for web site)

Factory:

American Models

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

New York, New Haven & Hartford (NH)

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

550

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC, DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

S-Helper Service

Factory:

American Models

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Erie Lackawanna (EL)

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

932, 1019

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC, DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

S-Helper Service

Factory:

American Models

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Boston & Maine (BM)

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

1508

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC, DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

S-Helper Service

Factory:

American Models

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Gulf, Mobile & Ohio (GMO)

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

1519

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC, DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

S-Helper Service

Factory:

American Models

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ)

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

1545

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC, DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Holt Apgar used the front and rear cab glazing, plus headlights, but omitted the cab side windows for better airflow. He painted the end handrails yellow as on the prototype CNJ RS3. Dry transfers from his spare parts were applied to the number boards, and he installed the working hi-rail couplers. The CNJ RS-3 was apparently a limited edition kit, offered for a short time, and is no longer available from AM.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

S-Helper Service

Factory:

American Models

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Chicago & North Western (CNW)

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

1552

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC, DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Chicago and North Western Gong Bell

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

S-Helper Service

Factory:

American Models

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

New York Central (NYC)

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

8305

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC, DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

S-Helper Service (click for web site)

Factory:

American Models

Prototype Info

Category:

RS-3

Year/Era:

1950

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR)

Model Info

Gauge:

S

Introduced:

1991

Road Number:

8849

Product Type:

Plastic

Finish:

painted & lettered

Power:

AC, DC

Wheels:

scale or hi-rail

Couplers:

AF or scale

Product Notes:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part: