GEC's New Years Resolution Challenge

[Green_Elite_Cab]

The instant spotting feature between the RS-2 and RS-3 is the walkway on the short hood end. On the RS-2, it's the same level as the walkway on the long hood end. On the RS-3, it's stepped up for battery boxes on both sides. The photo isn't good for showing this, poorly lit. This is fairly major surgery, also involving new handrails at the short hood end.

A detail part manufacturer once made an aftermarket kit for an RS-3 hammerhead -- a quick search shows that one was available from Detail Associates, not sure of current status, and also from Tiger Valley. You'd still have an issue with painting and striping that end.

I'm inclined to agree with you. There are other issues that are starting to crop up that can't be easily resolved by building a frankenstein unit. I'm better off buying a purpose built RS2. There are also some questions about 5201's retirement date that i can no longer be sure of.

I only have so much tolerance for inaccuracies, and it has been surpassed. Kato sells an "undec air cooled RS2" shell (apparently the RS2 itself is no longer produced). This would match CR 5201, but I cannot find a suitable Kato RS2 at a price I can afford to part with.

Kato's parts picture.



Kato wants $35 for the shell, but I'm not sure if it pays to buy it and slap it on to an Athearn frame. I'm better off hunting down an Kato RS2. Unfortuneately, I don't have the budget for a brand new locomotive.

So far as I can tell, few other LV RS3s made it into Conrail for very long.

I'm thinking I need to find a New project... but I have plenty of those. Back to the drawing board!


Speaking of Tiger Valley

Tiger Valley is allegedly still in business as of 9 months ago. The trick is you need to "know" his contact info, since they make things out of the basement of a farmhouse. I'm told if you call their number, you can still order parts. If anyone wants it, I can get you the phone number. I personally haven't tried, if only because I don't have any more room on my plate for an RS3M conversion!


PS Gotta cast that Jersey Arrow you lent me (gonna try and order the casting rubber this week. When I get it, it will take one night to cast the different parts. currently calculating the proper volume required).