I’ve been wanting to get an RS-X for a while, and I’ve decided to get either an Athearn Rio Grande RS-3 or an Atlas Santa Fe RS-1. I just want some opinions on these two locomotives and which one is better (if either). Any input would be appreciated.
thanks in advance
Purchased Atlas RS-1 in PRR livery for my son as a Christmas present. I can vouch that this is an excellent engine in every aspect. The paint, interior figures, quiet smooth running mechanism and pulling power have made this a family favorite. As a NYC fan I am too considering the Athearn RS-3 in the NYC paint scheme. But as of now I can only recommend the Atlas unit. Additionally I a few years back I purchased two Proto 1000 RS-3s and I do not recommend these as both units have had nothing but problems. Good Luck with whatever you choose.
I have several of the Atlas RS-3’s. These are fantastic little engines. I think most people here will agree that anything Atlas makes is very good stuff, both in terms of the drives as well as the paint job on the shell. You just can’t go wrong with an Atlas.
I bought two of the Athearn RS-3’s recently. They are good runners and quiet however they are very light. i don’t have an Atlas RS but I have several Atlas locos and they are heavier and I think a better loco. I have no misgivings about the two Athearn but i would jump all over the Atlas RS-1. As a matter of fact if I could find it in NYC or NKP I would probably get one or two or three.
Terry[8D]
Well I have an KATO-ATLAS With an LL body on it (SP)And it is one of my fav. loco’s
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JIM
Either the newer China RS1 or the older Atlas/Kato RS1s are good locomotives.The Athearn RS3 is also a good runner.Now IF I wanted a RS3 I would go with the Atlas RS3.Why? Well being a fan of Athearn it hurts to say the window on the Athearn RS3 looks to narrow…However,I have read the Athearn RS3 has the best Alco body…Perhaps Paul3 can add the missing detail info here.[:D]
While I personally lean toward Athearn, my advice is get the Atlas. For what you probably want, it is the best, hands down.
I’ve got a Proto 1000 RS-3 to which I added a decoder, Kadee couplers and LED headlights. It’s been a fine engine for me. It doesn’t have the detail level of an Atlas or a P2K, but it still looks good hauling trains around my layout.
Pretty much any product line will produce a lemon now and then.
Thanks for the input. I’m still not 100% sure which I’ll get, but I’m definitely leaning toward the Atlas. But I’m sure I’ll get both eventually [;)]
I’ve looked at several pictures of prototype RS-3s, and it appears as though the narrow engineer’s cab side window was a feature on RS-3s built since 1953. So the Atlas RS-3 would represent the early version (phase 1a?) while the Athearn RS-3 would be a later version (phase 1b?). Also, the Athearn RS-3 is a more detailed and fully assembled version of the Roundhouse RS-3.
I have two of the atlas RS3`s very nice. and my athearn one arrived last month and i would have to say is just as good apart from the cab windows. Which look like they are too deep on the cab side. So if you do get the grande one # 5204 no problem. but be carefull of the unnumbered one trying to get the right size decals on is a bit tricky. cheers Paul
EL PARRo,
Just to let you know, the RS-1 and the RS-3 were operated in a different manner from each other. The RS-1 was a light duty road engine…really just an elongated S-4 Alco switcher. Although used in passenger service, their short horsepower and gearing made them generally unsuitable for that task. They were generally used on short passenger trains on the branchlines, or on light freights and local freights. Some RR’s did use them on heavy road jobs (like NYS&W), but they had to prop the doors open to keep it from overheating.
The RS-3 was a medium to heavy duty road engine, and on the New Haven were the “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” road power of choice. They could do it all and do it well. Used on local and mainline passenger trains, used on local freights and heavy drags, used for yard switching and for the personal motive power of choice for the RR president’s private car, they were very successful locos on the NH.
The Atlas RS-1 model is an excellent runner and puller. However, it’s detail is mostly from 20 years ago when the model first came out. They have since added wire grabs and finer handrails, but the body detail is still a bit crude.
The Athearn RS-3 model is a good runner and a fair puller (I moved 20 cars on the flat with mine, and 12 cars up a 4% grade). However, the detail is excellent with see through grills, headlight options, steam gen. options, fuel tank options, MU options, etc. The model is certainly the most accurate plastic RS-3 in production.
Now, the most accurate plastic RS-3 shell ever made is, supposedly, the Hobbytown of Boston plastic dummy RS-3 produced decades ago. The hard part is powering them and adding detail.
Paul A. Cutler III
Weather Or No Go New Haven
I’ve got the Athearn RS3 because I found it in a Rio Grande (a road name that I have trouble finding). I put a Lenz decoder in it. I would normally prefer Atlas but in this case I really like the Athearn. It runs very well. Only wish it had sound. Don’t know if adding sound is possible but for now I’m going with a sound box car behind it.
Jerry
The GM&O used RS-1s as yard switchers.
I just picked up an Atlas “classic series” RS-3 which is my first Atlas loco and I’m really impressed with it. Prior most of my locos are Athearn, some of which are 20 year old geeps that still run great but the Atlas is a much better unit. I’m not all that familiar with the newer Athearn RS-3 so I cannot comment on that one.
Have both, like the Atlas better, nuff said??[:)]
David,
As mentioned, the RS1 is basically a switcher on road trucks with an extended frame. The RI ordered them for switching at their Chicago passenger terminal. The RS1 had a very long production run all the way through the late 50’s. Many roads used them as branch line or way freight engines.
The RS3 was the Alco version of the basic EMD GP series. It replaced the RS2 model. Production started around 1950, and it was replaced by the RS11 in 1956.
As far as ‘your railroad’, it is a personal choice. I have a pair of Atlas RS1’s and they run great, and pull very well(they are heavy). I do not have any Athearn RS3’s, but have operated them on another layout. They run very well, the detail/paint is quite nice, but they are lighter and do not pull as many cars. I am sure there is room for more weight if desired. Either engine is very nice. Do not be concerned about the early Atlas/Kato RS1 vs the later Atlas/China RS1. I have had both and they are equal in operation…
Jim
Alright low-hood Alco RS series and their models:
RS1: originally designed as a S4 switcher with a short hood for a steam generator to allow for branch line and commuter passenger service. The CRI&P was the original road the engine was built for however they didn’t last very long in Chicago commuter service and were promptly replaced with later RS-series locomotives and EMD F&E-series locomotives due to their low horsepowere (1,000bhp) Most were used as short line freight and passenger power as well as switchers. In class1 rail service they lasted a long time with a few coming into Conrail. Short lines, where these units were best suited, they lasted even longer.
I own one newer China-made Atlas RS1 with roller-berring trucks and love it, good detailing, absolutely great runner. I use it as a dedicated switcher to a commercial/industrial disctrict. Great slow-speed operation.
RS2/RSC2: This was the first true Alco road switcher, being designed from the ground up instead of just being a lengthed S-series switcher. They were widely used across the country and were both passenger and freight engines. They were common in commuter use around many cities such as Chicago (on the CRI&P) and Boston (on both the B&M and the NH) The Milwaukee road as well as a few other railroads bought versions on A1A trucks to spread out the weight of the engine better on lighter rail. These were used in both freight and passenger on branch lines with lighter rail. Horsepower was rated at 1,500bhp or 1,600bhp
I own a P1K RS2 and would advise others to buy it as well, as long as it can be found on sale. It’s not nearly as detailed as the Atlas or Athearn models but can be very easily superdetailed thanks to pre-marked drill holes and such. Very nice running as well, if one can find it for around $60 American, you’ve got a good engine for a good deal. I use mine as a MOW engine for my freelance commuter line. P1K also makes a RSC2.
RS3/RSC3/RSD4/RSD5: The final i