Atlas's new RS-1, HO scale CRI&P models

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Which paint scheme should a Rock Island RS-1 operating in the late 1940’s have:

the first pic (red, silver, and black “Rocket” scheme)

Or the 2nd picture (light brown switcher scheme)

Anyone know??

2

Hi Chris,
I just looked in my book titled “Rock Island in Color” by Lloyd E. Stagner and there is a picture on page 15 of an RS-1 in the black, silver and red colors of the Rocket scheme. The picture is dated 1949. I believe the maroon scheme in your second photo wasn’t used until the mid-1950’s.

Hope this helps.
Mondo

3

I agree with Mondo - the RI maroon schemes started in the mid-50’s, as can be seen at this RITS referance page:

http://www.simpson.edu/~RITS/equipment/ripaint.html

The first maroon scheme was the striped maroon, the maroon/herald scheme shown on the model (maroon, NOT brown!) started about 1960.

You might not know it, but the Rock Island RS-1s were the FIRST road switchers - Alco made it based on a RI concept !

All were delivered in the black scheme during the early 1940’s.

4

Oh yeah, maroon, I guess I’ve been ignoring the ROCK from too many CB&Q-related modeling projects,

And Bill B., I did know that, don’t know which RR book I got it out of, but now that I know what paint scheme is appropriate for my time period, and I found out the one in the “Route of the Rockets” scheme is sold out at Atlas, does anyone know where I could buy one?

Thanks to all that posted.