ATSF RS-2 question

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi All

I have recently bought the ATSF RS-2 by Proto 1000 and i would like to ask a question to the more experienced modellers

Is this locomotive to be run short hood first ?

If yes was this a very strict and adhered rule ?

thanks very much for your reply

stefano

2

If you look on the model by the stairwells, on one end there will be a small “F”. This indicates the hood that the locomotive is intended to run forward. Now, whether or not this will match actual prototypes I don’t know. Try doing a search for actual pictures and see if you can find the “F” on a real one.

sfb

3

Santa Fe’s only RS-2 was #2099. It was built in 1950 and was set up for short hood forward operation. Here is a link to a picture:

http://www.railarchive.net/vintagediesel/atsf2099.htm

As can be seen in the picture the ‘F’ is on the frame near the short hood end. Was it always run with the short hood leading? I doubt it, the locomotive is a ‘road switcher’ and was used for many purposes. The hood design allowed visibility running in either direction.

Jim

4

thanks very much for your reply