I am thinking of providing passenger service on my HO model railroad with a Budd RDC1 railcar that was used on the nearest prototype line. Does anyone have experience and could they recommend a reliable unit, manufacturer or source? Does anyone know what would be the minimum radius for satisfying operations? Price point is an issue so brass my be too expensive.
Thank you
I have a pair of Proto1000 Budd cars and I’m quite happy with them. A ten-fold improvement over the old Athearn ones of 30 years ago. My minimum main line radius is 32" since I also run alot of 6-axle power and 89ft auto racks.
Sure. Proto 1000, originally Life-Like and now owned by Walthers, made RDC-1’s, RDC-2’s, and RDC-3’s for most of the last 10 years or so. They haven’t done a run recently, but they should be redily available at train shows and online with ease.
If you want Canadian RDC’s, Hobbycraft of Canada made them in CN, CP, BCLR, DA, etc. using LLP1K models painted in these Canadian colors.
I’ve seen RDC-2’s go for as little as $25 at a train show around Boston, and I think the latest MSRP for these is $85 (but they are all sold out at Walthers).
RDC-1: http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/920-31249
RDC-2: http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/920-31243
RDC-3: http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/920-31246
Paul A. Cutler III
Weather Or No Go New Haven
Last I saw, trainworld.com adverstizes them for about $25.
I think you mean “BCOL” there for British Columbia Railway (1971-1984) or BC Rail (1984+); BCLR is Bay Colony Railroad
I have one of the P1K Bud RDC-3s I paid $20 for at a train show. I painted the shell (I didn’t like the sparkle in the original paint) and changed the road name. I painted the interior, put in a few people and a lighting system. With a Digitrax DH 123 decoder for lights and motor control it runs like a dream. Very quiet and smooth.
It looks a little funny on my 20" radius inner main line, but is passable on the 22 1/2" outer main.
I also have one of the old Athearn 'rubber band drive" RDCs. It has been in the box for 4-years and isn’t likely to come out any time soon.
The P1K model is a bargain. Trainworld sells them cheap and they can be found at most train shows at reasonable prices.
The PK1 molds aren’t owned by Walthers. Hobbycraft Canada owns them.
CN Charlie
This is my ideal “RDC1” … fortunately possessing a model of one.
http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?00016103+OP-16103
Mark
Hey Mark - Where did you get your model? Brass? Modified kit? As an SP fan, I’d love to have one. - Gerhard
W&R Engerprises imported painted brass HO models from Korea of various similar Brill Gas Electrics, including SP, NP, and several others. The SP is an all-coach version. I believe all of the other railroad versions were combination (coach, baggage and/or RPO.)
They show up on ebay on occasion. That’s where I got mine a year or so ago. They aren’t cheap but they are nice models…
Mark
I have a Proto 1000,it binds slightly at low speed on 22" radius.
The RDC Budd cars should do fine. The P1K cars are full length so a curve of at least 26 inch would be required for good operation. I have the Espee RDC-1 from P1K and it rus good on the 26 inch curves on the layout. I tried it once on 22 inch curves and it derailed.
You could use the RDC-3 along with a RDC-1 on your road. if you want to provide baggage and mail service.
The Lewis & Clark Explorer train that ran here a few years ago had a RDC-3 followed by a pair of RDC-1’s
E-mail me and I can send some photos.
The Proto 1000 RDCs are the only really decent ones anyone’s ever made in HO outside of brass. The Athearn’s are short, old, and have a warp 9 rubber band drive that doesn’t like rerailers, so I think you only have one choice.
I have two Proto1000 RDC1’s in Dominion Atlantic livery that run great. If you plan on dealing with Trainworld, make sure you call to order and that you are very specific as to the make, model and railroad. The advertisements in magazines and the website information are not complete enough to guarantee you will get what you want. Trust me, been there, done that.