Does anyone make a scale RDC?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I have a K-Line Amtrack 3 car set, but I’d guess the cars are short to negotiate 027 curves. There is a B&O RDC parked near where I work that is used for weekend excursions. The engineer said the car was 85’ long. Would that be in the ballpark of 20" scale? Anyway, don’t think I’ve ever seen a scale model, does/has anyone done one?

Thanks,

Rich F.

2

That’s 21 1/4 inches at 1/48 scale. However, the RDC-4 (RPO and baggage) was only 65 feet; so a scale model would be 16 1/4 inches long. The Lionel 404 is only a couple of inches shorter than that.

3

There is a brass version of the full scale Bud Car from 3rd Rail/Sunset Models:

http://www.3rdrail.com/instock.html

http://www.3rdrail.com/images/rdc.jpg

These are sold out.

4

Whoa! That is sweet. Too bad I’m a day late, and probably many dollars too short! I didn’t see a price anywhere at that site, but nickel and brass models are no doubt out of my range. However, I’m afraid I’d have to dig deep if I had the chance to score one of the B&O’s. I thought 3rd Rail went out of business? That B&O (the proto picture) looks exactly like the one in Uniontown, PA. Quite the impressive piece of machinery. I was amazed at awesome size of the prototype 85’ versus a 21" to scale heavy weight Pullman going through Plasticville! What an era, sorry I missed it!

Thanks for the scale inches. I’ll have to figure out how to do the math (not one of my strengths)! I guess I start with 85’ equals 21 and a quarter inches in 1/48 scale, unless you will take mercy on me and tell me the formula!

Thanks,

Rich F.

5

Rich,

Just divide the prototype length in feet by 4 and the answer is the model length in inches.

6

Rich,

Can’t say if it is scale or not but RMT makes a Rail Diesel Car for O gauge for close to $70.00 for one, the length is 11&5/8 inches long or 13 inches with couplers. Runs great & has lights at both ends, can turn off one set of lights if you like, two switches underneath; one for direction & the other for lights. The road number I have is 9160-Reading Company, it is listed under Custom Run Buddy on RMT site.

I ordered mine thru Ready To Roll in north Miami FL. phone number 305-688-8868

RMT website for referance of model number is www.readymadetoys.com

Lee Fritz

7

Dude, I would go with 3rd Rail.

8

I know you’re looking for scale but there’s a lot out there to work from if you wish that aren’t scale: Lionel, Williams, K-Line. Here’s a review of the MTH RDC set: http://www.trains.com/ctt/default.aspx?c=a&id=292

Here are the RMT 'Buddys" - http://readymadetoys.stores.yahoo.net/rmt-toy-trains-br-buddy-rdc-cars.html

9

You must have a good expense account to go with 3rd Rail Brass. I have nothing against 3rd Rail Brass except the price of most items will make me take out a third mortgage on the house if I can! Very good company, just expensive!!![:)]

Lee F.

10

That is true. I guess that MTH is a good alternative, but you won’t get near as much for your buck.

11

I called a dozen places today as suggested by Sunset Models with no luck (the RDC-1’s were released a year ago). The next production run will be an RDC-2 which I am not interested in. I think the list on the sold out units was $450, which ain’t bad for nickle and brass, 3 rail, TMCC. Some folks buy em up and scalp em for $500. I can’t even get scalped. The fact it has to be B&O is going to be the challenge. Or I’ve been told to wait a couple of years and there will probably be another run, but that ain’t no fun. Every time I go to one of our supply houses, that beautiful B&O sits on a siding by the lumber store, glistening in the sun. Heck, 85’ of Budd stainless glistens in the shade!

Thanks for your comments and teaching me how to do the math!

Rich F.