Mechanisms for Stewart RS3 shells

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi all,

I’d like to build up a couple of Stewart’s RS-3 Phase III shells as they’d be most appropriate to model the N&W’s RS-3s (I understand). Though there are many RS-series models out there, I’d like to know whose mechanism might be a good match for the Stewart shells?

Thanks all

Alvie

2

Alvie,

I got on the Stewart web site and read the following info on the RS-3 shells:

“The body was designed for a special mechanism made by the original Stewart Hobbies using die cast frame and Athearn parts. Old Stewart mechanism parts are not available. We are working on a mechanism using Stewart drive, but it is not ready yet.” (Underscore mine)

Personally, I’d wait for the Stewart drives to come out. Their Buehler and Canon drives are second to none.

If time is of the essence though, I’d go for a Kato drive over the Athearn. I have two Athearn RS-3s and they run…okay. Electrical pick up in them is not the greatest.

I will be curious to find out whether the upcoming Stewart RS-3 drives will fit the Athearn shells. If they do, I’ll be purchasing a couple in a heartbeat.

Tom

3

Well, like you, I have a few frameless, driveless shells… I have taken the time to measure them out & found a few common K&S Brass sheets that measure up to correct width, however, will I never build the chassis? Got the motor, trucks, & parts, just gotta measure, design, & cut the brass… Well there it is. The cutting of thick-ish brass is my hang-up… My BQ32 may not be NOT be built, without her doner WP chassis. Sorry, other things will become before designing, & actually cutting .060 sheet brass to make a scratch built chassis for an odd BQ23… Perhaps a raw B23 chassis will show up on a sale or auction site!

4

The statement " We are working on a mechanism using Stewart drive, but it is not ready yet." has been on the site for over a year. (Cant remember what year I bought my RS3 Shells - so I wont guess how long they have been working the mechanism).

I was able to buy a couple of Bowser/Stewart RS3s on EBay for a VERY reasonable price.

Walter

5

Kind of like “The FT’s are coming” !!!