As far as I can determine there are two non-brass models of RS-3s available: Atlas O Trainman, and Weaver. Important note: I am talking 2-rail O scale only. I am not very familiar with either of these and I would like some evaluations from those who are; i.e., are they good models, faithful to scale, the kind of item you would be glad to run on a Scale layout? Do they run well? Any comments are welcome.
A quick Google came up with:
http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=00BjoM
Seems a bit dated, but you just never know…
I have used the Weaver units to kitbash lo-nose RS-3ms and also custum painted about a dozen of the RS-3s. They are correctly proportioned and the detail level is about the same as the Atlas HO Classic RS-3. They run great. If I was an O scaler, I certainly would have a few on my layout.
(If anyone’s interested, I still have D&H lo-nose conversion kits available in HO & O).
Thamk you for that feedback, which is very good to know!