Hi Folks,
As indicated in the Product Release thread the Bachmann RS3 is out and about
with the only model missing in action from the NMRA release data being the model
from B&M. I will list the links to the best proprietory photos I could find:
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann-N-Alco-RS3-p/bac-64252.htmhttp://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann-N-Alco-RS3-p/bac-64253.htmhttp://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann-N-Alco-RS3-p/bac-64254.htmhttp://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann-N-Alco-RS3-p/bac-64256.htmhttp://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann-N-Alco-RS3-p/bac-64255.htmWhile the price at MB Klien is great you may have you favourite hobby shop to
deal with. On the links above the best photos for preview are the enlarged item.
My current observations of the model are only computer generated visuals there
are few points I would make about the PRR model. Some I am pleased with while
others are down right poor.
I will start with the poor points first. The PRR model shows a road number of
5604 and it is also reported in all promotions as being 5604. The number 5604
for RS3s in the PRR did not exist if the Withers publication on the ALCO RS
series locos is to be believed. Even under the re-numbering of the locos prior
to the formation of the Pen Central. The highest number in the re-numbered
scheme was 5584 and it would appear that such re-numbering took place for all
the units that remained in the fleet in the years 1966/67. Not only does the
number appear to be wrong but it is the wrong size. When all units were
re-numbered they were given larger numbers, not the six inch letter shown but
the much larger and bolder eighteen inch lettering.I will leave the colour up to
the more experienced RS3 modellers but I believe that to-ward the end of their
life the RS3s had adopted the near black coloration. I do hope that the under
body in the second photo is not as they are being released. If this is the case
then it will be incorrect as the air tank is to the front of the loco (long
hood) as indicated by the F on the corner of the side sill. I do hope they have
only put the fuel tank on back to front. While looking good the silver window
surrounds should be black to indicate the rubber grommet around the windows in
the cab panels. It is fitted with a single chime horn when the were all fitted
with two or three chime horns.But the horn is facing and on the correct end.
The good points: This is the first RTR Plastic model to have the correct Pennsy
alignment of the headlights being vertical. That is one of the things I have to
do to all my Atlas RS3s. Some of the early RS3s had a single headlight like the
RS1. The exhaust stack is applied as they were origionally issued to traffic and
that is across the long hood. The End handrails, steps and shunters steps
(Australian Wordage) (Pilot Steps) are outlined in yellow. A very Nice touch.
The numbers boards are lettered. It appears to be very clean and there are small
road numbers on the ends beside the headlight. This is also correct practice. I
cannot at this time confirm whether the radiator side grills have a mesh safety
cover fitted. The cab also has the correct window arrangements. When I get my
first model to hand I will give a further update on what I find.
Initial overall appraisal. The model does look good. I do hope it is as good as
the GP7. The price fitted with DCC even at the recommended retail price of
$120.00 is pretty darn good. The DCC chip if it is the same as the GP7 is basic
but enough to get one started. The finish looks pretty good but for the more
correct modeller it will not be too much of a hassle to renumber the loco
although now you are eight numbers to change. The MB Klien price is even better
at $69.99. It does look like an RS3 and that is also a bonus. The final
appraisal can only be given when I have a bird in my hand.
Regards
