O RS-1 Diesel B&O/3.0

The American Locomotive Company pioneered the multi-purpose
“road switcher” design in 1941 with its 1000 hp RS-1. Alco’s designers
added a second, shorter hood to a basic switcher to make room for a
steam boiler for passenger train heat. The short hood also afforded the
crew additional accident protection. Smoother-riding trucks made the
RS-1 suitable for the higher road speeds that would be daunting in a
typical switcher. Although EMD’s later GP7 and GP9 sold better and
really established the road switcher as a universal locomotive, the
RS-1 had the longest production run of any American-made diesel. The
last new RS-1 left Alco’s shops in 1960.

Interestingly, the first two years of RS-1 production went to the
military. The 13 units that had been delivered to American railroads
were requisitioned from their owners, and, along with 144 additional
engines, were sent to Iran, Russia, and U.S. Army posts. These RS-1s
were fitted with three-axle trucks to make them suitable for lighter
rail on overseas roads. A group that plied the Trans-Iranian Railroad
became known as “the diesels that saved Russia” because they brought in
food and other supplies after the Luftwaffe had crippled Russian
shipping. These engines later became the prototype for Russia’s own
early diesels.

Check out this model of America’s first road switcher and we
think you’ll agree it offers Premier-level detailing at a
RailKing price. Walkways have metal handrails and etched safety tread
to prevent your 1/48-scale crewmen from slipping on a wet surface. End
pilots
have separately-added uncoupling levers. On the cab sides
you’ll find legible Alco builder’s plates. Grab
irons are separately added metal parts, as are the rooftop handles that
allowed shop crews to remove roof panels for major repairs. Additional
metal details include a horn, etched brass roof walkway, and a bell
mounted
under the frame.

Our RS-1 features dual pickup rollers on each truck, making this model
nearly stall-proof on any three-rail O gauge switches. Throttle down as
low as three scale miles per hour with a heavy freight or commuter
train and maintain that speed as long as you wish, thanks to
Proto-Speed Control. Listen to the authentic chant of a
first-generation Alco 244 motor, rumbling with an offbeat gait that
sounds like it could use a tune-up. While other manufacturers have
offered the RS-1, no other O gauge model runs more smoothly or
dependably, sounds as good, or is more fun to operate.