Introduction

Athearn 28683 HO Scale ALCo RS-3 Green Bay & Western GB&W 304

ALCO built the RS-3 to respond to competition with EMD, Fairbanks-Morse, and Baldwin Locomotive Works. In the case of ALCO, the builder added more improvements to create new locomotive lines beyond the RS-2. ALCO produced 377 RS-2s versus the more successful RS-3s at 1,418.

The new model produced slightly more horsepower than the earlier design at 1,600 hp using Alcos 12-cylinder, model 244 prime mover. Visually, the RS3 very similar to the RS2. Both had much more styling then ALCOs first diesel, the RS1. Additional curves with strong beveling to corners and edges giving the unit a much more streamlined appearance. At the time, some railroads elected to employ theirs RS3 diesels in passenger/commuter service. Many railroads appreciated this model for its versatility and reliability. RS3s were one of Alcos shops more popular locomotives.

Running from Green Bay to Winona, the Green Bay & Western served Wisconsin for over 100 years. The GBW was known for their roster of ALCO locomotives, and its not surprising that they rostered several examples of the RS-3. Originally they wore a red paint scheme with a light grey stripe, which was later simplified into solid red with large GBW initials on the hood, as depicted by our model.

FEATURES:

• Nathan P-3 horn
• Partially-blanked cab windows
• Steam-engine style bell
• Warning beacon on cab; working flash effect on DCC+sound models
• Newly designed can motor is more powerful and quieter than before
• DCC-ready models feature 21-pin plug
• DCC & sound models feature Tsunami2 sound with cube speaker
• LED lighting for long life and reliable operation
• Metal grab irons
• Large or small fuel tank per prototype
• Fine scale handrails
• McHenry scale knuckle couplers – Kadee compatible
• All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth & quiet operation
• All-wheel electrical pickup provides reliable current flow
• See through etched metal radiator fan
• See through cab windows
• DCC-ready features Quick Plug plug-and-play technology
• Improved 5-pole skew wound can motor with flywheels and multi-link drivetrain for with 21-pin NEM connector trouble-free operation
• Wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track
• Window packaging for easy viewing
• Highly-detailed, injection molded body
• Painted and printed for realistic decoration
• Fully assembled and ready-to-run
• Interior plastic blister safely holds the model for convenient storage
• Minimum radius: 18

SPECIFICATIONS:

• DCC: Ready/21-Pin NEM
• SOUND: Ready
• PROTOTYPE MANUFACTURER: ALCO
• Axles: 4
• LIGHTED: LED Lighting
• Minimum Age Recommendation: 14 years
• Is Assembly Required: No