A question for all you NYC gurus: Was it prototypical for NYC to run any of their RS series locomotives in the western divisions, IE: Northern Indiana and Chicagoland areas? I haven't found any pictures to indicate as such and fear they were only found on the east coast.
I have photos of a PC RS-11 in Elkhart Indiana along with a NYC F Unit. However, that is only one shot and PC at that and I've never seen another.
What a loss if we won't be hearing from LEW any more! Very sorry to hear that. While we are on the subject of the Alco RS, I want to raise a question that has been asked before, but has probably never been answered satisfactorily. Have any ever been painted gray? At least one model manufacturer thinks so. In my searches of NYC diesel rosters, painting guides, and collection of other books with photos, I have never found any remark or evidence to substantiate this. Yes, I know there were other locomotives intended for passenger service that were painted gray (and colors other than black), but I am asking about the RS, specifically RS-2. Does any one have any factual data?
During the 50's, all the RS-3s on the Harlem Division were grey with lightning stripes, just like the EMD E's and F's.
Since I opened this can of worms, I will share with you what I have found: After checking my notes and references from the past 8 years, I have concluded that there were some RS-3s painted gray. No RS-1s or RS-2s received the gray paint scheme. There have been some contradictory remarks posted and possible photographic evidence cited. The problem with the photos is that they are mostly black and white with less than ideal lighting and exposure. Such photographs are not useful as absolute references. Several people have pointed to photos in David R. Sweetland’s book “New York Central Lightning Stripes in Color. On page 18 is a photo of RS-2 road number 8216 that some people think might be gray. The trouble is there is no difference in color between the body and the black underframe. On page 66 of volume 2 is a color photo of RS-2 road number 8206 that people have argued is gray. It does appear to be gray and in this case the cab side and battery box seem to show a different color from the underframe. This might be a gray locomotive, but the exposure and shadows may be misleading. I have examined these photos and agree with the above assessments. Respected modeler, Jim Six, who does careful research for his own models and who offers his services to manufacturers of NYC models says he has never discovered any gray RS-2s, only some gray RS-3s. I will accept his conclusion. The only evidence that will change my opinion would be an official NYC paint diagram with annotation to the effect that gray paint was applied to an RS-2.
If it's any help Mike, I've seen an RS3 running in the lightning stripe livery on my layout nearly daily How do we chip in to get LEW a new web browser? I will definitely miss reading his posts!
RS-3s on Ohio Division I just happened to be watching Volume 3 of Donald Krofta's New York Central videos (Herron Rail Video). The later part covers about 1959-1963 and there were several shots of RS-3s in the "cigar band" scheme moving freight trains. The views were around Bellefontaine, Ohio. So, yes, in later years the RS-3s at least survived and migrated to the western divisions.
OK, second question: What horns were used on the NYC RS series locos? I am planning to upgrade one of my HO scale RS-2 locomotives with a sound equiped decoder chip. Looking at some pictures, I would guess either a Wabco E-2 or Leslie A-200?? It would be nice if I could get a prototypical match for the horn sounds.
Horns on Alco RS RS-1s, -2s, and -3s all had Wabco E-2. In later years a few RS-3s were equipped with Hancock air whistles.
RS Locos Yes we had RS-3 locos out of Anderson,In. from !955 -1964. The 1964 is a guess and may have been until PC. Going to plan X ,just looked at one of my old time books. Sept.5-1965. Southbound on # 75,Elkhart - South Anderson 8214-3323-8213-3348.Jan.21-1966 ex.south Elk.-So And 8293-3332.The 3300 were B units.We did not like these units as they were not very user freindly. LEW
Great to have you back, LEW! According to the numbers 8213 & 8214 would be RS-2s. I am surprised. I thought they were gone before 1966 - they definitely did not make it into Penn Central. 8293 was a RS-3. Interesting lash-ups. The 3323 & 3348 were Alco FB-2s. Also the 3332. What was it about the 3300s that was not user friendly?
It sure is good to see you back here, LEW! Did anything change in your situation with WebTV? :tb-biggrin:
RS Locos The 3300 were as you stated B units.I was referring to the 8200 which were A ,or cab units.Everything on the A units was close making it awkward to work in while operating them. Going thru time books back to 1958 I find one more entry. Jan. 13, 1962-And. -Elk. # 72-8283,8246. Also found entries for Sharks 1200, FM 5011, 6600. The FM were mu with EMD 17,1800. The sharks would not mu with any other make unit.We would take 2 sharks north and southbound train was to big for the two sharks. Elk would gives us 3 EMD units with sharks dead in tow. Fitz,I cannot come in from the top but from the bottom. As in reply to a message. LEW
Ah - OK - that makes sense now. It was the RS-2s and RS-3s you didn't like because the cabs were too cramped. LEW - again, it is nice to have you contributing. It was too quiet without you. Now that we know you are able to respond, we will just have to do a better job of starting topics for you to respond to.
