I have a K-Line Amtrack 3 car set, but I'd guess the cars are short to negotiate 027 curves. There is a B&O RDC parked near where I work that is used for weekend excursions. The engineer said the car was 85' long. Would that be in the ballpark of 20" scale? Anyway, don't think I've ever seen a scale model, does/has anyone done one?
Thanks,
Rich F.
That's 21 1/4 inches at 1/48 scale. However, the RDC-4 (RPO and baggage) was only 65 feet; so a scale model would be 16 1/4 inches long. The Lionel 404 is only a couple of inches shorter than that.
Bob Nelson
Whoa! That is sweet. Too bad I'm a day late, and probably many dollars too short! I didn't see a price anywhere at that site, but nickel and brass models are no doubt out of my range. However, I'm afraid I'd have to dig deep if I had the chance to score one of the B&O's. I thought 3rd Rail went out of business? That B&O (the proto picture) looks exactly like the one in Uniontown, PA. Quite the impressive piece of machinery. I was amazed at awesome size of the prototype 85' versus a 21" to scale heavy weight Pullman going through Plasticville! What an era, sorry I missed it!
Thanks for the scale inches. I'll have to figure out how to do the math (not one of my strengths)! I guess I start with 85' equals 21 and a quarter inches in 1/48 scale, unless you will take mercy on me and tell me the formula!
Rich,
Just divide the prototype length in feet by 4 and the answer is the model length in inches.
Can't say if it is scale or not but RMT makes a Rail Diesel Car for O gauge for close to $70.00 for one, the length is 11&5/8 inches long or 13 inches with couplers. Runs great & has lights at both ends, can turn off one set of lights if you like, two switches underneath; one for direction & the other for lights. The road number I have is 9160-Reading Company, it is listed under Custom Run Buddy on RMT site.
I ordered mine thru Ready To Roll in north Miami FL. phone number 305-688-8868
RMT website for referance of model number is www.readymadetoys.com
Lee Fritz
Dude, I would go with 3rd Rail.
Lionel collector, stuck in an N scaler's modelling space.
I know you're looking for scale but there's a lot out there to work from if you wish that aren't scale: Lionel, Williams, K-Line. Here's a review of the MTH RDC set: http://www.trains.com/ctt/default.aspx?c=a&id=292
Here are the RMT 'Buddys" - http://readymadetoys.stores.yahoo.net/rmt-toy-trains-br-buddy-rdc-cars.html
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
RR Redneck wrote: Dude, I would go with 3rd Rail.
You must have a good expense account to go with 3rd Rail Brass. I have nothing against 3rd Rail Brass except the price of most items will make me take out a third mortgage on the house if I can! Very good company, just expensive!!!
Lee F.
That is true. I guess that MTH is a good alternative, but you won't get near as much for your buck.
I called a dozen places today as suggested by Sunset Models with no luck (the RDC-1's were released a year ago). The next production run will be an RDC-2 which I am not interested in. I think the list on the sold out units was $450, which ain't bad for nickle and brass, 3 rail, TMCC. Some folks buy em up and scalp em for $500. I can't even get scalped. The fact it has to be B&O is going to be the challenge. Or I've been told to wait a couple of years and there will probably be another run, but that ain't no fun. Every time I go to one of our supply houses, that beautiful B&O sits on a siding by the lumber store, glistening in the sun. Heck, 85' of Budd stainless glistens in the shade!
Thanks for your comments and teaching me how to do the math!
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