Hi, just received my Cal-scale set - plenty to improve things here. The big issue remaining is some finer stanchions and handrails - that looks more of a challenge.
Thanks,
Bill.
Don' care about sound but the Cal-Scale kit includes lift rings in three sizes, all the grabs, coupler lift bars, and a Sinclair Antenna. On the engine I did I replaced the supplied horn with a pair of blat horns to match the prototype. Also check pictures of your prototype as my engine needed extra grabs and lift rings not shown on the instruction sheet that came with the Cal-Scale kit.
One thing missing from the engine which I forgot and have to add is the MU receptacle that mounts on the front and back decks. The version needed for and Alco Engine is also available from Cal-Scale.
This is an RS-32 but the detail is the same for both engines, but the NKP RS-36 did not have the grabs behind the cab and has a notch in the nose for the bell.
Rick
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
Doh! I actually have locos with the 539 and 251 in them and they sound and work great.
Mine is a C424, which is a 16 cylinder, whereas I think the RS36 may have had a 12 cylinder. Not getting overly picky, but I wonder if the Loksound distinguishes between the two motors or makes one 251 to satisfy all versions. It might matter to the OP.
- Douglas
Loksound does have a 251. They have 539, 244, and 251 for Loksound Select. Have for a while. If you look under the OEM file section, they have a much newer one they did for the Bowser C-630 and C-430, which are 251's with air start. Those are new recordings from working locos. If the model I'm putting it in didn;t have an air starter, this iw where I'd use a V4.0 and my Lokprogrammer and swap the motor start sequence from the older 251 sound set but leave the newer prime mover since it will be better quality. Or if you don;t care about that level of detail, the Bowser C430 sound would work as-is.
SOmething else about Loksound - the OEM files are available for download as well as their own. Hopefully there will be a better example soon - Matt Herman who runs the US operation now has a layout set up in their office and is making a series of Youtube videos demoing ESU products. I only model older locos so I have no need for a 251, mine are all 244's and 539/538. But even the older Loksound file (older meaning a January 2013 posting date) really has the Alco chug chug idle down. A distinctive feature of ALco prime movers and there's no need for a fancy mixer or equalizer to make it heard. Plus the horns are nice and loud.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Agreed. The Cal-Scale detail kit is the only one I know of. I think its mainly grab irons. Other details are available from other producers but not necessarily specific to an RS, so researching the specific locomotive and finding appropriate details from a variety of producers will likely be required.
The Atlas RS36 has the same innards as the RS11. I think Soundtraxx Tsunami regarded as having the most accurate 251 sound representation, but checking around might show you that not everbody is satisfied with the muted sound of the horn and bell or the tsunami's slow speed motor control, if those things matter to you.
Loksound is taking the lead in the sound decoder wars, but I'm not sure they make a 251 yet. if they do, it will likely be the best.
Cal-Scale has a full set. I've used it before, has all the generic pieces for an RS-36. You will need to add any beacons or plows, etc... that are unique to a specific loco though.
http://www.bowser-trains.com/history/hocalscaleatlastrainmanrs.html
Modeling whatever I can make out of that stash of kits that takes up half my apartment's spare bedroom.
Hi, I have aquired an Atlas Trainman RS-36 (Atlas Trainman #10001517), L&N #910. This is a very business-like looking engine, but a bit plain on the detail side, but has dimples for grab-iron locations, etc. I am wondering if there is a detailing set for this model, as the Atlas website shows it has been around since 2006. Also I am wondering about the best sound equipment based on actual experience, bearing in mind that appearing in a manufacturer's recomended list does not mean it will actually fit when you try to put the body back on. The RS-36 was quite a rare beast but used an ALCo 251B 1,800 hp unit, maybe sounded like an RS-11? And I am not sure what horns these ex Tennessee Central L&N locos used. The Atlas website suggests the model uses an Atlas Classic RS-11 chassis but modified for the low nose.
I would be grateful for any advice. I realise these questions straddle the Modelling and DCC forums, so I plumped for this as I am guessing the detail set is the more obscure question.