I'm trying to find out more about the body differences between an Alco RS-3 and an RSD-5. I've checked a couple different sources and some say they're the same, some say the RSD is 6.75 longer. The Kalmbach book "Diesel Locomotives" lumps them all together even though it mentions the larger generator on the RSD.
A quick search of the magazine index doesn't show much for drawings, anyone know of a source? I'm trying to figure out how much work it would be to bash the RSD-5 out of the RS-3.
Thanks!Al
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As you note, the RSD5 was 6.75'' longer than the RS3 (and the RSD4). I think it is reasonable to assume that the hood was extended about this far. Otherwise they are essentially identical above the frame.
The dimensions from the wikipedia articles are essentially the same.
RS-3 WB 39' 4", L 56' 6", W 10' 1-5/8", H 14' 5-1/4"
RSD-5 WB 42' 3" L 56' 6", W 10' 1-5/8", H 14' 5-1/8"
The difference in WB is because the 4-axel trucks are pivoted at their center. The pivot of the 6-axel trucks is offset. The RS-3 has a longer fuel tank.
Drawings on the Railroad Paint Shop site http://paintshop.railfan.net/ While the drawings are not dimensioned they appear to show the locomotives as being the same length, width and height. This was the only site where I found a RSD-5 drawing. .
Model Railroader Oct 1996 pg 148 has an article on bashing a N scale RSD5 from a RS-3 (Atlas shell) and an Atlas RSD-12 frame.
The Feb 1978 Model Railroade has a drawing of an RS-3 The dimensions are slightly different than Wikipedia WB 30' 0", L 55' 11-3/4", W 10' 2", H 14' 5-?/8".
I think the WB in both wikipedia articles is wrong. I think the WB are approx 30' and 35'
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
Cotton Belt Folio 725 locomotive diagrams for the RS-3 show WB 39' 4"; L 56' 6"; W 9' 11 1/2"; and H 14' 10 1/8" to top of horn on cab. The 30' measurement is the distance between truck centers.
SSW9389 Cotton Belt Folio 725 locomotive diagrams for the RS-3 show WB 39' 4"; L 56' 6"; W 9' 11 1/2"; and H 14' 10 1/8" to top of horn on cab. The 30' measurement is the distance between truck centers.
You are correct about the 30' being truck centers. How is the WB measured?
Edit
Ah! I see, you are correct. The WB is measured to the center of the outermost wheels,
There is more than one Alco RS-3 specification. Both lengths are correct. Extra 2200 South issue #55 has data from Ken Douglas showing the 55' 11 3/4" overall length. The difference is in the ends. The Cotton Belt drawings I cited earlier have an extra 3" length on each end.
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