Product Description
Announced Date:
July 2024
Released Date:
Est Oct 2024
Individually Boxed:
N/A
Road Name: Minneapolis & St. Louis
Road Number: 944
Product Line: RailKing Scale
Scale: O Scale
Features:
Intricately Detailed, Durable ABS Body
Die-Cast Truck Sides, Pilots and Fuel Tank
Metal Chassis
Metal Handrails and Horn
(2) Handpainted Engineer Cab Figures
Authentic Paint Scheme
Metal Wheels, Axles and Gears
(2) Remote-Controlled Proto-Couplers
Prototypical Rule 17 Lighting
Directionally Controlled Constant Voltage LED Headlights
(2) Precision Flywheel-Equipped Motors
Operating ProtoSmoke Diesel Exhaust
Onboard DCC/DCS Decoder
Locomotive Speed Control In Scale MPH Increments
1:48 Scale Proportions
Proto-Sound 3.0 With The Digital Command System Featuring Freight Yard Proto-Effects
Unit Measures: 14” x 2 1/2” x 4”
Operates On O-31 Curves
Diesel DCC Features
F0 Head/Tail light
F1 Bell
F2 Horn
F3 Start-up/Shut-down
F4 PFA
F5 Lights (except head/tail)
F6 Master Volume
F7 Front Coupler
F8 Rear Coupler
F9 Forward Signal
F10 Reverse Signal
F11 Grade Crossing
F12 Smoke On/Off
F13 Smoke Volume
F14 Idle Sequence 3
F15 Idle Sequence 2
F16 Idle Sequence 1
F17 Extended Start-up
F18 Extended Shut-down
F19 Rev Up
F20 Rev Down
F21 One Shot Doppler
F22 Coupler Slack
F23 Coupler Close
F24 Single Horn Blast
F25 Engine Sounds
F26 Brake Sounds
F27 Cab Chatter
F28 Feature Reset
Overview:
The American Locomotive Company pioneered the multi-purpose "road switcher" design in 1941 with its 1000 hp RS-1. Alco's designers added a second, shorter hood to a basic switcher to make room for a steam boiler for passenger train heat. The short hood also afforded the crew additional accident protection. Smoother-riding trucks made the RS-1 suitable for the higher road speeds that would be daunting in a typical switcher. Although EMD's later GP7 and GP9 sold better and really established the road switcher as a universal locomotive, the RS-1 had the longest production run of any American-made diesel. The last new RS-1 left Alco's shops in 1960.
Interestingly, the first two years of RS-1 production went to the military. The 13 units that had been delivered to American railroads were requisitioned from their owners, and, along with 144 additional engines, were sent to Iran, Russia, and U.S. Army posts. These RS-1s were fitted with three-axle trucks to make them suitable for lighter rail on overseas roads. A group that plied the Trans-Iranian Railroad became known as "the diesels that saved Russia" because they brought in food and other supplies after the Luftwaffe had crippled Russian shipping. These engines later became the prototype for Russia's own early diesels.
Check out this model of America’s first road switcher and we think you’ll agree it offers Premier-level detailing at a RailKing price. Walkways have metal handrails and etched safety tread to prevent your 1/48-scale crewmen from slipping on a wet surface. End pilots have separately-added uncoupling levers. On the cab sides you’ll find legible Alco builder’s plates. Grab irons are separately added metal parts, as are the rooftop handles that allowed shop crews to remove roof panels for major repairs. Additional metal details include a horn, etched brass roof walkway, and a bell mounted under the frame.
Our RS-1 features dual pickup rollers on each truck, making this model nearly stall-proof on any three-rail O gauge switches. Throttle down as low as three scale miles per hour with a heavy freight or commuter train and maintain that speed as long as you wish, thanks to Proto-Speed Control. Listen to the authentic chant of a first-generation Alco 244 motor, rumbling with an offbeat gait that sounds like it could use a tune-up. While other manufacturers have offered the RS-1, no other O gauge model runs more smoothly or dependably, sounds as good, or is more fun to operate.
Usually ships same or next day. 
