Rapido HO-Scale NYC ALCo RS-11 - Script Logo - DCC/Sound (Pre-Order)

The first three RS-11s were produced by ALCO in February 1956 as a demonstrator set. This locomotive, classified by ALCO as model DL-701, was their first high-horsepower road switcher, intended to be a replacement for the very popular RS-3 road switcher. Featuring a V-12, 1,800 hp (1,300 kW) 251B diesel engine, the RS-11 was ALCO's answer to EMD's very successful GP9. The turbocharged RS-11 accelerated faster, had a higher tractive effort rating and typically used less fuel than the competition. It was also quite versatile and could be found in heavy haul freight as well as passenger service. It was produced in high-nose and low-nose versions. Montreal Locomotive Works also built nearly identical units, known as the RS-18, predominantly for the Canadian market.

While the RS-11 benefited from the increased power and reliability offered with ALCO's new 251B engine, and was arguably a more advanced product than the GP9, its market acceptance was disappointing against the reputation EMD's locomotives had made for superior reliability.

The RS-11 could be set up for either freight or passenger service, with passenger units having a steam generator fitted into the short hood and a larger fuel/water tank beneath the frames. RS-11 units could be designated for either long hood or short hood forward operation. Some units were provided with dual control stands and could be operated with either end forward. Over the course of RS-11 production there were many noticeable changes made to the design. These included variations in carbody filter quantities and sizes, fuel tank designs, cab window size and placement and many other small details.

 Features:

• Correct hood and roof profiles 3D scanned from the prototype
• Operating number boards, headlights, class lights and cab control stand lighting
• Working inspection lights in the inspection light castings
• Straight metal side handrails with plastic stanchions
• Huge amount of newly-tooled roadname-specific details
• Full underbody piping, conduits and steam lines, where appropriate
• Correct roadname-specific corner steps
• Separate grab irons and handrails installed at the factory
• Heavy, die-cast chassis and full, multi-color interior
• New, rock-solid 5-pole skew-wound motor with dual flywheels and Rapido's renowned silky-smooth drive
• DCC/Sound (ESU LokSound available)
• Accurate sounds recorded from a real ALCo 251B prime mover