RS 3 - MagnumMacKivler/RLCPT2 GitHub Wiki
Image Copyright flickr user Houghton's RailImages
The RS-3, introduced in 1950, was the successor of the RS-2, and the road switcher companion to the FA-2. Powered by the 244 engine, the RS-3 was wrongfully labeled as unreliable due to previous teething issues with the 244 engine, however, by the point that RS-3 production had started the 244 was a very durable engine, and the only reliably issue came from GE's now infamous turbo design; After introduction of the newer RD-3 and 510 turbos, and with the proper maintenance and care (as seen on the Delaware-Lackawanna), the RS-3 was just as bullet proof as EMD's GP7, and heavily sought after by engineers due to being excellent pullers and extremely quick loading. Having a significant production run of 1418 units (Alco's second largest ever), you'd be mistaken to think they're a common sight, currently there are only six 244-powered North American RS-3s in mainline revenue service, and many in preservation or on tourist lines.
PT-Specific Information
| General Info | - |
|---|---|
| Prime Mover | ALCO 12-244D (1) |
| Horsepower | 1600 |
| Truck Type | AAR Type B |
| Axles | 4 |
| Traction Motors | 4 |
| Minimum Weight | 240,000 lbs |
| Maximum Weight | 258,000 lbs |
| Model Base Speed | 65 MPH |
| Top Speed | 65, 75, 80, or 92 MPH |
| Electrical System | - |
|---|---|
| Generator Max Current | 3000 Amps (2) |
| Max Traction Motor (TM) Current | 1500 Amps (2) |
| Max Continuous TM Current | 1085 Amps |
| Traction Motor Type | DC |
| Factor of Adhesion | 25% |
| Transition Mode | Manual with Selector (3) |
| Transition Groups | 2, 2, 1, 1 |
| Transition Shunts | 1, 0.55, 1, 0.55 |
| Generator Transition | No |
| Traction Control | APR |
| Dynamic Braking (DB) Mode (if used) | Electrical Blowers (4) |
| DB Max Current | 1500 Amps (2) |
| DB Max Continuous Current | 640 Amps (5) |
| Blended Braking | No |
| Miscellaneous | - |
|---|---|
| Head-End Power (HEP) | No |
| HEP Power Consumption | N/A |
| HEP Standby/Run Mode | N/A |
| Load Ramp Speed | 10 Amps/Tick |
| TM Overload Protection | No |
| Starter Mode | Latched Primer, Manual Start |
| Air Brake Schedule | 6-SL (6) |
| Compressor CFM | 225 (Wabco 3CDC @ 1000 RPM) (7) |
| Main Reservoir Volume | 35 Cubic Feet (8) |
Notes
(1): Later units were built with a 12-244G, 12-244H, or rebuilt with a 12-250.
(2): Very late units had a Max TM Current and DB Max Current of 1800 Amps, and a Gen Max Current of 3600 Amps.
(3): "Automatic with Selector" was optional.
(4): Very late units had Mechanical Blowers @ 50%
(5): In later production A high capacity brake grid was optional, raising the max continuous of 800 Amps.
(6): 24-RL was optional.
(7): 307 and 450 CFM compressors were available.
(8): If equipped with the 2000 gallon fuel tank, the reservoir capacity is raised to 35.24 Cubic Feet.