RS 3 - MagnumMacKivler/RLCPT2 GitHub Wiki

chock full of 244

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.