I'm having faith that the Rapido Reading RDC-1s are fairly accurate (my guess is that the windshields were larger, but this is minor).

What I'd like to know, is if anyone has any good shots of 9163, former LV 40, and 9164, former B&M 6109, and any minor "details" that would help these stand out relative to the other RDC-1s.

What I can tell, is that 9163 is considered a "Phase 1B", while 9164 is considered a "Phase 1C".

One challenge is that on the "unlettered" RDC-1 models, there is no pre-drilled location for the horn (nor is there a "dimple" under the shell). In particular, it appears that #9164 has two different horns.

The pilots seem to change depending on the date as well. 9163 seems to have had "plow pilots" added at some late date, while #9164 seems to have had them the whole time.


I model specifically in June 1979, looking to eventually model the Crusader and Wall Street. I've scoured the internet for as many images as I can find. While 9163 is restored as LV #40, 9164 of course was infamous for the 1982 Fox Chase collision, and I am having a hard time finding good shots of it. often, it is only recognizable because its radiators are unique relative to the other Reading RDC-1s in the consist.

Any help or tips would be appreciated!

Chris

Interesting, these RDC things.

I haven't seen the Rapido RDC on the shelf yet, and have mixed emotions about them since I have three Life-Like and a half dozen Athearns, including a pair that I received for my 13th birthday. The value of all of the wouldn't get ne a trade-in on a Rapido. - Now if they do that NYC thing with jet sounds .. hmmm that would grab my attention. LOL

I'll check my photos to see what I have. I once started a list of spotting differences and documents I could find on these. They were the primary target of my train watching experiences between Gibraltar Rd and Lorane back in the day.

While I am on here and RDC's are the topic and the Crusader was mentioned. Caution Rumor Mill starting.... I once heard talk has it that one of the RDC's that was shopped for body damage has "Crusader" sheet metal on it which was removed from one of the steamers and was lingering around the shop when needed. Just rumor.

Rob

Yes, the stainless steel from the two Crusader Pacific steamers was stored in the loco shop for a considerable time after the 1951 de-streamlining. Interesting that the 1939 fluting would match the RDC fluting.
Other than the different headlight mountings and the window sizes, the absence of the sand filler lids on the RDG's RDC-1s caught my attention. If I recall correctly, all of the second hand units had the sand filler lids.

Ah, I hadn't noticed the lack of sand filler lids!

Unfortunately, those appear to be molded on, so I don't think I can do anything to fix that.

In any event, a new issue has surfaced: There are no Reading RDC decals out there!

It turns out that the Champs Reading RDC set lettering is totally different from the stock Rapido RDC. I could probably get away with using some of the other decals in the set, but the size and shape of the champs version is far off.

IHP's Silverliner sets are much closer, but they are difficult to acquire and not readily available, and the sets I have I would really rather use on my Silverliner IIs. I sent IHP a message about possibly getting more of those.

Does anyone else make that "Reading Company" lettering in black?

I do not have personal photos of the cars in question 9163 & 9164. I do have a Budd drawing B42-05429 dated 11/2/62 which shows spacing for the lettering in the letter boards. Something that made me crazy on the Athearn RDC until I figured out there was a window missing.

Chris - Am I understanding you have access to Champ Reading RDC, but will not be using them because you don't like their authenticity? I think I also have some and I can only say if they aren't somehow fresh be prepared to clear coat them before they go in the water.

Rob

Here is a personal photo, most likely with a Kodak Brownie at the Outer Station on a Sunday morning in 1966 or 67. It may be RDC 9156.
Rob