Hello Group,

I wanted to share this post that Lee English of Bowser Trains made over on the Atlas Rescue forum. He is working on the designs for an updated RS-3 HO scale model and is seeking technical input for this project (e.g. copies of “real” Alco or railroad drawings). He plans to do many variations and you can bet good money all the Reading RS-3 variations will be offered. As many of you know, the current collection of RS-3 models on the market all have their shortcomings. For us Reading fans, Bowser’s model will likely be our best hope for getting a truly accurate RTR model. So, with that said, now is the time to check your document collection or ask around in your modeling or railfan circle of friends for drawings or any technical information on the RS-3 that will help Bowser get it right. I’m not affiliated with Bowser in anyway, but I do think it’s great that this manufacturer is seeking input at such an early stage in the product development process. You don’t see many other companies doing that these days!

Here is Lee’s post (dated 01-25-16):

“I see someone has started talking about my RS-3 project. What a nightmare. I have had to change my ideas a few times and now I think I have worked out the problems. At least in my mind. The tooling for the body shell and most of the plastic parts will be made here in PA. The mold shop is the same shop I have been using since 1991 (N-5c was the first). The RS-3 is not just a 3 phases. There are so many variations that I will have to make modular tooling. I just completed the M636 tooling with the same modular design that allows me to make many variations without making complete bodies over again. The M636 has 43 inserts in the mold. I expect the RS-3 will have many, many more then 43. Now for my plans. RS-3 Phase 3 first followed by Phase2, Chop noses, Hammerheads, rebuilds and many railroad specific changes that do not even have Phases.

This will be a long project with new bodies being created for several years. So far I have measured 4 RS-3's and have hundreds of photos. To get the curves right I had my shop make cardboard templates with the different curves cut out of the corners. The Delaware Lackawanna has RS-3 with the middle of the shell removed. I could fit the templates to the corners and see very well what the radius is. The top of the hood curve I climbed on the prime mover and shot photos of the cut edge. Imported the photo into CAD (enlarged it to prototype size) and traced the curves and made it HO. I think I am close. I am also using An Alco drawing for other dimensions. This drawing can be seen if you google it. I have completed a lot of drawings but am still several months from mold building.

I have to be sure to cover all the bases in early design. Have to make the chassis fit the chop noses for one. We already have the trucks from our C430 project. Sorry to ramble but it is a very difficult project. It is harder than the SD40-2 and that turned out to have 11 bodies, 8 cabs, 7 decks and 180 plastic parts then I started with our Cal Scale brass!! Please offer help now before I screw it up. Anyone have Alco or real railroad drawings? Lee English - Bowser Mfg. contact me by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.”

Thanks, Mark

Bill Witman, this has your name written all over it!

I really like the direction that Bowser has taken concerning Alco power and look forward to their RS3 project.The D&H chop noses and LV hammerhead will surely spike my interest.
Looking at Mr.English's plan on attacking this project...Since the RDG's were Phase 1's its going to be quite a long time before we see a RDG RS3 released from Bowser.

I do hope I'm wrong though.

This is a great thing to see. The whole concept of the modular tooling is a neat idea an would love to see first hand. We as the reading community should step up to the plate and send as much info as possible, especially pics to propel things along. I say this as the gang at Yarmouth Model Works have been kicking around an AC&F boxcar, they will do Reading in the form of an XMa. I sent them all the build spec from Berwick, tons of original Reading paperwork, and even photos. Yes one still exists in excellent condition to this day here in Tamaqua. Pierre Oliver was thrilled to no end over this. Just think how neat a dynamic brake equipped Reading RS-3 will look pulling another great unique model!

Bill

Let's see a pic of that Tamaqua xma bill..

Okay Reading RS-3 fans, here is the latest from Lee English. I emailed Lee offering my collection of data on Phase I units, and his response at 5:00PM today is as follows, "sorry but we do not plan to make Phase I. Atlas, Athearn Bachman all make a Phase I."

Sorry guys, you'll still need those detailing and kitbashing skills to get them right on the money.