Before delving too deeply into an RDC restoration or renovation or refitting, I would urge you to seriously reconsider your mission and intent with this car.

At least two RDC operators over the years have told me that they have retired their RDC operations in part because of the parts and maintenance supply problem, but also because of customer feedback indicating that the ride in an RDC was simply "too much like riding the bus they came to the railroad in!"

If your museum or operation offers something spectacular in the way of a vista, scenery, or destination, you may be able to get away with it. If your operation's mission is just the ride, think twice.

The Strasburg RR could never get away with substituting a stainless steel RDC in the winter months, no matter how reliable and warm. They need a coal stove, and maybe a wooden gas car or doodlebug if they're going to try that. Ditto the Sierra, or the Ohio Central, or Steamtown.

Now, a place like Conway Scenic, just maybe, as they can historically claim RDCs used to come there. Ditto the Winnepesaukee. Verde Canyon, maybe.

And I say this as one of the most diehard enthusiasts of the RDC.

MARC in 1978 re-powered some of their RDCs with newer Detroit 6-71 engines during a rebuid and discovered, bit surprise, that were under powered. They obtained some rebuildable blocks and went back to 6-110 a few years later. They had the ability to do complete engine and transmission rebuilds at the CSX Riverside Shops. I believe the B&O Museum ended up with some to most of their spare parts, plus some RDCs.

I believe the British Columbia RDCs were repowered with Cummins engines and Nigata transmissions. They may have also had a small on-board diesel-alternator for hotel power. At least one Japanese carbuilder was using Cummins engine/Nigata transmissions all along, for both domestic and export DMUs.

G.F.Payne
Baltimore, MD

I don't know why you're messing around with diesel motors on those RDC's. Power them the way God and Budd intended -- JET motors out of a B-36! Yeah, going the other way's a problem, in museum service just mount one jet motor backwards in the cowling, yer all set.

Seriously, you'd sell more tickets than Thomas the Tank Motor.

Brother MacDowell, the Track Department is waiting to have a few words with you.

Out behind the engine shed. With brake clubs and coupling pins.

Aw, c'mon Sandy. At those speeds, ya never feel the low joints! M-497 forever! Excelsior!

Howard P.