Besides working in legitimate railway preservation, I've gotten back into model railroading recently (hey, it's something to do on Thursday nights).

I've grown to really enjoy realistic operation sessions, as they are more interesting than watching trains go around in circles. This past Thursday, I was running a cut of cars on a transfer run with one of my HO scale Alco RS-1s. During the run I was thinking that there actually may be more RS-1s in non-preservation, revenue service than any of the other early Alco RS series combined.

Anybody have a way to confirm this?

It was a real contrast to hand my cut of cars off to the other railroad, me with my RS-1 and wooden caboose, and the other guy picking up the cut of cars with two Das 9s.

Interesting question...

In the northeast, I can think of 23 RS-3's and just 8 RS-1's. I am only counting true RS-3's as there are a handful of DeWitt's around and running.

Of note, at least 9 of the RS-3's and 3 of the RS-1's belong to freight railroads not museums.

Also of note, of all these RS-1/2/3's at least 9 reside on rails once owned by the railroad that ordered the unit.

However, of those just 5 of the RS-3's are operational, and 5 of the RS-1's.

I may be missing some in my count, but it seems in the northeast the RS-3 is more numerous but the RS-1 is a more likely runner in terms of percentage.

Rob

PS: And what about those not in a museum? Well, I have no fear about Rutland #405 as she is totally pampered and I doubt anything bad will befall her.

When the Battenkill is done with #603 it sure would be nice to see her in the RRMofPA back as Lehigh and Hudson River #12.

The BKRR Runs #605.

They were quite visible here in Atlanta in the 1960's and early 1970's. I recall the string of them above I-85 when they were being removed from service.
Thanks.
Doug

My bad, wrote #603, meant #605.

Rob

Not a problem! :)

The Battenkill actually had two L&HR/VTR RS-3's on their roster. VTR #601 (ex L&HR #12) arrived shortly after #605, but it was merely a parts unit, and was stripped and scrapped a few years later.

There is an operable RS-1 at Gold Coast Railroad Museum in Miami, but I don't know it's heritage. Definitely not one of the ex-CIRR or Bay Line units.

Did any Long Island RS-1's survive over the years?

I dont know how this might reflect the country as a whole, but here are the stats for New York State:

RS1
Four total.
one operating with a shortline.
one operating/preserved/museum.
two belong to a shortline, but not operating.

Livonia, Avon & Lakeville 20 - operating.
Eastman Kodak 9 - operating/preserved/museum.
Catskill Mtn RR 401 - stored servicable.
Catskill Mtn RR 2361 - stored unservicable.

RS2 - none!

RS3
10 total.
3 operating with shortlines.
1 owned by a shortline-stored.
1 industrial-stored
2 preserved/display
3 derelict-virtually abandoned.

Buffalo Southern 28 - stored unservicable.
D&H 4082 - "preserved" (I use the term loosly) very unservicable.
NYC 8254 - "preserved" (I use the term loosly) very unservicable.
Adirondack RR 8223 - operating.
Battenkill 605 - operating
Battenkill 4116 - operating
D&H 4126 - stored very unservicable
Great Northern 229 - on display in a city park.
LIRR 1556 - preserved/display/museum
Independant Cement #5 - stored servicable.

plus one preserved/operating RS3m (LV 211)

http://gold.mylargescale.com/Scottychaos/NY-Alcos/

Scot

Indiana Hyrail has owned LIRR RS1 #467, having used her as a switcher, then putting her on the block. Twin Forks NRHS tried to purchse the unit, but was unable to raise the considerable price. Then there was the issue of putting r/b trucks under one end. While I have seen nothing to substantiate a purchase, rumors are the unit has been negotiated for by a private group, for complete restoration and operation. This would be gladly welcomed, as 467 is the last LIRR RS1, and could be legitimately restored in the Tichy paint scheme which she wore between 1950 and 55. The unit is extremely historical to LIRR fans and historians, but is not made of solid gold, as its seller seems to have believed!

It is my understanding that the 467 will have her trucks converted to roller bearing, then moved on its own wheels to a museum site for restoration and hopefully, future operation.

Les

I believe there may still be 2 RS-1s at MOT. The donated A&M unit, which may be operational, and another unit whose heritage I don't recall that is not.

Doug,

I don't think any of the SR RS-3s survived. The sole surviving CofGA RS-3, No. 109 is at TVRM awaiting restoration. Last I heard they had not yet decided how to paint it: in the post-merger SR tuxedo black and imitation aluminum or the original blue and grey of the Central. It would be nice to discover that one of the SR units did survive, but I've not heard of one.

I *believe* subject to correction that the other until is of M&StL heritiage.

There is an ex SR RS-3 "slug" at Monticello. Other than the ex-C&G, ex-SR, ex-ET&WNC unit at TVRM, I don't know of any.

Matt Bumgarner