Fall 2025 Announcements: Athearn HO RS-3 Diesel Locomotive

ALCO built the RS-3 to respond to competition with EMD, Fairbanks Morse, and Baldwin Locomotive Works. In the case of ALCO, the builder added more improvements to create new locomotive lines beyond the RS-2. ALCO produced 377 RS-2s versus the more successful RS-3s at 1,418.

The new model produced slightly more horsepower than the earlier design at 1,600 hp using Alco’s 12-cylinder, model 244 prime mover. Visually, the RS3 very similar to the RS2. Both had much more styling then ALCO’s first diesel, the RS1. Additional curves with strong beveling to corners and edges giving the unit a much more streamlined appearance. At the time, some railroads elected to employ theirs RS3 diesels in passenger/commuter service. Many
railroads appreciated this model for its versatility and reliability. RS3s were one of Alco’s shops more popular locomotives.

Matching cabooses available for CNW, CR, and LN!

RS-3 LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:
• Metal grab irons
• Large or small fuel tank per prototype
• See through etched metal radiator fan
• See through cab windows
• Fine scale handrails
• McHenry® scale knuckle couplers - Kadee® compatible
• All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth & quiet operation
• All-wheel electrical pickup provides reliable current flow
• DCC-ready features Quick Plug™ plug-and-play technology
drivetrain for with 21-pin NEM connector
• Improved 5-pole skew wound can motor with flywheels and multi-link
trouble-free operation
• Wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track
• Window packaging for easy viewing
• Highly-detailed, injection molded body
• Painted and printed for realistic decoration
• Fully assembled and ready-to-run
• Interior plastic blister safely holds the model for convenient storage
• Minimum radius: 18”

For more details, please select: https://www.athearn.com/new-announcem...