Briggs Models MLW RS-3 Build Thread

[BCR 570]

Completion
These models have been a journey, working with Jeff Briggs and Dave Mackinnon to refine the various components and push the envelope as to what might be achievable with these units.  Along the way I learned some new facts about these locomotives, including the various detail differences, and the carbody grab irons, rear door location and rear handrails which are incorrect on most commercial model RS-3s.  These models would not have been possible without their amazing talents, and mutual interest in this project, so to them I extend a huge thank you.  Also to Philippe Whyte who created the custom decals, and to Ross Pugsley who supplied the valuable reference photographs.

The models are now complete save for some final adjustments and touch-ups, most notably with the handrails, and have posed for their builders photographs.

PGE 567 features the standard fuel tank, rectangular front aux light housing, and is completed in the PGE map scheme which it still wore in 1977:






BCR 570 features the standard fuel tank, round front aux light housings and a different arrangement of the K3 horn.  It is finished in an early version of the BCR dogwood scheme:






BCR 574 carries a later and larger rectangular fuel tank, and has front and rear aux lights.  It is finished in a slightly later version of the BCR dogwood scheme:






Here they are together, showing some of the overhead details:






Tim

[BCR 570]

Arrival
I have waited a long time to see RS-3 locomotives running on my layout.  (My two older RS-3 models were never converted to DCC.)  The new RS-3 models have arrived in Chetwynd as documented in the following photographs.  Dave has managed to achieve working inspection lights below the cabs which is a first for the fleet.






They run fairly well together and the motor control is excellent.  The sound of the ALCO 244 prime mover is quite different from the rest of the fleet which is 251-equipped.  After arrival in Chetwynd they tied up on the shop tracks:




As the night drew in, their cab and inspection lighting was on display:






And that is it.  Their arrival will provide increased flexibility and variety of motive power during op sessions, and I look forward to running them up to Dawson Creek in the days to come.  Then it is back to work on my RS-18 project.

Thanks for looking,

Tim

[craigolio1]

They look great Tim. First time I’ve seen inspection lights in N Scale I think.

Craig.

[philippe.whyte]

They look great... excellent work Tim.  Can wait to give them a try (and a listen!).

[BCRail_FSJ]

Great work Tim.    My pair are nearing completion and I am already musing about DCC sound..

[BCR 570]

Thank you Andy; looking forward to seeing yours reaching completion too.

Interesting to note that:
- with my engines at Chetwynd and yours at Fort St. John, they are "only 84 represented miles apart"
- with my engines in North Vancouver and yours in N.Z. they are actually more than 7,000 miles apart!


Tim

[mmagliaro]

Tim, hat's off to you on this project!  I've been following it along and I am very impressed by not only the nice outcome (the engines are really excellent and very crisp in detail), but the relentless engineering setbacks that you overcame to push through to the end.  Excellent modeling, excellent prototype research, and really fine looking engines.

[BCR 570]

Thank you Max - they have turned out quite well and I am hoping for the same with my RS-18 project.

Tim