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Click for
Kato's web page |
RDC's
Rail Diesel Cars
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Important
Update: Kato is now offering individual Budd RDC cars.
BLW
is now taking reservations on single cars ... they are listed below. Additionally,
Kato has updated their web page and now offers a wealth of
information
on the RDC's. Please click
on either of the 2 photos shown below
for a link to Kato's new RDC page which includes railroad specific
information as well as a maps showing their usage. Recommended. |
 |
Click
on this photo to visit Kato's new RDC web page. |
| Prototype
photo by E.D. Motis from the KatoUSA.com web site as is the
information provided below. Click on the Kato logo at the
top of the page to visit Kato's Web Site - there are more
photos of RDC's there illustrating all of the paint schemes.
RDC's now "on the water" - expected to be in dealers
hands in early December! |
Prototype
Information:
Commonly known as the "RDC," the motorized Rail Diesel
Car generally operated in rural areas where ridership
and mail/parcel transport were too low for regular passenger
train service.
Capable
of being operated by a motorman from either end of the
car, these units could be used independently or combined
to create a two- or three-unit consist.
The Budd Company introduced the first RDC in the fall
of 1949 with a single RDC-1 "Budd Demonstrator." Hundreds
more would eventually follow for service to railroads
throughout North America and around the world (including
South America, Australia, Saudi Arabia and even Cuba!)
When first introduced, the RDC was proclaimed to be
the savior of branch line and suburban service. It was
also heavily expected to be a commuter service workhorse.
Oddly enough, it was Budd's experience in the production
of small yet powerful diesel engines for WWII tanks
that eventually lead to the birth of the RDC.
The RDC utilized two compact motors mounted under the
car's floor to drive one axle on each truck.
To reduce the time and expense of custom production,
four standardized designs were created:
The RDC-1 was strictly passenger-oriented,
containing 90 coach seats.
The RDC-2 contained
71 seats and a separate baggage area.
The RDC-3 combined
a Railway Post Office with a baggage compartment and
49 seats.
The RDC-4 was a
self-contained RPO-Express car.
A review of the Budd roster reveals that many RDC cars
were operated well into the 1970's and early 1980's,
with a small number still in service today!
An excellent book with the complete history of the RDC
is "RDC, The Budd Rail Diesel Car" by Donald Duke and
Edmund Keilty (Golden West Books). |
Model Features:
This
is the first production of North American Rail Diesel
Cars by KATO.
The
production will deliver two-unit sets decorated and
numbered for eleven railroads, as well as a single-unit
Budd Demonstrator model.
Unlettered units will also be available for "home
road" operators.
Although the two-unit sets will be packaged in a cardpaper
sleeve, each model will be contained in its own individual
jewel box.
ALL models are motorized.
All units will have "golden glow" LED directional
headlight, reminiscent of the actual cars.
All units will also have directional taillights.
All models will be equipped with body-mount KATO knuckle
couplers.
Interior of model can be lighted with the optional
installation of #11-204 Light Set (sold separately).
High level of craftsmanship and precision detail,
particularly to underfloor body component.
Window frame detail to be same as on recent Corrugated
Passenger Cars.
While these models should be capable of operating
on a 9-3/4" radius curve, it is recommended they be
run on curves no smaller than an 11" radius to prevent
the appearance of unrealistic overhang and occurrance
of premature uncoupling.
Modeling era: 1949 to late 1970's/early 1980's, although
present day modeling would also be suitable.
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| BLW
Commentary: In real life, it was the "named
trains" that grabbed much of the glory ... and rightfully
so. However, most N-scalers do not have a layout that really
resembles the long main-line on which the glory varnish operated.
Most layouts much more closely resemble branch line or suburban
lines -- and it was precisely here that the RDC shined the
brightest. If these cars fit into your time era--they are
a must! They add so very much to the operation of your layout
and because they are "bi-directional" they can be
run from one siding to another to add additional operating
interest. You know that these will simlply blow away the much
earlier RDC's made by ConCor years ago--in terms of both operation/performance
and detail. |
Enter
the quantity of each item that you want to purchase.
Press the ADD button to place it in
your Shopping Cart. |
Description
of Item
Item
Number
 |
Price
|
Qty
to
Order |
Add
Item |
 |
| Individual
RDC-1 Powered Passenger Cars |
| Individual
RDC-2 Powered Passenger/Baggage Cars |
| Individual
RDC-3 Powered Passenger/Baggage/RPO Cars |
| Individual
RDC-4 Powered RPO Cars |
| Original
2 Car RDC Sets / Dual Powered |
|
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