NKP RS3 Phase 3

[malcolmcelyn]

Been looking at the Bowser/Stewart RS3 body kits. I think I'm right in saying NKP RS3's were phase 3 versions? Anyway, what's the accepted method of powering these models? Kato RS2? Atlas or Bachmann RS3? What sort of mods are required?

I'm still a novice, so I'm looking to keep the costs down. Hoping to make a good representation rather than an all-singing, all-dancing model.

Cheers

[c415rock]

HI Malcolm,

I can give you some direction here. The only frame/drive that I know that will fit directly without any modification is the old Stewart with the Athearn drive components. You can find them on E bay for around $40.00. I am using Atlas drives in mine but they require major milling of the frames. For the walkways to sit rite. I have not tried it yet but you might be able to get the Bachmann drive in there without much trouble. I have one and will check it out later and let you know. I know you said you were looking to go easy and keep the cost down, so with that said I would start with a Atlas RS3 and the Stewart flat kit. I would build the flat kit and reuse the cab from the Atlas ( because it has cab glass and the Stewart dose not ). I would then that the flat kit hood body with the Atlas cab and attach it to the Atlas walkway. You should now be able to put the unit on the Atlas drive. You might have to do a little trimming inside the shell but nothing major.

Hope this helps. If you need anything else just ask.
Erik

[malcolmcelyn]

Thanks for the information Erik. From what you've said, the Atlas is probably the easiest route, Bachmann the cheapest. I'm not quite ready to start this yet, but it will be my next project (unless it gets bumped. Lol!). I'll check out eBay etc and see what's available on the cheap! If you measure up a Bachmann drive, I'd be happy to hear the results.

[dablaze]

Watch ebay carefully when shopping Stewart RS2/3 kits. I have gotten them as a shell kit only, a full kit with Athearn frame and drive and very rarely with a Kato drive in them (I have 2 of these, don't know how common they are. Stewarts pretty good about putting the contents on the side of the box, ebay sellers not so good at showing a pic if the side.

Craig

[malcolmcelyn]

Noted. Thanks Craig.

[Randy Earle]

Far as I know, the Stewart PHIII shell was the only one that matched the NKP RS-3. I had one, but I traded it to a member here.

[nsc39d8]

When I did my PhIII for Central ofGeorgia I used the Atlas chassis.  As mentioned the Weights need considerable milling to fit the Stewart shell.  As a suggestion and my intent on my next PHIII unit I am using an Atlas RS3, cutting the sides from the Atlas body and replacing with the Stewart sides.  I reused the Atlas walkway and cab in my earlier project.  when I compared the Atlas, Athearn and Stewart cabs the Stewart was the smallest of all three.  The Athearn and Atlas were the same size there about.  to stay inexpensive another option may be the new Athearn RTR chassis.

James Wall
Rural Hall, NC

[dablaze]

I can't remember the manufacturer, but there are resin car body filter sides that you can buy instead of buying the whole Stewart kit. They have little tabs that make it a lot easier for lining them up to the rest of the shell.

I will dig mine out and post the manufacturers name.

Craig

[malcolmcelyn]

Thanks for the confirmation, Randy.

Thanks for the information James. Food for thought there. Athearn has moved up a notch! Lol

Thanks to you too, Craig. I'd be happy to hear the manufacturers name. 

Still no nearer a decision, but now I've got more information to make an informed decision. I rather feel though as if availability at the right price will be the deciding factor (with me being in the UK), probably Bachmann. 

[malcolmcelyn]

You can find them on E bay for around $40.00.

Erik, been checking out fleabay! 40 bucks? Oh, how I envy you North Americans! Most RS3's I've found cost more than that in postage to the UK!
Two Stewart RS3 NYC kits available at 40 bucks each at the moment, but both cost 46 for p & p!

[jakeloyst]

custom finishes by bob rzasa #268 is a set of 12 rs-3 carbody filters, I think they are listed thru custom finishing now they were about $12

[jakeloyst]

the stewart rs3 kits are stil avail from bowser, phase 1,2,and 3

[malcolmcelyn]

Thanks for that Jake. 
Im thinking Stewart Phase III kit on Atlas chassis is the preferred way to go. Just keeping an eye open for an Atlas on the cheap. 
Just spent 150 dollars on parts alone for an Athearn SD-40-2 upgrade. Domestic authorities have yet to cotton on due to several small parcels arriving! Just hope she doesn't twig how much Atlas/Stewart combo will cost in UK or my pocket money might be stopped! Lol

[malcolmcelyn]

Im thinking Stewart Phase III kit on Atlas chassis is the preferred way to go. Just keeping an eye open for an Atlas on the cheap.
Just spent 150 dollars on parts alone for an Athearn SD-40-2 upgrade. Domestic authorities have yet to cotton on due to several small parcels arriving! Just hope she doesn't twig how much Atlas/Stewart combo will cost in UK or my pocket money might be stopped! Lol


eBay Atlas RS3 arrived, Stewart phase 3 kit ordered from Bowser. Should be here soon!
Addictive this model railroad detailing, isn't it? Lol

[iomalley]

The Hobbytown and Stewart bodies are the only ones with the proper curvature across the roof. The MDC and Atlas is too flat across the roof. Stewarts are nice because you can modify the longhood doors before glueing them into the shell assembly.

I've been using a Stewart body on an MDC chassis for my CN RS3.

[malcolmcelyn]

Hi Sean. Any in progress photos of your RS3? Haven't started my project yet, but any and all information, pictures, comments and advice gratefully received! Thanks.