The Alco RSD-15's were built between 1956 and 1960 in Schenectady, New York.  The RSD-15 was powered by an Alco 251 16-cylinder V-type engine.   Rated at 2,400 horsepower, these versatile locomotives were suited for mainline freight and passenger service.  The locomotive rode on 3-axle trucks with all axles powered by GE model 752 traction motors.  The trucks have asymmetrical axle spacing because of the position of the traction motors.  The six-motor design allowed for higher tractive effort at lower speeds than a similar four-motor design. 

The RSD-15's could be ordered with either a high or low short hood, and the low hood versions quickly earned the nickname "alligators" due to their unusually long noses. 

In 2022, we are offering models of the RSD-15's in N scale with DCC & Sound for the first time.  We are offering models of RSD-15's from 9 railroads in 10 distinct paint schemes.   All road numbers and paint schemes are prototypically accurate.  We are also building three models that were very similar in real life - two C&O RSD-7's and a CP RSD-17.   The models will be BLI RSD-15 models with the C&O and CP paint schemes applied.   There wasn't a lot of detail variation among the RSD-15's, and we are making three distinct models - a standard low-hood model, a standard high-hood model, and a PRR-type high hood model with different locations for the bell and horns. 

Independently controllable lights in each RSD-15 model:

• Headlight

• Rear Light

• Cab Light

• Front & Rear Numberboards
   

Industry-leading Model Features:
  

• Paragon4 Sound & Control System featuring ROLLING THUNDER

• Integral Dual-Mode Decoder with Back EMF for Superb Slow Speed Operation in DC and DCC

• Precision Drive Mechanism Engineered for Heavy Towing and Smooth Slow Speed Operation

• All Wheel Electrical Pick-up

• ABS Body with Die Cast Chassis for Maximum Tractive Effort

• Premium Caliber Painting

• Prototypically Accurate Paint Schemes and Road Numbers

• Many Separately Applied Details such as Handrails, Grab Irons, Horns, Bell, and Antenna

• Prototypical Light Operation

• Prototypically Accurate Sounds for the Alco RSD-15 Diesel Locomotive

• Metal Kadee-compatible Couplers (2)

• Will Operate on Code 55, Code 70, and Code 80 Rail

• Minimum Operating Radius:  9 inches