HO RTR RS-3 Locomotive New Haven Railroad #539 (ATH28673)

HO-scale RS-3 Locomotive in New Haven livery, No. 539, is a ready-to-run model that brings the diesel era to life on an HO layout. The model features a finely detailed injection-molded body, metal grab irons, and fine-scale handrails, along with see-through etched radiator fan and cab windows. It rides on RP25-contoured wheels with all-wheel drive and electrical pickup for smooth, quiet operation, and it uses McHenry scale knuckle couplers for reliable coupling with freight and passenger cars. LED lighting provides long-life illumination, and the Quick Plug 21-pin interface makes DCC installation straightforward. The NH artwork is painted and printed to a faithful standard, and the model is fully assembled and ready to run, designed to fit typical HO track radii, including an 18-inch minimum radius.

Prototype background and evolution: ALCO's RS-3 followed the RS-2, delivering about 1,600 horsepower from a 12-cylinder 244 prime mover, becoming a versatile mainstay on many roads. New Haven ordered RS-3s in multiple lots during the 1940s and 1950s, and the fleet eventually passed to Penn Central, Conrail, Amtrak and others; only one NH RS-3 remains today, No. 529, undergoing restoration. This model incorporates modern refinements: a redesigned, more powerful can motor for stronger, quieter operation; DCC-ready 21-pin plug, and, in sound-equipped versions, Tsunami2 sound with a cube speaker. LED lighting remains standard, and the DCC implementation is NMRA-compatible, with some DC functions limited. In addition to the performance upgrades, the model preserves the RS-3’s distinctive look—forward and reverse Blatt horns, a steam generator stack, nose vent and water tank, a single headlight, and NH decoration—so it sits convincingly on any layout depicting mid-century railroading.