HO RTR RS-3, GB&W #305 Overview
Running from Green Bay to Winona, the Green Bay & Western served Wisconsin for over 100 years. The GBW was known for their roster of ALCO locomotives, and it's not surprising that they rostered several examples of the RS-3. Originally they wore a red paint scheme with a light grey stripe, which was later simplified into solid red with large GBW initials on the hood, as depicted by our model.
ALCO built the RS-3 to respond to competition with EMD, Fairbanks-Morse, and Baldwin Locomotive Works. In the case of ALCO, the builder added more improvements to create new locomotive lines beyond the RS-2. ALCO produced 377 RS-2s versus the more successful RS-3s at 1,418.
The new model produced slightly more horsepower than the earlier design at 1,600 hp using Alco's 12-cylinder, model 244 prime mover. Visually, the RS3 very similar to the RS2. Both had much more styling then ALCO's first diesel, the RS1. Additional curves with strong beveling to corners and edges giving the unit a much more streamlined appearance. At the time, some railroads elected to employ theirs RS3 diesels in passenger/commuter service. Many railroads appreciated this model for its versatility and reliability. RS3s were one of Alco's shops more popular locomotives.