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. When first introduced, the RDC was proclaimed to be the
savior of branch line and suburban service. It was heavily used as a commuter
service workhorse (and still is currently in some locations!). Capable of being
operated by a motorman from either end of the car, these units could be used independently
or combined into a multi-unit.
RDC-1 was strictly passenger-oriented, containing
90 coach seats | 
RDC-2 contained 71 seats and a separate baggage area
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RDC-3 combined a Railway Post Office with a baggage
compartment and 49 seats | 
RDC-4 was a self-contained RPO-Express car
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This production will deliver
two-unit sets decorated and numbered for eleven railroads, as well as two undecorated
/ unlettered sets and a single Budd Demonstrator RDC-1 unit. (Although the two-unit
sets will be packaged in a card paper sleeve, each model will be contained in
an individual jewel box.) ALL models are motorized.
The coupler is Katos all new automatic coupler.
The optional wire glad arm
is not installed but included in the package and easy to assemble.
Other details
include horns and vent to be installed by the consumer.
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| Prototype Information |
- 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!)
- 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).
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| Model Information |
- All units have "golden glow"
LED directional headlight, reminiscent of the actual cars.
- All
units also have directional taillights
- All
models are equipped with body-mount KATO knuckle couplers.
- Interior of model can be lighted
with the optional installation LED Light Kits (sold separately).
- High level of craftsmanship
and precision detail, particularly to underfloor body component.
- Window
frame detail is the 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.
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