Broadway Limited - 6618 - Locomotive, Diesel, Alco RSD-15 - Lake Superior & Ishpeming - 2402

Model Information: First released in 2022, BLI are offering models of the RSD-15's in N scale with DCC & Sound for the first time. BLI are offering models of RSD-15's from 9 railroads in 10 distinct paint schemes. All road numbers and paint schemes are prototypically accurate. They 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 they were 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

Model Features:

• 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
• MicroTrains-compatible couplers (2)
• Will Operate on Code 55, Code 70, and Code 80 Rail
• Minimum Operating Radius: 9 inches

Read our article on this model here.

DCC Information:
Paragon4 Sound and Control System:

• Prototypically Accurate Sounds for the Alco RSD-15 Diesel Locomotive
• Operates in DC & DCC with improved DC speed control (use DCMaster for DC Sound)
• Built-In extra capacitance to navigate imperfect track
• Pro Lighting Mode offers individual control of all lights on model
• Switcher Mode for precise low speed control
• Record & Play Operation - Records and plays back sounds and movements once or repeatedly for automatic operation
• High Resolution Audio
• Quillable Horn for various whistle lengths and patterns
• Choice of 3 selectable Horns
• Alternate Whistle / Horn where applicable for locomotive with air horn and steam whistle - both the main whistle and alternate can be easily played
• Adjustable bell ringing interval for faster or slower bell
• Numerous user-mappable functions with available keys
• Multiple realistic passenger and crew sounds play on command
• Grade Crossing Automatic Signal
• Automatic Forward / Reverse Signal
• Prime Mover sound intensity varies with load
• Individually adjustable sound volumes for each effect
• EZ Reset Button for quick return to factory default settings

Prototype History: The ALCO RSD-15 was a diesel-electric locomotive of the road switcher type built by ALCO (the American Locomotive Company) of Schenectady, New York between August 1956 and June 1960, during which time 75 locomotives were produced. The RSD-15 was powered by an ALCO 251 16-cylinder four-cycle V-type prime mover rated at 2,400 horsepower (1.79 MW); it superseded the almost identical ALCO 244-engined RSD-7, and was catalogued alongside the similar but smaller 1,800 hp (1.34 MW) RSD-12, powered by a 12-cylinder 251-model V-type diesel engine.
A single example of the very similar model RSD-17 was built by the Montreal Locomotive Works in 1957 and purchased by the Canadian Pacific (as #8921).

The locomotive rode on a pair of three-axle Trimount trucks, in an AAR C-C wheel arrangement, with all axles powered by General Electric model 752 traction motors. These trucks have an asymmetrical axle spacing because of the positioning of the traction motors. The six-motor design allowed higher tractive effort at lower speeds than an otherwise similar four-motor design. The RSD-15 could be ordered with either a high or low short hood; railfans dubbed the low short hood version "Alligators", on account of their unusually long low noses.

From Wikipedia

Road Name History: The LS&I opened in 1896 to move iron ore from pits west of Ishpeming to the Lake Superior port at Marquette, all in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In 1927, they bought an adjoining railroad which extended the LS&I east from Marquette to Munising. In 1979, they abandoned their own route between Marquette and Munising Junction, relying on trackage rights on a parallel Soo Line route instead. This left about 60 miles of line in their possession.

LS&I’s steam fleet was dominated by 2-8-0’s, many of which have been saved. Grand Canyon Railway, Western Maryland Scenic, and Ohio Central have all operated former LS&I consolidations. The diesel fleet was originally dominated by Alcos with GE U-Boats filling the gaps. Today, GE AC4400CW’s leased from CIT do the heavy pulling with U-Boats (in patched BN green paint) handling the yards and locals.

In addition to the iron traffic, like the other railroads in the area, LS&I also hauls various forest products. The railroad has always been owned by Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company and its successors.

Brand/Importer Information: Broadway Limited Imports, LLC defines itself as "the world's foremost producer of top-quality HO and N scale model trains".

The company was founded in 2002 and introduced its first N scale model in 2009.

Broadway Limited Imports is composed of a team of 15 fun loving individuals who are dedicated to creating the most realistic model railroading experience possible, with the best customer service possible.

The Broadway Limited Imports headquarters is located in Ormond Beach, Florida at 9 East Tower Circle. It's just under an hour's drive from Disney World.

About Broadway Limited Imports.