Milwaukee, Wis. - Walthers announces five new schemes for the PROTO 1000 ALCO RS-2 Diesel will be available in October 2007. These HO Scale models are highly detailed and will be available with two different numbers. Priced at just $99.98 each, they're an ideal and affordable way to expand a fleet of vintage diesel power.

The RS-2 was Alco's first roadswitcher to incorporate its new 244-Series prime mover. The 1,500-horsepower units were designed for versatility - they were equally at home working road freights or switch runs. If equipped with a steam generator, they were adept at working commuter and secondary passenger runs. Production began in 1946 with just over 350 units constructed for U.S. and Canadian roads before the unit was succeeded by the 1,600-horsepower RS-3 in 1950 (although a few late RS-2s were rated at 1,600 horsepower).

RS-2s have worked for Class I, shortline and industrial lines across the continent. The engines have been long lived, with one survivor still holding down daily freight duties in 2007. A few others still see service at museum and tourist lines.

In addition to new paint schemes, the latest run of RS-2s includes:
  • Magnetic Knuckle Couplers
  • All Wheel Drive & Electrical Pickup
  • Dual Machined Brass Flywheels
  • Constant & Directional Headlights
  • RP-25 Contour Blackened Wheels
  • Heavy Diecast Chassis
  • Five-Pole Skew-Wound Motor

Roadnames and unit numbers include:
Green Bay & Western (As-built red w/gray band)
920-35100 #301
920-35101 #303

Chesapeake & Ohio*
920-35102 #5500
920-35103 #5501

Maine Central
920-35104 #551
920-35105 #554

Delaware & Hudson
920-35106 #4005
920-35107 #4023

Louisville & Nashville*
920-35108 #260
920-35109 #266

Spokane, Portland & Seattle
920-35110 #60
920-35111 #61

Undecorated
920-35112

Walthers new PROTO 1000 ALCO RS-2s will be arriving in October. For more information on PROTO 1000 locomotives and other Walthers HO Scale products, or to locate a dealer, visit Walthers on the Internet at www.walthers.com. Call 414-527-0770 or write Walthers, P.O. Box 3039, Milwaukee, WI 53201-3039.

*CSX proprietary marks used by permission of CSX Transportation, Inc.