Alco introduced the S-3 in 1950 as the updated postwar version of the popular 660-hp S-1. Both switchers share the familiar Alco low-hood and end-cab design, but the S-1 rides on Blunt trucks while the S-3 has the AAR type A trucks. Alco built 292 S-3 switchers by the time production ended in 1953.
These 660-hp locomotives are identified by the radiator shutters on each side of the hood – they’re narrower than they are tall. This helps distinguish them from their similar 1,000-hp S-2 and S-4 cousins which are a foot longer in overall length.
A single sheet of printed instructions includes exploded isometric drawings of the body shell and chassis assemblies, along with a parts list and instructions for installing a DCC decoder.
The body is made up of several highly detailed styrene castings. The hood, cab, and interior lock into the running board assembly that includes the corner steps and pilots. All-weather side windows, sunshades, and two types of radiator running boards are provided as optional details that can be added by the purchaser.
The S-3 chassis follows the design used in most of today’s high-quality HO locomotives. It has a heavy cast-zinc-alloy frame, a five-pole can motor, and turned brass flywheels.
Its AAR type-A switcher trucks have enclosed gearboxes, and both trucks are retained with snap-on clips. Each truck is connected to the motor through a set of acetal plastic universal joints.
The locomotive has RP25-contour blackened nickel-silver wheels that match the National Model Railroad Association gauge. All eight wheels are driven and all pick up electrical current.
Flexible wire connections from both trucks and the headlights slip into holes along the printed circuit board edges. They’re secured with plastic clips.
A built-in NMRA Digital Command Control (DCC) receptacle is included, but the model’s low-voltage lamps must be replaced for use with DCC. There’s space to mount a small decoder on top of the mechanism.
The S-3 comes with body-mounted Life-Like magnetic knuckle couplers, but other brands can be substituted easily. The coupler height is correct.
Our sample switcher started and ran smoothly at one scale mile per hour! It continued to operate smoothly and quietly at all speeds. The S-3’s drawbar pull is equivalent to 35 free-rolling freight cars on straight and level track.
Our Ann Arbor sample came neatly spray-painted with superb lettering, safety striping, and panel lining. It’s typical of the basic black paint scheme used on many early switchers.
Overall, this yard switcher delivers excellent detail, a high-quality finish, and a smooth-running mechanism. It’s one of the best models of its kind on the market.
Price: $110.00
Manufacturer:
Life-Like
1600 Union Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21211
Description:
Plastic and metal diesel locomotive
Road names:
Ann Arbor, Boston & Maine, Chicago & North Western,Maine Central, New York Central, Pennsylvania RR, Penn Central, and Southern Pacific (two numbers each)
Features
DCC receptacle
Decorated crew figures
Directional constant headlights
Drawbar pull: 2.56 ounces
Dual flywheel drive
Engine weight: 1.25 oz.
Etched-metal radiator fan screen
Five-pole can motor
Minimum radius 15″
Nickel-silver RP25 wheels
Round or square fan housing
