The WalthersMainline Alco RSC-2 brings one of the more distinctive diesels of the transition era to your HO layout. Riding on unusual six-wheel (A1A) trucks that spread its 1,500 horsepower over the lighter rail of branch and secondary lines, this Union Pacific #1288 model captures the long, purposeful look of the prototype. It ships ready to run on standard DC and includes a 21-pin DCC plug, so you can drop in the decoder of your choice whenever you decide to go digital.
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Does this locomotive include sound or a decoder?
No — this is the Standard DC version, so it runs on conventional DC power right out of the box. It does come with a factory-installed speaker and a 21-pin DCC socket, so adding a sound decoder later is truly plug-and-play. Walthers also offers a factory ESU Sound & DCC version (910-20725) if you'd prefer sound out of the box.
What minimum curve radius does it need?
An 18" minimum radius is recommended. Despite the long six-axle trucks, the RSC-2 is engineered to handle the curves found on most HO layouts.
What era does this locomotive fit?
The prototype RSC-2 was built starting in 1946 and worked freight, passenger, and yard duty into the 1970s, making it a great match for transition-era and early-modern layouts.
Will it run with my other HO equipment?
Yes. With standard RP-25 metal wheels and knuckle couplers, it's fully compatible with HO-scale rolling stock and track from any manufacturer.
