Note: Not all of the items below are in stock or available
but the information is provided for reference purposes.

Item Description

· 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 also 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!).
· The Budd Company rolled out the first RDC in the fall of 1949, 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!)
· Oddly enough, it was Budd's experience in the production of small yet powerful diesel engines for WWII tanks that eventually lead to the birth of the RDC.
· The RDC utilized two compact motors mounted under the car's floor to drive one axle on each truck.
· 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.
· To reduce the time and expense of custom production, four standardized designs were created.
· The RDC-1 was strictly passenger-oriented, containing 90 coach seats.The RDC-2 contained 71 seats and a separate baggage area.The RDC-3 combined a Railway Post Office with a baggage compartment and 49 seats.The RDC-4 was a self-contained RPO-Express car.
· A review of the Budd roster reveals that many RDC cars were operated well into the 1970's and early 1980's, with a small number still in service today!
· 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).

This is the first production of North American Rail Diesel Cars by KATO.
The production will deliver two-unit sets decorated and numbered for eleven railroads, as well as a single-unit Budd Demonstrator model.
Unlettered units will also be available for "home road" operators.
Although the two-unit sets will be packaged in a cardpaper sleeve, each model will be contained in its own individual jewel box.
This is the first time the RDC-4 has been produced in N scale! The RPO-Express unit has a shorter length mechanism than the 1~3 styles.
ALL models are motorized.
All units will have "golden glow" LED directional headlight, reminiscent of the actual cars.
All models will be equipped with body-mount, FULLY-AUTOMATIC KATO knuckle couplers.
Interior of model can be lighted with the optional installation of #11-204 Light Set (sold separately).
High level of craftsmanship and precision detail, particularly to underfloor body component.
Window frame detail to be same as on recent Corrugated Passenger Cars. Please note, though, that the side windows will be trimmed in black while the operator's cab window is outlined in silver, just as it is on the prototype since the operator's is a "drop-down" window.
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.
Modeling era: 1949 to late 1970's/early 1980's, although present day modeling would also be suitable. (Five decades of modeling possibility!!!)

Train Sets
Anniversary Offer! · · Consists of (1) Budd RDC Railcar and an oval of UNITRACK.
Oval of track is approximately 2' X 4', with an 11" radius curve.