MTH RailKing Alco RSD5

The RSD5 diesel locomotive was produced by Alco from 1952 through 1956. Just over 200 of these units were produced, a small quantity compared to the more than 1,200 RS-3s Alco produced earlier in the same decade. The RSD5s produced 1600 hp with just over 71,000 pounds of tractive effort. The three-axle trucks, each axle with a traction motor, allowed these locomotives to have an increase in tractive effort compared to their predecessors.

nose of blue and gray model locomotive on a layout

MTH cataloged this model in April 2023, and was delivered in February 2024. This was the first release of the RSD5 since 2018. Inside the box, the locomotive is tightly packed in plastic and foam. Foam inserts prevent the trucks from shifting while the model is boxed. The separately applied handrails and stanchions are protected by the inserts as well.

Once again, MTH produced a fantastic model at an entry-level pricing. This RailKing rendition comes in the scale proportions and operates on the manufacturer’s Digital Command Systeml with ProtoSound 3.0, or conventionally.

close up of cab of blue and gray model locomotive — Chris Montagna photo

This RailKing version of Alco’s classic road switcher design measures at 14½ inches in length, slightly longer than 1:48 scale compared to the 56½ foot prototype. The model includes a die-cast truck frame, pilots, and fuel tank. It weighs 4 pounds, 8 ounces. It also comes with dual flywheel motors powering each truck, thus putting in 2.1 pounds of pulling power.

This model does not feature fixed pilots, a feature we may expect on a smaller locomotive in the Premier line. ElectroCouplers are found on each end, allowing for both switching and industry operations. It requires O-31 curves for operation.

METCA produced two custom runs for the RSD5 Santa Fe zebra stripe and the Baltimore & Ohio scheme (which you see here, both in two different road numbers. The B&O colors pop on this locomotive, and the lines are crisp and don’t show signs of overspray or bleeding. The sound file features the classic Alco rattle of the prime mover which makes this, and really any other MTH Alco model, something that will stand apart from other road switchers in your collection. This B&O rendition includes handpainted crew figures situated long hood forward.

side view of blue and gray model locomotive on a layout — Chris Montagna photo

MTH cataloged three road names: Chesapeake and Ohio (30-21170), Southern Pacific (30-21172), and Pennsylvania (30-21171). Of course, there were also a number of custom runs. METCA released in B&O (30-21210, 30-21209) and Santa Fe (30-21208, 30-21207); Stockyard Express did a Nickel Plate Road version (30-21213); and Public Delivery Track produced two road numbers of the Utah Railway (30-21206, 30-21205).

top of blue and gray model locomotive — Chris Montagna photo

The model MSRP is $389.95, a $40 increase from the 2018 release. Keep in mind that this product, even though it’s from the RailKing line, includes many of the same features as in the Premier line, including scale proportions. For those looking to add to their fleet without breaking the bank, check out your local hobby shop or METCA’s website to add one of these great models to your collection today.