1950 RDC-1 Rail Diesel Car

The self-propelled Rail Diesel Car (RDC) was introduced in 1949 as a low-cost alternative for branchline and commuter runs, available in five combinations of coach seating and baggage and mail space. Power was provided by two diesel engines and a mechanical drive. Unlike earlier gas-electric "Doodlebugs", multiple RDC's could be coupled and controlled from one cab.

The Chicago & North Western purchased three RDC's (9933-9935) to evaluate for local and commuter service. By 1957, C&NW elected to convert to diesel-hauled bi-level commuter trains, and traded all three RDC's to the Chesapeake & Ohio. C&NW 9933 operated on the C&O (as car 9061) and affiliate Baltimore & Ohio (as 1971) until 1984, when it was purchased by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. The car remained in Boston-area commuter service (as MBTA 10) until its retirement and acquisition by IRM.

Builder: Budd Co.

Horsepower: 550 hp

Prime Movers: (2) GM 6-280

Weight: 113,120 lbs

Axles: 4

Capacity: 80 passengers

Courtesy hmdb.org

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