Equipment Information

C&NW 9933 is a “Rail Diesel Car,” or RDC, a diesel-mechanical self-propelled coach. The RDC was designed in the late 1940s and was intended as a way for railroads to provide inexpensive passenger service on lightly-traveled branch lines. Nearly 400 RDC cars were built in all. This car was purchased by the C&NW for use in Chicago commuter service but before too long was deemed unsuitable and was resold.

COMPARE ME WITH: UP M-35, a self-propelled coach built in 1927 and nicknamed a “doodlebug.” The RDC was designed to fill precisely the same role as the “doodlebug,” but employed modern flourishes like stainless steel construction and air conditioning.

Builder: Budd Mfg. Company
Year Built: 1950
Model: RDC 1
Horsepower: 560
Seats: 90
Length: 85ft
Width: 10ft
Height: 14ft 7in
Weight: 113120 lbs
Brakes: HSC-D22
Engine: Two GMC 6280
Trucks: RDC
Description: Diesel-Mechanical Coach
Arrived: 1992
Condition: Incomplete / unrestored / operational (unpowered)

Photo gallery