Save RVR trains project
At MSRM we value history
As unfortunate as it is due to the political turbulence not every iconic piece of equipment gets a chance to be preserved. In Eastern Europe historic railways are a new concept currently in its infancy. This means retired train is 95% scrapped. Those 5% preserved will end up as static monuments not suitable for recording sounds for DCC decoders used in model trains. Such is the fate of Latvian trains built by RVR (Rīgas Vagonbuves Rūpnīca), company bankrupt since 2017. What were once the most common interurban trains in Eastern Europe are now limited to only a handful railways still operating them. Those railways plan to replace them within this decade. Unlike many trains from North America and Western Europe these Latvian trains still don’t have high quality scale model of them built despite over 50 years of service (although Tyco, cheap trainset kind of quality model of them was recently introduced by Modimio).
RVR electric multiple units are unique trains in terms of loading gauge, being 3500mm or 11’6” wide as opposed to standard 3m or 10’ width. This loading gauge allows for 3+3 seating arrangement which only exists on two trains in the world. This unique feature is the reason we strive to preserve one of these trains.
Another unique aspect about these trains is that these are the last trains in Eastern Bloc to feature full set of original traction innovations of Frank Sprague, American electrical inventor and engineer.
While virtually all modern locomotives and trains feature his geared transmission – advancements in computers and electronics rendered the type of motors he pioneered as well as relays that control them remotely from a single operator’s cab obsolete as electronics have more precise control compared to mechanical relays.
4 stator pole DC motors make a unique unmistakable acceleration sound with stator and rotor humming an octave apart (due to 4:2 ratio between coils on stator and rotor) as can be observed in multiple videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75_tL2kWSoc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-KWS0Sms3c
https://youtu.be/ljS1xzDKdEE?t=79
This shows that when it comes to technology there are no borders contrary to the political realm. While this technology became virtually extinct in North America during 1950s when interurban railroads were dismantled and largely only heavy-duty diesel ones remained as well as Western Europe during 1980s with the introduction of electronics – few example still survive in Eastern Europe where modern day electronics came in a few decades later. We strive to prevent the total extinction. We are currently making a simplified wiring animation of how this type of motor works in detail that will be downloadable.
ER2, 1960 model, top priority to preserve
I, owner of Masterist Scale Railroad Models grew up there, rode these trains to and from school so I have this special interest in seeing them preserved. Since family moved to Canada in mid 2000s – this presents an extra shipping challenge. Despite that challenge I believe that with politically unstable Eastern Europe these days there is high risk of turmoil, revolution or expanding warzone that may be detrimental to the remainder of those trains. Given how few of these trains remain today Canada is a safe place to preserve rare museum pieces. Given those trains being outdated most of the cost will go towards land plot in Northern Ontario where they will ultimately be preserved as well as shipping.
You can help to save the legend by buying the merchandise from our Product Page Alternatively if you would like to make a dedicated donation without purchasing a merchandise or have any questions you can email us at info@masteriscalerailroadmodels.com. If you are familiar either with rail contractors, import procedure through Canadian Border Service Agency or know the land plot that is affordable and within 1000KM/~ 600mi of Southwestern Ontario please contact me at the above email.
Upon completion of this project, we are not limited to RVR trains alone and considering saving remainder of Hungarian built Hanz Mavag D1 trains although static monument of one of them is already preserved as a monument on display in Budapest. At MSRM, however we strive to preserve a working piece to record sounds for model trains as well as provide historic nostalgia rides, funding permitting.
Milestones:
- Property downpayment: $50,000
- Laying unique 5 foot gauge parking track prior to wheelset gauge conversion: $20,000–$50,000, cost to be determined
- Purchase of decommissioned trains: typically $20,000 per trainset, 4 units, minimum working length though could be up to $50,000 depending on condition. We aim for 8 unit train as 4 unit one does not include 1 of 3 types of coaches found on longer trains.
- Temporary tarp enclosure: $10,000
- Repair workshop: