  First results from RHIC on charged multiplicities, evolution of
multiplicities with centrality, particle ratios and transverse momentum
distributions in central and minimum bias collisions, are analyzed in a string
model which includes hard collisions, collectivity in the initial state
considered as string fusion, and rescattering of the produced secondaries.
Multiplicities and their evolution with centrality are successfully reproduced.
Transverse momentum distributions in the model show a larger $p_T$-tail than
experimental data, disagreement which grows with increasing centrality.
Discrepancies with particle ratios appear and are examined comparing with
previous features of the model at SPS.
