SUNSET MODELS 3RD RAIL ALCO RS3 SOUTHERN - 2 RAIL

On the Southern Railway, RS-3s handled a wide range of assignments across the Southeast, including local freights, secondary mainline service, yard switching, and branch line operations. From Virginia and the Carolinas to Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama, these locomotives worked alongside steam during the transition era and remained in service well into the diesel age, earning a reputation as dependable, everyday power.

Distinctive Southern Railway Appearance

Southern Railway RS-3s were finished in the railroad’s classic black scheme with white or aluminum striping, accented by bold SOUTHERN lettering and Roman-style road numbers. The understated, dignified appearance reflected Southern’s corporate identity and made its Alco fleet instantly recognizable across the region.

For modellers, Southern RS-3s are especially appealing due to their long service life, broad geographic reach, and seamless fit into late steam through early diesel layouts.

Museum-Quality O Scale by Sunset Models 3rd Rail

Sunset Models 3rd Rail proudly brings the Southern Railway RS-3 to O Scale 2-Rail and 3-Rail, capturing the proportions, detailing, and mechanical character of this classic Alco with museum-level accuracy.

Each model is engineered for serious operators and high-end collectors, combining durable construction with fine-scale detail.

Model Features

* Precision ABS Plastic Shell with Die-Cast Metal Chassis

* Fine Brass Detail Parts — grab irons, handrails, pilot details, MU hoses, lift rings, horns, and rooftop fittings

* Authentic Southern Railway Paint & Lettering — correct fonts, striping, herald placement, and era-specific finishes

* Road-Specific Southern Details — lighting arrangements, horn placement, number boards, exhaust styles, and appliance layouts per prototype

• Powerful Can Motor Drive for smooth, quiet performance

• All-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Electrical Pickup

Advanced electronics: 

*3R ERR Cruise/TMCC/Railsounds compatible with TMCC/Legacy/DCS, 3R Conventional for your choice of sound, and 2R ESU Loksound 5.0. • OEM Blunami Upgrade Option Available in both 2-Rail and 3-Rail

*OEM Blunami Upgrade Option Available for both 2-Rail and 3-Rail

*LED Lighting Suite — headlights and illuminated number boards

*ERR Cruise Compatibility: Legacy, DCS, TMCC, and Conventional control systems

Smoke is not available in 3-Rail units due to space constraints.