SUNSET MODELS 3RD RAIL ALCO RS3 RIO GRANDE - 2 RAIL

The Alco RS-3 was one of the most successful road switchers of the first generation of diesel power — versatile, rugged, and powerful enough for mainline freight or local work. On the Denver & Rio Grande Western, RS-3s were a backbone of freight service from the post-war years through the transition to heavier six-axle power. Their medium-hood profile, reliable 1,600 HP output, and excellent adhesion made them perfect for the Rio Grande’s mixed freight and branch line assignments.

Sunset Models 3rd Rail is proud to bring these classic D&RGW Alco RS-3s to O Scale in 2-Rail and 3-Rail with a level of detail and accuracy that rivals brass — featuring a precision ABS plastic shell, die-cast metal chassis, and fine brass detail parts.

Black & Yellow D&RGW Freight Scheme: A bold and highly visible freight paint used in the mid-20th century, featuring a black carbody with vibrant yellow accents on the ends and lettering.

These units are represented in authentic early freight livery with correct stripe placement, reporting marks, and number boards.

Black & Aspen Gold D&RGW Freight Scheme: A later freight paint treatment with orange striping and accents against a black body — still clearly a Rio Grande freight unit but with distinctive contrast that fans remember from the one unit, 5204, that adorned these colors from photos and records.

Each number here is modelled with the appropriate Rio Grande stripe pattern and era-accurate detailing.

Model Features

• Precision ABS Plastic Shell with Die-Cast Metal Chassis
• Fine Brass Detail Parts — including grilles, handrails, horns, rooftop fittings, pilot details, and MU hookups
• Authentic D&RGW Paint & Lettering — correct fonts, stripe widths, and placement for both Black & Yellow and Black & Orange schemes
• Road-Specific D&RGW Details — lighting package, horn/antenna placements, number boards, and hood details unique to RS-3 era freight units
• Powerful Can Motor Drive for smooth, quiet performance on freight consists
• All-Wheel Drive and 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. Blunami is available as well
• LED Lighting Suite — headlights and number boards
• ERR Cruise is compatible with Legacy, DCS, TMCC, and Conventional control systems, Blunami is not and indepently operated through the iPhone or Andriod Apps.

Smoke is not available in 3R versions due to space constraints.