Sunset Models 3rd Rail / Golden Gate Depot November Update! Deadlines & New Announcements!
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What a weekend it was in York! This marked our first trip to the York Train Fair as a company in almost ten years, and my first time personally attending.
From the moment I arrived, it felt like stepping into something both familiar and brand new, a place where craftsmanship, camaraderie, and inspiration all come together under one roof.
I was welcomed with warm smiles, firm handshakes, a TON of selfies, and conversations that reminded me exactly why this hobby means so much to so me and many others.
A huge thank you to Chris for inviting me into his incredible home layout, a space that not only featured an incredible collection of everything O Scale 3R but quite the inspiration for my own basement as well...
And to the Lower Susquehanna Model Railroad Club, your hospitality and fellowship night after night made the week feel like home away from home. I truly cannot wait until next year, or when the O Scale Mollies arrive to bring one out and make the inagural run on your layout while maybe getting some exciting footage at Strasburg.
Walking through the halls of the show, I was blown away by the sheer creative energy on display. From small craftsman builders to major manufacturers, every booth offered something that sparked excitement and admiration. I saw paintwork that looked like fine art, weathering so authentic you could almost smell the soot from an SP M-6 returning after a long day in the Central Valley, and custom detailing that pushes realism in this hobby to levels I never imagined possible just a few years ago. It’s amazing to see how far the community has come, how each modeler brings their own vision to life, and how this craft continues to evolve through innovation, skill, and passion.
For me, this trip was more than just a show. It was about connection, meeting so many of you in person, hearing your stories, sharing ideas, and reminiscing about favorite 3rd Rail projects past and present. I left York feeling deeply grateful and inspired, and already can’t wait to return next year. There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by people who care as deeply about this craft as I do. Thank you to everyone who made it such a memorable experience.
Now, back in the shop, the excitement continues. At York, I was proud to officially announce our upcoming Amtrak NextGen Acela, a project that celebrates the next chapter in high-speed rail and modern American railroading. I also revealed that SoundTraxx Blunami will now be available as an upgrade option in all of our 3-Rail models going forward. Blunami brings app-based control, wireless functionality, and fully customizable sound (with a mindblowing library of sounds) and lighting options right from your smartphone or tablet. It’s an incredible leap forward for those who want to push their layout to the next level of realism and interactivity. Of course, our standard ERR Cruise Control featuring TMCC will remain the foundation of every 3-Rail model we produce, continuing to provide the smooth, reliable operation that modelers have trusted for decades. Each of our current projects will be reviewed accordingly to determine if Blunami can be offered as an option, giving everyone the opportunity to choose the control system that best suits their layout and preferences.
This Month’s Updates
O Scale Amtrak NextGen Acela – Preorders Live!
Preorders are now live for the O Scale Amtrak NextGen Acela, scheduled for a Fall 2026 delivery. This project has been years in the making, and we’re excited to bring the next generation of American high-speed rail to O Scale with the precision and quality you’ve come to expect.
https://www.thirdandtownsendmodels.com/product-page/sunset-models-3rd-rail-amtrak-nextgen-acela
HO SCALE SOUTHERN PACIFIC AC-9 & D&RGW L-131/32 - PRE ORDERS LIVE
For the first time in HO Scale, after she was such a hit in O, we're going to be offering a lifetime brass Denver & Rio Grande Wester L-131/132. Each type will have its specific details. https://www.thirdandtownsendmodels.com/product-page/ho-scale-sunset-models-denver-rio-grande-western-l-132-2-8-8-2
A crowd favorite that has been requested ever since we completed the second run back in 2020... Back and better than ever with re-designed features and improvements made with Scott Inman, co-author of Southern Pacific's Streamlined Articulateds The Iconic AC-9 Class Southern Pacific Cyclopedia Vol. 2.
1937 Santa Fe Super Chief & 1948 Broadway Limited – Now Underway
Production is well underway on both the 1937 Santa Fe Super Chief and the 1948 Broadway Limited. Standby reservations remain open for a short time, so if you’ve been considering adding one of these legendary trains to your collection, now is the moment. These two icons of American passenger railroading are shaping up beautifully, and I can’t wait to share more progress soon.
HO Scale 80’ Harriman Cars – Production Samples En Route
Production samples of the HO Scale 80’ Harriman Cars are now on their way to me for final inspection. Once they arrive, I’ll be sharing detailed photos and feedback, these cars represent a major step forward in HO scale passenger equipment for us. The ETA on these cars is Late January 2026 with reservations closing on November 15th.
https://www.thirdandtownsendmodels.com/product-page/golden-gate-depot-harriman-cars-2024
O Scale EMD E8/E9 – Reservations Closing November 30th
Importantly, reservations for the O Scale EMD E8 and E9 will close on November 30th, with an expected February 2026 delivery. This run features several exciting new paint schemes, including Amtrak Day 1, multiple Amtrak Phase variations, and alternate B&O and other classic roads. These are the first prototypically scaled O Scale 3 Rail Amtrak E-units to feature fixed pilots making our's some of the most accurate E-units ever produced in O Scale.
O Scale EMD GP-30 – CAD Review Underway
The O Scale EMD GP-30 project continues to move full steam ahead. The CAD drawings are now under final review and are expected to be approved shortly. With nearly two dozen road-specific configurations, this project represents one of the most detailed and accurate diesel efforts we’ve ever undertaken. Every rivet line, roof contour, and pilot arrangement has been faithfully captured to ensure this model meets the expectations of even the most discerning modelers. Once the CAD is finalized, we’ll move into tooling and have more exciting updates to share soon.
https://www.thirdandtownsendmodels.com/product-page/sunset-models-3rd-rail-o-scale-emd-gp-30
Siemens Chargers & GE P-42's SHIPPING NOW
This week, GE P42 locomotives and Siemens Chargers have been rolling out of the shop and into the hands of collectors and operators, and we couldn’t be more excited to see them on layouts across the country. For those who missed out on the initial run, standby orders and the second run are now live, giving everyone another opportunity to add these highly detailed, prototypically accurate locomotives to their roster if not in this run, but a second if there is enough interest.
https://www.thirdandtownsendmodels.com/product-page/sunset-models-o-scale-3rd-rail-siemens-chargers
On the Drawing Board – Upcoming Projects
I’m also excited to share that new development work is already underway on several major upcoming projects. CAD has officially begun on the O Scale 50th Anniversary C&O Allegheny 2-6-6-6, one of the most powerful steam locomotives ever built, a true icon of American railroading that’s long been requested by collectors and operators alike.
In HO Scale, the “Mollies” project is now in design stages, capturing the grace and personality of these smaller, hard-working steam locomotives that served with distinction across multiple roads. These will be packed with detail and performance, designed with the same precision and care that has defined our recent HO releases.
Meanwhile, CAD work has also started on the O Scale Union Pacific Heritage Fleet, which will bring to life the modern-day locomotives and cars that honor Union Pacific’s rich history and legacy. From classic commemorative paint schemes to prototypical modern details, this project celebrates both the past and the present of American mainline railroading in stunning O Scale fidelity.
2025/2026 Winter Catalog – Coming Soon
I’m thrilled to share that our 2025/2026 Winter Catalog is on the way and will be released later this year. While the exact date isn’t set just yet, this will be our most comprehensive catalog to date, featuring new projects, expanded product lines, and a few surprises that I can’t wait to share with all of you.
To make this release extra special, we’re partnering with the team at Miniature Models Podcast and Zach from Joker’s Trains for an exclusive catalog unveiling. We’ll be recording both a YouTube video and an audio podcast episode that will debut the same day the catalog goes live. Together, we’ll walk through the new lineup, talk about what’s in the works, and give everyone a closer look behind the scenes at what’s next for Sunset Models, 3rd Rail, Golden Gate Depot, and Third & Townsend Models.
Click the images to be directed to the respective YouTube Channels, subscribe if you don't!
This will be a first for us, an open, in-depth look at how we plan and design the models you see come to life, and I couldn’t think of two better partners that have been there since Day 1 as open and honest supporters to share the moment with. Stay tuned for more details and an official release date announcement soon.
Final Thoughts
Each step we take, from returning to York after nearly a decade to introducing new technology, projects, and upgrades like Blunami, reminds me just how vibrant and alive this community truly is.
The friendships I’ve made, the stories shared, and the excitement I’ve felt from everyone who stopped by to talk about their layouts and collections, that’s what fuels me every day. You inspire the work we do, you push us to innovate, and you remind us that this hobby is about more than locomotives and cars, it’s about people, passion, and the joy of creating something that connects us all. I’m so grateful to be part of this journey with you, and I can’t wait to see where the next year takes us together.
— Jay Escamilla, President, Third & Townsend Models
Living here in Texas, I am envious of those with basements!!
Can you please change my reservation to from the 1949 Shasta Daylight to the 1955 version (without the dome car...I already have Rapido's delightful Daylight version. It's just looking for the rest of the train.)
As long as you are doing smaller working locomotives would you please consider and inexpensive HO SP C-9 (or 8 or 10). Looks like the Owl Mountain SP Harriman stand-in project is never going to complete.
I would pay so much to get the Allegheny in Nscale you do really amazing work
How's it going with the SPNG stream engine?