September 2025 Update - New Announcements & Reservation Deadlines

Steaming Into September!

August has arrived, and with it comes a wave of momentum at Third & Townsend Models. From looming reservation deadlines on long-awaited HO projects to fresh O-scale announcements and the countdown to York this fall, the energy in the shop is buzzing.

We've been to 4 states this month in working with incredible collections that we will have listed on our website and eBay in the coming days. This month isn’t just about keeping up with releases, it’s about continuing to celebrate 50 years of Sunset Models, pushing the boundaries of brass craftsmanship, and making sure you don’t miss the trains that matter most.

Just a few weeks ago, the long-anticipated 1950s Denver & Rio Grande Western “Prospector” sets rolled in, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the response, thank you to everyone who reserved and welcomed these beautiful trains into their collections. Hot on their heels, the Texas Specials are coming together with precision, showcasing the vibrant style and classic elegance of this iconic train. Meanwhile, our modern era projects are keeping pace: the Amtrak P-42s and Siemens Chargers are entering their final stages, promising a sleek finish for contemporary modelers, while the legendary SD40-2s are starting to take shape as we round out 2025. From postwar passenger glamour to present-day horsepower, we’re covering the full spectrum, and the best is yet to come.

 HO Scale Updates

Golden Gate Depot HO Scale Southern Pacific Subs/Harriman 2.0

Reservation Deadline EXTENDED 9/14!

After almost 2 dozen missed calls, 30 emails, and a dozen Facebook Messages over this lovely Labor Day Weekend, we've decided to extend reservations two weeks for the HO Scale Southern Pacific Subs/80' Harrimans, with delivery slated for January 2026. These models will be built to order, so don’t wait, if you haven’t placed your reservation yet, now’s the time. As with all our projects, if you place an order after the cut off date, it will be classified as a stand-by order, meaning, we cannot guarentee delivery for it.

Golden Gate Depot HO Scale Southern Pacific 1949 Shasta Daylight

Just a quick update on this project, starting this week, we’re opening up individual car orders for a few favorites: the 83BP-30-1 Baggage Car (offered in multiple liveries), the Triple Unit Diner, and the Parlor Observation. On top of that, we’re adding the 66-ACM/66-ACW Articulated Chair Cars in several liveries, giving you even more options to round out your train. And here’s the part we’re especially excited about, thanks to all the great feedback from the modeling community, we’re expanding the project to include the late 1960s Shasta Daylight. That means you’ll be able to pick it up with the modified skirts and the iconic Stainless Steel “Tomato Stripe” look. We can’t wait to see these come together.

Golden Gate Depot HO Scale Southern Pacific 70' Head End Baggage & RPO's

With the 80' Harriman Project wrapping up this month, we’re shifting our main SP focus over to Southern Pacific Head End Equipment. Design work is already underway, and we’re aiming for a Fall 2026 delivery, so there’s plenty to look forward to as this project takes shape.

Golden Gate Depot HOn3 D&RGW Passenger Cars

We’ve officially crossed the halfway point for reservations, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the response from the HOn3 community! These first-of-their-kind HOn3 passenger cars in plastic have generated a lot of excitement, and for good reason.

Design work is about to get underway, and we’re eager to see these cars take shape. They’re expected to arrive around this time next year, giving everyone plenty to look forward to. This project is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to explore what the future holds for HOn3. there are so many possibilities, and we’re excited to bring more unique and innovative offerings to this growing scale.

HO Scale New Announcements

Norfolk & Western M Class 4-8-0 "Mollies"

It’s been more than four decades since HO scale modelers last saw a Norfolk & Western 4-8-0 “Mollie” on the market. You’ve asked, you’ve waited, and now Sunset Models is bringing them back in brass, better than ever.

For the first time, we’re also tackling the experimental side of the story with M-2 No. 1100, the “Automatic Switcher,” along with her sister, No. 1112. These two trailblazers will require 50 reservations to move into production, but they represent an exciting first in HO brass.

The lineup covers an impressive range of prototypes across multiple roads and eras:

• Norfolk & Western: 475, 433, 396, 382

• Chesapeake & Western: 114

• Atlantic Birmingham & Coast: 34

• Atlantic Coast Line: 7034

• Winston Salem Southbound: 200 & 201

• M-2 Experimental: 1100 & 1112

And of course, no conversation about Mollies would be complete without N&W No. 475, the pride of the Strasburg Rail Road. For more than 30 years she’s been the living face of the M-class, hauling passengers, starring in photo charters, and keeping steam alive in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Our project brings her story to life in four distinct eras of preservation history, letting you capture everything from her early rebirth to her current role as Strasburg’s reliable workhorse.

Every model will be built in lifetime brass and offered with your choice of Soundtraxx Tsunami II, Soundtraxx Blunami, or DCC-ready configuration. Delivery is expected Spring/Summer 2026, making this the perfect time to secure your reservation. Whether you’re a fan of Norfolk & Western steam, Strasburg preservation, or unique regional railroads, this project is a chance to add one of the most versatile locomotives of the 20th century to your HO scale roster.

O Scale News

Our O Scale projects are moving along beautifully. Thanks to all of you who have already reserved, the momentum behind these offerings has been incredible.

A few highlights: the O Scale Mollies are officially on the production schedule, slated to arrive May/June 2025, and over 80% of these models are already reserved. It’s been amazing to see such enthusiasm for these iconic Norfolk & Western 4‑8‑0s, truly a milestone for O Scale collectors.

Looking ahead, a friendly reminder that reservations will be closing in about 60 days for several major projects: the EMD F7s, the 1937 Santa Fe Super Chief, and the 1948 Pennsylvania Railroad Broadway Limited. If any of these are on your must-have list, now is the time to secure your spot before reservations close.

We’re thrilled to see these classic trains taking shape and can’t wait to share more updates as production progresses. The O Scale lineup continues to showcase the best of our craftsmanship, prototypical accuracy, and modeling excitement, so don’t miss your chance to be part of it.

Looking Ahead, York Train Show

Mark your calendar for the Fall 2025 York Train Meet, happening October 20–25 at the York Expo Center in York, Pennsylvania. As the world’s largest model train event, York brings together dealers, collectors, and enthusiasts under one roof for an incredible week of layouts, vendors, seminars, and community. We’re planning to be there and would love to meet you in person, stay tuned for booth info and event updates.

As always, we’ll be sharing more announcements, sneak peeks, and production updates throughout August. If you’re not already following along, now’s a perfect time to hop on board!

Final Thoughts

Every project we take on reflects our ongoing commitment to quality craftsmanship, prototypical accuracy, and innovation, the same values that have guided Sunset Models for over 5 decades. From carefully researched prototypes to advanced production techniques, each model is crafted to meet the highest standards and to delight collectors and modelers alike.

If you haven’t had a chance yet, we invite you to visit our website and explore the full range of upcoming HO Scale/OScale Scale brass, plastic, and aluminum projects under the Sunset Models 3rd Rail / Golden Gate Depot Pre-Order tab. You’ll find detailed descriptions, photos, and reservation information for every release, making it easy to discover, and secure, the models that best fit your collection.

We’re grateful to have you as part of the Third & Townsend and Sunset Models family. And the journey is far from over, there’s so much more to come! Stay tuned for new project reveals, behind-the-scenes updates, and sneak peeks as we continue bringing the finest brass models to your layouts.

Until next time, keep building, keep collecting, and most importantly, keep the passion rolling!