Sunset Models/Golden Gate Depot July 2026 Updates

As always, this month was as busy as all of the others. There's a lot of important information in this issue, make sure to check the jump guide below to see what pertains to you!

In This Issue

From Jay's Desk

• A look behind the scenes over the past month

• Illinois Railroad Museum research trip

• Meetings shaping the future of O Scale Locomotives

2026 Summer Catalog Preview

• Official release: August 1, 2026

• Join us for our LIVE Catalog Walkthrough from our booth at the 2026 NMRA National Convention, featuring special guests and an inside look at every new announcement.

Production Update

• EMD F7

• N&W M Class "Mollies"

• C&O / VGN Alleghenies

• Southern Pacific Lark

• New York Central 20th Century Limited

  
  

Projects Closing Soon

• Union Pacific Heritage Fleet

• America250 Big Boy Excursion Train – Series I

• O Scale Plastic Heavyweights

Incoming Shipments

• O Scale E8 & E9 Locomotives

• HO Scale 80' Harriman Passenger Cars

• Payment Reminder

• Additional HO Harrimans Available

What's Next in Production

• HO Scale N&W M Class "Mollies"

• HO Scale Southern Pacific AC-9

• EMD GP30

• Amtrak NextGen Acela

In Stock & Ready to Ship

• Featured in-stock locomotives

• Passenger cars

• Limited inventory and warehouse finds

Looking Ahead

• Recent Announcements; N&W 611, 60' Greenbrier F Plates

• SD70ACe Movement

• 2026 NMRA National Convention

• Upcoming announcements

• What to expect over the next few months

From Jay's Desk:

Before you dive into this month's updates, I wanted to take a moment to share a little of what we've been up to behind the scenes.

The past month has been one of those where the work doesn't always make it to social media, but it's some of the most important work we do. We spent time at the Illinois Railroad Museum gathering measurements, photographs, and prototype information that will directly influence future projects.

It was also a busy month of travel. We made our way to the East Coast, spending time on Long Island visiting both Nassau Hobby Center and TrainWorld, two outstanding hobby shops that have supported the hobby for decades. It's always a pleasure to meet with fellow model railroaders, see what's new, and exchange ideas with some of the best in the business.

From there, we traveled to North Carolina to meet with the leadership team at Lionel. We had productive conversations about the future of the hobby, the importance of continued innovation, and ways manufacturers can work together to strengthen O scale for years to come. Opportunities like these are invaluable, and we're excited about what the future holds.

We've also had some exciting conversations with several of the most respected names in the brass history books as we continue planning the next generation of O Scale models. Every discussion, every drawing, and every research trip brings us one step closer to delivering the models you've been asking for.

Back here at home, another major project has been taking shape as we've been hard at work putting together our next catalog. As always, that's a much bigger undertaking than most people realize. It means organizing dozens of current and future projects, finalizing photography, reviewing artwork, and making sure everything is ready to share with you in the months ahead.

As always, none of this would be possible without your continued support. Whether you've been with us for decades or just joined the Third & Townsend family, thank you for allowing us to keep preserving railroad history, one model at a time.

Now, let's get into what's new this month.

2026 Summer Catalog

Click the photo to be re-directed to the Catalog Page

The countdown is officially on! We're excited to announce that our 2026 Summer Catalog will be released on August 1, 2026, and it's shaping up to be a compact yet robust one. Packed with new announcements, production updates, future projects, and a look at what's ahead for, this is an issue you won't want to miss.

If you're a member of the Third & Townsend Catalog Club, you'll receive your printed catalog before the official release date and once again are in the running for the Golden Ticket. Catalogs are scheduled to begin mailing on July 24, giving subscribers an exclusive first look before the digital edition goes live on August 1.

Not a Catalog Club member? No problem! This edition will also be available for individual purchase on our catalog webpage, allowing everyone the opportunity to own a printed copy of what is sure to become another collector's item.

We'll also be hosting a LIVE Catalog Walkthrough from our booth during the 2026 NMRA National Convention with a few special guests, where we'll page through the new catalog, discuss the latest announcements, answer your questions, and welcome a few special guests along the way. Whether you're attending the convention in person or watching from home, we hope you'll join us for what has become one of our favorite annual traditions.

Finally, a quick reminder for our Catalog Club members: all Catalog Club subscriptions will renew with the release of our Spring 2027 Catalog this December. If you'd like to continue receiving every printed edition before release day, be sure to renew your membership when subscriptions reopen later this year.

We can't wait to put this catalog in your hands, it's the culmination of months of planning, design, photography, and exciting new product development, and we think it's our best one yet.

Production Update

Summer has been an exciting one inside our factories, and after months of engineering, tooling, and assembly, we're beginning to see several long-awaited projects move into the final stages of production. As always, we appreciate your patience, our goal has never been to simply produce models quickly, but to produce them correctly. Every project receives the time and attention it deserves so that when it reaches your railroad, it represents the highest standards of craftsmanship we've built our reputation on for more than 50 years.

O Scale EMD F7

Production on our all-new EMD F7 is progressing steadily. Tooling has been completed, production is underway, and the factory continues working through the many variations included in what has become one of the largest F7 programs we've ever undertaken.

Following completion of the F7 project later this summer, production will transition directly into our long-awaited EMD GP30 and Amtrak NextGen Acela, another pair of completely new tooling projects that continues our commitment to bringing highly accurate diesel locomotives to O scale.

Norfolk & Western M Class "Mollies"

Our flagship steam project continues to make excellent progress. The N&W M Class "Mollies" remain on schedule, and if everything continues as planned, we are optimistic that we'll have our first production samples available for display during the 2026 NMRA National Convention.

Seeing the first completed samples is always a major milestone, and we're looking forward to sharing them with everyone attending the convention.

Once the O Scale M Class project is completed in August, production will immediately transition to our HO Scale M Class, keeping momentum going on one of our most anticipated steam locomotive families.

Chesapeake & Ohio / Virginian Alleghenies

Our massive Allegheny project continues moving through production alongside the Mollies. These locomotives remain among the most complex steam engines ever produced in O scale, and our factory continues making steady progress through the machining, assembly, and detail installation process.

We're excited to begin sharing additional production photos as these giants continue taking shape.

Southern Pacific Lark

The beautifully streamlined Southern Pacific Lark passenger train is nearing the finish line. Production samples are expected to arrive here within the next few weeks for final evaluation.

Assuming everything meets our expectations, and only minor adjustments, if any, are required, we anticipate the project completing around July 31 before beginning shipment to our warehouse.

New York Central 20th Century Limited

Joining the Lark in the final stretch is the legendary New York Central 20th Century Limited. Like the prototype itself, this has been a premium project from day one, and we're eager to see the completed production samples arrive for inspection.

Current schedules also place completion around July 31, and we'll begin sharing photos and updates as soon as the samples are approved.

Projects Closing Soon

Several of our most exciting projects are now entering the final reservation window. Once reservations close, production quantities will be finalized and submitted to the factory. As we've said before, we build based on reservations, not speculation, which means this is the best opportunity to guarantee your models before production begins.

Union Pacific Heritage Fleet Passenger Cars

Click the photo to be re-directed to the Union Pacific Heritage Fleet Reservation Page

This project represents a new benchmark for O scale passenger cars. Every car features an all-new, underbody with individually applied piping, brake rigging, air tanks, and detail parts, delivering the look and feel of a handcrafted brass model at a much more approachable price point. We set out to create the finest Union Pacific passenger cars available in O scale, and we truly believe these are the most accurate and best-detailed UP passenger cars produced since the legendary Wasatch Models brass imports.

Reservations for our Union Pacific Heritage Fleet passenger cars are expected to close in approximately 30 days. These cars have generated tremendous interest, and we're incredibly grateful for the response from the Union Pacific community.

With production scheduled to begin immediately following completion of the Lark and 20th Century Limited projects, now is the time to finalize your order if you've been considering adding this iconic train to your collection.

America250 Big Boy Excursion Train – Series I

Click the photo to be re-directed to the America250 Big Boy Excursion Set

Following our recent announcement in partnership with the America250 program, reservations are now open for Series I of the America250 Big Boy Excursion Train.

This first release includes the Promontory Baggage Car, Walter Dean Dome Lounge, City of Denver Dining Car, Challenger Dome Coach, Lincoln Business Observation Car, and Howard Fogg Power Car, faithfully recreating the historic consist currently traveling the country behind Union Pacific's legendary Big Boy.

These sets will be sold in commemorative packaging and sets will be numbered.

Reservations will also close in approximately 30-45 days, with production beginning alongside the Union Pacific Heritage Fleet this fall.

O Scale Plastic Heavyweights

Our all-new O Scale Plastic Heavyweights are also approaching the end of the reservation period, with orders expected to close around the end of this month.

The factory is already preparing components and production parts, placing this project one step closer to full production. If these classic heavyweight passenger cars have been on your wish list, we encourage you to reserve yours before the reservation window closes.

Incoming Shipments

The wait is almost over! After months of production, ocean transit, and customs processing, two of our most anticipated projects are now in the final leg of their journey to our Colorado warehouse.

O Scale E8 & E9 Locomotives

Our all-new O Scale E8 and E9 locomotives are currently scheduled to arrive at our warehouse on July 18. This has been one of our largest and most diverse diesel locomotive projects to date, featuring a wide variety of road names, paint schemes, and eras.

If you have an outstanding balance on your reservation, now is the time to submit your final payment. Prompt payment will help us begin shipping your locomotive as quickly as possible once inventory has been inspected and processed.

HO Scale 80' Harriman Passenger Cars

Joining the E-units on the same shipment are our long-awaited HO Scale 80' Harriman Passenger Cars. We're incredibly excited to finally begin delivering these beautifully detailed cars after months of anticipation.

The good news is that we ordered additional inventory beyond our reservation quantities, so if you missed the reservation period, there's still time to place an order while supplies last. Once these extras are spoken for, they will be gone.

Payment Reminder

To help us keep shipments moving efficiently, we encourage everyone with an outstanding balance to make payment before the models arrive. Orders that are paid in full will be among the first prepared for shipment as soon as inventory is received, inspected, and entered into our warehouse.

Payments can be made through our online payment portal or by calling our office at 720-786-3602, and our team will be happy to assist you.

We know many of you have been eagerly awaiting these projects, and we're just as excited to begin getting them into your hands. Keep an eye on your email and our social media channels, we'll share photos and shipping updates as soon as the containers arrive.

What's Next

With several major projects approaching completion, the remainder of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest production periods in Third & Townsend Models history. Our production schedule remains full, with new projects moving into the factory almost immediately as others are completed.

Click the photo to be re-directed to the Union Pacific Heritage Fleet Reservation Page

Following completion of the Southern Pacific Lark and New York Central 20th Century Limited, production will transition directly to our Union Pacific Heritage Fleet Passenger Cars and the newly announced America250 Big Boy Excursion Train Series I. Both projects are expected to begin production this fall, keeping our passenger car line moving at full speed.

Click the photo to be re-directed to the HO Scale Mollies Reservation Page

Click the photo to be re-directed to the AC-9 Reservation Page

On the locomotive side, once the O Scale N&W M Class "Mollies" complete production in August, work will begin on the HO Scale M Class and HO Scale Southern Pacific AC-9. These two highly anticipated HO scale steam locomotive projects represent the next phase of our growing HO lineup and continue our commitment to bringing premium brass and brass-hybrid models to multiple scales.

As our EMD F7 project reaches the finish line, production will shift directly to the all-new EMD GP30 and Amtrak NextGen Acela. Both projects feature completely new tooling and represent two very different, but equally exciting, chapters of modern model railroading.

Click the photos to be re-directed to their reservation pages

The GP30 continues our investment in first-generation diesel power, while the NextGen Acela brings America's newest high-speed passenger train to O scale with the level of accuracy and detail you've come to expect from Sunset Models 3rd Rail.

In Stock & Ready to Ship

Click the photo to be re-directed to the in stock models page

While we're always excited about what's coming next, don't forget that we also have an outstanding selection of in-stock models available for immediate shipment. Whether you're looking to add a centerpiece locomotive, complete a passenger consist, or finally pick up that model you've been searching for, there's never been a better time to browse our inventory. Most in-stock orders ship the next business day, so you won't have to wait months to enjoy your next addition.

There's still time to take advantage of our Freedom Sale announced on Facebook last week and save on many of our in-stock models!

Save $250 on any complete in-stock Golden Gate Depot name train set with coupon code GGD4THSALE.

Save $25 on every in-stock locomotive and passenger car with coupon code 3RDRAIL4TH.

FREE SHIPPING is also included on all in-stock items throughout the sale.

Among the highlights currently available are the stunning 1937 Santa Fe Super Chief and 1948 Pennsylvania Railroad Broadway Limited passenger car sets. Both projects have been exceptionally well received, and while the majority have already found homes, a limited number of complete sets still remain. If these legendary streamliners have been on your wish list, now is the time to act before they're gone.

We're also continuing to stock a wide selection of brass locomotives, passenger cars, rolling stock, and rare estate acquisitions from many of the hobby's most respected manufacturers. New inventory is added regularly as we purchase collections from across the country, meaning every visit to our in-stock page offers something new to discover.

Be sure to check our website often, some of our most desirable models don't stay on the shelf for long. Whether you're searching for a long-out-of-production brass import or one of our newest releases, you never know what you'll find waiting for you.

Looking Ahead

Click the photo to be re-directed to the Greenbrier 60' F Plates

Click the photo to be re-directed to the N&W 250 611

If the first half of 2026 has been busy, the second half promises to be even more exciting.

Over the past few weeks, we've announced several new additions to our lineup, including the America 250 Norfolk & Western 611 and for the first time in O Scale, the Greenbrier F-Plate 60' Boxcars. Both projects have received an incredible response, and we're grateful for the enthusiasm surrounding these unique commemorative models. As always, we're committed to bringing you projects that not only look fantastic on the layout, but also capture important moments in railroad history.

Behind the scenes, our engineering efforts continue at full speed. During the past month, we spent several days conducting prototype research at the Illinois Railroad Museum, gathering measurements, photographs, and documentation that will help shape future releases. We've also been working closely with some of the most respected brass importers and craftsmen in the history of the hobby as we continue developing the next generation of our diesel locomotive program.

Click the photo to be re-directed to the SD70ACe page

One project we're particularly excited about is our EMD SD70ACe. While it's still in development, we're investing the time to ensure these locomotives set a new standard for accuracy, detail, and performance. By combining modern engineering with decades of experience from some of the industry's most accomplished brass manufacturers, our goal is simple: build the finest SD70ACe ever offered in O scale plastic.

Of course, that's only the beginning.

This summer also marks one of our favorite events of the year as we'll be attending the 2026 NMRA National Convention and exhibiting at the National Train Show. If you'll be joining us, we invite you to stop by the Sunset Models booth to see the latest production samples, preview upcoming projects, and spend some time chatting with our crew.

One of the highlights of the convention will be our LIVE Summer Catalog Walkthrough, where we'll unveil the 2026 Fall Catalog alongside a few special guests, discuss our newest announcements, provide production updates, and answer your questions live from the show floor. It's always one of our favorite opportunities to connect with customers face-to-face, and we look forward to seeing familiar friends while welcoming many new ones into our ever growing family.

Whether you're attending the convention, visiting the National Train Show, or tuning in from home, we hope you'll join us as we celebrate another exciting chapter in the hobby together.

As always, thank you for your continued confidence in our team. Every reservation, every order, every conversation at a train show, and every email helps make these projects possible. We're honored to preserve railroad history alongside all of you, and we can't wait to show you what's coming next.

Oh yeah, and for all of you on the East Coast planning to attend the Edison show, I'll see y'all there!

-Jay