The Alco RS-3 was one of the most versatile first-generation road switchers of the postwar era, producing 1,600 horsepower and offering excellent adhesion through its B-B wheel arrangement. On the Northern Pacific Railway, RS-3s became dependable multi-purpose locomotives, handling everything from local freights and transfer runs to secondary mainline assignments across the Northern Plains and Pacific Northwest.
Northern Pacific’s RS-3s were delivered and operated in the railroad’s distinctive black and yellow freight scheme, complete with the iconic “Pine Tree” herald. Compact, muscular, and unmistakably Alco in both sound and appearance, these locomotives were a common sight working yards, branch lines, and connecting main routes alongside F-units and other first-generation diesel power.
Now, Sunset Models 3rd Rail brings the Northern Pacific RS-3 to O Scale 2-Rail and 3-Rail for the first time outside of brass, featuring a precision ABS plastic shell, die-cast metal chassis, and fine brass detail parts that rival traditional brass models in both detail and presence.
Road Numbers Offered — Northern Pacific
NP 859
NP 860
NP 861
Each locomotive is finished in authentic Northern Pacific black and yellow with correct Pine Tree herald placement, lettering, and road-specific detailing appropriate to the era.
Model Features
• Precision ABS Plastic Shell with Die-Cast Metal Chassis
• Fine Brass Detail Parts — handrails, grab irons, grilles, pilot hardware, MU details, lift rings, and rooftop fittings
• Authentic Northern Pacific Paint & Lettering — correct colors, fonts, striping, and herald placement
• Road-Specific NP Details — lighting packages, horn placement, number boards, and appliance arrangements matched to prototype practice
• Powerful Can Motor Drive for smooth, quiet, and reliable 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
• LED Lighting Suite — headlights and number boards
• ERR Cruise is compatible with Legacy, DCS, TMCC, and Conventional control systems
No smoke in 3R units due to space constraints
Classic Northern Pacific Diesel Power, Now in Premium O Scale
From yard transfers to long rural freights, the Northern Pacific RS-3s were dependable workhorses that embodied the railroad’s transition into the diesel era. Their bold black-and-yellow appearance and unmistakable Alco character make them a must-have for NP and Pacific Northwest modelers alike.
With this release, Sunset Models 3rd Rail proudly delivers the first non-brass O Scale production of the Northern Pacific RS-3, combining durability, accuracy, and museum-quality detailing.
Reserve your Northern Pacific RS-3 today and bring classic NP road-switcher power to your O Scale roster.
Minimum of 20 of this road needed to be reserved to build.
Photo courtesy of brasstrains.com
