Long Island Rail Road RS-1 & RS-3. (License pending)
 
 
Iconic Alco Power of New York’s Commuter Railroad
 
The ALCO RS-1 and RS-3 are among the most important early road-switchers in American railroading, and no commuter railroad put them to more visible, long-lived service than the Long Island Rail Road. Compact, powerful, and exceptionally versatile, these Alcos became a backbone of LIRR diesel operations from the late 1940s through the 1970s.
 
On the Long Island Rail Road, RS-1s and RS-3s handled an extraordinary range of duties:
yard switching at Jamaica and Morris Park, local freight service across Long Island, work trains, passenger extras, and branch line assignments where flexibility and reliability mattered most. For decades, these locomotives were a common sight under wire, alongside electrified territory, and across diesel-only branches—making them unmistakably New York railroad icons.
 
 
 
Distinctive LIRR Appearance & Identity
 
Few railroads applied as many variations of lettering, striping, and numbering practices to a single locomotive class as the Long Island Rail Road. From early black schemes to the familiar gray tones with bold LONG ISLAND lettering, LIRR RS-1s and RS-3s developed a visual identity instantly recognizable to commuters, photographers, and railfans throughout the New York metropolitan area.
 
These locomotives are especially beloved today for their authentic New York character—working-class power that earned its keep every day rather than headline-grabbing mainline glamour.
 
 
 
Museum-Quality O Scale by Sunset Models 3rd Rail
 
Sunset Models 3rd Rail proudly brings the Long Island Rail Road RS-1 and RS-3 to O Scale 2-Rail and 3-Rail, capturing the look, presence, and mechanical feel of these classic Alcos with exceptional fidelity.
 
Each model is engineered for both serious operators and display-focused collectors, combining rugged construction with fine-scale detail.
 
 
Paint Schemes & Road Numbers Offered
 
(subject to reservation minimums)
 
 
Classic Long Island Rail Road Scheme
 
Accurately rendered LIRR gray and black finishes with correct lettering styles, striping, and numbering practices appropriate to the era represented.
 
• Multiple LIRR RS-1 road numbers
• Multiple LIRR RS-3 road numbers
 
Each locomotive features road-specific details reflecting real LIRR variations rather than generic Alco tooling.
 
 
Model Features
 
• Precision ABS Plastic Shell with Die-Cast Metal Chassis
• Fine Brass Detail Parts — grab irons, handrails, pilots, MU hoses, lift rings, horns, and rooftop fittings
• Authentic LIRR Paint & Lettering — correct fonts, striping, herald placement, and era-appropriate finishes
• Road-Specific LIRR Details — lighting arrangements, horn placement, number boards, exhaust styles, and appliance layouts unique to Long Island units
• Powerful Can Motor Drive for smooth, quiet operation
• All-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Electrical Pickup
 
 
Electronics & Control Options
 
• 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
• OEM Blunami Upgrade Option Available for both 2-Rail and 3-Rail
• LED Lighting Suite — headlights and illuminated number boards
• ERR Cruise Compatibility: Legacy, DCS, TMCC, and Conventional control systems
 
Smoke is not available in 3-Rail units due to space constraints.
 
 
 
Reservation Information
 
• Minimum of 20 reservations per road number required to proceed with production.
 
Reserve your Long Island Rail Road RS-1 or RS-3 today and add a true New York classic to your O Scale roster.
 
Photo courtesy of railpictures.net, not all models have pictures!!