Rutland Railroad RS-1 & RS-3
Vermont’s Diesel Workhorses of the Green Mountains
The ALCO RS-1 and RS-3 stand among the most important early road-switchers in American railroading, and few New England railroads relied on them as heavily—or as visibly—as the Rutland Railroad. Compact, rugged, and perfectly suited to mountainous territory, the Rutland’s Alcos became the backbone of freight, local, and secondary mainline service throughout Vermont and neighboring states.
On the Rutland Railroad, RS-1s and RS-3s handled everything from bridge traffic and local freights to yard switching and branch line operations across Vermont and New York. Their combination of sure-footed performance, excellent visibility, and mechanical reliability made them ideal for the twisting grades, harsh winters, and light rail common across the Rutland system. By the 1950s and 1960s, these locomotives had become some of the most recognizable diesel power in northern New England.
Classic Rutland Appearance
Rutland Railroad locomotives were known for their clean, purposeful appearance, reflecting the railroad’s reputation for professionalism and efficiency. Finished in classic Rutland black with bold yellow striping and lettering, RS-1s and RS-3s projected a restrained but unmistakable New England identity.
Today, Rutland Alcos are especially prized by railfans and modelers for their authentic regional character—diesels that worked hard in challenging territory and represented one of the most respected regional railroads of the Northeast prior to its 1963 shutdown.
Museum-Quality O Scale by Sunset Models 3rd Rail
Sunset Models 3rd Rail proudly brings the Rutland Railroad RS-1 and RS-3 to O Scale 2-Rail and 3-Rail, capturing the look, feel, and mechanical presence of these classic Alcos with exceptional accuracy.
Each model is designed for serious operators and discerning collectors, blending rugged construction with fine-scale detailing worthy of a museum display.
Paint Schemes & Road Numbers Offered
(subject to reservation minimums)
Classic Rutland Black & Yellow Scheme
Accurately rendered Rutland black with yellow striping and lettering, matched to prototype photos and era-correct practices.
• Multiple Rutland RS-1 road numbers
• Multiple Rutland RS-3 road numbers
Each locomotive includes road-specific details reflecting actual Rutland variations, not generic Alco tooling.
Model Features
• Precision ABS Plastic Shell with Die-Cast Metal Chassis
• Fine Brass Detail Parts — grab irons, handrails, pilot details, MU hoses, lift rings, horns, and rooftop fittings
• Authentic Rutland Paint & Lettering — correct fonts, striping, herald placement, and era-appropriate finishes
• Road-Specific Rutland Details — lighting configurations, horn placement, number boards, exhaust styles, and appliance arrangements matched to prototype photos
• 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 Rutland Railroad RS-1 or RS-3 today and bring a true Green Mountain classic to your O Scale roster.
Photo courtesy of railpictures.net
