Southern Railway RS-3
 
 
Classic Alco Road-Switcher of the New South
 
The ALCO RS-3 was one of the most successful first-generation road-switchers in North America, and Southern Railway was among the most prominent Class I users of the type. Valued for its reliability, strong low-speed tractive effort, and mechanical simplicity, the RS-3 fit perfectly into Southern’s philosophy of conservative, well-maintained motive power.
 
On the Southern Railway, RS-3s handled a wide range of assignments across the Southeast, including local freights, secondary mainline service, yard switching, and branch line operations. From Virginia and the Carolinas to Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama, these locomotives worked alongside steam during the transition era and remained in service well into the diesel age, earning a reputation as dependable, everyday power.
 
 
Distinctive Southern Railway Appearance
 
Southern Railway RS-3s were finished in the railroad’s classic black scheme with white or aluminum striping, accented by bold SOUTHERN lettering and Roman-style road numbers. The understated, dignified appearance reflected Southern’s corporate identity and made its Alco fleet instantly recognizable across the region.
 
For modelers, Southern RS-3s are especially appealing due to their long service life, broad geographic reach, and seamless fit into late steam through early diesel layouts.
 
 
Museum-Quality O Scale by Sunset Models 3rd Rail
 
Sunset Models 3rd Rail proudly brings the Southern Railway RS-3 to O Scale 2-Rail and 3-Rail, capturing the proportions, detailing, and mechanical character of this classic Alco with museum-level accuracy.
 
Each model is engineered for serious operators and high-end collectors, combining durable construction with fine-scale detail.
 
 
 
Paint Schemes & Road Numbers Offered
 
(subject to reservation minimums)
 
Southern Green:
2038
Southern Black:
2058
 
Each locomotive is produced with road-specific Southern details, avoiding generic tooling and reflecting prototype variations.
 
 
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 Southern Railway Paint & Lettering — correct fonts, striping, herald placement, and era-specific finishes
• Road-Specific Southern Details — lighting arrangements, horn placement, number boards, exhaust styles, and appliance layouts per prototype
• Powerful Can Motor Drive for smooth, quiet performance
• 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.