The Alco RS-3 was a critical part of the Conrail, serving as a versatile road switcher capable of yard work, transfer runs, branch line freights, and secondary mainline service. With 1,600 horsepower from Alco’s 244 prime mover and a sure-footed B-B wheel arrangement, the RS-3 fit seamlessly into the Conrail massive and varied operating environment.
True to Conrail practice, the railroad applied its own unique engineering philosophy to the RS-3 fleet. Some units were delivered or rebuilt with high short hoods, earning the nickname “Hammerheads,”. This distinctive look make the Conrail RS-3s some of the most interesting and visually diverse road switchers of the era.
Now, Sunset Models 3rd Rail brings these iconic Conrail RS-3s to O Scale 2-Rail and 3-Rail for the first time outside of brass, combining a precision ABS plastic shell, die-cast metal chassis, and fine brass detail parts for museum-quality accuracy and performance.
Versions & Road Numbers Offered
High-Short-Hood “Hammerhead” RS-3s
Featuring the distinctive tall short hood unique to one Conrail RS-3, these locomotives are instantly recognizable and highly sought after by Conrail modelers.
Conrail 9920
Conrail 9921 (only added because of feedback of modelers wanting a pair)
Model Features
• Precision ABS Plastic Shell with Die-Cast Metal Chassis
• Fine Brass Detail Parts — handrails, grab irons, grilles, pilot hardware, lift rings, MU connections, and rooftop fittings
• Distinct Hammerhead & Standard-Hood Tooling
• Authentic Conrail Paint & Lettering
• Road-Specific Details
• Powerful Can Motor Drive for smooth, quiet, reliable operation
• All-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Electrical Pickup
• 3-Rail Version: ERR Cruise with TMCC
• 2-Rail Version: Soundtraxx Tsunami 2 DC/DCC
• 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
Smoke is not availabe in 3R units due to space constraints
Conrail Engineering, Perfected "A Cut Above" in O Scale
From the unmistakable Hammerheads to the antenna-equipped standard-hood units, the Conrail RS-3s showcase the railroad’s hands-on approach to diesel design and operation. These locomotives worked everywhere the Conrail ran trains, embodying the practical, no-nonsense character of America’s largest railroad.
With this release, Sunset Models 3rd Rail delivers the first non-brass O Scale production of Conrail RS-3, with accuracy, presence, and performance worthy.
Minimum of 20 are needed to be reserved to build.
