The Alco RS-3 was the backbone of first-generation diesel power on the Delaware & Hudson, handling everything from locals and road freights to interchange and bridge-line traffic. With 1,600 HP and a rugged B-B wheel arrangement, the RS-3 was perfectly suited to the D&H’s mix of mountain grades, river valleys, and heavy freight corridors through New York and Pennsylvania.
Over their long careers, D&H RS-3s wore some of the most iconic liveries in northeastern railroading—from the classic gray/blue/yellow lightning stripe to the stark, late-era solid blue “blue dip” scheme.
These paint schemes, combined with the RS-3’s purposeful profile and Alco sound, made them favorites with railfans and modelers alike.
Now, Sunset Models 3rd Rail brings the D&H RS-3 to O Scale 2-Rail and 3-Rail with a precision ABS plastic shell, die-cast metal chassis, and fine brass detail parts that rival brass models in presence and fidelity.
Paint Schemes & Road Numbers Offered
Gray / Blue / Yellow “Lightning Stripe”
Classic D&H freight colors with gray carbody, blue band, and yellow striping—one of the most recognizable looks in northeastern diesel history.
D&H 1508
D&H 4085
D&H 4112
Solid Blue “Blue Dip”
A later, simplified scheme featuring solid blue carbody with yellow sill and nose accents—a gritty, late-era look that defined the final years of D&H RS-3 service.
D&H 4075
D&H 4085
D&H 4118
Each roadnumber is matched to its scheme with accurate striping, lettering, and era-appropriate details.
Model Features
• Precision ABS Plastic Shell with Die-Cast Metal Chassis
• Fine Brass Detail Parts – handrails, grab irons, grilles, pilot hardware, MU hoses, lift rings, and rooftop fittings
• Road-Specific D&H Details – correct hood doors and louvers, lighting packages, horn placement, number boards, and pilot styles per roadnumber and era
• Powerful Can Motor Drive for smooth, quiet, and reliable operation
• 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. Blunami is available as well
• LED Lighting Suite – headlights and number boards
• ERR Cruise is compatible with Legacy, DCS, TMCC, and Conventional control systems, Blunami is not and indepently operated through the iPhone or Andriod Apps.
Smoke is not available in 3R versions due to space constraints.
Bridge-Line Alco Power, Finally done "A Cut Above" in O Scale
From the lightning stripe era of classic bridge-line freight to the no-nonsense solid blue of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Delaware & Hudson RS-3s were synonymous with D&H railroading. Their long service lives, multiple paint schemes, and rugged good looks make them essential power for any northeastern O Scale roster.
With this release, Sunset Models 3rd Rail proudly offers the first non-brass O Scale production of D&H RS-3s with the level of detail, performance, and finish your customers expect.
Reserve your Delaware & Hudson RS-3s today and bring a true Bridge-Line classic to your O Scale layout.
Minimum of 15 of each road needed to be reserved to build.
Photo courtesy of brasstrains.com
