The Alco RS-3 was one of the most successful road switchers of the first generation of diesel power — versatile, rugged, and powerful enough for mainline freight or local work. On the Denver & Rio Grande Western, RS-3s were a backbone of freight service from the post-war years through the transition to heavier six-axle power. Their medium-hood profile, reliable 1,600 HP output, and excellent adhesion made them perfect for the Rio Grande’s mixed freight and branch line assignments.
Sunset Models 3rd Rail is proud to bring these classic D&RGW Alco RS-3s to O Scale in 2-Rail and 3-Rail with a level of detail and accuracy that rivals brass — featuring a precision ABS plastic shell, die-cast metal chassis, and fine brass detail parts.
Paint Schemes & Road Numbers Offered
Black & Yellow D&RGW Freight Scheme
A bold and highly visible freight paint used in the mid-20th century, featuring a black carbody with vibrant yellow accents on the ends and lettering.
D&RGW 5200
D&RGW 5201
D&RGW 5202
These units are represented in authentic early freight livery with correct stripe placement, reporting marks, and number boards.
Black & Aspen Gold D&RGW Freight Scheme
A later freight paint treatment with orange striping and accents against a black body — still clearly a Rio Grande freight unit but with distinctive contrast that fans remember from the one unit, 5204, that adorned these colors from photos and records.
D&RGW 5203
D&RGW 5204 (prototypical)
D&RGW 5200
Each number here is modeled with the appropriate Rio Grande stripe pattern and era-accurate detailing.
Model Features
• Precision ABS Plastic Shell with Die-Cast Metal Chassis
• Fine Brass Detail Parts — including grilles, handrails, horns, rooftop fittings, pilot details, and MU hookups
• Authentic D&RGW Paint & Lettering — correct fonts, stripe widths, and placement for both Black & Yellow and Black & Orange schemes
• Road-Specific D&RGW Details — lighting package, horn/antenna placements, number boards, and hood details unique to RS-3 era freight units
• Powerful Can Motor Drive for smooth, quiet performance on freight consists
• All-Wheel Drive and 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.
Classic Rio Grande Road Switchers, Now built "A Cut Above" in O Scale
The D&RGW RS-3s are quintessential second-generation diesels — equally at home in hump yards, transfer runs, mainline drags, and local assignments. With both Black & Yellow and Black & Orange Stripe schemes represented, this release highlights the diversity of Rio Grande freight power across decades of service.
Reserve your Denver & Rio Grande Western RS-3s today and add these versatile road switchers to your O Scale freight roster.
Minimum of 15 needed of each road to be reserved.
Photo courtesy of brasstrains.com
