The Alco RS-3 was one of the most versatile and successful first-generation road switchers ever built, delivering 1,600 horsepower through a reliable B-B wheel arrangement that made it equally capable on locals, mainline freights, and transfer assignments. On the Great Northern Railway, RS-3s became dependable all-around performers, working across the system from the Pacific Northwest to the Northern Plains.
Great Northern’s RS-3 fleet was delivered in the railroad’s handsome Empire Builder–era green and orange freight scheme, a look that perfectly balanced utility and elegance. These locomotives handled branch line freights, yard transfers, and secondary mainline service, often working alongside F-units and other Alco road switchers during the GN’s diesel transition years.
Now, Sunset Models / 3rd Rail brings the Great Northern RS-3 to O Scale 2-Rail and 3-Rail for the first time outside of brass, featuring a precision ABS plastic shell, die-cast metal chassis, and fine brass detail parts that rival traditional brass imports in appearance and presence.
Road Numbers Offered — Great Northern
GN 228
GN 229
GN 230
Each locomotive is finished in authentic Great Northern colors with accurate lettering, striping, and road-specific detailing appropriate to the era.
Model Features
• Precision ABS Plastic Shell with Die-Cast Metal Chassis
• Fine Brass Detail Parts — handrails, grab irons, grilles, pilot hardware, lift rings, MU details, and rooftop fittings
• Authentic Great Northern Paint & Lettering — correct colors, fonts, and placement
• Road-Specific GN Details — lighting package, horn placement, number boards, and appliance arrangements matched to prototype practice
• Powerful Can Motor Drive for smooth, quiet, reliable performance
• 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.
Classic Great Northern Power, Recreated in Premium O Scale
From branch line locals to system freight assignments, the Great Northern RS-3s were true utility locomotives—compact, powerful, and unmistakably Alco. Their clean GN paint scheme and long service lives make them an essential part of any Northern Plains or Pacific Northwest diesel roster.
With this release, Sunset Models / 3rd Rail delivers the first non-brass O Scale production of the Great Northern RS-3, combining durability, accuracy, and museum-quality detailing.
Reserve your Great Northern RS-3 today and add classic GN diesel power to your O Scale fleet.
Minimum of 15 of each road needed to be reserved to build.
Photo courtesy of brasstrains.com
