The Alco RSD-4 was a 1,600-HP, six-motor road switcher designed for heavy freight, transfer duty, and demanding slow-speed operations. With its C-C trucks and characteristic Alco 244 prime mover, the RSD-4 delivered impressive tractive effort — making it ideal for the Central Railroad of New Jersey and its combination of industrial branches, interchange lines, and heavy mineral traffic.
CNJ rostered five RSD-4s, delivered in the early 1950s. These locomotives worked across the Jersey Central system in freight assignments, yards, and transfer runs to Pennsylvania interchange partners. Their distinctive presence in CNJ’s diesel fleet makes them standout candidates for O Scale modeling.
Now, Sunset Models / 3rd Rail brings the CNJ RSD-4 to life in O Scale — the first time this locomotive has ever been offered in 2-Rail and 3-Rail outside of brass imports in prototypical dimensions. Featuring a precision ABS shell, die-cast chassis, and fine brass details, this model delivers museum-quality appearance with modern performance.
Road Numbers Offered (Prototypical)
CNJ 1600
CNJ 1601
CNJ 1602
CNJ 1604
Model Features
• Precision ABS Plastic Shell with Die-Cast Metal Chassis
• Fine Brass Detail Parts — handrails, grilles, MU cables, pilot details, lift rings, and rooftop equipment
• Authentic CNJ Paint & Lettering — correct fonts, placement, and freight-scheme striping
• Road-Specific CNJ Details — lighting package, horns, pilot variations, and equipment unique to CNJ 1600–1602
• Powerful Can Motor Drive for smooth, quiet operation
• 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.
A Rare First-Generation CNJ Diesel — Finally in O Scale
The CNJ’s roster of only five RSD-4s makes them some of the rarest six-motor Alcos to operate in the Northeast. Working transfer runs, coal drags, and heavy switching, they represent the gritty, hardworking character of the Jersey Central system.
Now, for the first time in non-brass form, Sunset Models / 3rd Rail brings these historic locomotives to O Scale with the accuracy and quality they deserve.
Reserve your CNJ RSD-4 today and add an authentic piece of Jersey Central diesel power to your railroad.
Minimum 25 of are required to be reserved to be made.
Photo courtesy of trainpressnz
