The ALCo RS-1 was the locomotive that defined the early road-switcher era—compact, versatile, and capable of switching, local freight, and secondary mainline assignments with equal ease. With 1,000 horsepower and a rugged B-B wheel arrangement, the RS-1 became a natural fit for the New York Central System, which required dependable, flexible locomotives for its sprawling network of branches, yards, and industrial districts.
NYC’s RS-1s served across the System—on the Big Four, Michigan Central, and in interchange-rich regions where switching efficiency was crucial. Painted in the Central’s distinctive black with white lettering and the classic cigar-band oval, these locomotives became an integral part of mid-century freight operations, often paired with NYC’s early ALCo and EMD road-switcher fleet.
Now, Sunset Models 3rd Rail brings the New York Central RS-1 to O Scale in both 2-Rail and 3-Rail, with a precision ABS shell, die-cast metal chassis, and fine brass detail parts that deliver brass-level presence and accuracy.
Road Numbers Offered — New York Central
NYC 8104
NYC 8107
NYC 8110
Each locomotive is finished in authentic New York Central freight colors with correct lettering, herald placement, and road-specific details.
Model Features
• Precision ABS Plastic Shell with Die-Cast Metal Chassis
• Fine Brass Detail Parts — handrails, grab irons, hood details, MU fittings, pilot hardware, and lift rings
• Authentic New York Central Paint & Lettering — correct NYC fonts, cigar-band herald, and striping
• Road-Specific NYC Details — lighting packages, horn placement, number boards, and equipment variations matched to the prototypes
• Powerful Can Motor Drive for smooth, quiet 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.
• 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 available in 3R models due to space constraints
Classic NYC Road-Switcher Power, Now in Premium O Scale
Sturdy, adaptable, and unmistakably ALCo, the New York Central RS-1s were essential to the everyday operation of the System—serving industries, moving transfer cuts, and supporting freight operations across the entire northeast and Midwest. Their sharp black paint and NYC heralding make them iconic representatives of the Central’s early diesel era.
With this release, Sunset Models 3rd Rail proudly offers the first non-brass O Scale production of the NYC RS-1, crafted with performance and accuracy that will satisfy even the most dedicated NYC modeler.
Reserve your New York Central RS-1 today and bring a true classic of American railroading to your O Scale fleet.
Minimum of 20 are needed to be reserved to build.
Photo courtesy of hawkinsrail.net
