EMD FL-9 – A Dual-Power Icon Returns
The EMD FL-9 stands as one of the most distinctive locomotives ever to grace American rails. Designed to conquer the unique operating challenges of the Northeast Corridor, the FL-9 was built to seamlessly transition from diesel to electric power—allowing it to glide into the heart of Manhattan without emitting smoke into the Park Avenue tunnels leading to Grand Central Terminal.
Introduced in the 1950s, the FL-9 quickly became a signature sight on the New Haven Railroad, pulling everything from commuter trains to the famed Merchants Limited. After the New Haven folded into Penn Central, and later into Conrail and Metro-North, the FL-9s continued to serve for decades—eventually donning a wide array of distinctive paint schemes that tell the story of changing times and operators.
With this exciting new re-run, Sunset Models / 3rd Rail proudly brings the FL-9 back to O scale in several road-specific liveries that celebrate its long and storied career. Paint schemes offered in this run include:
New Haven Railroad “McGinnis” scheme, with bold red, white, and black striping—a mid-century design classic
Maine Eastern, evoking the look of only a few units
Penn Central black, signaling the transition era of northeastern railroads
Conrail blue, a rare but striking look on these dual-power units
Metro-North “Silver & Blue”, reflecting their later commuter years under state ownership
Amtrak “Phase III”, a nod to the short but unforgettable nationalized chapter
MTA PC, a once overseen offering that we won't make the mistake of not building this time
 
Each version captures the unique look and feel of its respective era—from the polished sheen of the New Haven’s early days to the workhorse grit of their final years. Whether you’re modeling a mid-century passenger consist or recreating a gritty commuter lash-up, these FL-9s offer both historic relevance and timeless appeal.
This re-run is more than just a second chance—it's an opportunity to bring one of America’s most fascinating locomotives to your layout, crafted with the same passion and attention to detail that define every 3rd Rail release.
 
Key Features
Precision ABS shell with cast‑metal chassis for exceptional durability and prototypical heft
Die‑cast metal pilots, trucks, and fuel tank, detailed side grilles, and moveable roof fans.
Horizontal CAN motor drive with sprung axles for smooth, quiet operation 
RP25 metal wheels on metal axles, plus Kadee‑compatible coupler mounting on 2 Rail Models
Complete lighting suite: Illuminated number boards, LED ditch lights, and interior cab 
Detail enhancements: brass handrails & horn, hand‑painted cab, and unparalleled outer detail. 
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.
Robust performance: precision flywheel motor delivers powerful head‑end pull and prototypical slow‑speed