Why we LOVE Sunset/3rd Rail | O Gauge Forum (2024)

Let me get right to the point. I LOVE Sunset/3rd Rail!

The short list of the best locomotives in my collection includes a number of Lionel Vision Line and MTH European models but at the very top of my list are models by Sunset/3rd Rail. I have never come across a better looking, more detailed, better running and more enjoyable locomotive then the Timken 4 Aces by 3rd Rail. My wife has instructions to bury me with my Timken 4 Aces.

What is your favorite 3rd Rail Model?

Emile

Hi Emile, I've never seen a 3rd Rail for sale anywhere near me. I'd like to see one first hand. Maybe at York.

Denny

They usually have a booth at York but most of their sales are online. There's also a strong secondary market in that the 3rd Rail Locomotives really hold their value and frequently go up in value. I missed the original Timken 4 Aces offering and it took me 3 years to finally track one down. it was worth the wait and the time spent searching for one.

Emile

3rd Rail itself is strictly BTO although they sometimes have extra stock in for late/waitlisted orders. However, their products come up regularly on the auction sites.

Now, as to my favorite 3rd Rail engine - problem is, I have never taken any photos of it that do it justice. It's the SP AM-2 cab forward 3rd Rail produced some 10 (or more?) years ago. This is the most beautifully detailed O scale engine I have ever been lucky enough to come across. These are 3rd Rail's own production sample photos:


The one of the tender in particular only gives a hint of how well executed every detail - including the planking on the top - really is. I should make it my mission to get some better photos of mine.

I found this one at York for 500 bucks!... the NP is my favorite railroad!!!

Wow, That was a Steal!

Nice video too. The slow up close drive-by really showed the beautiful details. You have a great Loco there. Congartulations.

Emile

Pick this one up real cheap on Ebay. Minor running gear issues fixed and she runs like a top.

We really don’t have a favorite that stands out above the rest. But we do really like the new Virginian electrics and the Seaboard Silver Meteor.

As our Lionel purchases have been drastically reduced, we are adding Third Rail. Same dollars out but fewer engines/rolling stock in.

The service and information that Scott constantly gives is tremendous.

Bill Webb

The focus has been on 3rd Rail engines so far but the other quality products produced under the 3rd Rail/Scott Mann umbrella are passenger cars under the Golden Gate Depot banner.

Here, as I think most people know, there are reissues planned of three of their finest sets to date but this time in both 18" and 21" versions.

It's the Southern Pacific [Lines] Daylight cars that interest me because I have some of the last run but am missing an articulated set.

I jumped in feet first for both sizes. I fully expect that these are cars I will NOT have to modify/detail, which is no small relief.

Plus they will be aluminum-bodied and GGD is now the only game in town for that in 3Rail O scale.

Welcome aboard Scott.

The PRR Q1. I love this one!