September 1, 2026 - M.T.H. Electric Trains will be releasing the 2026 Premier O Scale RS-3 Diesel Locomotive in 11 different schemes this Winter. This all-new diesel makes its debut in the Premier line and will be available in multiple cab numbers and different model variations, including the unique Conrail Hammerhead, Phase 1, and Phase 3 models in both hi-rail and scale wheel configurations. The locomotives are expected to begin shipping to M.T.H. Authorized Retailers in December 2026.
Check out each of the offerings in the scrolling list at the bottom of the page.
ABOUT THE PREMIER RE-3 DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE
There are diesel locomotives, and then there are legends. The American Locomotive Company (Alco) RS-3 belongs firmly in the latter category. Now, MTH Electric Trains is proud to bring this workhorse of the high iron to your O Scale layout with a level of detail and sound fidelity that must be heard to be believed.
Introduced in 1950 as an improvement on the RS-2, the RS-3 quickly became the definitive "Road Switcher" of its era. While EMD was capturing the market with the GP7, Alco carved out its own loyal following with the RS-3. Powered by the throaty 12-cylinder, 1,600-horsepower Model 244 prime mover, these units were famous for their versatility.
They looked just as natural hauling coal drags through the Appalachians as they did sprinting with commuter coaches outside of New York City or Chicago. Over 1,400 units were produced, and their signature smoking exhausts and distinctively rhythmic engine sounds endeared them to railfans for decades.
Our latest O Scale recreation captures the soul of this Alco legend. Under the hood lies the Proto-Sound 3.0 onboard electronics system, bringing the RS-3 to life on your layout.
Listen to the authentic startup sequence, the labored chug of the Alco 244 prime mover under load, and the squeal of brakes as you spot cars at the industry siding and it wouldn't be an Alco without the smoke! Our fan-driven smoke unit features variable output, puffing in sync with the engine RPMs for the ultimate realism. Whether you run conventional AC or the MTH Digital Command System (DCS), you have precision control over every movement.
We understand that every modeler has a different standard for their right-of-way. That is why this run of Alco RS-3s is available in two distinct configurations:
Hi-Rail Wheels: Perfect for traditional O Gauge 3-rail operators. These models feature oversized flanges and piloting designed to navigate tighter O-31 curves and tubular track switches with ease.
Scale Wheels: Designed for the 2-rail scale modeler or the 3-rail enthusiast who demands absolute fidelity. These models feature fixed pilots (no swinging gaps) and proper scale wheel flanges for operation on 2-rail code 148 or code 125 track (convertible to 3-rail fixed pilot operation).
Check out each of the offerings in the scrolling list at the bottom of the page.
