Sunset Model Locomotive Ideas - The Sunbeam and Cotton Belt L1 / GS-7/8

I would love to see an SP/T&NO P14 Sunbeam done by Sunset 3rd Rail!

I think the best way to get Sunbeam cars is to tack it onto a re-run of the Sunset Limited or Daylight.

I’d like to see a Western Pacific M-137 class (2-8-8-2).  I’d go for one of those GS-7/8 too.  It seems like a lot of the brass steam Scott proposes falls short of turning into a project.   A Western Maryland 4-8-4 or Lackawanna 4-8-4 would get my support as well.

-Brian

I’d be in on the T&P Sunbeam in a   heartbeat !!!  I’ve lived in SP territory for a big part of my life and SP is an important part of my collection. Anything steam in brass is Incredibly difficult to get done these days. I think the only chance for this has to happen is if research reveals one or two other versions/ different roads of the 4-6-2 could be found to be done with the SP Sunbeam. And perhaps there’s a black SP version too. Scott pulled this off when he did the T&P steam.

Milwaukee Road 2-6-6-2 Mallet would be awesome. One with a coffin feed water heater although I take either one.

I'm interested in something a bit more common in both a true scale Train Master H-24-66 and an accurate RS3.  Lots of potential in both of these projects, but the RS3 is the harder one with at least 3 tools minimum to cover the variations.  These might gain some tractive effort to pardon the pun.

I don't see much on the horizon for brass steam only because none of us can agree on what we want!  Getting 100 O scalers into a room to agree on a single steam locomotive is next to impossible these days unless it's another locomotive that's been done to death like a K4, Hudson, Big Boy, GS Daylight, you name it from what all the manufacturers have offered over and over and over.

Then of course I'll contradict myself as say how much I'd love a proper CNJ P-47 Pacific in both Blue Comet paint with the correct cars no one has ever done in O scale, and in the later "Miss Liberty" scheme with the correct cars that no one has ever done in O scale.  I'll keep dreaming that dream.  Not happening anytime soon.  While I'm dreaming the impossible, a PRR K2 would be awesome, but also not happening.

Put me in for a Alco RS3. Erie and EL

@GG1 4877 posted:

I'm interested in something a bit more common in both a true scale Train Master H-24-66 and an accurate RS3.  Lots of potential in both of these projects, but the RS3 is the harder one with at least 3 tools minimum to cover the variations.  These might gain some tractive effort to pardon the pun.

I don't see much on the horizon for brass steam only because none of us can agree on what we want!  Getting 100 O scalers into a room to agree on a single steam locomotive is next to impossible these days unless it's another locomotive that's been done to death like a K4, Hudson, Big Boy, GS Daylight, you name it from what all the manufacturers have offered over and over and over.

Then of course I'll contradict myself as say how much I'd love a proper CNJ P-47 Pacific in both Blue Comet paint with the correct cars no one has ever done in O scale, and in the later "Miss Liberty" scheme with the correct cars that no one has ever done in O scale.  I'll keep dreaming that dream.  Not happening anytime soon.  While I'm dreaming the impossible, a PRR K2 would be awesome, but also not happening.

The Trainmaster would be cool. Done a lot already but would be nice to have with fixed pilots.

I can get on board with the Trainmaster and an RS3.

Though I still await the production of the Alco FA, I’d like to also see a run 2 of the FT. Run 1 roads were limited. Lots of other roads could be done.

Another vote for a true RS-3, easily top of the list in terms of diesel locomotives.

Common diesels I'd also like to see from them:

1. Trainmaster styled H-16-44 (not the Lowey styling)

2. RS-11 (low and high short hood) / RS-36 (low short hood)

3. GP39-2

For steam locomotives: anything New Haven.

Electric locomotives: New Haven EP-2, EP-4, or EF-1.

~Chris

@GG1 4877 posted:

While I'm dreaming the impossible, a PRR K2 would be awesome, but also not happening.

I’d be in for two on that one. A K2 or K2a, and a K2b with the smaller 72” drivers.

It would be hard to resist on the RS-3 though.

I would like to see an update for current projects. I would consider a GP30 but doubt if it will be produced for another 3-4 years. While I would also be interested in an accurate RS3 doubt whether it will be done at all.

I think there were only 3 railroads that used them, but I thought those GP40 Widecabs were cool.

C&O K2, N&W S1a, rerun of the N&W 4-8-0's, Mckeen motor car, RF&P 4-8-4

www.youtube.com/trainbros89

plenty of great ideas for GGD too...

Another vote for the RS3…and of course the RSD4 (6-wheel trucks) cousin.  I know Scott would do an awesome job on these… And I would want to buy a lot of them in multiple road names!!  I would hope for multiple runs to spread out my expenditures over time!

Seaboard Air Line RS2, RS3 and RSC3. ESPECIALLY the latter with 6 wheel  trucks. Never done in O scale, AFAIK.

In my opinion, an Alco RS-1 would be of more interest than an RS-3 which has been done by many manufacturers. An Alco high-hood diesel switcher has not been done in O scale and would be even better. And how about a rerun of the New Haven FL9s? For a steam locomotive - a New York Central K-class 4-6-2 Pacific.

MELGAR

Rerun of the M-class N&W 4-8-0 #475

I would love to see a re-run of the B&O P7D Cincinnatian streamlined Pacific, though I know it might be stretching my budget.

Otherwise, I'd like to see the F59PH especially if offered in the NC DOT livery.  The F59PHI would also be interesting, but at least there are a few old K-Line versions floating around out there.

It would also be cool to see some of the interesting variants to common locomotives.  I'm thinking of the GP9R (low short hood) and the GP40-2LW (wide cab GP40).

@MELGAR posted:

In my opinion, an Alco RS-1 would be of more interest than an RS-3 which has been done by many manufacturers. An Alco high-hood diesel switcher has not been done in O scale and would be even better.

While I’m a huge fan of the RS-1, both Atlas and MTH have done these multiple times too. The MTH version is a RailKing model but is scale sized, and very well done for the price point with great ALCo 539T prime mover sounds.

The MTH model even has the correct handrail designs. While I’ve never seen an Atlas version first hand, from the pictures I’ve seen, they look extremely well detailed.

P.S. Both MTH and Lionel have done a high-hood RS-11. Missing of course are high-hood versions of the ALCo Century series locomotives, but I’m wondering maybe you were talking about the early HH600/900/1000 units.

@sdmann

I’d Love to See a CB&Q Aeolus. If the C&O streamlined Hudson could get done…😉
Seems like the Burlington crowd is pretty Large. Surely  there’s a 100 of  ‘em to get this to catch on 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔 What a side by side picture it would be to have a gathering of Zephyr, an Aeolus, and an E5 together !!!!

Cheers.

@rplst8 posted:

While I’m a huge fan of the RS-1, both Atlas and MTH have done these multiple times too. The MTH version is a RailKing model but is scale sized, and very well done for the price point with great ALCo 539T prime mover sounds.

The MTH model even has the correct handrail designs. While I’ve never seen an Atlas version first hand, from the pictures I’ve seen, they look extremely well detailed.

P.S. Both MTH and Lionel have done a high-hood RS-11. Missing of course are high-hood versions of the ALCo Century series locomotives, but I’m wondering maybe you were talking about the early HH600/900/1000 units.

I was referring the early Alco high-hoods - specifically Boston & Albany and New Haven HH600s.

The MTH RS-1s are very nice but haven't been offered lately in New York Central, New Haven or Rutland versions.

Atlas O hasn't done an RS-1 since 2005. It's about time for a rerun. Here are two views of an Atlas O New Haven RS-1 from 2004.

MELGAR

RS-3 is a Slam Dunk.  Tons of roads, never been done well in O.  Trainmaster would be a great follow-up.

- Crank

Soo Line 4-6-2 #2719. 

@TrainBub posted:

I’d Love to See a CB&Q Aeolus. If the C&O streamlined Hudson could get done…😉
Seems like the Burlington crowd is pretty Large. Surely  there’s a 100 of  ‘em to get this to catch on 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔 What a side by side picture it would be to have a gathering of Zephyr, an Aeolus, and an E5 together !!!!

Cheers.

Indeed!

I’d love to see FM Erie Builts done right (ultimate Hiawatha power). OMI did a handful… exceedingly rare.

@SANTIAGOP23 posted:

Indeed!

I’d love to see FM Erie Builts done right (ultimate Hiawatha power). OMI did a handful… exceedingly rare.

What’s wrong with the Atlas version?

@Jim R. posted:

What’s wrong with the Atlas version?

They are good models, but are rather crude. And, Atlas only did the round windshield version, the more commanding square windshield is far more appealing. At least to me.

OMIs link below:

https://www.brasstrains.com/Cl...t-A-B-A-Diesel-Set-5

I’d like to see: models never done in O.

Alco C-430

Alco C-636

Sierra no. 3 4-6-0 (made famous in numerous films and TV)

EMD FP7

FM CPA-24-5 (five-axle passenger C-Liner)

@Jim R. posted:

What’s wrong with the Atlas version?

The windshields are too large -- specifically, too tall.  The prototype curved top version was only curved at the outboard edge.  The inner top edge was straight.  No manufacturer has offered an Erie-Built with a correctly profiled curved-top windshield with the corresponding correct front roof line.  The MTH Erie Built and C-Line cab units suffer from the same deficiency.

I have an A-B-A consist of Atlas Erie-Builts and, although it genuinely bothers me, I just have to not dwell on on the unrealistic, too tall, windshield profile, or it would ruin my enjoyment of running the locomotives.

Also, on the Santa Fe version (which mine are, of course) Atlas chose to paint a sharp curve style warbonnet which is actually prototypical, for cab units 90L and 90BL, but only for one repainting of the units.  They were delivered with a broadly curved warbonnet, then repainted with the sharp curve, and, when next repainted and forever after that until their retirement, they wore the original style broadly curved warbonnet.

I owe you a debt of gratitude, Jim R.  Not wanting to sound picky or whiny, I kept my own counsel about those Atlas Erie Built deficiencies, but -- by asking -- you allowed me to get it off my chest in an answer to your question instead of in a general complaint out of the clear blue.

@SANTIAGOP23 posted:

They are good models, but are rather crude. And, Atlas only did the round windshield version, the more commanding square windshield is far more appealing. At least to me.

OMIs link below:

https://www.brasstrains.com/Cl...t-A-B-A-Diesel-Set-5

I agree. The Atlas Erie-Builts are decent …But as vintage 2004, 05, 08, they are getting a bit “long in tooth” - for detail and “internals”.  An offering with both window versions Would Be Very Compelling !!! While not many roads had these beauties, Most of the Big Road Names Did !!! This should bode well in the Reservations Department. I could anticipate an E-B offering could Quickly Rise in the Q.
How Great it would be to be able to pair this diesel with Scott’s wonderful Hiawatha passenger cars 😮😳🫢😜😜

Cheers 😉

I'd love chop nose GP9s as well if possible in a future run. Additionally a nice GP38 or GP40 would be nice since Lionel hasn't done their 38 in years and MTH never did a hi-hood 40 to my knowledge. Lots of common parts and tooling from the SD40 project...

@Eccentric Crank posted:

RS-3 is a Slam Dunk.  Tons of roads, never been done well in O.

- Crank

Couldn’t agree more, Crank!  No RS2/3’s nor RSD4/5’s have ever been offered with true-scale proportioned bodies and all the separately-applied details that we’re grown accustomed to with higher-end diesels…nothing even close!  Yet so many railroads owned them either first-hand or second hand or…

Certainly enough road names to support several runs.  @sdmann, please, let’s get this project going!

So far, the most prototypical RS-3 carbody is Weaver's because the hoods were low enough to provide the space for correctly profiled windshields, including the pair in the center, and for the cab roof to be realistically higher than the hoods.  But Weaver's version had cast-on grabirons and no provision for the late model RS-3 carbody filters or the hammerhead short hood or optional exhaust stack orientation or optional dynamic brake fan openings.

An RS2/3; RSD-4/5; and RSC-4/5 could be made by Sunset, using configurable molds and also having the RS-2 cab or the RS-3 cab, as appropriate.

The many variations sounds like Scott's worst headache, but he has proven to be pretty durable.

I'm up for anything FM, Train Masters, Erie Builts, or otherwise.

I think Scott has said he already plans to re-run the E8s and Alco PAs / PBs (I think I remember reading that in the fall?).  I'd also like to see a true E4 in SAL Silver Meteor and / or Orange Blossom Special liveries at some point.

Steam -- who knows?  I'd love to see some smaller non-articulated engines, finely detailed -- maybe Virginian passenger steam (Classes EA / TA / PA).  I'd even take an M Class 2-8-2 and run mixed freight and passenger trains.  But none of these will ever happen, 100%.

Personally -- I'd like to see a re-run of the Jawn Henry and aux tenders.  They go for silly money on the used market.

@BlueFeather posted:

I'm up for anything FM, Train Masters, Erie Builts, or otherwise.

I think Scott has said he already plans to re-run the E8s and Alco PAs / PBs (I think I remember reading that in the fall?).  I'd also like to see a true E4 in SAL Silver Meteor and / or Orange Blossom Special liveries at some point.

Steam -- who knows?  I'd love to see some smaller non-articulated engines, finely detailed -- maybe Virginian passenger steam (Classes EA / TA / PA).  I'd even take an M Class 2-8-2 and run mixed freight and passenger trains.  But none of these will ever happen, 100%.

Personally -- I'd like to see a re-run of the Jawn Henry and aux tenders.  They go for silly money on the used market.

Agree with all of those!

Lots of inputs here.  A couple models seem to have several supporters.  For a diesel, I will add my support for an Erie-Built.  As a Pennsy guy, I would buy the Erie-Built with the 1947 and later windshields with the curved upper contour in as delivered paint scheme.  These were the only type the Pennsy had.

If Sunset were to do a steamer again, I would buy the USRA 2-10-2 Heavy Santa Fe in its Pennsy configuration.  I'm not sure how easy it would be for Sunset to build the USRA 2-10-2 in two configurations: its original USRA configuration; and the Pennsy configuration.  But that would broaden its appeal.

Five railroads were provided this engine by the USRA:  Bessemer and Lake Erie; Chicago, Burlington and Quincy; Erie; Colorado and Southern; and Pennsylvania.  Many other railroads had 2-10-2 type engines but not sure how close they were in design the USRA's design.  These included the Santa Fe (naturally), Reading, Illinois Central, B&O, Southern, UP, and Dever & Rio Grande.

The Pennsy's Santa Fe's were quickly Pennsyfied with Belpaire firebox, PRR standard smokebox front with the raise headlight, and bell moved forward.  A tender doghouse was added soon after.  This is the version I will buy.