Sunset Models: New York Central T-Motor Electric Locomotive

For those interested in appropriate eras, the Lightning stripe version would be 1955 and later up to Penn Central. Black would be prior to 1955.

Paid for mine last month.

Bill

Black one paid for....spot on a shelf already reserved.... right between the Lionel S and the MTH P motors.

Jim 

Since my railroad represents a time between 1935 and 1955 I ordered the black version of the T3.  Looking forward to its arrival!  Bo 

I ordered the black one also.

Bill

Thank you to you guys who replied. Just one thing of interest to me and maybe others, did you order yours from a store dealer or direct.

Ed,

I ordered direct when it was first announced a couple of years ago. Didn't want to miss this one.

Jim

Thanks Jim for your response. I am getting mine from my local train store, Tom's Trains in Ardsley, NY. He has 12 on order.

Update from China August 2013:

It’s hot, and the factory is busy working on the models you are waiting for.

The NYC T-3a Electrics are complete and will be in a container next week.  The first run of Light Weight Coaches and SP Lark Sets will also be in this container. All coming the end of August. Working on uploading a little video of the model.

http://youtu.be/oWbwZIu0q2g

We have a few new announcements to make:

First is a new run of RDC-1 and RDC-2 (Rail Diesel Cars). These cars are being tooled for ABS plastic body production and will come with QSI “Titan” DC/DCC with Digital Stereo Sound in 2R and Lionel’s TMCC with enhanced Railsounds for OEM in 3R. We are correcting some of our errors in the first run, and these will have more correct exhaust vents and roof contouring. Look for these models in early 2014. Reserve yours at http://www.3rdrail.com/reservation.html#RDC

We are proud to announce the Timken 4-ACES 4-8-4 which eventually became the NP #2626 A-1 (Both in Grey and Black Boiler). Please  see our web site for details.

All our other projects are progressing, some slower than others, but eventually they will all get built to the highest standards.

Since these guys often traveled in pairs and didn't pull anything else, can the 3-rail models be set up with fixed pilots and Kadees? Also, what are the curve minimums?

The RDC cars should be able to traverse 042 Lionel Track, and Yes, you can replace the 3 Rail couplers with Kadees, but this will restrict the movement a little. How much it is not known until we try.

Scott - China

Cool. I'd be operating them under minimum 48" radius so that shouldn't be a problem. Definitely interested.

Update: NYC T-3s arrive Monday. We will ship out all paid orders. If you wait too long, they will be gone.

Also in this container are the Lark Cars. 1 2R - 12 Car Set has become available.

Our factory is working on the FP7s and Santa Fe Super Chief Cars, to be delivered in late October.

Lots of great models coming out in the next few months. Keep your eyes on our web site for details.

Scott Mann

Got my TTG T3a today. It looks, runs, and sounds great, is very well painted and detailed, and seems to be solidly built. This engine is a winner, much nicer than either my Lionel S motor or my MTH P motor.

If you've got one on order, look forward to it. If you've been on the fence, get one if you can.

Another thread with some photos of my new T:

T motor photos

Jim

When I watched the video of Scott Mann at the factory in China the T motor sound was that of a diesel locomotive both the diesel engine sound and the diesel horn.

It would have better if Lionel had supplied the sound board with the S motor sound that Lionel had used on their two S motors models. Two of my friends who also purchased the T motor plan to purchase a sound board with the correct whistle sound.

Otherwise both of the T motors models look real nice. Plan to unpack mine tomorrow.

Ed,

My T motors have a beautiful electric "whoosh" that sounds nothing like a diesel.

Video will post today.

Scrappy

According to a friend who ran T motors their sound was almost no sound. He ran the T motor model yesterday and confirmed that the sound of his model is incorrect and also the program/run switch came broken off. He is going to phone Sunset Models today and he will probably have to send his engine back for replacement of the switch. Anybody who purchased the model have the same broken off switch?

A few questions for YOU:

1) Did YOU purchase one of these models?

2) If you purchased one, and received the model, have you tried YOUR model yet?

3) If you answered yes to both of the questions, then how do YOU think the sound of the model is?

I don't know what the prototype sounds like. To me the sounds are similar to the soundsets for a GG1 or EP5, that said, it is 100% better then mentioned sets. The sound is cleaner, able to lower engine sound while maintaining a loud horn and bell and no crew talk. Better sounds are coming are way. The only problem with mine was a few cosmetic details where missing or broken. Not enough for me to send back.

Bill 

I purchased the lightning striped model.

I plan to try it out tomorrow.

According to the video that Scott Mann posted on the forum from the factory with him in the video operating the T motor and also one operating on a layout in his area the sound is one of a diesel locomotive and diesel horn. He had told me that he is at the mercy of Lionel as to what sound boards that Lionel sends him. The sound board used in the Lionel S motor would be a much better match for the T motor. Again one of my friends who purchased a T motor ran the locomotive in the late 60s and said that the sound was almost no sound at all.

May I suggest, again, that you wait and run your OWN model prior to posting negative comments?

The sound comments are based on the review of a friend who use to operate the real T motors and he was comparing them to the model he purchased yesterday and what I heard of the model listening to the model running at the factory and on a layout both posted via Scott Mann. I did not want not to make any negative comments and just comment on the positive things about the model but that's what this forum is for. the good and otherwise.

Sounds nothing at all like a diesel.

First thing you hear are the compressor sounds. When it starts moving you hear the low-pitched growl/whine of traction motors. When moving at speed, this seems to fade as the loco sounds are drowned out by the sounds from wheels/track, rolling passenger cars, etc.

The engine itself seems to glide by silently just as the real ones did. The horn is the sound of an air horn, just as I also remember from hours spent at NYC trackside.

Overall, the sounds remind me of what a ride on a subway sounds like from inside the car.

Did anybody catch the fact that the engineer sits in the #2 cab, and the engine starts up with cab #2 forward? Prototype photos show that little attempt was made to run the engines with the #1 cab (marked F) in the lead, so there is nothing at all wrong with this - just interesting.

Overall, a great little engine.

Will try to shoot some video soon.

Jim

If you want the whistle...order the S-1 electric sound board from Lionel while they still have some.

Video added here:

T3 video

Jim

Nice Video, Really shows what this little guy can do. The sounds are what we are allowed to have. There is only 1 electric sound file available to OEMs. I will continue to lobby for more sounds. The electronics in these are programmable, so there is always the possibility of new sounds.

This model is an example of our much improved production process, consisting of a 3D design studio, integrated factory and tooling shop. Together, they can make amazing models for us. This is just the start.

There are a few more T-3s remaining. But don't wait too long.

Cheers,

Scott Mann

Hey Scott how about some R-1s and R-2s.  They were used in the Detroit River Tunnel by the NYC.

Thanks, Dan

Received my T-3a #281 today!  It is a beautiful model.  This little gem runs well, sounds good and looks great.  This is only my second electric motor and my first electric from 3rd Rail.  The fit and finish is superb and I am impressed with how well it tracks.  Very cool indeed!

Jim, very nice video.  Thanks for posting it!

Bo

I noticed that the hand rail on the end platforms is continuous and runs across the steps.  Is this the way the real locomotives are built or is this an oversite by the manufacturer? In the pictures I have looked at I cannot tell how it should be. 

The R-2 could make for an interesting choice.  Besides the NYC, the South Shore in Indiana picked up some in the 1950s as the NYC retired them.  The South Shore converted them to run on their 1500 volt system, and they ran into the 1970s.  2 different railroads worth of electrics could be made using the same basic shell as a starting point (the South Shore moved the cab doors from the front of the carbody onto the sides).

The South Shore also had several paint variations: all were traction orange, early version had South Shore Railroad spelled out in letters, later version had the lettering replaced with the stylized South Shore herald, and the final engine converted got an ultra snazzy zebra striped face in black and white.

David, I have never actually seen a real NYC T-3a, but after reading your question googled images of the NYC T-3a Electric Motor and found several good photos of what appear to be T motors .  It seems that on the prototype the railing immediately above the steps leading to the platform was open to allow passage.  It would be a simple fix to make if you wanted to modify the model, but before I would do that I would want to do some further research just to make sure.  I would also write to Scott Mann at 3rd Rail to get his take on the issue as I would think they would have based their model off of detailed prototype drawings.  There is always the possibility that the railing above the steps seen in prototype photos where actually modified after delivery from the manufacture ALCO-GE.  That is my take, but perhaps there are others more knowledgeable than I about the T-3a who can give a more definitive answer to your question.  Bo 

David:

You are very observant, the hand railing should not be across the area above the top of the stairs the lead to the end platforms. One of my friends who recently retired from the Metro-North Railroad after working on the railroads for 42 years and hired on in 1970 with Penn-Central worked on several now long retired electric locomotives including the T-Motors that ran until 1972 and the P-Motors until 1974 pointed out the error with the end platform railings to me. He also mentioned that there is a strip of brass that runs around where the frame and the body meet and that his was starting to come loose when he removed the body to remove the battery and the battery connection and it's wires. He said that he very carefully reattached that strip of metal using a glue that is made for metal. One more thing the T-motors never had marker lights he said. T-Motor #275 that he ran had a single solid strip by the time he started with Penn-Central. That's it for now.

Looks like it would be easy to snip the offending rail out:

Mine arrived yesterday. I don't have much to add other than the detail is impressive and it runs like a watch.

Jim and Eliot better have designated drivers if they attend Thursday at Fridays. Scott is going to owe them many beers for all the sales they generated.

Pete

Hi Folks,

We chose to continue the railing across the area above the steps, as in early drop tests the 2 unsupported posts would either get bent or break off the deck.

If you want to be prototypical, you can cut the railing as shown here.

As for Marker Lights, they were on earlier T3s, we figured if you don't want them, you can easily snip them off.

Regards,

Scott Mann - China

Thanks Scott your explanation shows how a manufacturer walks a fine line between the prototype and a model and what is right and practical for the hobbyist. Love my T3!

Thanks, Scott.

I had guessed that the solid railing was for strength during shipping. Now that the engine will be residing on calmer waters, I made the cuts and all is well.

Thanks again for a great engine.

Jim

Pete, thanks for posting the great photo.  It shows the steps well.  I think I will leave the railing on mine as built and just watch my head. I picked my model up in San Ramon.  Scott's crew gave me a great tour of the warehouse and service center.  

In talking about the next electric to model, the NYC R1 would be nice if it is large enough to get the motors under the hoods. The one I would really like to see is an early N and W electric with the side rods and jack shaft. MTH catalogued it once but never made it.  I have not bought anything from MTH since they canceled that locomotive. 

There was another thread about Scott making 44 toners. I would like to see, and get some, in the western interurban road paint schemes.  Maybe he could do a PE version with trolley poles on it, but SN in orange and black would be my first choice.  

The one I would really like to see is an early N and W electric with the side rods and jack shaft.

Would be a lovely project for the electric and/or N&W aficionado. Got to do as has been done for other "obscure" railroads or locos: start a campaign. Be warned-the N&W LC-1 and LC-2 locos were run in pairs, making for a muy expensivo model