Sunset Models 3rd Rail Siemens Charger diesel locomotive

Sunset Models 3rd Rail Siemens Charger diesel locomotive. Cody Grivno photo

Love them or hate them, it was only a matter of time before Siemens Mobility’s Charger diesel locomotives made their way into the model railroading world. Sunset Models 3rd Rail has taken the lead in producing both the SC-44 and ALC-42 types in O scale. These 2- and 3-rail models were announced in 2022 and began shipping in November 2025. The production and distribution is overseen by Third & Townsend Models, who recently partnered with Sunset Models Inc., its subsidiary 3rd Rail Division, and Golden Gate Depot.

Taking charge

Passenger train passing fall foliage — An Amtrak Midwest Siemens Charger SC-44 locomotive leads a southbound Amtrak *Hiawatha* through Deerfield, Ill., on Oct. 31, 2024. David Lassen

Siemens Mobility and Amtrak joined forces in the early 2010s to develop an entirely new fleet of passenger diesel-electric locomotives. The goal was to replace the aging GE P40 and P42 Genesis models. Inspired by Europe’s Vectron locomotives, the new design would also meet Tier 4 emission standards.

The SC-44 was the first in the Charger series to be produced at Siemens’ assembly plant in Sacramento, Calif. These units were designed for state-supported, regional operations. Each SC-44 is powered by a Cummins QSK95 prime mover, capable of producing 4,400 hp, which gives the locomotive its SC-44 designation. A total of 66 units were ordered for transportation agencies in Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, California, and Washington. They are now the primary motive power for Amtrak’s state-funded operations from the Chicago hub, as well as in California and the Pacific Northwest.

In December 2018, an order for 75 ALC-42 units was announced. These were intended to replace Amtrak’s remaining fleet on long-distance routes. Key differences from the SC-44 include a slightly reduced horsepower (4,200 hp) but increased fuel capacity and head-end power. The first ALC-42 locomotive began testing in 2021. This was followed by Nos. 301 (featuring its “Day One” scheme, a tribute to the EMD E8 painted in 1971) and 302, which debuted in regular service on Feb. 8, 2022, on the Chicago-Seattle Empire Builder. Despite initial challenges, Amtrak ordered an additional 50 locomotives and continues to expand their use across its national network.

Out of the box

Front end of O scale diesel locomotive model — Cody Grivno photo

Sunset Models 3rd Rail offers the Charger in both SC-44 and ALC-42 series. The former is available in Amtrak’s Midwest, Pacific Surfliner, Caltrans, and Cascade schemes, along with MARC, Altamont Corridor Express, Coaster, and Siemens Demonstrator liveries. The latter features Amtrak No. 301 in the “Day One” scheme, plus the carrier’s Phases 6-7 liveries and a Metro-North Railroad option. This review specifically focuses on the Amtrak Midwest SC-44 Charger No. 4630 in 3 rail.

Measuring 1’-6” from coupler to coupler, the model is nearly spot-on for 1:48-scale accuracy when compared to the prototype’s 71.5-foot length. This precision is expected, given Sunset Models’ reputation for accurate O-scale locomotives and rolling stock under its 3rd Rail Division and Golden Gate Depot brands.

I can see why these models knocked Third & Townsend President Jay Escamilla and his team back when they saw them in person. Across the ABS body, the detailing — separately applied and molded — is at the highest level with no stones left unturned regarding accuracy. How accurate are we talking? Take a closer look at the wheels; they include brass inlays adhering to prototype standards.

The Amtrak Midwest color scheme is crisp and flawless. Even the abstract polka dot pattern, adopted from the Siemens Demonstrator livery, appears on point. The decaled numbers and lettering are clearly legible. However, there are some decals on the Amtrak Midwest model that aren’t present, specifically the logos at the end of the locomotive for the state departments of transportation that support the regional services.

Rear side of O scale diesel locomotive model — Cody Grivno photo

On the tracks

Following the tradition of past 3rd Rail O-scale locomotives, the 2-rail Chargers utilize ESU Loksound 5.0 for DCC and DC operations. The 3-rail counterparts are equipped with Lionel’s TMCC and RailSounds, along with cruise circuit boards by Electric Railway Circuits (ERR). Controls for the smoke unit and sound volume are located under a magnet-attached hatch in the rear electrical equipment compartment. A removable 9V battery is also included for conventional operations, and it is recommended to remove it before extended periods of non-use.

Hatch cover of O scale diesel locomotive model — Cody Grivno photo

Our 3-rail No. 4630 was tested at the Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club with three Amtrak Horizon passenger cars from Atlas O.

Right out the gate, the model effortlessly started the short train, gliding smoothly over switches with minimal speed fluctuations. There is a bit of practice in keeping the speed changes smooth with little fluctuations, as Lionel’s CAB-1 control system can be finicky, even with the high momentum and the ERR 100 speed step in place. But once you feel comfortable with the controls, the locomotive delivers an impressive performance, feeling ready to fly along the 110 mph Michigan Line with the Wolverine in tow (assuming a minimum 072-curve layout and a desire for high speeds).

As mentioned, the prototypes are Tier 4 emission compliant. Despite this, the 1:48-scaled model still includes a smoke unit that operates separately in conventional and TMCC modes.

The loud and clear sound effects, delivered through dual speakers, utilize Lionel’s RailSounds files. These include crew talk, tower communications, prime mover start-up and shut-down, bell, and horn. However, the horn does not sound like a Nathan K5LA. The sound system is basic compared to the more extensive bells and whistles found in Lionel’s Legacy and VisionLine electronics, but it’s a good balance in exchange for keeping the price down.

Top of O scale diesel locomotive model — Cody Grivno photo

The LED lighting in the model includes directional headlight and marker lights, lighted number boxes, flashing beacons on the roof, ditch lights, interior cab lights, and lights shining through the mesh grids on the sides of the cooling compartment. The forward destination sign does not light up, and the sign itself is not included.

It’s important to note that certain light features operate differently than intended. The roof beacon, interior cab, and cooling compartment lights only turn on when the model is set to reverse, remaining off in forward. The ditch lights also only operate for a few seconds after either cycling all lights off and on again with AUX 2, or by setting the locomotive in reverse and then back to forward. According to Jay Escamilla, this was a design choice due to constraints of the TMCC system during the models’ development.

Final thoughts and a second charge

Overall, you’re getting a high-end looking model that’s a solid performer, all while staying south of $1,000. To me, that’s a good deal for a product that is expected to improve with additional runs.

While not yet officially announced, Escamilla confirms that a second production run is planned with expected enhancements. The lighting system will be rewired to address the previous TMCC electronics constraints (possibly including a static, illuminated destination sign). While the existing electronics will remain the company’s baseline, an additional option will be offered in the form of SoundTraxx’s Blunami sound decoder.

So, if you missed the first run of the Sunset Models 3rd Rail Siemens Charger diesel locomotive, be ready to place your pre-order when Third & Townsend announces the second charge.