September 2, 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 these offerings HERE.

These items are available to order from your local M.T.H. Authorized Retailer.

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 these offerings HERE.

OPERATING FEATURES

• Intricately Detailed, Durable ABS Body
• Die-Cast Truck Sides, Pilots and Fuel Tank
• Metal Chassis
• Metal Handrails and Horn
• Metal Handrails
• Moveable Roof Fans
• Metal Body Side Grilles
• Detachable Snow Plow
• (2) Handpainted Engineer Cab Figures
• Authentic Paint Scheme
• Metal Wheels, Axles and Gears
• (2) Remote-Controlled Proto-Couplers (Hi-Rail Wheels Only)
• O Scale Kadee-Compatible Coupler Mounting Pads
• Prototypical Rule 17 Lighting
• Directionally Controlled Constant Voltage LED Headlights
• Lighted LED Cab Interior Light
• Illuminated LED Number Boards
• (2) Precision Flywheel-Equipped Motors
• Operating ProtoSmoke Diesel Exhaust
• Onboard DCC/DCS Decoder
• Locomotive Speed Control In Scale MPH Increments
• Proto-Scale 3-2 3-Rail/2-Rail Conversion Capable
• 1:48 Scale Proportions
• Proto-Sound 3.0 With The Digital Command System Featuring Quillable Horn With Freight Yard Proto-Effects
• Unit Measures: 18 1/2" x 2 5/8" x 4"
• Hi-Rail Models Operate On O-31 Curves
• Scale Wheel Models Operate On 42" Radius Curves

Check out each of these offerings HERE.

Scheduled Arrivals Thru September 15, 2026

September 2, 2026 - To review a list of items scheduled for arrival between September 1, 2026, and September 15, 2026, click HERE. Upon the completion of quality assurance inspections, the items will begin shipping to M.T.H. Authorized Retailers and Distributors.

As always, you can stay apprised of the latest shipping dates by using the M.T.H. Product Search tool. Once items have shipped, their individual pages will show the month the item has shipped and a list of retailers reporting the item in stock.

M.T.H. Electric Trains will be releasing an exciting series of RailKing O Gauge R142A and R188 Subway Sets, each in 4-car and 2-car configurations this Winter. All will be available in limited quantities and are expected to begin shipping to M.T.H. Authorized Retailers in February 2027.

Check out each of these offerings HERE.

These items are available to order from your local M.T.H. Authorized Retailer.

M.T.H. Electric Trains will be releasing an exciting series of RailKing O Scale Subway Entrances this Fall. All will be available in limited quantities and are expected to begin shipping to M.T.H. Authorized Retailers in November 2026.

Check out each of these offerings HERE.

These items are available to order from your local M.T.H. Authorized Retailer.

M.T.H. Electric Trains will be releasing the 2026 Premier O Scale 40’ Steel Sided Power Meter Car in six different schemes this Winter. The cars will be available in two different car numbers and are expected to begin shipping to M.T.H. Authorized Retailers in December 2026.

Check out each of these offerings HERE.

These items are available to order from your local M.T.H. Authorized Retailer.