Customer Comments 

We welcome any comments so that we may improve our service to our customers.
03-27-2001
Hi Scott, 
I was able to purchase a 3rd.Rail C&O ALLEGHENY from the TRAIN LOFT in Winston Salem, NC. I want to tell you that this is the best looking steam locomotive I have ever seen. HANDS DOWN. I only wish I had been able to keep my reservations thru you. I hope I can find a 3rd. Rail "VIRGINIAN " ALLEGHENY w/TMCC someday.I HOPE YOU WILL CONSIDER MAKING A N&W Y6B MALLET 2-8-8-2 . Please Reply! Any responce will be greatly appreciated! Take Care & Keep Up The EXCELLENT WORK.
Jed Y.
03-28-2001 Re: PRR N-1
I would like to complement you on the fit, finish, detail and running
characteristics of this model, my first brass steam locomotive.  When
someone says smooth running it means there is a difference between the
non-sprung drivers and your sprung drivers.  There is no question that
I have never seen finer detail in any model.  I am also surprised at
the durability of the unit.  A little care and feeding is all it
takes.  I conasider yours to be the finest proto-typical locomotives I
have ever seen.  Keep em coming.  A proud owner. Tom. M
03-27-2001
Scott -
I have to tell you that the C&O Allegheny I recently received exceeded all
my modeling expectations. Many of the newer 3rd Rail engines I am familiar
with, especially the ATSF 4-8-4 and this lastest release,  are clearly
exceptional and greatly surpass the competition. You and everyone at 3rd
Rail have every right to be proud of your line and should know that you are
well serving the needs of those of us who view the brass locomotive not
just as a mechanical contivance but an art form.
Many thanks,
Mike Casatelli 
03-18-2001 Hi 
Congratulations!!!
I just received my Allegheny, and it is beautiful.... and it runs as good as it looks.  Your quality just completely blows me away.  I am new to model railroading (unless you consider the trains of my youth in the 50's) and you products make me like a 3 year old in a candy store... so much I want.  So far I have purchased the Union Pacific caboose, the Samson engine and now the Allegheny... zero disappointments.  You have me hooked as a regular customer.
J. Reiners
11-30-00 Dear Sunset,  The mikes arrived today and are fantastic.  I love the models: SUPERB job. Two customers are coming over tonight and will agree. Keep up the good work!
 09-30-00  Scott,  I just received my Modern PRR T-1 from XXX today.  I must say it is fantastic!  It ran smoothly right out of the box and if there is any detail mising I don't know what it would is.  I also have your B&O EM-1 and PRR Q-2 locomotives and they too are first quality models.  The effort you are putting into providing models of the highest quality is evident.  I am an O scale locomotive builder and detailer and I know what it takes to produce a model with the detail and running quality that you and your uilder have achieved.  Many thanks for your efforts and I look forward to future Sunset Models. Joe F.
10-31-00: I received the P-54 coach #465 yesterday. When I opened the package, I was very impressed with the level of detail and workmanship that are found in this product. I would rather have one highly detailed model of a specific prototype, than several generic, less expensive models. This model met all of my expectations and I am very satisfied with it. This was my first purchase from 3rd Rail and I am looking forward to future models that you have planned. Gil
10-02-00  Scott:  I just wanted to let you know that the Pennsy T-1 demonstrator I receivedfrom you last week lives up to all your promises. The model work iscontemporary 3rd Rail gorgeous, and when you advertised that it would be "smooth, smooth, smooth," you meant it.  It runs flawlessly through somecomplicated switching and on all curves from 072 up. And the tires makequite a difference in performance. From my perspective, it's definitely the best of the T-1 crop that has appeared in the last couple of months, not to mention the earlier Right-of-Way and Weaver runs. Thanks very much for the fine effort. Mike C.
7-8-00 Regarding Samson:
I picked up mine at Ballaire Roundhouse today. This is absolututely one of the finest looking engines I have ever owned. Thank you for making quality pieces like this available - and affordable- to the average guy.  Sincerely; Jim Jackson Houston, TX
7-5-00
Just received my Samson today. That little engine looks so cool, just right 
for my small layout. Makes my B&O 2-8-0 look mammoth when sitting next to it. 
All I need now is a 2-6-2 or 2-6-0 in two rail for passenger work and I will 
have a full roster. Any plans for one soon? Keep up the good work. Thanks, 
Ray D
7-5-00
I just purchased a B&O EM-1 Yellowstone Loco in the original shipping box unopened.  The care in packing at your manufacturer is superior. The loco
itself is a work of art and the quality is excellent. This is my first sunset model and I am very pleased with it. I have two MTH Premier Steam locos which are
nice, but yours is better detailed.  I tested the Loco on a 10' test track and it performed smoothly in both directions.  The sound unit from QSI works great. I think Sunset Models makes a great product and I am Looking forward to the Allegany loco I have
on reserve. Thanks for making a great affordable product.
Rudy Gyuga 
2-4-00 
Test ran the N1 today prior to lubrication. what great engine. It truly captures the look bulk and sound of the real thing {prototype]. I am greatly pleased by the effort made by 3rd rail in producing this accurate and exciting  model of the pennsy N1. Now I can look forward (with great anticipation) to the M1 - hopefully
shortly. 
12-3-99  Dear 3rd rail;
About a year ago, I got into the hobby of O-gauge railroading. Like alot of people, I immediately went out and purchased MTH (both Premier and Railking) steam locomotives. Compared to a Lionel which I thought
were over priced and "toy trainish" looking, I thought these products to be a great deal.  Then, I got a look at 3rd rail's products in "O-gauge" magazine. Immediately, I sold my MTH models and purchased a Pennsy
4-6-4-4.  Upon receiving the box, the forst thing I noted was theimpressive amount of detail you folks put into just your packing, alone. Then, the true moment came, as I unwrapped this piece of art. I was immediately floored. Also, I became hooked. Next, I purchased your U.P 4-12-2. I couldn't believe it. When I received this model, the first thought that came to my mind was that this belonged in the Smithsonian.  Now, I decided to take a bit of a chance and access your boneyard. I saw the Pennsy S2 Turbine - a locomotive I always admired. I called you
folks up and even you told me that this model was a project left over from Williams and the detail may not be up to par as your other models. However, at that price, I still considered it a steal and I ran out to order it. Upon receiving the box and opening it, I was once again floored. If this was your lack of detail, folks, you have indeed sold yourself short. I did have a few problems, however, but your wonderful staff just told me to mail back the parts in question and they would take care of it. Your staff is warm and friendly.   Folks, now I am faced with a dilema, with limited funds, should I next go for your B&O articulated or your Pennsy "Sharknose" recently
announced. Either way, it will be one of them.   I conclude now by saying...Please stick around and keep up the great work in conjunction with your friendly customer service.
6-20-99 RE: 3R PRR S-1 6-4-4-6: Scott,this is without a doubt,the finest scale model I have seen. It is
awsum. The tender is unbelievable too. Thanks. Also make sure I get UP 9000
6-20-99 Greetings: I had to drop a line and comment on the GN Loco. As you may remember I had trouble with first, the chuff and then the tender sound board itself. Not having done business with your company needless to say, I was somewhat skeptical about the situation. Well, after a couple of back and forth we are finally settled. The engine appearance and sound is beautiful. All of my fears were unnecessary, you performed as well as your product, as far as customer relations go. Your guarantee is obviously your bond and being in business myself is indeed a great thing. Please tell all individual owners and workers, of a job well done. Especially Scott and Gary whom I spoke with to most. I know now that your product and guarantee is alive and well. Thank You R.P. too.  Mr. G.
5-24-99 Scott, you have blown me away with the Great Northen S-2.  I have the green model, and I can't get over how great it looks, with the paint and detail.  I am becoming a very big fan of the product you guys have turned out.  I just picked up a SP Atlantic, from the secondary market, and I am thrilled also.  Can't wait for the small articulated logging and B&O EM-1.  Keep up the good work!! Mike B.
January 18, 1999:  For a long time I haven't seen a better diesel engine than your Dash9 painted in the SF warbonnet colors, it makes Mike's plastic look so plain and shrunken (5/8" Shorter). Contrary to the CTT review, I think it runs all right.  Anyway, the appearance alone is worth it.  It is so nice that I an wondering if I could order another Dash9 in the BNSF greena and orange, yellow striping, 3 rail with sound. $$$ inclosed, Thankyou. G.H. Spokane WA.
January 8, 1999:  I would like to add that the Dash9 that I added to my collection is the best Dash9 made anywhere.  My freinds and I cannot believe the detail on this Dash9.  Keep up the good work. CJM San Antonio TX.
October 22, 1998 Hi Everyone at 3rd Rail, Just wanted to let you know that my Southern Pacific AC-6 Cab Forward and my chlorine tank car arrived today. Everything was in perfect shape. (The boiler front had popped off but that was easy to reinsert.) I have test run the locomotive and it seems to run perfectly. Time to lubricate. The AC6 is my ninth 3rd rail locomotive and with my layout mainline having a minimum turning radius of 70 inches (i.e., O-140) the locomotive looks magnificent. (In addition to the 9 current 3rd Rail locomotives I have four on order.) I would like to thank everyone at 3rd Rail for all of the hard work it must take to supply such fine models to people like me. I also want to be sure to thank the two (I think there are two) women who answer calls and really help me every time I call. They are always pleasant and helpful. They never rush me. I've met Mort and Scott at York....my pleasure. Again, thanks....I'll be in touch. Best regards, Bill
August 7, 1998 Dear 3rd Rail / Sunset - Friends. The CSX Dash 9 just arrived this week. I test ran it a few minutes ago. Gentlemen -- This is an awsome piece of work -- I LOVE IT!! This is my 5th 3rd Rail engine and they just keep getting better and better. Thanks J.C.E. August 8, 1998 Dear Scott, I received the Dash nines in brass. Both are stunning models, beyond anything available so far from any manufacturer. They set the new standard for finely detailed diesel models.
August 6, 1998 RE: Dash 9 Diesel: Most of you guys know that I am fairly new to this hobby. I love MTH and have acquired 13 Premier and Rail King engines. I was browsing the web pages when I ran across 3rd rail sunset. The proposed SD-7 and SD-9 caught my eye when I noticed the Dash-9 coming out in brass. Now I know that the $699.00 pre-order price looked steep but having just bought the RK Big Boy and ordering the Veranda helped ease the sticker shock. I decided to order it because they give a money back guarantee. Yesterday the Brown truck came with my long awaited UP Dash-9. I opened it and was very impressed. Now remember that I am a MTH homer. I then took out my C&NW Premier Dash-9 to compare. I was blown away. The detail inside of the cab was unbelievable. The gauges are all painted and there is no motor enclosure as the ingine uses a pittman motor enclosed in the fuel tank with driveshafts cleverly hidden to the sprung trucks. The vent work is so perfect that you can see throught the vents to the other side if backlit with a flashlight. Now the peace to resistance (with an accent), the pilots do not turn with the wheels like the real thing. She requires a 72" track and looks great on the turns. I know 2-MTH for the price of one. This is probably the only brass that I will buy but it is nice to have one that is the perfect 10. I would suggest to you guys that if you can scrimp, save, or pass on another selection you give this engine a look. P.S. They don't even know I am writing this and it is an unpaid endorsement.
January 11, 1998 Dear Sirs, I am taking this time to write you a note of thanks to you and all the folks at Sunset 3rd Rail. I have always loved model trains but actually did no buying until tow years ago. My interest is O gauge and specifically steam engines. I recently purchased a Pennsy J1 and an S2 from you and I wanted to tell you how much I liked my engines. They are absolutely unbelievable in detail, fit, and finish. Of all the models I have, I am most happy with my Sunset 3rd Rail Steam engines. I might mention that I do own quite a few M.T.H., Lionel, Weaver, and R-O.W. I appreciate being able to use your lay-away and the helpfulness and kindness of your staff when I call to talk or ask questions. I certainly look forward to doing business with you from now on. I look forward to your new releases and commend your quality and dedication to faithful reproduction of by-gone steam. Thanks again, Sincerely, Tom C.
Dear Mr. Mann(January 9, 1998) I am a 67 year old retiree that's in the process of building an O gauge layout in my basement. When I received the December issue of CTT the first thing that caught my eye was their review of your Pennsy J1. I was blown away with it's detail and beauty. It really haunted me all that day and night. I couldn't resist any longer so the following day I called Stockyard Express in nearby Oberlin. He said he could get one from you in a week. So I waited on pins and needles till December 5th. Upon opening your incredible packaging the awesome J1 emerged. It's more than I ever could have imagined! I have an MTH NKP Berkshire to and MTH Pennsy k4. They're great but really pale compared to my J1. Keep up the good work and my suggestion to you would be to consider a scale Berkshire and a Pennsy K4. I would gladly sell my MTH versions to buy yours. You're on the right track in offering superior quality high rail locomotives. If you publish a catalogue or news letter please add my name to it. Cordially Yours, Ray R
February, 1998: As 3-rail O gauge Big Boys go, I rate this one at the bottom of the heap. It is a notoriously slow and noisy runner and lacks detail. I've owned several and wouldn't pay more than about $850 for one if MIB. Best 3-rail Big Boy on the market is the brass model from Sunset/3rd Rail. It has good detail (including cab detail) and runs well, nice paint too. In my opinion the sprung chassis is the smoothest operating in the market. The MTH Big Boy is OK but the rigid drive train and light front engine reduces pull and the diecast model has even less detail than the Williams Big Boy. I got rid of my MTH Big Boy in favor of the 3rd Rail model. H..s..aol.com
3RD Rail: Your pages are just fantastic and the equipment you are coming out with seems to be sensational looking and I know we are going to purchase more of your pulling power. Thank you for the New Years Greeting and for putting up with us the past year when we had a problem with the J-1. It is now running so smooth, you can hardly hear it and we get a lot of AW's when we pull it out of the Engine House onto the turntable. Thanks again and may I wish you a VERY HEALTHY, HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AND THIS WILL DEFIANTLEY HAPPEN TO YOUR COMPANY. Jerry D
December 1997 Hello , My name is D. C. in Knoxville Tn. I purchased by mail a new C&O T-1 from your company a couple of weeks ago. It is a Christmas present from my wife to me (even though I ordered it myself.) I just want to tell you that I was very impressed with the way the engine was packed and shipped. No one, and I mean NO ONE that I know of takes the measures that you do to prevent damage to an engine that is shipped cross country. I just want to say good job and my engine arrived in perfect condition. Another thing is the DETAIL on my loco. I cannot believe the detail on this engine!!! I work for NS railroad and I have been around steam locomotives all my life (my dad was a road foreman of engines for NS) , it looks just like the real thing. The only bad thing about it is my wife won't let me run it untill Christmas Day!!!!! BUMMER!!!! I can't wait. Thanks for such a well made product. This is my first 3rd rail engine, but you can bet it will not be my last! You just got a new loyal customer. thanks and MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your families. D. C.
Subj: Re:Sunset Date: 97-11-06 23:21:35 EST From: MainlineIn I have a Pennsy I-1 with long haul tender and am most pleased with this unit. This was a Christmas present from my wife several years ago. Had a problem with a screw coming out and fouling up side rods as well as breaking motor to gearbox coupling. Returned unit to Sunset for repair and received new unit in less than 2 weeks (Ohio to California and back). I also requested to purchase a smoke unit and circuit board for future use, which they supplied at a most reasonable cost. I have ordered parts for Williams and Weaver from a gentleman on the east coast, and it has taken three to four weeks for the order to arrive. My friend has the S2 steam turbine ( I hope to own one of these beauties someday ) and just called for a replacement part, and was told it will be supplied at no charge. If this is poor service, give me more of the same. In my opinion Third Rail is not a ME TOO operation, rather he is trying to fill the gaps the others leave, and also provide quality product and service to his customers. Try to get a detail part from Williams, it cannot be done, I've tried several times.
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