Sunset Models 3rd Rail

Had a great day visiting TrainWorld yesterday! Huge thank you to the Ken Jr, Ken Senior, and the entire team for the warm welcome, friendliness, and hospitality.

It’s always a pleasure spending time with people who share the same passion for the hobby and work so hard to keep it growing.

🚂 HO AC-9 check-in time!

You guys have been showing these HO Scale Southern Pacific AC-9s a lot of love, and reservations are coming along nicely. We're getting very close to being able to put these beasts on the production schedule! 🔥

If you've been sitting on the fence, now's a good time to jump in. The faster we hit the numbers, the faster we can start turning one of SP's most unique steam locomotives into reality.

Who's already got one reserved? 👀

https://www.thirdandtownsendmodels.com/product-page/ho-scale-sunset-models-southern-pacific-ac-9-2-8-8-4

🚂 Happy 611 Day! 🚂

Today we’re celebrating Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 and an exciting month ahead as she has returned to the rails for a series of excursion trips.

The Virginia Museum of Transportation has been incredible to work with on her celebratory 250th livery paying homage to the original 1976 American Freedom Train concept artwork!

If you haven’t reserved yours yet, be sure to secure your America 250th Anniversary 611!

Here’s to another great season for 611 under
steam!

https://www.thirdandtownsendmodels.com/product-page/sunset-models-3rd-rail-norfolk-western-611-250th-livery

ROANOKE, VA — The Virginia Museum of Transportation Inc. (VMT), in partnership with Sunset Models 3rd Rail, is proud to announce that the legendary Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 will receive a temporary special red, white, and blue livery in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary during the 2026 “Summer of Steam” excursion season on the Virginia Scenic Railway.

The patriotic design is inspired by the original concept artwork created for the American Freedom Train during the nation’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976. The artwork drawings were provided by Keith Muldowney. While the famed No. 611 was ultimately not selected to lead the actual American Freedom Train tour, the locomotive played an important role in the project’s early history appearing prominently in concept renderings and promotional materials used to market the idea nationwide.
This commemorative scheme honors that unique chapter in the locomotive’s story while celebrating America’s railroading heritage and the enduring spirit of innovation the 611 represents.

The special commemorative scheme is being professionally applied by Sova Vinyl Pros of Danville, Virginia, with lettering coordination by Ken Miller of the Norfolk & Western Historical Society. Their combined expertise and dedication to historical accuracy are helping bring this unique interpretation of the American Freedom Train concept artwork to life on the legendary No. 611.

“This is an incredibly exciting moment for the Virginia Museum of Transportation and for the future story of the 611,” said Mendy Flynn, Executive Director of the Virginia Museum of Transportation. “This special scheme represents a bold new chapter in the locomotive’s storied history while paying tribute to our nation’s 250th Anniversary and the role railroads played in building America. We are thrilled and deeply thankful to partner with Sunset Models 3rd Rail to help bring this historic event to life.”

Zac McGinnis, Steam Operations Manager for the Virginia Museum of Transportation, added, “This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event, and what better way to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary than with one of America’s greatest innovations - the iconic Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611,” said Zac McGinnis, Steam Operations Manager for the Virginia Museum of Transportation. “Railroads helped link this country together, fueling industry, commerce, and connection from coast to coast. Even today, railroads remain a lifeline for everyday life across America, and this project is a powerful reminder of that legacy. To have the opportunity to operate the 611 on these ‘Summer of Steam’ excursions (especially on the Fourth of July) in this historic red, white, and blue livery is truly the icing on the cake and something we’ll never forget.”

“We are pleased to partner with the Virginia Museum of Transportation and the Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 to bring this project to full-scale life,” said Jay Escamilla of Sunset Models 3rd Rail. "This partnership is a reflection of our company’s core philosophy: to be more than just a business. It represents our commitment to quality, transparency, and preserving the legacy of both the model railroading hobby and the broader story of American railroading, while supporting the celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary”.

The special patriotic livery will debut during the Virginia Scenic Railway’s “Summer of Steam” excursions and will be featured throughout the anniversary celebration season. Additional details for other special events surrounding the locomotive’s appearance will be announced in the coming months.
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The response to No. 611’s America 250 appearance has been absolutely out of this world!

The overwhelming majority of comments have been positive, and some folks aren’t fans and that’s perfectly okay. In fact, that’s part of why we’re doing this. The ability to have different opinions and openly express them is one of the things that makes our country great. For 250 years, Americans have enjoyed that freedom, and it’s something worth celebrating.

For those interested, here are a few details about the scheme:

🇺🇸 It’s a vinyl wrap, making it completely temporary and exclusive to the America 250 celebration.

🤝 The project is made possible through the generosity of a donor and preservationist who wanted to help commemorate this historic milestone…..thank you Sunset Models 3rd Rail!

🤔 The design ties directly into an important chapter of No. 611’s history.

🇺🇸The red, white, and blue colors were carefully chosen to closely match the iconic American Freedom Train colors as closely as modern vinyl allows. The artwork photos were provided by Keith Muldowney.

📝 The N&W lettering remains historically accurate.

🇺🇸 The lettering, numbers, and stars are outlined in blue for added detail and visibility.

⭐️The ten stars on each side represent Virginia being the 10th state admitted to the Union.

🇺🇸🚂 The scheme pairs beautifully with our Norfolk & Western Bicentennial locomotive that commemorates 1776.

🚂 If Norfolk & Western had continued operating steam beyond 1960, there’s little doubt that a Class (the pride of the steam fleet) would have been decorated for the 1976 Bicentennial, just as railroads have long decorated diesel locomotives for special anniversaries and patriotic celebrations.

And last but certainly not least… America will only turn 250 once. Why not celebrate it and have a little fun along the way?

If you love it, thank you! Give it a like, leave a comment, and share it with your friends.

If you don’t love it, that’s okay too, we respect your opinion. We simply ask that everyone keep the conversation respectful and PG-rated for the many young railfans and families who follow our page.

Our next station stops are Staunton and Louisa, Virginia on the Virginia Scenic Railway. Get your tickets to ride behind the 611 in this once and a lifetime patriotic scheme and come celebrate America with us…tickets can be purchased at https://www.virginiascenicrailway.com/rides/summer-of-steam/

Steam on for 250 years of America!