ScaleTrains HO EMD GP39E review

Color photo showing cab and short hood of HO scale diesel painted green, white, and black on white background.

As a Burlington Northern fan, I was fired up when ScaleTrains announced it was producing the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) GP39E in HO scale. The model, part of the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line, depicts the four-axle road unit in its as-delivered appearance with Quantum Q2000 crossing strobes on the front deck. The full-size version of our […]

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ScaleTrains HO scale BN GP39E

The ScaleTrains Electro-Motive Division GP39E HO scale (1:87.1) diesel locomotive is featured in this latest product review video from Model Railroader magazine. Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the unit, which is part of the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line. The reviewed model is decorated as Burlington Northern GP39E No. 2762. This unit has a rich history, […]

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ScaleTrains HO scale BN GP39E

The ScaleTrains Electro-Motive Division GP39E HO scale (1:87.1) diesel locomotive is featured in this latest product review video from Model Railroader magazine. Senior Editor Cody Grivno reviews the unit, which is part of the manufacturer’s Rivet Counter line. The reviewed model is decorated as Burlington Northern GP39E No. 2762. This unit has a rich history, […]

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Cody’s Office | November 2025

This month’s episode of Cody’s Office is packed with three new products, a helpful modeling tip, and answers to your viewer mail questions. Cody showcases some great new products, including the HO scale Proto series scale test car from Walthers, the N scale Santa Fe mechanical refrigerator car from Rapido Trains, and the HO scale Electro-Motive […]

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Cody’s Office | November 2025

This month’s episode of Cody’s Office is packed with three new products, a helpful modeling tip, and answers to your viewer mail questions. Cody showcases some great new products, including the HO scale Proto series scale test car from Walthers, the N scale Santa Fe mechanical refrigerator car from Rapido Trains, and the HO scale Electro-Motive […]

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ScaleTrains S gauge wood reefer

Color photo showing B end details of S gauge wood refrigerator car painted yellow-orange, mineral brown, and black on white background.

The fourth model to join the ScaleTrains S-Helper Service lineup is a 41-foot wood refrigerator car. The model, based on an American Car & Foundry prototype from the 1920s, features plastic construction; factory-installed and painted wire grab irons; and sprung, die-cast metal trucks. Prototype history The review sample we received is decorated as Santa Fe […]

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Classic Toy Trains new products for November 2025

black model diesel locomotive

Locomotives & rolling stock MTH Electric Trains, 7393 Washington Blvd. Ste. 101, Elkridge, MD 21075, is selling an O scale Offset Steel Caboose as part of the Premier line. The caboose will be available in seven roadnames with two car numbers each, and features O-31 operation (20-91871 shown). Expected delivery in April 2026. Price: $94.95. […]

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ScaleTrains HO NS AC44C6M review

Color photo showing nose of HO scale diesel locomotive painted blue, gray, yellow, black, and white on white background.

A Norfolk Southern AC44C6M diesel locomotive is one of the latest additions to the ScaleTrains Rivet Counter line. The HO scale model, based on General Electric Dash 9-40C and Dash 9-44CW rebuilds, features an injection-molded plastic body, die-cast metal chassis, and body-mounted metal Type E semi-scale couplers. Prototype history Norfolk Southern No. 4000 was built […]

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Must-have products for a Burlington Northern layout

Color photo showing front of HO scale diesel painted yellow and black with red, white, and black graphics on scenic base with sky backdrop.

The Burlington Northern RR began operations in March 1970, the product of a merger between the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; Great Northern; Northern Pacific; and Spokane, Portland & Seattle. It was also the railroad I grew up with in Crookston, Minn., my hometown in northwest Minnesota. For many years, I’ve been researching the early years […]

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ScaleTrains HO Pullman-Standard 5820 covered hopper

Color photo showing B end of HO scale four-bay covered hopper painted light gray with black, white, and yellow graphics on medium gray background

ScaleTrains HO Pullman-Standard 5820 covered hopper Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $49.99 Manufacturer: ScaleTrains, 4901 Old Tasso Road NE Cleveland, TN 37312; 844-987-2467; scaletrains.com ScaleTrains HO Pullman-Standard 5820 covered hopper features: 36” machined metal wheelsets with .110” wide wheel tread Body-mounted, die-cast metal semi-scale standard Type E couplers Early body with peaked roof or late body […]

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ScaleTrains HO EMD SD40-2

Color photo showing nose of HO scale EMD hood unit painted green, black, and white on white backdrop.

ScaleTrains HO EMD SD40-2 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model with 21-pin connector, $214.99; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, two cube-type speakers, and ESU designed PowerPack with two super capacitors, $324.99 Manufacturer: ScaleTrains, 4901 Old Tasso Road NE Cleveland, TN 37312; 844-987-2467; scaletrains.com ScaleTrains HO EMD SD40-2 features: All-wheel drive and electrical pickup Factory-applied […]

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ScaleTrains S 40-foot wood refrigerator car

Color photo showing B end of S scale wood refrigerator car painted orange, brown, and black with white graphics on white background

ScaleTrains S 40-foot wood refrigerator car Scale: S (1:64) Price: $59.99 Manufacturer: ScaleTrains, 4901 Old Tasso Road NE Cleveland, TN 37312; 844-987-2467; scaletrains.com ScaleTrains S 40-foot wood refrigerator car features: Detailed brake system Equipped with American Flyer-compatible wheels and operating couplers Fish-belly underframe Freestanding vertical brake staff Injection-molded plastic body Metal handrails and grab irons […]

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