The ScaleTrains HO scale EMD GP30 is the subject of our latest product review video. Join Editor Eric White as he discusses the history of the Electro-Motive Division four-axle road switcher and Conrail No. 2229; highlights the various separate, factory-applied details on the Rivet Counter line model; and demonstrates the sound and light functions. Then watch the Conrail unit lead a short train on our Wisconsin & Southern staff layout and set out cars at Troy Cold Storage.
In addition to Conrail, the ScaleTrains HO scale EMD GP30 is decorated for Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Baltimore & Ohio; Chicago & North Western; Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; CSX (RDMT road slug); Denver & Rio Grande Western; Norfolk & Western (high short hood); Pennsylvania RR; Southern Ry. (high short hood); St. Louis Southwestern (Cotton Belt); and Union Pacific (GP30 and GP30B).
Features on the road switcher include an injection-molded plastic shell, a die-cast metal chassis, and metal semi-scale Type E couplers. Prototype-specific details on the Conrail model include four round sight glasses behind the cab on the engineer’s side (for the oil bath air filters), a cab signal box in front of the cab on the same side, and train-phone antenna brackets along the top edges of the long hood. The model has a minimum radius of 18” and a recommended radius of 22”.
Direct-current models with a 21-pin connector are priced at $199.99. Versions with a dual-mode ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder retail for $299.99.
Trains.com Product Review videos showcase the latest new items from manufacturers of products in Z, N, HO, S, O, and large scales. In the videos, you can watch locomotives in action, take a close-up look at details on freight cars, see kit components, and much more.
If you are a manufacturer and have products you would like reviewed, please email Senior Editor Cody Grivno at cody.grivno@firecrown.com for more information.
