The ScaleTrains HO General Electric ES44AC diesel locomotive is the subject of our latest Product Review video. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of Norfolk Southern 8104, points out the details on the Rivet Counter line model, demonstrates the sound and light functions, and uses the contemporary six-axle road unit to power an intermodal train.
Road names on this run of the ScaleTrains HO General Electric ES44AC include Norfolk Southern (Lehigh Valley, Central of Georgia, Conrail, Interstate, Monongahela, Nickel Plate Road, Norfolk & Western, Norfolk Southern, Pennsylvania RR, and Southern Ry. heritage units and Thoroughbred scheme), Canadian National (as-delivered scheme), CSX (ES44AH, Armed Forces, First Responders, and Law Enforcement schemes), Ferromex (red-and-gray zebra scheme), Iowa Interstate (early and late antenna arrangement), and ScaleTrains (2022 custom design).
The HO scale road locomotive has an injection-molded plastic body and die-cast metal chassis. In addition, the HO scale ES44AC features 22 see-through, etched-metal radiator intake and exhaust grills on the sides and top of the radiator compartment; a Nathan AirChime K5HLR2 air horn mounted on the engine cab roof; a JEM Communications Positive Train Control antenna farm with a single large Sinclair antenna; and non-operating Locomotive Speed Limiter indicator lights on the cab sides.
Models with a dual-mode ESU LokSound 5 sound decoder featuring Full Throttle, two cube-type speakers, and two ESU-designed PowerPack super capacitors are priced at $299.99. Direct-current models with a 21-pin connector sell for $199.99. The ScaleTrains HO scale General Electric ES44AC has a minimum radius of 18” and a recommended radius of 22”.
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 cgrivno@kalmbach.com for more information.
