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 […]
Facts and features Name: Green Mountain Division of the Boston & MaineScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 12′-8″ x 20′-0″ plus 12′-0″ x 30′-0″ additionPrototype: Boston & Maine, Central Vermont, and RutlandLocale: VermontEra: 1950 to 1958Style: Around the wallsMainline run: 120 feet (original), 70 feet (extension)Minimum radius: 28″Minimum turnout: Hand built to fit, most no. 6 with no.4 […]
Rapido HO EMD SD9 and SD7 Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: Direct-current model, $239.95; with ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder, $349.95 Manufacturer: Rapido Trains, 382 High St, Buffalo, NY 14204; 905-474-3314; rapidotrains.com Rapido HO EMD SD9 and SD7 features: Detailed cab interior Factory-installed grab irons and handrails MoPower capacitor Multi-piece radiator fans Multiple stepwell styles and […]
DENVER – Shortline holding company OmniTRAX has named Nathan Brown its chief strategy officer. In this new role reporting directly to the CEO, Brown will lead development and execution of the enterprise-wide OmniTRAX corporate strategy and strategic planning process. “OmniTRAX has experienced an unparalleled growth rate of 50% in the past five years, and network […]
WASHINGTON — Surface Transportation Board nominees Richard Kloster and Michelle Schultz assured senators on Thursday that they will judge Union Pacific’s proposed acquisition of Norfolk Southern on the merits — and will not allow politics to influence their decisions on the largest merger in railroad history. Kloster and Schultz spoke during a hearing of the […]
WASHINGTON — The National Transportation Safety Board issued a pair of rail safety alerts on Wednesday (Nov. 5, 2025), one addressing the risks of shoving moves during switching and the other on unexpected movements of unsecured equipment. The alerts stem from issues raised in several NTSB investigations. Each area of concern has resulted in deaths […]
It’s that magical time of year: The weather outside is frightful, but the steam locomotive’s fire is so delightful! While most of North America’s large locomotives have concluded their operating seasons and are undergoing winterization, maintenance and repairs, a select few will remain active in November and December, bringing Holiday cheer to close out the […]
Facts and features Name: Chesapeake & Ohio New River Subdivision Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 19 x 24 feet Prototype: C&O New River Gorge and coal mine area Locale: Thurmond, W.Va. Era: 1957 Style: walk-in Mainline run: 102 feet Minimum radius: 30″ (24″ in Waynes-burg Mine wye) Minimum turnout: No. 6 Maximum grade: 1∕8″ per foot […]
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Voters in Mecklenburg County, N.C., on Tuesday (Nov. 4) approved a 1% sales-tax increase to fund a transportation plan, including a commuter rail line. The Charlotte Observer reports that the referendum approved by a 52%-48% margin is expected to raise more than $19 billion over 30 years. The measure requires 40% of […]
KAMLOOPS, British Columbia — Approximately 80,700 liters of aviation fuel (about 21,320 gallons) was spilled as a result of the Nov. 1 derailment of a CPKC train along Kamloops Lake, British Columbia’s Ministry of Environment and Parks says in its latest update. An official told the local news site Castanet Kamloops that the leading theory […]
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, […]
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, […]
