One of our favorite things about model railroading is being able to share it with the ones we love. This Father’s Day, you can start a fun weathering project with dad by ordering our imperfect Operator and Rivet Counter HO Scale Trinity 31,000 Gallon Tank Cars. Most models have slight blemishes so weathering them will cover-up any imperfections. At 50% off retail, these models are offered “as is” without returns.

Operator versions start at just $18 and Rivet Counter models are just $10 more. By ordering multiple road numbers, you can take the worry out of weathering since these cars are substandard to begin with. Happy mistakes are easy to fix with simple techniques.

You’ll want to order now because our inventory over 60% sold-out. Get your Rivet Counter HO Scale Trinity 31K Gallon Tank Cars now by clicking the button below.

This is your last chance to save $20 when you order a Rivet Counter HO Scale Union Pacific Maintenance of Way Fuel Tender. Click the button below to order now.

This is also your last chance to saving 40% off retail on our Ocean Network Express HO Scale CIMC 40’ Modern Angled Containers. At less than $8, you can add up to 12 road numbers to your roster without breaking the bank.

Click the button below to order now and stack up the savings this Father’s Day.

Hurry! There are fewer than 10 DCC and Sound DCC and Sound equipped Rivet Counter Norfolk Southern “Thoroughbred” C40-9s in stock at 40% off retail so you’ll want to order now. DCC and LokSound™ equipped models are available for only $182.99.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to save big on N Scale motive power this Father’s Day. Click the button to order now.

This is also your last chance to save $16 per freight car when you order dad our Rivet Counter N Scale 4727 and 5750 Carbon Black Covered Hopper Cars. At 40% off, you won’t find these railroad, road number, and era-specific™ models at a better price. And, you’ll want to order now because this will be our last run for several years and inventory is limited with fewer than 24 cars in stock per item number.

• Cabot/CABX - Modern version with conspicuity striping
• Columbian Chemicals/CCX
• Sid Richardson/SRCX - normal or distressed billboard lettering
• Witco/WITX - Modern version with conspicuity striping

• Columbian Chemicals/CCX
• Continental Carbon/CTNX - Modern version with conspicuity striping
• Sid Richardson/SRCX - Standard black
• Transportation Company of America/TCMX

Order by THIS Monday, June 19th, to save big on Carbon Black Covered Hopper Cars.

Get your dad a last minute gift by ordering him a gift code from ScaleTrains.com. Our gift codes are instant, allowing you to buy them even at the eleventh hour. With various denominations starting at just $10, our gift codes cater to different budgets. To purchase gift codes, click the button below.

Our popular Operator CIMC 53’ Corrugated Dry Containers in both HO and N Scale are back! This run includes some of the most common roadnames and paint schemes in intermodal service today like J.B. Hunt. Learn more about the history of this well-known intermodal shipper below.

HISTORY

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., headquartered in Lowell, Arkansas, is the third-largest transportation and logistics company in the United States. Established by Johnnie Bryan Hunt and Johnelle Hunt on August 10, 1961, in Arkansas, the company experienced rapid growth after the trucking industry was deregulated in 1980. By 1983, J.B. Hunt had become the 80th largest trucking firm in the U.S., generating $623.47 million in revenue and operating 550 tractors, 1,049 trailers, and employing approximately 1,050 individuals.

In 1989, J.B. Hunt Transport began collaborating with railroads to provide intermodal service. The initial partnership was with the former Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (now part of the BNSF Railway), which expanded to include other Class I railroads such as Norfolk Southern, CSX, CN, and KCS. The partnership with Santa Fe is actually what prompted then-CEO Mike Haverty to bring back the iconic Warbonnet paint scheme.

JB Hunt’s operations are divided into four (4) segments: intermodal transport, contract services, logistics, and truckload shipping. By having a diverse range of services, the company is able to provide reliable transportation across North America. Intermodal services contribute around two-thirds of the company's revenues and profits. Additionally, J.B. Hunt introduced a dedicated service in 1993.

Today, J.B. Hunt primarily operates large semi-trailer trucks, facilitating transportation services throughout the continental U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The company boasts a workforce of over 24,000 employees and a fleet of more than 12,000 trucks, accompanied by a collection of over 145,000 trailers and containers. Its containers are white with large yellow logos with black lettering. They’re easy to spot and stand out both on the rails and the highways.

THE MODELS

The CIMC 53’ Dry Container is a must have for modern intermodal modeling. Since intermodal trains typically have over 200 containers, we’re offering multiple paint scheme variations with singles and 3-packs so you can build your stack train more quickly. 

• FedEx/Orange logos
• Hub Group/Green with red and white logos; logo on roof
• Schneider/Orange
• Schneider/Orange/30th Anniversary logo
• J.B. Hunt Intermodal/New Logo
• J.B. Hunt/Large CIMC logo
• Twin Logistics/Green with yellow cursive logo
• XPO Logistics/White
• YRC/Blue

These Operator HO and N Scale CIMC 53’ Corrugated Dry Containers will fit right in on any modern layout. Preorder your favorite roadnames and paint schemes by next Monday, June 26th for delivery this winter.

We just announced our new-to-us Fox Valley Models™ HO Scale USRA 2-Bay Open Hopper. This former MTH car joins our HO Scale line-up with six (6) classic roadnames and paint schemes including the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.

HISTORY

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (B&O) played a crucial role in the transportation of coal during the 19th and 20th centuries. As the oldest railroad in the United States, the B&O established an extensive network that facilitated the movement of coal from various regions to key destinations, especially east of the Mississippi where the railroad had the most influence.

The Class I carrier primarily transported coal from the Appalachian region, which housed rich coal deposits. The railroad's mainline, stretching from Baltimore, Maryland, to Wheeling, West Virginia, became a vital artery for coal transportation. It connected the coalfields of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio with major cities and ports, ensuring efficient distribution of this valuable resource.

The B&O utilized specialized coal cars to transport the coal. These cars were designed with high-capacity hoppers that could hold large quantities of coal. Such cars included the USRA 2-Bay Open Hopper which the railroad acquired in World War I and more following World War 2. The railroad also employed powerful steam locomotives to haul the heavy coal trains over challenging terrain, including steep grades and winding tracks.

One notable route for coal transportation was the B&O's Mountain Division, which traversed the Allegheny Mountains. This division facilitated the movement of coal from the mines of West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania to the industrial centers in the Midwest and the East Coast. Another important route was the B&O's Piedmont Division, which connected the coal mines of western Maryland with the port of Baltimore, enabling coal exports to international markets.

The B&O Railroad's strategic location in Baltimore made it a hub for coal shipments. The coal was unloaded from the trains and transferred to ships for further transportation. The B&O's coal piers, located in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, were bustling with activity as coal was loaded onto vessels bound for domestic and international markets.

Overall, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad played a pivotal role in the transportation of coal, providing a vital link between the coal-rich Appalachian region and key industrial centers. Its extensive network and efficient operations ensured the smooth movement of this essential natural resource, contributing to the growth and development of industries across the United States.

THE MODELS

This detailed Fox Valley Models freight car is a must-have for transition-era modelers and beyond. Most of these cars were built after World War II and many continued to haul black diamonds well into the 1970s for Chessie System. Multiple road numbers are available, giving you the opportunity to build your own unit coal train.

This super-detailed hopper features:

• Over 100 parts included, ensuring intricate detail
• 46 separately-applied steps, hopper doors, interior braces, brake gear, and coal load included
• 36 separate wire form parts shaped into 30 grab irons, coupler lift bars, and brake rigging elements
• Finely cast stirrup steps and end ladders for added authenticity
• Meticulously detailed underbody and brake system for enhanced realism
• Handbrake wheel delicately applied as a separate piece
• Finely crafted trucks further contribute to the model's authenticity

In Case You Missed It… We Acquired ExactRail®

We announced last week that we acquired ExactRail, a top manufacturer of HO and N Scale freight cars and bridges. This addition nearly doubles our freight car offerings and to celebrate, we’ve unveiled our first ExactRail N Scale freight car at the 2023 National N Scale Convention. Learn more below.

We’re pleased to announced the ExactRail N Scale Pullman-Standard 4427 Covered Hopper. This classic, 1960s era freight car is available in six (6) classic roadnames and paint schemes. Learn more about the prototype’s history below.

HISTORY

The Pullman-Standard PS-2CD 4427 cubic foot covered hopper, introduced in 1963 offered versatility for various commodities, such as grain products, chemicals, and minerals. Manufactured at their Butler, Pennsylvania factory, the design underwent refinements during its nearly nine-year production period.

Early production featured “Low-Hip” construction, featuring taller side sheets between the bolsters, while later cars featured “High-Hip” construction, with shorter side sheets that exposed more of the car bays between the bolsters. Changes were also made to the end "cages," including the lowering of the hand-brake, revisions to the end grab iron and support arrangements. 

Similar to other covered hoppers, customers had the option to choose different roof hatch configurations, including full-length troughor round hatches. Full-length trough hatches were commonly used for grain transport, facilitating easy loading from grain elevators. On the other hand, round hatches were preferred for commodities that required enhanced protection from the elements due to their superior sealing capability.

Customers could also specify different types and brands of outlets to suit various commodities. Gravity outlets were suited for grain products, while gravity-pneumatic outlets offered even more flexibility, being able to switch between straight gravity discharge, or pneumatic discharge via vacuum hoses, which was ideal for powdery commodities.

The choice of running board and end coupler platforms varied according to customer preferences. These cars could be equipped with Apex (slotted-hole), Morton (round-hole), or U.S. Gypsum (diamond-hole) types, offering different platform options.

Production ended in 1971 with thousands of cars operating in revenue freight service across North America until the late 2000s. Cars built prior to July 1, 1974 fall under AAR “Rule 90” status, allowing a car life of 40 years in interchange service. Since freight cars built prior to 1974 are no longer eligible for "Free Interchange" service, they can only be handled between participating railroads on an exception basis or must undergo a recertification program as per AAR Rule 88 Rebuild.

Despite mandatory retirement from interchange service, some 4427cf hoppers are still hard at work in roles such as maintenance of way, having their roofs removed and outlets modified to make them suitable for company ballast service.

THE MODELS

Our ExactRail N Scale Pullman-Standard 4427 Covered Hopper is a precision-tooled model that exemplifies quality and craftsmanship. Designed, engineered, and tooled in the United States, it showcases the dedication to excellence that ExactRail is known for. Equipped with equalized 100-ton ASF Ride Control Trucks, this model ensures smooth and reliable operation. The attention to detail extends to the machined metal wheel sets and the inclusion of factory installed Micro-Trains® #1015 couplers. The narrow-style draft box features shank wedges, striker casting, and full nut and bolt detail, showcasing the meticulous hand-applied craftsmanship. 

Additional hand-applied details include air hoses, bell crank, and brake appliances, further enhancing the authenticity of the model. The photo-etched, stainless steel roof walk and brake platform add an extra layer of realism. The razer-sharp printing on the model is legible under magnification, recording the builder’s information, weight, load capacity, and more. Completing the intricate covered hoppers are the wire coupler cut levers, brake rigging, and brake rods, bringing the model to life with their fine craftsmanship.

• Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific
• Far-Mar-Co.
• Milwaukee Road
• Northern Pacific Railway
• TLDX/Pullman-Standard Leasing
  • Cargill
  • Peavey

Preorder your favorite roadnames and paint schemes by Monday, July 17th through ScaleTrains.com by clicking the button below. Delivery is anticipated this fall.

Our all-new Rivet Counter N Scale diesel locomotive is the General Electric (GE) AC4400CW. This run includes six (6) roadnames with multiple paint scheme variations for modern modelers. We’re offering versions from all three (3) North American countries.

HISTORY

Built by GE Transportation Systems between 1993 and 2004, the AC4400CW changed the railroad industry forever by mainstreaming AC traction’s superiority over DC. A.C. units demonstrated their ability to replace their D.C. predecessors on a 3-to-5 basis by being able to walk away with heavy trains from a dead stop on an upgrade. These scenarios were nearly impossible with an equivalent number of D.C. units. This wizardry required substantial changes to the locomotive’s electrical system, including a system of electrical inverters to “refine” the current being fed to the traction motors and an extensive microprocessor control system to manage it all.

While these changes increased per-unit cost, most railroads found the benefits to be more than worth the expense. With that, EMD would introduce the SD70MAC to compete with GE’s AC4400CW which was based upon GE’s highly successful Dash 9-44CW design. It would become one of the hottest selling locomotives of the 1990s and beyond. Over 2,800 units were built by the time production ended with every major railroad except for Norfolk Southern ordering them new.

Initially designed for heavy-haul service in coal fields, the AC4400CW series found assignments in manifest and intermodal service too. Aside from wreck victims, nearly all prototype AC4400s are still in revenue freight service. And with burgeoning rebuild programs, this powerhouse locomotive class will likely be in service for many years to come.

THE MODELS

Just like its HO Scale counterpart, our Rivet Counter N Scale AC4400CW model combines smooth operating performance with unparalleled railroad, road number, and era specific™ details like the unique “gull-wing” style safety cab for close clearances or the standard GE sloped safety cab. Window arrangements also vary.

N Scale models are equipped with LED-lighted headlights, ditch lights, and number boards. In addition, factory-applied details include wire grab irons, trainline hoses, MU cables, uncoupling levers, windshield wipers, mirrors, sunshades, brake wheel, and more.

DCC & sound equipped locomotives also feature the ESU LokSound™ 5 Micro decoder with “Full Throttle” which allows modelers to simulate a heavy train working hard to climb grades or coasting downhill. On top of the distinctive FDL-16 prime mover sound, additional auxiliary sounds include road-specific horns, bells, and more. DCC & sound equipped locomotives operate on both DC and DCC layouts.*

* Lighting features operate when using an ESU decoder with appropriate programming while operating using DCC

• BNSF/Heritage II with “gullwing” cab
• Canadian Pacific/Beaver
• Canadian Pacific/Beaver with Carousel logo on cab
• CSX/YN2
• CSX/YN3.com
• Ferrosur/Green and white
• Southern Pacific/As-Delivered with Bloody Nose
• Southern Pacific/As-Delivered Bloody Nose with SP sunset logo on inverter cabinet
• Union Pacific/ex-Southern Pacific with Yellow Sill Stripes
• Union Pacific/As-Delivered with red sill stripe and “high” cab-mounted number boards
• Union Pacific/Yellow sill stripe

Whether you’re in Canada, the United States, or Mexico – the all-new Rivet Counter GE AC4400CW Diesel Locomotive is a must-have for contemporary modeling. Mix it in a consist with our Rivet Counter ET44s, DASH-9s, or Fox Valley Models ES44 GEVOs for the ultimate modern motive power lash-up. 

Preorders are due by Monday, July 17th so secure your favorite roadnames and paint schemes for delivery in early 2024.

UPCOMING SHOWS & EVENTS

Due to several shows occurring on the same weekend, we will not be able to attend the Bay Area Prototype Modelers Meet (BAPM) and New England Prototype Modelers Meet (NERPM) this weekend. We plan to return in 2024. We will be at the St. Louis RPM Meet at the end of July.

If you’re attending the National N Scale Convention in Reno, Nevada this weekend, be sure to stop by our booth to see our new models. The show is open to the public today and tomorrow. We’ll be hosting the Manufacturer’s Breakfast on Sunday morning and giving away an exclusive freight car to attendees.

ADDRESS CHANGE REMINDER

If you’re sending a model for service, be sure to ship to the following address:

4901 Old Tasso Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 

Thank you for reading our weekly newsletter. We appreciate your business and look forward to visiting with you in Reno.

Sincerely,

The ScaleTrains Crew