Dear Adrian,

General Electric emerged as the world’s dominant locomotive builder in the 1990s, surpassing EMD, largely due to its groundbreaking AC and DC locomotives, notably the AC4400CW and the DASH 9 models. These innovative locomotives revolutionized the rail industry by offering unparalleled efficiency, power, and versatility. 

The AC4400CW, with its pioneering alternating current traction technology, provided enhanced traction control, reduced maintenance costs, and improved fuel efficiency, allowing railroads to haul heavier loads over longer distances with fewer locomotives. Meanwhile, the DASH 9 series capitalized on advanced direct current propulsion, incorporating cutting-edge electronics and modular design to maximize reliability and ease of maintenance.

GE's commitment to technological advancement, coupled with its ability to tailor locomotives to specific customer needs, solidified its position as the leader in locomotive manufacturing, ultimately overshadowing EMD and reshaping the landscape of the railroad industry. 30 years after entering the market, GE’s revolutionary designs continue to serve the railroads they were built for with no sign of retirement on the horizon.

Join us in celebrating 30 years of GE’s powerhouse AC and DC locomotives by adding one of our Rivet Counter™ HO & N Scale diesel locomotives to your roster today. Learn more about AC and DC locomotives of the American west below.

THE RAILROAD

BNSF Railway, short for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, is one of the largest and most prominent freight railroads in North America. It was formed in 1996 through the merger of two major railroads, the Burlington Northern Railroad and the Santa Fe Railway. BNSF operates an extensive network that spans approximately 32,500 miles, connecting major cities, industrial centers, and ports across the western and central United States.

BNSF Railway has a rich history of technological innovation and efficiency in its operations. It has been a notable customer of General Electric locomotive models, both DC and AC traction, which have played a significant role in shaping its locomotive fleet and operational capabilities.

THE PROTOTYPES

GE DASH 9

The DASH 9 series was a pivotal part of BNSF's fleet during the late 1990s and early 2000s. These locomotives were known for their robust design, reliability, and versatility. Equipped with DC traction motors and upgraded electronic technology, they offered improved efficiency and ease of maintenance, allowing BNSF to operate the model efficiently across its vast system. BNSF ordered hundreds of DASH 9s in the late 90s, supplementing models inherited from predecessor, Santa Fe. These units were painted in the iconic “Heritage I” scheme – which drew inspiration from Great Northern’s classic orange and green livery. Many remain in revenue freight service to this day, retrofitted with PTC for modern operations. So whether you’re a 90s modeler or a contemporary BNSF fan, our Rivet Counter DASH 9s will look right at home on your layout.

GE AC4400CW

The AC4400CW, another GE locomotive model, further bolstered BNSF's locomotive fleet. Although BNSF only order 121 such units, the AC4400CWs enhanced power output, advanced traction control, and energy-efficient features handled heavy and long coal trains from the Powder River Basin to points east. Delivered in the Heritage II paint scheme, you can find BNSF’s GE AC4400CWs in coal, intermodal, and manifest service. They are commonly found in consists with ES44 GEVOs and DASH 9s – making our Rivet Counter models essential for any modern BNSF layout.

GE ES44AC GEVO

The ES44 GEVO represents a newer generation of locomotives that have become a cornerstone of BNSF's modern fleet. Production began in 2004 and continued through 2015. The locomotives are equipped with GE's latest technology, including advanced electronics, computerized control systems, and improved fuel efficiency. Additionally, the locomotive’s meet the EPA’s stringent Tier 3 Emissions Standards and can be seen pulling freight all over the BNSF system today.

To celebrate its 25th Anniversary in 2020, BNSF decided to paint ten (10) ES44AC GEVO locomotives to commemorate the milestone. There are five (5) different body configurations among the group and each road number has unique Positive Train Control (PTC) array. Additionally, the placement of the railroad heralds varies across the units, and one locomotive even features mismatched striping, adding a touch of individuality to the collection.

Add these railroad, road number, and era-specific™ BNSF locomotives to your roster now by clicking the button below. Some models have limited availability, so place your order today to ensure best availability.

THE RAILROAD

The Union Pacific Railroad (UP) is one of the most iconic and historically significant freight railroads in the United States. Founded in 1862, it played a pivotal role in the expansion of the western United States, connecting the coasts and facilitating the growth of industries, commerce, and communities along its extensive network. With a sprawling track network of around 32,000 miles, Union Pacific remains a vital artery of transportation for freight and commodities across the nation.

In the early 90s, Union Pacific was looking to replace its aging fleet of locomotives by builders like EMD and GE. With many models approaching the two decade mark, it was time to upgrade. After having success with the DASH 8 series in the 80s, UP turned to GE once again to supplement its motive power needs. At the time, the Armour Yellow saw huge growth opportunities in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin where large coal deposits were found years prior. Wanting to tap into the market, UP needed new locomotives to handle the black diamonds – and a lot of it.

THE PROTOTYPES

GE DASH 9

Union Pacific's limited roster of 40 DASH 9 locomotives were notable for their unique features, including signature pilot-mounted ditch lights. Positioned on the front of the locomotives at the lower edge of the pilot (front buffer) beam, the ditch lights provided enhanced visibility and safety, especially in low-light conditions or adverse weather.They were among the railroad’s first locomotives to be ordered new with ditch lights from the factory. This innovative lighting arrangement helped improve the locomotives' visibility to other rail traffic and road vehicles at grade crossings, contributing to overall operational safety. Many of Union Pacific’s GE DASH 9s remain in service today, running alongside sister models from UP predecessors like Chicago & North Western and Southern Pacific.

GE AC4400CW

Union Pacific Railroad's strategic decision to prioritize the AC4400CW model over the DASH 9 model, despite the industry-standard DC traction of the time, was a pivotal move that reflected the company's commitment to innovation and operational efficiency. While the DASH 9s were known for their reliability and widespread use, Union Pacific recognized the advantages offered by General Electric's AC traction technology showcased in the AC4400CW. The AC4400CW's advanced alternating current traction system provided enhanced traction control, reduced maintenance costs, and improved fuel efficiency, aligning seamlessly with Union Pacific's goal of optimizing performance and maximizing operational capabilities. Union Pacific would go onto ordering more AC4400CWs than any other railroad – 1,338 total units by the time production ended in 2004.

GE ES44AC GEVO

Built between 2003 and 2015, Union Pacific rosters over 1,200 ES44AC locomotives. UP designates some of their ES44AC GEVOs as C45ACCTEs. The reason why is that the majority are equipped with Controlled Tractive Effort software. Simply put, the “CTE” software is used to reduce the tractive effort of the locomotive when it is used as a Distributed Power Unit (DPU) in mixed freight type service. The higher tractive effort of the AC units when mid-train (or on the rear) can be too high for the lower-tonnage trains. This is not necessarily the case in bulk commodity service though, such as unit coal or grain trains. The UP System Special Instructions cites that: “Units are limited to 110,000 lbs in tractive effort when in CTE mode.”

With all three models operating on the UP system today, you’ll want these Armour Yellow AC locomotives to your roster now by clicking the button below.

In this week’s Time to Model™ video, we show you how to build a Kit Classics™ HO Scale 40' 70-Ton 4-Bay Open Hopper. All that’s needed for assembly is a Phillips screwdriver, glue, and a few minutes.

Click the button below to watch now.

Now that you know how easy it is to build one, you’ll want to order our affordable Kit Classics HO Scale 40' 70-Ton 4-Bay Open Hopper today. At just $21.99, this classic coal carrier makes for a fun and budget-friendly freight car build. Learn more about the history of the prototype below.

HISTORY

The Car Construction Committee of the American Railway Association (ARA) designed a 70 Ton self-clearing hopper car in 1926. The design used as many standards as possible, and shared many common features with the shorter 50 Ton car. Between 1926 and 1930, over ten thousand cars were built for seven (7) different railroads. Many of these lasted into the 1960s, with a number of cars finding their way to second hand owners.

This run features seven (7) roadnames and paint schemes that harken back to railroading’s golden age.

• Baltimore & Ohio/Capitol Dome
• Boston & Maine/Minute Man Service
• Chesapeake & Ohio
• Erie
• Milwaukee Road
• Missouri-Kansas-Texas/MKT
• Montour

For added value, we’ve included a removable coal load with our Kit Classics HO Scale 40' 70-Ton 4-Bay Open Hopper. This way, you can simulate loaded vs. empty coal trains to and from mines on your layout.

Most roadnames have limited availability so secure your favorite transition era roadnames and paint schemes by ordering now.

The latest run of Rivet Counter HO Scale Gunderson 5188 Covered Hoppers is in stock and is ready to serve your railroad this fall harvest. We’ve included a whole harvest of road number specific variations for some of the most-common roadnames to own the prototype. After all, that’s what our Rivet Counter brand is all about!

BNSF Railway rosters the largest fleet of Gunderson 5188s, so naturally, there are several variations. In this run, we’re offering BNSF’s unique horizontal rib version (3 road numbers), heritage hoppers (CB&Q, BN, and NP), along with a multitude of standard 5188s so you can build your own “earthworm” train with over 100 road numbers when combined with previous production runs.

• AOK
• BNSF Railway - including four (4) road numbers with horizontal ribs
• CSX Transportation
• GACX/GATX Logo
• Iowa Interstate
• STLX/ex-BNSF Wedge logo patched

Order BNSF Railway versions, along with your other favorite roadnames, by visiting our website today.

Be ready for the harvest in N Scale too. We have an extremely limited quantity of BNSF and KCS Gunderson 5188 Covered Hoppers in stock too. Click the button below to order now.

Our Rivet Counter HO Scale Pullman-Standard 5820 Covered Hopper Car is in stock now and includes several road numbers for Novamont Corporation. Learn more about the roadname below.

HISTORY

The Novamont Corporation is a prominent Italian bioplastics company that is a subsidiary of Edison S.p.A. It specializes in the development and production of innovative and sustainable bioplastic materials. One such material is the company’s Moplen brand of polypropylene resins. Moplen is used in specific applications in various industries, including packaging, automotive, consumer goods, and more. The versatility and tailor-made properties of these polypropylene resins make them valuable for creating a wide array of products, from rigid containers to flexible films.

Back in the 1970s, Novamont leased a sizable fleet of 5820cf Covered Hopper Cars from Pullman-Standard which it used to transport plastic pellets to its North American manufacturing facilities. The versatility of plastic pellets makes them suitable for various manufacturing processes, including injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and more. The products made from plastic pellets range from everyday items like bottles, containers, and toys to more complex components in industries like automotive, electronics, and aerospace.

These Novamont Moplen brand plastic hoppers were sublettered for PLCX – Pullman-Standard Leasing – and could be seen crisscrossing North America on virtually every Class I Railroad throughout the 1970s and 80s. Overtime, these cars were repainted gray to cover up vandalism and rust accumulated over the years. Many cars built after 1974 remain in revenue service to this day.

THE MODELS

In this run, we’re offering multiple PLCX road numbers for modern modelers. These cars, while simple in appearance, are often seen in packs as they are used for bulk shipping. With several road numbers to choose from, you can build your very own leased fleet of PLCX covered hoppers – including the Novamont versions. See below for details.

• PTLX/Peaked Roof; Blue, Norchem "Billboard" Scheme
• GOCX/Clerestory Roof, Early Posts; Gray, Gulf Oil, Lessee
• PLCX/Clerestory Roof, Late Posts; Gray, Novamont "Billboard" Scheme
• XOMX/Clerestory Roof, Early Posts; Gray, Exxon-Mobil, 2000s

• PLCX/Clerestory Roof, Late Posts; Gray, Pullman Lease, 2005+
• XOMX/Clerestory Roof, Late Posts; Gray, Exxon-Mobil, 2005+

For modelers wanting to expand their fleets, we’re also offering “data only” versions. You can apply your own road numbers by using a decal sheet.

• Data Only/Gray/Late Body/Clerestory Roof
• Data Only/Gray/Early Body/Peaked Roof

Click the button below to order your favorite roadnames and paint schemes, including Novamont, now.

Our Operator™ version of the HO Scale Pullman-Standard 5820cf Covered Hopper is also in stock now. We’re offering several budget-friendly versions of our first plastic pellet hopper including Novamont. With a selling price of $29.99, you can build your fleet without breaking the bank.

• Gulf Oil Co./GOCX
• Pullman Leasing/PLCX Novamont
• Pullman Leasing/PLCX/ 2000s-Era
• Exxon-Mobil/XOMX/2000s-Era

Plus, thanks to our quantity buy pricing, you can save up $2 per car when you order 6 or more. You’ll also qualify for free shipping in contiguous United States. That’s a value of over $20! Click the button below to place your order now.

We recently announced the N Scale version of the Pullman-Standard 5820cf Covered Hopper Car. Like its HO counterpart, the N Scale model features railroad, road number, and era-specific details with Mon-o-wheel or Tri-wheel hatch types, an early or late body style, and either the “clerestory” or peaked roofline styles. See below for details.

• PTLX/Clerestory Roof; Late Posts; Carlon Gray Scheme
• PTLX/Clerestory Roof; Late Posts; Lauhoff Scheme
• PTLX/Peaked Roof; Early Posts; Pullman Leasing White Scheme
• PTLX/Peaked Roof; Early Posts; Norchem Blue "Billboard" Scheme
• PLCX/Clerestory Roof, Late Posts; Gray, Novamont "Billboard" Scheme
• XOMX/Clerestory Roof; Early Posts; Gray, Exxon-Mobil, 2000s

Preorder the Rivet Counter N Scale PS-5820cf by Monday, September 25th from ScaleTrains.com™ or find a Select Retailer™ by clicking the buttons below. Delivery is expected this spring so preorder now to ensure availability.

We also recently announced the latest run of Rivet Counter HO Scale Thrall-Trinity 42’ Coil Steel Cars which features new roadnames, paint schemes, and road numbers that are perfect for modern-era layouts. This includes Chicago, South Shore & South Bend patched versions. Learn more below.

HISTORY

Formally named the Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad (reporting mark CSS), it is commonly referred to simply as the “South Shore Line.” It operates as a Class III freight railroad connecting Chicago, Illinois, and South Bend, Indiana. The CSS railway plays a crucial role in bridging Class I railroads with regional businesses in the northeastern part of Illinois and the northwestern part of Indiana. It was responsible for constructing and running the South Shore Line electric interurban service until 1990, at which point control was handed over to the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District. Today, ownership of the freight railroad lies with the Anacostia Rail Holdings Company.

The company’s primary businesses are hauling coal and steel for the many factories and power plants in the region. The coal is delivered to the Michigan City and Burns Harbor generating stations owned by Northern Indiana Public Service Company. The railroad also serves many steel customers along the line, including US Steel’s massive Gary Works. Another significant player is Cleveland-Cliffs, a multinational steel and mining company that operates a major steel mill in the area, continuing the tradition of steel production in Gary. These two companies provide the South Shore with significant business opportunities, including the transport of steel coils.

THE MODELS

While South Shore already owned a fleet of 42’ steel coil cars lettered with its logo and typeface, the company recently acquired 90 secondhand from CIT Rail. The Thrall-built 42’ coil cars were patched and renumbered as series 1800 to 1889, formerly Conrail series 623900 to 623999, class F51A. They were built in September and October of 1997 wearing the “oxide red” scheme. Now lettered for CSS, the cars remain in their original paint but with patches covering the Conrail markings and mismatched hoods. We’re offering three (3) unique road numbers for CSS in this run plus five (5) additional roadnames. See below for details.

• Conrail/Oxide red
• Chicago South Shore & South Bend/ex-Conrail oxide red patched
• CSXT/Blue and yellow with “Boxcar” logo
• MBKX/ex-CSX blue and yellow patched
• NOKL/Dark gray; ex-IHB patched
• NYC/ex-Conrail patched for CSXT
• Norfolk Southern/Silver with Protect III Hood

Preorders are also due by Monday, September 25th for delivery early this summer so click the button below to secure your favorite roadnames and paint schemes, including the South Shore, now.

We also recently announced the latest run of ExactRail™ Express HO Scale Gunderson 5200 Double-Door Boxcars with throwback roadnames and paint schemes from the 1970s and 80s, including Burlington Northern. Learn more below.

HISTORY

These 50 foot boxcars were some of the last new cars delivered prior to the SP&S, GN, NP & CB&Q merger in March of 1970 to form the Burlington Northern Railroad. Spokane, Portland & Seattle received 300 Gunderson 5200 Boxcars in early 1970. These were part of a larger order of 500 cars, the last 200 of which were delivered in BN paint. The SP&S painted cars lasted in the olive green and yellow paint scheme until the early 1980s when the series was repainted into Burlington Northern “Cascade Green.” Many of these cars continued to operate as such into the mid-to-late-2000s, well into the BNSF Railway era.

THE MODELS

The Express Series Gunderson 5200 Boxcar from ExactRail brings you a faithful reproduction of the prototype at a budget friendly price. Featuring accurate 4/4 corrugated ends, non-overhanging roof, notched sill, double doors and detailed underframe. All versions also include 70-ton equalized trucks with metal wheelsets and Kadee #5 Couplers.

• Burlington Northern/Cascade green
• Cotton Belt/Brown with yellow door
• Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern/Blue with red lettering
• Southern Pacific/Brown/Assigned to rubber service with “R” logo on yellow door
• Southern Pacific/B-70-31/Brown with yellow door
• Southern Pacific/B-70-37/Brown with yellow door
• Spokane, Portland & Seattle/Olive green with yellow lettering

These boxcars are currently in production so you’ll want to place your preorder right away to ensure best availability. Delivery is expected this fall so click the button below secure your favorite roadnames and paint schemes, including Burlington Northern, today.

Our latest all-new Museum Quality™ Diesel Locomotive is the EMD SD45X. Part of our commitment to the Museum Quality brand is pouring hundreds of hours of research into every model we offer, uncovering railroad, road number, and era-specific details that make certain locomotives “legendary.” The SD45 is no exception. Our initial run includes 5 paint scheme variations and 2 roadnames for the first time in plastic. One such variation is Southern Pacific 9503. Several customers have asked us why we are only offering it in Espee’s “Bloody Nose” scheme with large SP initials on the nose so we thought we’d address that below.

HISTORY

EMD built seven SD45X units, starting with EMD no. 5740, showcasing 4,200hp, the most powerful single-engine locomotive then. It used a new turbocharger and higher RPM. Three more (EMD 4201-4203) were tailored for Southern Pacific, sold to them in Dec 1972, renumbered as SP 9504-9505 in 1973. Initially keeping demo colors, they were patched for SP. EMD 4201, on the other hand, was the exception, and evidently went straight from EMD demo colors to a full repaint as Southern Pacific no. 9503 in the Summer of 1973. It was the only SD45X to get this treatment, being repainted much earlier than its sisters.

The SD45Xs settled into a mundane existence on the SP, freely mixed with other road power of the time, and usually found on heavy mainline freights out of their home base in Roseville. However, the small fleet size and mechanical oddball status earned them no favors on the SP, and by June 1984, all were retired and eventually scrapped. The EMD-spec demo (5740) had a more extended career in EMD's testbed fleet, receiving upgrades like new fans and exhaust silencers. Despite plans for further use, it was ultimately scrapped by the early 2000s.

THE MODELS

Although Southern Pacific was the only Class I Railroad to own the unique SD45X locomotive, many in the series were seen in leased service on other railroads, including EMD Demo #5740 (pictured above) which was seen on Burlington Northern, N&W, PC, Santa Fe, and others. That’s why we’re offering several paint scheme variations so you too can add an SD45X to your roster even if you’re not an SP modeler.

• EMD 5740/Blue and white
• EMD 4201–4203/Demonstrator built to SP specifications
• Southern Pacific 9500–9502/As-delivered scheme
• Southern Pacific 9504–9505/ex-EMD demonstrator patch

Hundreds of hours of exhaustive research has gone into the development of this all-new model, with railroad, road number, and era-specific details and LED lighting bringing it to life.

Preorders for our Museum Quality HO Scale EMD SD45X are also due by Monday, September 25th for delivery early next summer. Click the button below to preorder today.

Thank you for taking the time to read our weekly newsletter. We appreciate your business.

Sincerely,

The ScaleTrains Crew