Prototype Profile
Learn the in-depth history of the actual real-world prototype trains that inspired your favorite scale models.
December 6, 2022
Prototype Profile: Chicago & Illinois Midland’s SD9s
Based in central Illinois, C&IM bought four SD9s in 1955 for its all-EMD roster.
October 21, 2022
Prototype Profile: Union Pacific SD40s
General Motors’ SD40 was a popular six-axle diesel locomotive produced from 1966 to 1972 with more than 1,200 in service with examples coming from EMD in the U.S. and GMD in Canada.
September 12, 2022
Prototype Profile: Rock Island’s 4700-series GP40s
Rock Island bought several orders of EMD’s GP40 during the second half of the 1960s and into 1970. The last group came with 4700-series numbers.
April 24, 2022
Prototype Profile: U30C
General Electric’s U30C is included in a recent delivery of Atlas Master series HO-scale releases. Which phase is the model and which roads owned U30Cs?
March 18, 2022
Prototype Profile: Santa Fe SD45s in the 1980s
Santa Fe was a major buyer of EMD’s SD45 and the fleet enjoyed long service careers with rebuilding in the 1980s for many.
November 19, 2021
Prototype Profile: EMD SD38-2
EMD’s SD38-2 was a minor but important player in the “Dash 2” line.
September 13, 2021
Prototype Profile: Illinois Terminal GP38-2
Illinois Terminal owned one of the smallest fleets of EMD’s popular GP38-2.
July 26, 2021
Lima-Hamilton’s end-cab diesel switchers
Lima-Hamilton’s end-cab diesel switchers look familiar, but are uncommon prototypes. A new HO shell is coming for craftsman projects.
July 7, 2021
All About GEVOs with ScaleTrains.com
GE’s GEVO is today’s standard in North American railroading. ScaleTrains.com shares information on this prototype and plans a new production for HO scale.
June 4, 2021
All About Tunnel Motors
ScaleTrains.com’s co-founder and the guy behind many of the great selections the company reproduces, Paul Ellis, talks Tunnel Motors. And discover the discounts available from the company for “Trains, Not Ties” promotion.