Prototype Profile

Learn the in-depth history of the actual real-world prototype trains that inspired your favorite scale models.

Prototype Profile: Chicago & Illinois Midland’s SD9s

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.

Prototype Profile: Union Pacific SD40s

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.

Prototype Profile: Rock Island’s 4700-series GP40s

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.

Prototype Profile: U30C

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?

Prototype Profile: Santa Fe SD45s in the 1980s

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.

Prototype Profile: EMD SD38-2

November 19, 2021

Prototype Profile: EMD SD38-2

EMD’s SD38-2 was a minor but important player in the “Dash 2” line.

Prototype Profile: Illinois Terminal GP38-2

September 13, 2021

Prototype Profile: Illinois Terminal GP38-2

Illinois Terminal owned one of the smallest fleets of EMD’s popular GP38-2.

Lima-Hamilton’s end-cab diesel switchers

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.

All About GEVOs with ScaleTrains.com

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.

All About Tunnel Motors

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.