ScaleTrains acquires Fox Valley Models, announces upcoming production of N ES44 GEVO, hopper

June 17, 2022 / Updated July 25, 2023

ScaleTrains announced today that it acquired Fox Valley Models, a small Midwest model manufacturer specializing in HO- and N-scale model trains. It then announced upcoming runs of two FVM N-scale models – the GE ES44 GEVO locomotive and Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper.

Just over a year ago, FVM owner Matt Gaudynski joined ScaleTrains as a full-time senior product developer focused on bringing the ex-M.T.H. Trains HO- and S-scale tooling back to market as well as expanding ScaleTrains’ N-scale offerings of several new locomotives and freight cars.

*With the acquisition of Fox Valley Models, ScaleTrains announced upcoming runs of two models, including the GE ES44 GEVO locomotive in N scale. – ScaleTrains*

ScaleTrains purchased some of M.T.H. Trains’ assets in late 2020.

ScaleTrains owner Shane Wilson said it became apparent that the company would make a good home for the Fox Valley line. Gaudynski will continue to work on product development.

“We’re thankful to have Matt on the ScaleTrains product development team,” Wilson said. “Matt brings several decades of experience with a wide range of skills from retail to distribution to manufacturing. He’s also a passionate N- and S-scale modeler, which is important because we really see tremendous growth for our company in these areas.”

Wilson added that work is already under way on new runs of the GE ES44 GEVO and Trinity RD-4 Hopper. ESU LokSound 5 Sound will be added to the locomotive, and all details will be factory installed.

The Gevo will be produced in two BNSF Heritage III schemes (“25th Anniversary” and “Next Fuel”), three CSX versions (“Pride in Service,” “Safety Train” and “YN3 Boxcar”), Florida East Coast “Champion,” GE “Next Fuel” and Iowa Interstate “30th Anniversary.”

Gaudynski said the newest release of the GE ES44 GEVO will appeal to a broader range of modelers.

“When the Fox Valley Models GE ES44 was introduced in 2009, it was revolutionary,” he said. “With road name-specific cabs, trucks, bodies, headlight placement and handrails, the new GEVO could closely match a number of railroads all in a single new locomotive release,”

The RD-4 Coal Hopper will be produced in BNSF Heritage III, Chicago & North Western, Norfolk Southern, Trinity Leasing (TILX) and Union Pacific “Building America.”

The coal hoppers are expected next spring. Delivery of the GEVO is expected in winter 2023.

Production will continue at FVM’s current factories.

Gaudynski said FVM is in good hands at ScaleTrains.

“I’m happy to be part of the team,” he said, “and look forward to continuing the Fox Valley Models brand under the ScaleTrains umbrella.”

New FVM products will be available directly from ScaleTrains.com as well as the Select Retailer network. Models will carry ScaleTrains’ standard one-year warranty. The warranty is automatically extended to two years when buying directly from ScaleTrains and can be extended for purchases made at select retailers by registering online.

Spring is when large-scale model railroaders with their green thumbs plant and prune colorful foliage grown nearly to scale. In some areas, maintaining outdoor layouts is quite challenging because of changing weather. Nancy Norris, an author who builds garden railroads professionally, says some plant varieties have become more difficult to grow in certain Hardiness Zones. In some cases it means garden railroaders having to put more emphasis on growing native plants rather than relying on varieties more susceptible to extreme conditions. She recommends new gardeners consult with their local nurseries for the best choices for an outdoor layout. Norris also has a few recommendations of her own.

Sweeping tariffs imposed on goods imported into the United States are stirring model railroad manufacturers. As a result, model railroading and other hobbies will cost more. In February the U.S. applied a 10 percent tariff on goods imported from China, and the tax has since escalated. Suppliers – including Athearn, InterMountain Railway Co., Broadway Limited, Rapido Trains and ScaleTrains – have been putting dealers and customers on notice that prices will increase tariffs are implemented.

The first rule of railroading is “expect movement on any track at any time in any direction.” This may seem like an overabundance of caution, but railroading is a dangerous sport. Always expect a train when you’re around the tracks. The second rule of railroading is that there is an exception to every rule. The North American freight car fleet in 2023 consisted of 2.03 million rail cars, according to Railinc’s Umler Equipment Index. Rail car fleet management — how empty cars get dispatched to move to their next loading point — is an ever-moving process and often requires fleet car managers to be nimble.

ScaleTrains acquires Fox Valley Models, announces upcoming production of N ES44 GEVO, hopper

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