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

June 17th, 2022

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.

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  • Re-Discovery

    Just about every weekend, Ron Natinsky mans the Model Train Garden, unofficially the OBGT (Our Big Garden Train), on a small plot a stone’s throw behind the Butterfly House at the Texas Discovery Gardens in Dallas. It has been his labor of love for four years, since agreeing to donate his time and what was left of his G-scale collection to create a public garden railroad experience. Each year, about 25,000 people visit the railroad at Fair Park.

     

  • Expanding a small oil company

    On the N-scale Whitehurst & Pine Ridge Railroad, the Ozark Oil Co. has provided small-batch petroleum products for Whitehurst, Pine Ridge and Van Buren since 1961. Until recently, two small tanks were enough for Ozark to manage its customer base. But the arrival of Walthers’ Cornerstone Oil Storage Tank Kit signaled additional capacity to meet growing demand.

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  • ‘Loose car’ deliveries

    Incorporating “loose car” deliveries is applicable for railroads large and small in modeling railroads in any era. An example is a small family-owned lumber company in Houston. The lumber transfer and storage facility near downtown is on the former Southern Pacific Sunset Route mainline and receives regular deliveries of centerbeam cars. It is a perfect fit for anyone looking to model a modern small industry served by a big railroad, either on a permanent layout or a module.

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