ScaleTrains boosts freight car offerings with purchase of ExactRail; first N, HO runs in production

June 12, 2023 / Updated July 25, 2023

ScaleTrains announced last week that it acquired ExactRail, a manufacturer of HO- and N-scale freight cars and bridges. The addition nearly doubles ScaleTrains’ freight car offerings, the company said in a statement.

ScaleTrains was to announce the first N-scale freight car later in June at the National N Scale Convention in Reno, NV, and follow with an HO car by the end of the month. Both models are already in production and will be available later this summer. Several more ExactRail models are in production, with additional deliveries arriving in early 2024, the company said.

ExactRail has been manufacturing HO- and N-scale model railroad cars, like this Denver & Rio Grande Western Bethlehem 3483 Hopper, for 15 years. ScaleTrains, which purchased ExactRail, says it will release the first cars as the new owner this summer. – ScaleTrains

To help with the transition and ensure ExactRail models are released regularly, longtime employee Chris Brimley joined ScaleTrains. Brimley has been in the hobby for decades − his fictional New York Central Hudson Terminal shelf layout has been featured in Model Railroad Craftsman.

He has 15 years of industry experience.

ExactRail was founded 15 years ago, and cofounder John Pestana believed it was time to make a change.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 15 years since I entered the model railroading community with ExactRail,” he said in a statement. “Over the years we brought new products, new online resources, and had a great time doing it with amazing friends. Now the time has come to pass the baton to our friends at ScaleTrains who share the same passion for the hobby that I do.”

ExactRail models to be available in brick-and-mortar stores

ExactRail models will be available to brick-and-mortar dealers for the first time in several years through ScaleTrains’ dealer network.

“We’re thankful for the opportunity to continue the legacy John and the team at ExactRail have created by continuing to offer their outstanding line of models,” ScaleTrains president Shane Wilson said. “We’re excited about the future of our favorite hobby.

“ExactRail continues our mission to provide high-quality model trains for every skill level and budget.”

ExactRail is the third company to sell molds to ScaleTrains. The company purchased HO and N lines from M.T.H. Electric Trains and Fox Valley Models in the past two years.

An operating session on the Split Rock Mining Co. Railroad is pretty straightforward. A three-person crew works the freelance HO-scale railroad with the sole purpose of transporting iron ore mined in Northern Minnesota to a freighter on Lake Superior. Instructions for the operators can be communicated in a few words before the shift begins. Pull all loads at the mine. Take them to the boat. Take all empties from the boat back to the mines. Rinse and repeat. There are no car cards or manifests. Switching is done by colors, and, yes, there is a rhyme and reason on this Alco-driven layout based on railroading on the Iron Range in Minnesota.

ScaleTrains boosts freight car offerings with purchase of ExactRail; first N, HO runs in production

ExactRail models to be available in brick-and-mortar stores

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