12th June 2023: ScaleTrains, a U.S. based manufacturer of diesel locomotives and freight cars, has announced the acquisition of HO and N scale freight car producers ExactRail.
ExactRail was formed in 1998 and has established a reputation for high-quality HO and N-scale freight wagons. With the acquisition, Scale Trains doubles its freight car range.
ExactRail cofounder John Pestana believed it was time for 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 has been manufacturing HO and N scale model railway cars, like this HO model, since 1998.
To facilitate a smooth transition, Chris Brimley, a long-serving ExactRail employee, has joined the team at ScaleTrains. As an accomplished modeller with nearly 15 years of experience in the Model Railroad Industry, Brimley’s expertise will be invaluable during the transition.
Brimley expressed his eagerness for the new position, saying, “I am thrilled to be joining the impressive team at ScaleTrains and look forward to bringing ExactRail models and more to this wonderful hobby.”
The first N Scale freight car from the acquisition will be announced at the National N Scale Convention next weekend in Reno, Nevada, US. Later in the month, ScaleTrains plans to announce the first HO model. Both models are currently in production and are expected to be available by late summer. In addition, several more ExactRail models are underway with additional deliveries set for early 2024.
On the future of ScaleTrains, Shane Wilson, president of ScaleTrains.,said, “Our growing product line coupled with the addition of MTH HO & S products, Fox Valley Models, and now ExactRail continues our mission to provide high-quality models trains for every skill level and budget.”
> Don't miss out, make sure you check out the latest Hornby, Bachmann, Rapido, Dapol and other leading train manufacturer news plus offers, exhibition and show updates, visit the MRE model railway news pages or subscribe to my free newsletter.
