Denver Model Trains

08/21/2026

Our HO Scale SD70MACs are in the tooling shop! Stay tuned, we expect these samples to arrive before the end of the summer, and we can’t wait to show them off.

Reserve your Rapido SD70MAC and Metra SD70MACH through your dealer or direct today!
US Orders: https://rapidotrains.com/ho-scale/diesel-locomotives/emd-sd70mac.html
Canadian/International Orders: https://rapidotrains.ca/ho-scale/diesel-locomotives/emd-sd70mac.html

*Yes, these are also coming in N scale! Design work is about complete, and we expect them to begin tooling later this summer. Stay tuned!

08/21/2026

NEW HO ANNOUNCEMENT!

Good morning everyone!

One of the most popular diesels in the BLI lineup is getting a major upgrade: our ES44AC is coming in 2027, and for the first time ever, it's being produced in diecast metal!

This production run brings the ES44 to HO scale like never before — unlike any GEVO previously offered by BLI, this release features all-new diecast tooling, following the same approach that made our SD70ACe such a hit.

This is the ES44AC you already know and love, now with the weight, durability, and premium feel that diecast construction brings to your layout — and it's headlined by an incredible lineup of paint schemes you won't want to miss.

Each model is packed with premium detail, including:

- Diecast body and chassis for realistic heft and maximum tractive effort
- Brass handrails, horn castings, and other separately applied details
- Road-specific detailing for true-to-prototype accuracy
- Individually controllable lighting
- Paragon4-equipped models featuring SMOKE! — bringing these iconic diesels to life on your layout

Available in two configurations:

- Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC system and SMOKE!
- Stealth Series No-Sound/DCC-Ready, with a 21-pin interface for your preferred aftermarket sound decoder

This run also debuts a stunning selection of all-new paint schemes, with many appearing in HO scale for the very first time:

- Norfolk Southern's "Landmark" units — Chicago and Altoona
- Norfolk Southern's America 250 series, "The Stars & Stripes"
- BNSF Railway's three America 250 locomotives — Nos. 1776, 2026, and 250
- Canadian National's two America 250 schemes — "Screaming Eagle" and "Air Force One"
- Two Union Pacific road numbers in the iconic "Building America" scheme

Arriving: Spring 2027
Order by: December 17, 2026

08/04/2026

FINAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

We at BLI are excited to share a special update to our HO Scale Union Pacific Big Boy project, arriving in 2027.

In addition to our lineup of prototypically accurate models, we’re introducing two all-new fantasy paint schemes that are sure to capture attention and generate excitement among collectors and model railroad enthusiasts. One features a patriotic AFT 250-inspired commemorative design celebrating America’s railroad heritage, while the other showcases the Big Boy in a beautifully detailed 1800s-inspired ornate paint scheme.

As always, our Big Boy models will be available equipped with Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, featuring synchronized smoke for an incredibly realistic operating experience. They will also be offered in our Stealth DCC-Ready series, which includes a factory-installed speaker and a 21-pin decoder interface, making it easy for you to install the aftermarket decoder of their choice.

Find more information here:

07/12/2026

07/03/2026

Our Stars, Stripes & Savings Event Starts NOW! 🎆

Celebrate Independence Day with 5% OFF almost every in-stock item during our biggest summer sale!

Use code:
🎟️ JULY5

✅ Most New Arrivals
✅ Pre-Owned Finds
✅ Sale Items
✅ Locomotives
✅ Freight Cars
✅ Scenery
✅ Accessories
…and thousands more!

🚚 FREE Shipping on orders over $150

Whether you've been waiting to pick up that dream locomotive, add a few freight cars, or stock up on scenery, this is a great weekend to save.

As always, thank you for supporting our small family business. Every order truly means the world to us.

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day from OJ, Annie & Ollie! 🐾

🚂 Shop the Sale:
https://denvertrains.com/collections/july-4-sale

Offer ends Sunday at Midnight.

06/29/2026

Just in time for Independence Day...

When America celebrated its Bicentennial in 1976, Western Pacific painted GP40s #1776 and #1976 in two unforgettable patriotic paint schemes that quickly became railroad legends.

Nearly 50 years later, Rapido has recreated these iconic locomotives in an incredible HO scale collector's set—and they absolutely nailed it.

Even better? This special edition was limited to just 200 sets worldwide.

As of today, we have only TWO remaining here at Denver Model Trains.

This premium set includes:
🇺🇸 Both WP #1776 & #1976
🔊 Factory-installed ESU LokSound DCC & Sound
🎁 Commemorative wooden presentation case
📜 Certificate of Authenticity
🚚 Bonus: FREE Shipping

If you've been waiting for the right time to add this set to your collection, the week of the Fourth of July feels pretty fitting.

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day from all of us at Denver Model Trains!

👉 https://denvertrains.com/products/rapido-emd-gp40-40560-western-pacific-1776-1976-bicentennial-scheme-dc-dcc-sound-ho-scale

In March of 1976, Western Pacific chose GP40 number 3540 to repaint into the special red, white and blue scheme. This would become the 1776, featuring the "Betsy Ross" flag in a slight wave pattern on the cab sides. The 1776 also featured roundels on the long hood walkways. Out of the paint shop, th...

06/07/2026

🚂COMMUNITY SUNDAY PHOTO CONTEST! 📸

We're working on a brand-new Denver Model Trains print marketing piece, and we'd love to feature one of YOUR layouts!

Whether it's a massive basement empire, a shelf layout, a yard, or a work-in-progress scene you're proud of, we want to see it. One of our favorite parts of this hobby is seeing the incredible railroads our customers create.

📸 To enter:
• Post your favorite layout photo in the comments below
• Tell us a little about your layout (scale, railroad, era, or anything you'd like to share)

🏆 WIN A $50 DENVER MODEL TRAINS GIFT CARD!

📰 Be featured in an upcoming Denver Model Trains printed marketing piece.

Entries will be accepted through June 20, 2026.

Now let's see those railroads! 🚂📸

👇 Drop your favorite layout photo in the comments below!

By submitting a photo, you grant Denver Model Trains permission to use your image in future marketing materials, printed advertisements, social media posts, emails, and other promotional content without additional compensation beyond the contest prize. (This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook.)