HO-Scale ScaleTrains Rivet Counter EMD GP30 and GP30B
ScaleTrains HO-scale Rivet Counter EMD GP30 diesel locomotive models are out in the wild, these all-new toolings began shipping in March 2023. Here’s a look at Union Pacific examples reproducing a GP30 and the uncommon UP-exclusive GP30B.
This the chassis from ScaleTrains’ HO-scale GP30B in the non-sound, standard DC edition. The dummy plug is removed and you can see the electronics board that will accept a DCC decoder with 21-pin socket. Lighting is LED, including ground light (see the LED over the lead truck) effects.
The fully assembled HO model weighs approximately 14 ounces. I measured top scale speed at 75 mph and the model has a smooth, slow crawl of just below 1 mph. Couplers are ScaleTrains own plastic knuckles and their height checked fine against a Kadee coupler height gauge.
This is an excellent effort and the inclusion of road- and production-specific details is up to ScaleTrains usual standards. Easily the finest plastic HO-scale GP30 model to date for the hobby. Offering Union Pacific’s odd, interesting, and uncommon GP30B is a awesome bonus for this release.