This HO Locomotives menu page showcases an exceptional selection of model train engines from six premier manufacturers, offering steam, diesel, and electric locomotives with advanced features including DCC control, sound systems, and museum-quality detailing for layouts spanning the 1920s through modern era.
Atlas HO Locomotives
Atlas specializes in modern diesel locomotives featuring Dash 8-40B and Dash 8-40BW 4-axle road switchers representing railroads including CSX, Union Pacific, Amtrak, Providence Worcester, RJ Corman, and Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. The Silver series models are DCC-ready with NMRA 21-pin plug, while Gold series versions include ESU LokSound decoder with over 20 sound effects. All models feature die-cast underframe, dual flywheels for smooth operation, directional lighting, detailed handrails and grabirons, realistic coupler cut bars, and multiple unit hoses.
Bachmann HO Locomotives
Bachmann offers a diverse mix of steam and diesel locomotives including 4-4-0 American and 4-6-4 Hudson steam engines with Soundtraxx Econami DCC sound featuring 16-bit polyphonic audio, plus select Hudson models with TCS WOW Sound CD-quality audio. The collection includes Alco RS-3 diesels and Siemens ACS-64 electric locomotives with pantograph operation. Advanced features include Keep-Alive device for uninterrupted operation, Flex-Map function mapping for customizable controls, and performance on 15-22" radius curves, making them suitable for compact layouts.
Bowser HO Locomotives
Bowser delivers premium detailed diesel models featuring ALCo RS-3 "Hammerhead" and EMD F-series locomotives representing Southern, Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Railroad, Boston & Maine, Burlington Northern, and Chicago & North Western. Models showcase museum-quality detail with die-cast chassis and are available in both DC and DCC/Sound versions. Sound-equipped models include ESU LokSound V5 decoder, LED lighting, blackened nickel-plated wheels, cab interior with engineer and fireman figures, improved diaphragms, and operating headlights.
Broadway Limited HO Locomotives
Broadway Limited produces premium sound-equipped steam and specialty diesel locomotives including 2-8-0 Consolidation steam engines for ATSF, B&O, and C&S, plus unique Baldwin Centipede articulated diesels. All models feature the advanced Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC system with Rolling Thunder, integral dual-mode decoder factory-installed, Back EMF motor control for smooth slow-speed operation, built-in capacitor pack for reliable electrical pickup, Pro Lighting Mode with individual light control, Record & Play operation for automated sequences, and optional smoke capability. Models require minimum 22" operating radius.
Kato HO Locomotives
Kato focuses on modern passenger locomotives and Japanese prototypes featuring GE P42 "Genesis" engines in multiple Amtrak phases and special schemes, EMD GP35 freight locomotives for Santa Fe, and EF81 electric locomotives in Rose Pink and Hokutosei schemes. Models feature coreless truck-motor drive for smooth operation, super-heavy solid metal body for superior traction, directional headlights and tail lights front and rear, illuminated pre-printed numberboards, and DCC-ready or pre-installed Soundtraxx/ESU Loksound options. Kato locomotives navigate 14.6" radius curves, smaller than most competitors, with dual-mode DC/DCC operation.
Rapido HO Locomotives
Rapido offers precision Canadian-made diesels with comprehensive sound systems including ALCo FA-1 cab units, GE C30-7 road switchers, EMD E8A passenger engines, and Amtrak NPCU "Cabbage" control cars representing New Haven, Burlington Northern, Conrail, Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific, Santa Fe, and Amtrak. Sound versions include factory-installed ESU Loksound V5 decoders with 5-pole skew-wound motor and dual flywheels. Features include heavy die-cast chassis for hauling power, operating headlights, class lights, ditch lights, strobe lights, user-controlled operating number boards, etched-metal details including radiator grilles and windshield wipers, and Magnetic Macdonald-Cartier couplers with DC/DCC/Sound or silent DC options.
This comprehensive locomotive selection spans steam, diesel, and electric power across multiple eras from the 1920s through modern operations, with price points from budget-friendly to premium models, all offering DCC-ready or sound-equipped options with advanced features for realistic operation.
