By Railroad Model Craftsman Staff
ScaleTrains announced Friday that it had acquired ExactRail, a Utah-based manufacturer of HO and N scale freight cars and bridges. As part of the transaction, long-time ExactRail employee Chris Brimley has joined the ScaleTrains team. ScaleTrains’ ownership said that the company plans to continue selling ExactRail products and is ready to take orders out of its Tennessee warehouse. ScaleTrains also plans to release some ExactRail products already in production, which should be available later this summer and early next year.
ExactRail was known mostly for its modern era rolling stock offerings, but also sold bridges and other parts.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 15 years since I entered the model railroading community with ExactRail,” said John Pestana, Co-Founder of ExactRail. “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.”
A portion of the TrainLife retail hobby shop in Provo, Utah, which was closed in May 2023. A new home has been found for Pelle Søeborg’s HO scale layout. —Otto M. Vondrak photo
ExactRail also ran a retail store and website called TrainLife.com, which was closed earlier this year. At the time of that closing, the company stated that ExactRail was not going to be impacted by the closure.
This is not the first time ScaleTrains has expanded. In the last few years, the company has acquired Fox Valley Models and MTH’s HO and S scale product lines.
“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,” said Shane Wilson, ScaleTrains President. “We’re excited about the future of our favorite hobby. He continued, “Our growing product line coupled with the addition of MTH HO and S products, Fox Valley Models, and now ExactRail continues our mission to provide high-quality models trains for every skill level and budget.”
ExactRail headquarters in Provo, Utah. —Otto M. Vondrak photo
