InterMountain Railway Company, founded in 1988, is a name synonymous with precision, quality, and authenticity in the world of model railroading, particularly within the HO scale community. Renowned for their meticulous attention to detail, InterMountain has established itself as a leading manufacturer of highly accurate model trains that appeal to both serious collectors and casual enthusiasts alike. This article delves into the history, product offerings, and impact of InterMountain Railway Company on the HO scale model train industry.

A Brief History of InterMountain Railway Company

InterMountain Railway Company began as a small operation focused on producing high-quality, injection-molded plastic kits. These kits quickly gained popularity due to their precision and ease of assembly, capturing the attention of model railroaders who sought realistic and historically accurate models. The company’s commitment to quality and authenticity set it apart in a competitive market, allowing it to expand its offerings and establish a loyal customer base.

Throughout the 1990s, InterMountain expanded its product line to include ready-to-run models, which further enhanced its reputation. By providing meticulously detailed models straight out of the box, InterMountain catered to hobbyists who desired both convenience and quality. This move positioned the company as a leader in the ready-to-run market, a status it continues to hold today.

Product Offerings: A Focus on Precision and Variety

InterMountain Railway Company is best known for its extensive range of HO scale models, which include locomotives, freight cars, and passenger cars. Each product is characterized by its attention to detail, from the finely molded exteriors to the accurate replication of paint schemes and lettering. The company’s models are designed to represent specific prototypes from various railroads, making them invaluable to collectors and historians.

1. Locomotives

InterMountain’s HO scale locomotives are among the most detailed and accurate models available on the market. The company offers a wide range of locomotive types, including diesel and steam engines, each carefully researched and designed to replicate the specific features of the original prototypes.

• Diesel Locomotives: InterMountain’s diesel locomotive lineup includes popular models like the EMD SD40-2, EMD F7, and GE ES44AC, among others. These models are known for their intricate detailing, such as separately applied grab irons, fine-scale handrails, and accurate paint schemes. Many of InterMountain’s diesel locomotives come with factory-installed digital command control (DCC) and sound options, adding an extra layer of realism to the model railroading experience.

• Steam Locomotives: While InterMountain is primarily known for its diesel locomotives, its steam engines are equally impressive. The company’s steam locomotives, like the Southern Pacific GS-4, are celebrated for their authentic detailing, from the intricately molded boiler details to the realistic driver wheels. These models are equipped with smooth-running motors and DCC options, making them favorites among steam enthusiasts.

2. Freight Cars

InterMountain’s freight cars are another highlight of its HO scale offerings. The company produces a wide variety of freight cars, each designed to meet the exacting standards of model railroaders.

• Boxcars: InterMountain’s boxcars are known for their historical accuracy and attention to detail. The company offers models representing different eras, from the early 20th century to modern times. Each boxcar is meticulously detailed, with features such as opening doors, finely etched walkways, and realistic weathering options.

• Hoppers: The company’s line of hoppers, including covered hoppers and coal hoppers, is highly regarded for its precision and authenticity. These models are often used by hobbyists to represent bulk commodity transport on their layouts. The hoppers are available in various liveries, reflecting the wide range of railroad companies that have used them over the decades.

• Tank Cars: InterMountain’s tank cars are another example of the company’s commitment to quality. These models feature intricate detailing, including separately applied ladders, railings, and walkways. The company offers tank cars in a variety of paint schemes, ensuring that modelers can find the perfect addition to their layouts.

• Flat Cars and Gondolas: InterMountain also produces a selection of flat cars and gondolas, each designed to replicate the unique characteristics of these types of freight cars. These models often include loads, such as logs or machinery, adding an extra layer of realism to the layout.

3. Passenger Cars

InterMountain’s passenger cars are crafted with the same attention to detail as their freight cars and locomotives. These models are designed to replicate the luxury and style of classic passenger trains, making them a popular choice for those who enjoy recreating historical railroads.

• Streamlined Passenger Cars: The company offers a range of streamlined passenger cars, including coaches, sleepers, dining cars, and observation cars. These models are known for their smooth, sleek exteriors and detailed interiors, which often include seating, tables, and other features. The paint schemes are carefully researched to match the original liveries used by railroads.

• Heavyweight Passenger Cars: For those interested in earlier eras, InterMountain produces heavyweight passenger cars, which were common in the first half of the 20th century. These models are characterized by their robust construction and ornate detailing, such as brass window frames and detailed undercarriages.

Technology and Innovation

InterMountain Railway Company has always been at the forefront of incorporating new technologies into its models. One of the key advancements in recent years has been the inclusion of DCC and sound systems in their locomotives. These systems allow modelers to control their trains more precisely and enjoy realistic sound effects, such as engine noises, whistles, and bells.

InterMountain’s DCC-equipped models are factory-installed with high-quality decoders, ensuring that they are ready to run straight out of the box. The sound systems are designed to be as realistic as possible, using recordings from actual locomotives to create an immersive experience for the user. Additionally, many of the company’s models are equipped with LED lighting, which provides bright, long-lasting illumination for headlights, number boards, and other details.

The company has also embraced modern manufacturing techniques, such as laser-cutting and 3D printing, to produce models with finer details and more accurate dimensions. These technologies allow InterMountain to produce models that are not only visually stunning but also mechanically reliable, ensuring smooth operation on any layout.

The Importance of Historical Accuracy

One of the defining characteristics of InterMountain Railway Company is its commitment to historical accuracy. The company takes great pride in researching the prototypes it replicates, ensuring that every detail, from the paint scheme to the lettering, is as accurate as possible. This dedication to authenticity has made InterMountain a favorite among collectors and modelers who value precision and realism.

InterMountain often collaborates with historical societies and railroad museums to gather information and reference materials for its models. This research is then used to create models that are not only visually accurate but also true to the operational characteristics of the original prototypes. For example, the company ensures that the dimensions of its models match those of the real trains, and that the mechanical features, such as trucks and couplers, are designed to perform like their full-sized counterparts.

This focus on historical accuracy extends to the company’s packaging and documentation as well. Each model comes with detailed information about the prototype it represents, including its history, specifications, and the context in which it was used. This educational aspect adds value to the models, allowing collectors to learn more about the trains they are replicating and the role they played in railroad history.

Customer Support and Community Engagement

InterMountain Railway Company places a strong emphasis on customer support and community engagement. The company is known for its responsive customer service, which includes assisting with technical issues, providing replacement parts, and answering questions about their products. This commitment to customer satisfaction has helped InterMountain build a loyal customer base over the years.

In addition to customer support, InterMountain actively engages with the model railroading community through events, online forums, and social media. The company regularly attends model train shows and conventions, where it showcases new products, offers demonstrations, and interacts with hobbyists. These events provide an opportunity for customers to see the quality of InterMountain’s models up close and to connect with other enthusiasts who share their passion for model railroading.

InterMountain also maintains an active presence online, where it shares news about upcoming releases, offers tips for modelers, and highlights the work of its customers. The company’s website features a blog, where it posts articles about model railroading techniques, historical insights, and updates on new products. This online engagement helps foster a sense of community among InterMountain’s customers and keeps them informed about the latest developments in the hobby.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Like many companies in the model railroading industry, InterMountain Railway Company faces challenges related to changes in technology, market demand, and economic conditions. The increasing popularity of digital and virtual hobbies has led to a decline in traditional model railroading, which presents a challenge for manufacturers. However, InterMountain’s focus on quality, authenticity, and customer engagement has helped it maintain a strong position in the market.

Looking ahead, InterMountain is likely to continue its tradition of innovation and excellence. The company is expected to expand its product line with new models that reflect the evolving interests of hobbyists, including modern locomotives and freight cars. Additionally, InterMountain may continue to incorporate new technologies, such as 3D printing and advanced electronics, to enhance the realism and functionality of its models.

InterMountain’s commitment to historical accuracy and customer satisfaction will likely remain central to its business strategy, ensuring that it continues to meet the needs of collectors and modelers who value precision and authenticity. By staying true to its core values while adapting to new trends, InterMountain Railway Company is well-positioned to remain a leader in the model railroading industry for years to come.