At Trainz.com, we’re definitely not strangers to having a large collection of locomotives. And as the years have gone by, our inventory has only gotten bigger and bigger. At this point, I think it’s safe to say that we have more model trains, parts, and layout accessories on our shelves than any manufacturer and hobby shop out there. Naturally with such a large inventory we're able to put up some great model trains on sale.

It’s a collector’s dream with Lionel, MTH, Atlas, and a number of different model train brands decorating our warehouse, creating a medley of colorful shelves groaning under the weight of so many goodies. With this overwhelming bounty of rare collectibles, sometimes it’s easy for precious gems to slip through the cracks and go unnoticed by customers. 

With that being said, I’ve decided to give those unnoticed trains some love with my list of model trains you didn’t know were on sale. Let’s find some model trains on sale, because we both know you’ve been looking for a great reason to introduce a new engine to your layout. 

Fear not, I didn’t pick some dinky freight car, or some Post-War restoration project. Nope, I’m going to get you the most bang for your buck with a slew of modern options all in great condition and most coming in at over 50% off of the original price!

MTH 20-2169-1 O Rock Island E8 ABA Diesel Engine Set w/PS1 #643/646/930

Kicking things off on my list is this ABA Rock Island set coming to us from MTH by way of Trainz.com. This list is dedicated to the customer, and I’m on a mission to find the best for least, and with this Rock Island set, I’d say it’s safe to say the mission is off to a great start. You’re getting everything you need to get a budding interest started or if you’ve been collecting for a while, what better way to mix things up with a trio of top notch O Gauge engines? I know some of you Chicago natives are chomping at the bit looking at this set (they love Rock Island in the Windy City). 

We’ve got a couple of these sets in our inventory right now hanging out and waiting for their forever home. Providing everything from great motors to immersive sounds, this ABA Rock Island set makes my list for one of the best model trains on sale at the moment. 

Product Info:

Manufacturer: MTH

Model Number: 20-2169-1

Years Manufactured: 1997 - 1997

Road Name: Chicago Rock Island & Pacific (RI/RILX/ROCK)

Scale/Era: O Modern

Model Type: Diesel Loco

Lionel 6-18952 O Gauge ATSF Alco PA-1 Powered Diesel Locomotive #2000

I can’t have this list of best model trains on sale without including one of the all-time classics in our hobby. Even if you’re not a Santa Fe enthusiast, chances are you have run into the legendary PA-1 at some point in your life. They’re front and center in most hobby shops, and on layouts all over the country. I’m not even kidding, after spending a year traveling the country looking at collections from a variety of different scales and eras, there always seemed to be one constant – this silver Santa Fe diesel engine with a red nose. 

It’s actually not that surprising, considering the fact that if you ask your average person to think of a train, their minds will usually go to the PA-1. Well, that or some old steam engine. It’s a great locomotive coming for a great price making it worthy of its spot on my list. 

Product Info:

Manufacturer: Lionel

Model Number: 6-18952

Years Manufactured: 1997 - 1997

Road Name: Atchison Topeka Santa Fe (ATSF)

Scale/Era: O Modern

Model Type: Diesel Loco

Lionel 6-14512 O Gauge EMD Demo F3 ABA Diesel Engine Set

Rolling along to our next stop – another ABA set, this time coming from Lionel. This EMD Demo set is marked down over 50% coming in at a steal! What’s not to like here? You’re loading up on some power and quality with this Demo set with the lead A locomotive boasting a solid Pullmor motor. Throw in that beautiful blue paint finish, and it instantly makes this ABA set from Lionel one of the best model trains on sale at the moment. If you’re looking to kickstart something special on your layout, look no further, your long search finally comes to an end. 

Product Info:

Manufacturer: Lionel

Model Number: 6-14512

Years Manufactured: 2001 - 2001

Road Name: Century Club

Scale/Era: O Modern

Model Type: Diesel Loco

Bachmann 66701 HO Pennsylvania EMD E7A Diesel Locomotive Standard DC #5876

Okay, it’s time to take an HO break from this O-Gauge heavy start. Bachmann provides a quality model today with this Pennsylvania EMD F7A locomotive. Packed with great features like a Precision motor with dual flywheels, die-cast frame,all-wheel drive, and operating Mars light just to name a few, this beauty is on a markdown this week, and I don’t expect her to stick around for long. Bachmann gave it the classic PRR Tuscan Red paint finish – that turned out to be a great decision. As far as the best model trains on sale in the HO world, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better piece for the price on the market. 

Product Info:

Manufacturer: Bachmann

Model Number: 66701

Road Name: Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR)

Scale/Era: HO Scale

Model Type: Diesel Loco

MTH 20-2168-1 Seaboard E8 ABA Diesel Engine w/ PS1

We’re at the end of a great list, and I’m wrapping things upwith another ABA set. I love this Seaboard E8 set from MTH for two big reasons – design and price! The Seaboard set is on sale this week with a decent markdown from its usual price, so I just had to share. Having been around since 1997, the Seaboard locomotives are no strangers to attention. I’ve been able to find a few videos on Youtube with this set, further cementing its popularity in the community. I hope you’ll enjoy this one, there’s a cat cameo about thirty seconds in that was especially entertaining (to me at least). With insane pulling power and great all around build this is one of the best model trains on sale today. 

Product Info:

Manufacturer: MTH

Model Number: 20-2168-1

Years Manufactured: 1997 - 1997

Road Name: Seaboard Coast Line (SCL)

Scale/Era: O Modern

Model Type: Diesel Loco

The ride might be over for now, but the journey is never ending when it comes to model trains on sale. Our website features so many incredible locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, layout accessories, and lighting kits on sale every week. If five items weren’t enough today, be sure to head over to Trainz.com and check out our sales and clearance items for more budget friendly additions to your layout.