Minneapolis & St Louis (M&StL)

The Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad, often abbreviated M&StL, earned a reputation as an independent regional railroad serving farming communities, grain elevators, industries, and small towns throughout the Upper Midwest. Unlike many larger railroads, M&StL developed its own distinctive identity while connecting with major rail systems across the region.

Its combination of agricultural freight service and Midwestern branch line operations continues to make Minneapolis & St. Louis model trains appealing to collectors and layout builders alike.

Collectors frequently search for M&StL GP9, F7, RS1, and RS3 locomotives, along with cabooses, boxcars, covered hoppers, and freight equipment lettered for the railroad. The North Star Limited passenger train also remains a recognizable part of Minneapolis & St. Louis history.

These locomotives and freight cars fit naturally into layouts depicting grain traffic, rural industries, and Midwestern railroading during the steam and early diesel eras.

Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad equipment has been produced by Lionel, Atlas, Athearn, Bachmann, Broadway Limited, Walthers, Rapido, Bowser, and InterMountain. Models include steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, freight cars, cabooses, passenger equipment, and complete train sets.

If you're looking for Minneapolis & St. Louis model trains for sale, our inventory may include new, pre-owned, vintage, collectible, discontinued, retired, and hard-to-find M&StL locomotives and rolling stock.

Whether your collection features first-generation diesels, grain-service freight cars, cabooses, or passenger equipment, Trainz purchases qualifying Minneapolis & St. Louis collections and estate collections containing multiple pieces.

Learn how the Trainz buying process works.

Does the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad still exist?

No. The Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad was merged into the Chicago & North Western in 1960. Its locomotives and rolling stock remain popular with collectors and model railroaders.

What are the most collectible Minneapolis & St. Louis model trains?

Collectors commonly search for M&StL GP9, F7, RS1, RS3 locomotives, cabooses, grain-service freight cars, and North Star Limited passenger equipment.

Who makes Minneapolis & St. Louis model trains?

Manufacturers including Lionel, Atlas, Athearn, Bachmann, Broadway Limited, Walthers, Rapido, Bowser, and InterMountain have produced Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad models.

What does M&StL stand for?

M&StL is the widely recognized abbreviation for the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad and appears on locomotives, freight cars, and railroad models produced by numerous manufacturers.