Southern Pacific (SP)

Southern Pacific has something for nearly every model railroader. Steam fans chase Cab Forwards and Daylight locomotives, diesel enthusiasts look for tunnel motors and Kodachrome paint schemes, and freight modelers appreciate everything from local switching jobs to long trains crossing mountains and deserts. Few railroads offer as much variety in one road name.

Whether your layout represents California, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, or the Southwest, Southern Pacific equipment feels right at home hauling freight or leading a colorful passenger consist.

Some of the most sought-after Southern Pacific model trains include Daylight passenger equipment, Cab Forward steam locomotives, AC-12 articulateds, GS-4 steam locomotives, tunnel motors, SD40T-2s, GP9s, GP35s, boxcars, cabooses, and freight cars. These models remain popular across HO Scale, N Scale, O Gauge, and other scales.

Southern Pacific releases have been produced by Lionel, Athearn, Atlas, Bachmann, Broadway Limited, Walthers, Rapido, InterMountain, ScaleTrains, Bowser, and many other manufacturers, giving collectors an outstanding selection of locomotives and rolling stock.

The railroad's famous scarlet and orange Daylight trains, powerful Cab Forward steam locomotives, distinctive tunnel motors, and dramatic western scenery have made Southern Pacific one of the most recognizable names in model railroading. Collectors often build entire layouts around SP because the railroad operated everything from commuter trains and branch lines to heavy mountain freight.

If you're searching for Southern Pacific model trains for sale, you'll regularly find new arrivals, pre-owned models, vintage pieces, retired releases, and hard-to-find collectibles throughout our inventory.

Whether you have a single Southern Pacific locomotive or an entire collection of SP trains, Trainz purchases qualifying collections of model trains from collectors and estates across the country.

See how selling your model train collection to Trainz works.

What are the most collectible Southern Pacific model trains?

Collectors frequently search for Daylight passenger trains, Cab Forward steam locomotives, GS-4s, AC-12s, SD40T-2 tunnel motors, GP9s, GP35s, cabooses, freight cars, and other Southern Pacific Railroad equipment.

Who makes Southern Pacific model trains?

Manufacturers including Lionel, Athearn, Atlas, Bachmann, Broadway Limited, Walthers, Rapido, InterMountain, ScaleTrains, and Bowser have produced Southern Pacific models in multiple scales.

What happened to the Southern Pacific Railroad?

Southern Pacific became part of Union Pacific in 1996, but its locomotives, freight cars, and passenger trains remain among the most collected railroad models in the hobby.

Why are Southern Pacific tunnel motors so popular?

Southern Pacific used SD40T-2 and SD45T-2 "tunnel motor" locomotives extensively on mountain routes. Their unique appearance and western heritage have made them favorites with model railroaders and collectors alike.