Fox Valley Models is a relatively new and small manufacturer with products in Z, N and HO scales. From detail parts to bridges to freight cars, Fox Valley's product line is steadily increasing and diversifying. Small manufacturers like this are often able to take on projects that the larger companies can't, helping to fill a niche in the overall market.
Z Scale
Fox Valley's current Z scale products include metal wheelsets, and laser-cut wood details. Metal wheels can make any car run better, and these replacements will swap out quickly in most trucks.
Laser cut wood parts and kits are an ever-growing part of today's hobby and are bringing back the art of the wood kit. Fox Valley currently offers a wood grade crossing and a wood floor insert for Micro Trains gondolas.
N Scale
N Scale continues to be Fox Valley's largest focus and the product line has expanded greatly to include not only detaill parts but bridges, freight cars and soon, locomotives.
Fox Valley's first product was a set of tinted films for N scale passenger car windows. The colored and frosted glazings provide a realistic tint to passenger windows without blocking all of the view of the interior details. Frosted glazings are used on restroom windows. The window tints will work in other as well.
Laser cut wood kits are also popular in N scale and include several gondola floors and box car roof running boards designed to fit different manufacturer's cars. Replacement metal wheels as described above for Z scale are also available.
The product that put Fox Valley in the spotlight in both N and HO scales was certainly the Milwaukee Road's Hiawatha passenger train. The complete train, including the original streamlined Atlantic steam locomotive, recreates a lesser modeled streamliner in amazing detail. The distinctive train, from the "inverted bathtub" streamlining of the Atlantic, to the unique "Beaver Tail" observation are all clad in the orange, brown and cream colors of the Hiawatha for a stunning model.
The company has expanded its rolling stock offereings in N scale with several boxcar models and soon, more Milwaukee passenger equipment and GP60 and GEVO diesels. New products are announced nearly every month.
HO Scale
Fox Valley's Hiawatha put it in the HO market as well. Since then, they have added two new boxcars, the iconic B&O "wagontop" cars and a Soo Line 7-Post car from the 1970s. The cars feature a high level of detail and operate flawlessly. More freight car, Milwaukee Road passenger cars and even locomotive projects are planned.
Fox Valley continues to grow and expand all of its product lines. While the company has a strong focus on the distinctive equipment of the Milwaukee Road, they have certainly begun to venture beyond it. Current offerings span nearly 70 years of railroading and prototypes that can or have been seen all across North America. All of their models feature a high level of detail and a commitment to quality. Despite being a small company, the quality of their models stands up with any of the better-known firms. From plastic window glazings to locomotives, the complexity of the models has expanded quickly, but the quality and innovative spirit have not suffered.
