Loading...
BN
HOHO Scale (1:87)Beginner Friendly
Modeling Burlington Northern Railroad in HO Scale
Burlington Northern's Cascade Green scheme operated across the western United States. HO scale captures BN's diverse freight operations from coal to grain.
Scale Ratio
1:87
16.5mm gauge
Space Needed
Moderate
Recommended Era
1970s-1980s for classic BN operations
Key Equipment
5
Recommended items
Why Model Burlington Northern in HO Scale?
HO scale BN modeling benefits from the merger road's variety. Equipment from predecessor roads (GN, NP, CB&Q, SP&S) adds interest. Modern BNSF heritage units keep the memory alive.
Recommended Equipment
Locomotive
SD40-2
BN workhorse
Locomotive
SD60M
Wide-cab power
Locomotive
F45
Cowl unit diesel
Freight Car
Covered Hoppers
Grain service
Freight Car
Coal Gondolas
Powder River Basin
Modeling Tips for Burlington Northern
1
The Cascade Green scheme is easy to model accurately
2
Coal unit trains with 100+ cars were BN signatures
3
SD40-2s were the workhorses of the fleet
4
Intermodal operations expanded greatly under BN
5
Predecessor equipment from GN, NP, and CB&Q adds variety
Shop Burlington Northern HO Scale
View AllSuggested Track Plans
All HO Plans4x8 ft
Classic 4x8 HO Oval
The quintessential starter layout. This timeless 4x8 HO oval is perfect for beginners and fits on a standard sheet of plywood. Features a passing siding and industrial spur for basic operations.
4x8 ft
4x8 HO Figure Eight
Add excitement to your 4x8 with this figure-eight design featuring an overpass crossing. Watch trains cross over and under each other on this engaging beginner layout.
4x8 ft
4x8 HO Twice Around
Double your running fun! This clever design loops the track twice around the layout, giving you double the mainline running on the same 4x8 footprint. Perfect for continuous running enthusiasts.