Best Hobby Train Diesel Locomotives

404 reviews scanned and analysysed
Megan Allen
Megan Allen Writer
Last Updated: Oct 22, 2024 Share On:

If you want to find the best hobby train diesel locomotive from hundreds of products, it must be a hard and difficult job.

After analyzing 404 customer reviews and researching 256 products, we finally narrowed down the results to 20.

Take a glance at our list and it will help you make the best choice.

A Quick Look: Our Top Picks

Top 1
Walthers 931-2503 Trainline Ho Scale Model Emd Gp15-1
9.8We rank the products based on a number of factors such as features, price, customer reviews and so on.

Walthers 931-2503 Trainline Ho Scale Model Emd Gp15-1

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Top 1 Walthers 931-2503 Trainline Ho Scale Model Emd Gp15-1

Walthers 931-2503 Trainline Ho Scale Model Emd Gp15-1

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Top 2
Bachmann 63570 Trains - Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive
9.6We rank the products based on a number of factors such as features, price, customer reviews and so on.

Bachmann 63570 Trains - Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive

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Top 2 Bachmann 63570 Trains - Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive

Bachmann 63570 Trains - Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive

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Top 3
Bachmann 63563 Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive Santa Fe #3808
9.3We rank the products based on a number of factors such as features, price, customer reviews and so on.

Bachmann 63563 Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive Santa Fe #3808

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Top 3 Bachmann 63563 Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive Santa Fe #3808

Bachmann 63563 Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive Santa Fe #3808

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*Note The result is based on our independent research, and we are reader-supported and do not promote any brand or retailer. As a member of Amazon Marketing Affiliates, we may receive a commission from qualified purchases.

Top 20 Hobby Train Diesel Locomotives Reviews 2024 In Detail

1 Editor's Choice

Walthers 931-2503 Trainline Ho Scale Model Emd Gp15-1

WALTHERSBrand 931-2503Model 2.25H*7.5L*1.5W inchesDimension
Walthers 931-2503 Trainline Ho Scale Model Emd Gp15-1 cover
9.8We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Excellent Price: $
Save 20% + FreeShipping
Check On Amazon Search On eBay
Visit Store » Amazon.com ( 4.68 / 5 )
Features
  • 1 - 87 HO scale
  • Heavy die-cast metal frame for added pulling power
  • All-wheel drive and electrical pick-up
  • Body-mounted magnetic knuckle couplers
  • Rp-25 metal wheels
  • These are hobby grade products securely packed for protection in shipping
  • Please handle with care when removing from package or breakage could occur
2 Editor's Choice

Bachmann 63570 Trains - Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive

BACHMANNBrand 63570Model 1.2H*4.75L*0.75W inchesDimension
Bachmann 63570 Trains - Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive cover
Bachmann 63570 Trains - Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive thumb #1Bachmann 63570 Trains - Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive thumb #2Bachmann 63570 Trains - Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive thumb #3Bachmann 63570 Trains - Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive thumb #4
9.6We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Excellent Price: $$
Save 14% + FreeShipping
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Visit Store » Amazon.com ( 4.68 / 5 )
Features
  • Highly Detailed GP 40 Model with Operating directional dimming (Rule 17) headlights
  • All-wheel electrical pickup and drive
  • Skew wound motor with bronze bearings, Die-cast chassis
  • Performs best on 11. 25 inch radius curves or greater.
  • N Scale 1 - 160
3 Editor's Choice

Bachmann 63563 Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive Santa Fe #3808

BACHMANNBrand 63563Model 1.2H*4.8L*0.8W inchesDimension 0.39 lbWeight
Bachmann 63563 Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive Santa Fe #3808 cover
9.3We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Excellent Price: $$
Save 18% + FreeShipping
Check On Amazon Search On eBay
Visit Store » Amazon.com ( 4.68 / 5 )
Features
  • Operating directional dimming (rule 17) headlights
  • All-wheel electrical pickup and drive
  • Skew wound motor with bronze bearings, die-cast chassis
  • Performs best on 11. 25 inch Radius curves or greater.
  • N scale 1 - 160
4

Walthers Trainline 931-101 Emd Gp9M Standard Dc Burlington Northern #1709 Collectable Train

WALTHERS TRAINLINEBrand 931-101Model 10.0H*4.5L*1.5W inchesDimension 1.08 lbWeight
Walthers Trainline 931-101 Emd Gp9M Standard Dc Burlington Northern #1709 Collectable Train cover
9.2We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Excellent Price: $
FreeShipping
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Visit Store » Amazon.com ( 4.68 / 5 )
Features
  • Package Dimensions - 4.318 cms (L) x 11.938 cms (W) x 25.654 cms (H)
  • Product Type - Toys And Games
  • Package Quantity - 1
  • Country Of Origin - China
5

Hallmark QX6145 1997 Hallmark 1950 Santa Fe F3 Diesel Locomotive

HALLMARKBrand QX6145Model 2.0H*4.0L*1.0W inchesDimension 0.24 lbWeight
Hallmark QX6145 1997 Hallmark 1950 Santa Fe F3 Diesel Locomotive cover
9.1We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Excellent Price: $
Check On Amazon Search On eBay
Visit Store » Already Christmas ( 4.75 / 5 )
Features
  • 1997 Hallmark Ornament 1950 Santa Fe F3 Diesel Locomotive
  • Second in the Lionel Train Series
  • Comes with original box and packing material
  • Item length is 4 inches
  • Box has slight shelf wear
6

Bachmann 63562 Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive Union Pacific® #508

BACHMANNBrand 63562Model 1.2H*4.8L*0.8W inchesDimension 0.4 lbWeight
Bachmann 63562 Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive Union Pacific® #508 cover
9.1We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Excellent Price: $$
Save 13% + FreeShipping
Check On Amazon Search On eBay
Visit Store » Amazon.com ( 4.68 / 5 )
Features
  • Operating directional dimming (rule 17) headlights
  • All-wheel electrical pickup and drive
  • Skew wound motor with bronze bearings, die-cast chassis
  • Performs best on 11. 25 inch Radius curves or greater.
  • N scale 1 - 160
7

Walthers 931-103 Trainline Emd Ho Scale Gp9M Ready-To-Run Sante Fe

WALTHERSBrand 931-103Model 10.13H*4.63L*1.63W inchesDimension
Walthers 931-103 Trainline Emd Ho Scale Gp9M Ready-To-Run Sante Fe cover
Walthers 931-103 Trainline Emd Ho Scale Gp9M Ready-To-Run Sante Fe thumb #1Walthers 931-103 Trainline Emd Ho Scale Gp9M Ready-To-Run Sante Fe thumb #2
8.9We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Very Good Price: $
Save 7% + FreeShipping
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Visit Store » Amazon.com ( 4.68 / 5 )
Features
  • Ready to run
  • Dual fly wheels
  • Knuckle couplers
  • 1 - 87 HO scale model
  • Quality construction and features
  • These are hobby grade products securely packed for protection in shipping
  • Please handle with care when removing from package or breakage could occur
8

Bachmann 61719 Trains - Emd Gp38-2 Dcc Ready Diesel Locomotive

BACHMANNBrand 61719Model 2.0H*8.5L*1.5W inchesDimension 1.0 lbWeight
Bachmann 61719 Trains - Emd Gp38-2 Dcc Ready Diesel Locomotive cover
Bachmann 61719 Trains - Emd Gp38-2 Dcc Ready Diesel Locomotive thumb #1Bachmann 61719 Trains - Emd Gp38-2 Dcc Ready Diesel Locomotive thumb #2Bachmann 61719 Trains - Emd Gp38-2 Dcc Ready Diesel Locomotive thumb #3Bachmann 61719 Trains - Emd Gp38-2 Dcc Ready Diesel Locomotive thumb #4
8.9We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Very Good Price: $$
Save 28% + FreeShipping
Check On Amazon Search On eBay
Visit Store » Amazon.com ( 4.68 / 5 )
Features
  • DCC-ready with a factory-installed 8-pin socket for DCC decoder installation of your choice.
  • Die-cast chassis, and all-wheel drive
  • E-Z Mate Mark II couplers
  • Preforms best on 18 inch radius curves or greater
  • HO Scale 1 - 87
9

Kato 106-0440 Usa Model Train Products N Scale Emd F7A 2 Locomotive Set

KATOBrand 106-0440Model 1.0H*14.0L*0.75W inchesDimension 0.93 lbWeight
Kato 106-0440 Usa Model Train Products N Scale Emd F7A 2 Locomotive Set cover
Kato 106-0440 Usa Model Train Products N Scale Emd F7A 2 Locomotive Set thumb #1Kato 106-0440 Usa Model Train Products N Scale Emd F7A 2 Locomotive Set thumb #2
8.9We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Very Good Price: $$$
FreeShipping
Check On Amazon Search On eBay
Visit Store » Amazon.com ( 4.68 / 5 )
Features
  • Brand new tooling for these New York Central specific engines
  • DCC friendly and ready to run out of the box on your Analog(DC) layout
  • Powerful 5-Pole motors
  • Classic "Lightning bolt" paint scheme
10

Bachmann 66355 Gp40 Dcc Sound Value Equipped Diesel Locomotive

BACHMANNBrand 66355Model 1.1H*4.8L*0.8W inchesDimension 0.4 lbWeight
Bachmann 66355 Gp40 Dcc Sound Value Equipped Diesel Locomotive cover
Bachmann 66355 Gp40 Dcc Sound Value Equipped Diesel Locomotive thumb #1
8.7We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Very Good Price: $$$
Save 32%
Check On Amazon Search On eBay
Visit Store » MPM Hobbies ( 4.5 / 5 )
Features
  • Factory installed DCC sound decoder for GP40 realism, sounds include; a choice of 5 prime movers, 16 acorns, multiple variations of 7 Bell types, 2 air compressors, and 3 couplers plus a function-activated grade-crossing signal
  • Dcc sound-equipped with econami decoder, Dual-mode NMRA-compliant decoder, directional dimming headlights, with rule 17 dimming
  • Precision motor, flywheel, die-cast frame, fine-scale handrails, E-Z Mate Mark II couplers, front and rear
  • Preforms best on 11.25 radius curves of greater.
  • N scale 1 - 160
11

Bachmann 63564 Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive B&M #313

BACHMANNBrand 63564Model 1.2H*4.8L*0.8W inchesDimension 0.4 lbWeight
Bachmann 63564 Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive B&M #313 cover
Bachmann 63564 Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive B&M #313 thumb #1Bachmann 63564 Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive B&M #313 thumb #2Bachmann 63564 Emd Gp40 Diesel Locomotive B&M #313 thumb #3
8.6We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Very Good Price: $
FreeShipping
Check On Amazon Search On eBay
Visit Store » Amazon.com ( 4.68 / 5 )
Features
  • Operating directional dimming (rule 17) headlights
  • All-wheel electrical pickup and drive
  • Skew wound motor with bronze bearings, die-cast chassis
  • Performs best on 11. 25 inch Radius curves or greater.
  • N scale 1 - 160
12

Bachmann 60313 Trains - Emd Gp40 - Dcc Equipped Diesel Locomotive

BACHMANNBrand 60313Model 2.0H*8.5L*1.5W inchesDimension
Bachmann 60313 Trains - Emd Gp40 - Dcc Equipped Diesel Locomotive cover
8.5We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Very Good Price: $$
FreeShipping
Check On Amazon Search On eBay
Visit Store » Amazon.com ( 4.68 / 5 )
Features
  • DCC Equipped for speed, direction, and lighting
  • Highly Detailed Painted Bodies with Precision Graphics, Operating Headlights, All-wheel Drive, Precision Can Motor, Die-cast Chassis
  • Dual, precision-balanced flywheels, finescale handrails
  • Blackened metal wheels, with RP25 wheel contours, E-Z Mate Mark II couplers
  • Performs Best on 18 inch Radius Curves or Greater, HO Scale - 1 - 87
13

Bachmann 61721 Trains - Emd Gp38-2 Dcc Ready Diesel Locomotive

BACHMANNBrand 61721Model 2.0H*8.5L*1.5W inchesDimension 1.01 lbWeight
Bachmann 61721 Trains - Emd Gp38-2 Dcc Ready Diesel Locomotive cover
Bachmann 61721 Trains - Emd Gp38-2 Dcc Ready Diesel Locomotive thumb #1Bachmann 61721 Trains - Emd Gp38-2 Dcc Ready Diesel Locomotive thumb #2Bachmann 61721 Trains - Emd Gp38-2 Dcc Ready Diesel Locomotive thumb #3Bachmann 61721 Trains - Emd Gp38-2 Dcc Ready Diesel Locomotive thumb #4
8.5We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Very Good Price: $$
Save 18%
Check On Amazon Search On eBay
Visit Store » HOBBYSPEED ( 4.81 / 5 )
Features
  • DCC-ready with a factory-installed 8-pin socket for DCC decoder installation of your choice.
  • Die-cast chassis, and all-wheel drive
  • E-Z Mate Mark II couplers
  • Preforms best on 18 inch radius curves or greater
  • HO Scale 1 - 87
14

Bachmann 63541 Trains - Emd Gp40 - Diesel Locomotive

BACHMANNBrand 63541Model 2.0H*8.5L*1.5W inchesDimension
Bachmann 63541 Trains - Emd Gp40 - Diesel Locomotive cover
8.5We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Very Good Price: $$
FreeShipping
Check On Amazon Search On eBay
Visit Store » Amazon.com ( 4.68 / 5 )
Features
  • DCC-ready with a factory-installed 8-pin socket for DCC decoder installation of your choice.
  • Highly Detailed Painted Bodies with Precision Graphics, Operating Headlights
  • All-wheel Drive, Precision Can Motor, Die-cast Chassis, E-Z Mate Mark II couplers
  • Preforms best on 18 inch radius curves or greater
  • HO Scale 1 - 87
15

Bachmann 63540 Trains - Emd Gp40 - Diesel Locomotive

BACHMANNBrand 63540Model 2.0H*8.5L*1.5W inchesDimension
Bachmann 63540 Trains - Emd Gp40 - Diesel Locomotive cover
8.3We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Very Good Price: $$
FreeShipping
Check On Amazon Search On eBay
Visit Store » Amazon.com ( 4.68 / 5 )
Features
  • DCC-ready with a factory-installed 8-pin socket for DCC decoder installation of your choice.
  • Highly Detailed Painted Bodies with Precision Graphics, Operating Headlights
  • All-wheel Drive, Precision Can Motor, Die-cast Chassis, E-Z Mate Mark II couplers
  • Preforms best on 18 inch radius curves or greater
  • HO Scale 1 - 87
16

Bachmann 60304 Industries Emd Gp40 Dcc Equipped Locomotive Santa Fe #3508 Ho Scale Train Car

BACHMANNBrand 60304Model 2.0H*8.5L*1.5W inchesDimension 1.0 lbWeight
Bachmann 60304 Industries Emd Gp40 Dcc Equipped Locomotive Santa Fe #3508 Ho Scale Train Car cover
Bachmann 60304 Industries Emd Gp40 Dcc Equipped Locomotive Santa Fe #3508 Ho Scale Train Car thumb #1Bachmann 60304 Industries Emd Gp40 Dcc Equipped Locomotive Santa Fe #3508 Ho Scale Train Car thumb #2Bachmann 60304 Industries Emd Gp40 Dcc Equipped Locomotive Santa Fe #3508 Ho Scale Train Car thumb #3Bachmann 60304 Industries Emd Gp40 Dcc Equipped Locomotive Santa Fe #3508 Ho Scale Train Car thumb #4
8.1We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Very Good Price: $$
FreeShipping
Check On Amazon Search On eBay
Visit Store » Amazon.com ( 4.68 / 5 )
Features
  • DCC Equipped Locomotive
  • 8-wheel drive
  • Performs best on 18 inch radius curves or greater
17

Bachmann 58802 Trains Thomas And Friends - Diesel Locomotive

BACHMANNBrand 58802Model 7.1H*1.7L*6.3W inchesDimension 0.6 lbWeight
Bachmann 58802 Trains Thomas And Friends - Diesel Locomotive cover
Bachmann 58802 Trains Thomas And Friends - Diesel Locomotive thumb #1Bachmann 58802 Trains Thomas And Friends - Diesel Locomotive thumb #2Bachmann 58802 Trains Thomas And Friends - Diesel Locomotive thumb #3Bachmann 58802 Trains Thomas And Friends - Diesel Locomotive thumb #4
8.1We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Very Good Price: $$
FreeShipping
Check On Amazon Search On eBay
Visit Store » Amazon.com ( 4.68 / 5 )
Features
  • Build your Thomas & Friends collection one friend at a time with this highly detailed locomotive
  • Metal wheels
  • Performs best on 15 inch radius curves or greater
  • Runs on HO Scale Track
  • International style hook and loop couplers
  • Build your Thomas and friends collection one friend at a time
  • Compatible with Bachmann HO scale E-Z track and other popular brands of HO scale track
  • Metal wheels
  • International style hook and loop couplers
  • HO scale train
18

Walthers 910-20318 Ho Scale Emd Sd60M With 3-Piece Windshield

WALTHERSBrand 910-20318Model 4.0H*16.0L*6.0W inchesDimension
Walthers 910-20318 Ho Scale Emd Sd60M With 3-Piece Windshield cover
Walthers 910-20318 Ho Scale Emd Sd60M With 3-Piece Windshield thumb #1Walthers 910-20318 Ho Scale Emd Sd60M With 3-Piece Windshield thumb #2
8.0We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Good Price: $$$
Check On Amazon Search On eBay
Visit Store » Sunset Retail ( 4.73 / 5 )
Features
  • New in manufacturer packaging.
  • Realistic Detail.
  • Robust materials.
  • Original packaging.
  • Scale Miniature for For Model Trains and Dioramas.
19

Williams By Bachmann 20431 Ge Dash 9 Diesel - Southern #8099 Train

WILLIAMS BY BACHMANNBrand 20431Model 3.9H*17.75L*2.5W inchesDimension 1.0 lbWeight
Williams By Bachmann 20431 Ge Dash 9 Diesel - Southern #8099 Train cover
7.9We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Good Price: $$$
Check On Amazon Search On eBay
Visit Store » Overstock Hobbies ( 4.62 / 5 )
Features
  • True Blast Plus 16-bit polyphonic sound including prime mover, horn, and bell
  • Powered by dual motors with flywheel coasting action
  • 6 wheel power trucks with traction tires
  • Navigates O-31 curves
  • O Scale 1 - 48- (Trains run on AC power 3-rail track)
20

Bachmann 58818 Thomas & Friends Grumpy Diesel Engine

BACHMANNBrand 58818Model 2.0H*4.0L*1.5W inchesDimension 0.61 lbWeight
Bachmann 58818 Thomas & Friends Grumpy Diesel Engine cover
Bachmann 58818 Thomas & Friends Grumpy Diesel Engine thumb #1Bachmann 58818 Thomas & Friends Grumpy Diesel Engine thumb #2Bachmann 58818 Thomas & Friends Grumpy Diesel Engine thumb #3Bachmann 58818 Thomas & Friends Grumpy Diesel Engine thumb #4Bachmann 58818 Thomas & Friends Grumpy Diesel Engine thumb #5
7.9We rank the products based on several factors, like features, price, customer reviews, and so on.
Rating: Good Price: $
FreeShipping
Check On Amazon Search On eBay
Visit Store » Amazon.com ( 4.68 / 5 )
Features
  • Build your Thomas and friends collection one friend at a time!
  • Compatible with Bachmann HO scale E-Z track and other popular brands of HO scale track
  • Metal wheels
  • International style hook and loop couplers
  • HO scale - 1 - 87

Best Hobby Train Diesel Locomotives Of 2024 Rating

Top Reviewed Hobby Train Diesel Locomotives

Popular Related

FAQ & Notes

Megan Allen Written By Megan Allen

During our research, we found more than 256 related products, with prices ranging from $23.09 to $199.99, and most customers would pay around $111 for this type of product.

What are the top brands of Hobby Train Diesel Locomotives?

There are 6 brands available for Hobby Train Diesel Locomotives, such as Williams By Bachmann, Kato, Hallmark, Walthers, Bachmann, Walthers Trainline.

What are the available sellers for Hobby Train Diesel Locomotives?

There are 6 sellers available for Hobby Train Diesel Locomotives, including Already Christmas ( 4.75 / 5 ), HOBBYSPEED ( 4.81 / 5 ), MPM Hobbies ( 4.5 / 5 ), Sunset Retail ( 4.73 / 5 ), Amazon.com ( 4.68 / 5 ), Overstock Hobbies ( 4.62 / 5 ).

Price comparison of the top 10 Hobby Train Diesel Locomotives

*Note: Prices based on historical data.

Price comparison of the top 10 Hobby Train Diesel Locomotives highly recommended

*Note: Prices based on historical data.

The Verdict

After thorough consideration, we have selected the product WALTHERS 931-2503 as your preferred option.

As an alternative, we have also compiled a list based on user reviews, and the product BACHMANN 63563 is also worthy of your purchase.