Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. Announces Officially Licensed America250™ Commemorative Models and Collectibles

MILWAUKEE, WI – Through an official product licensing arrangement, Milwaukee’s own Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. is proud to support America250’s mission with a series of officially licensed products commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. These releases highlight the historical significance of railroads in shaping the nation – innovations that connected communities and enabled growth for nearly two centuries.

By leveraging its trusted brand – rooted in historical preservation, education, and community engagement – Walthers aims to help ensure America250’s initiatives reach both lifelong hobbyists and new audiences, fostering appreciation for the nation’s past while encouraging participation in this historic milestone.

“Model railroading has traditionally attracted history enthusiasts who value accuracy and authenticity, as well as individuals who use modeling to document and preserve specific moments in time,” said Karen Formico, Vice President of Marketing at Walthers. “Some customers will integrate the America250^™ equipment directly into their operating layouts as a meaningful historical element, while others may purchase additional units specifically for collection. Still others will preserve the piece in its original packaging as a commemorative artifact.”

Commemorative Product Line

The officially licensed America250^™ offerings include:

• WalthersProto^® GP60 Model Locomotive (available in both DC and DCC configurations) with patriotic stars and stripes’ theme and official Americ250^™ logo.
• WalthersMainline^® 72′ Refrigerator Boxcar, companion to the locomotive with patriotic stars and stripes’ theme and official America250^™ logo.
• America250^™ Limited Edition Titans of Steel^ª Collectible Trading Cards 25-Card Foil Pack, part of Walthers’ Railroad Collectible Trading Card program.
• WalthersMainline^® General Electric ET44AC GEVO Tier 4 Model Locomotive (available in both DC and DCC configuration) replica of newly announced full size patriotic paint scheme and official America250^™ logo.
• WalthersMainline^® General Electric ES44AC GEVO Model Locomotives (available in both DC and DCC configurations) represent replicas of the recently released #1776 “Screaming Eagle” scheme and #2026 “Air Force One” scheme, both proudly displaying the official America250^™ logo.

All products are designed to resonate across the model railroading community, aligning naturally with both active modelers and collectors – two core audiences within the hobby. This diversity of engagement reflects the unique nature of model railroading, where products serve simultaneously as operating models, historical documentation, and collectible artifacts.

The limited edition Titans of Steel^™ 25-card foil pack complements the existing collector series by highlighting pivotal railroad equipment, landmarks, and individuals whose contributions intersect with the nation’s 250-year history. For collectors, these cards serve as curated, tangible documentation of railroad heritage. Some participants will integrate the cards into complete collections, others will preserve unopened packs for long-term value, and still others will treat the foil pack as a stand-alone commemorative piece.

Ordering Information

Collectors and modelers are encouraged to secure orders early. Due to contractual obligations associated with the America250^™ licensing agreement, there will be a firm order deadline.

Preorders for the America250^™ locomotives and boxcar must be submitted by August 15 for Spring delivery. Once these officially licensed products sell through, they will not be reordered.

This limited release represents a singular opportunity to own a meaningful, historically significant commemorative product tied directly to the nation’s 250th anniversary.

For additional information, contact Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. or visit walthers.com.

The AMERICA250^ª word mark and logo are trademarks owned by the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and any use of such marks by Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. is under license. ©2026 Wm. K. Walthers, Inc.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.