Hartland Locomotive Works Halts Production, Leaves Large Scale Community Uncertain

Hartland Locomotive Works, the long running maker of large scale model railroad equipment, announced on December 6, 2025 that it has halted production. The company explained that ongoing business difficulties made worse by the COVID 19 pandemic forced the suspension, and while it left open the possibility of resuming at a later date, it cautioned that no guarantees can be made and advised customers to consider production closed for the time being.

The firm will remain open to ship existing inventory, and the announcement outlined arrangements for warranty work, parts, and service. Phil Jensen is handling warranty work and parts and service for customers, and the company letter included contact details for that support. Managers indicated the pause in production is driven by sunk operational challenges and a strained business environment rather than a decision to liquidate remaining stock.

This matters for operators and collectors because Hartland has been an established presence in the large scale hobby for more than a quarter century. Models now at retail or in private hands may become harder to replace, and spare parts that many owners hold as future maintenance safety nets could be scarcer over time. Warranty and service pathways remain in place for now, but buyers and owners should verify coverage and parts availability before purchasing or undertaking restorations.

Practical steps to take immediately include confirming warranty status and service contact information with Phil Jensen, checking existing HLW stock lists to identify in hand parts and components, and documenting serial numbers and receipts for items that may require future support. Consider the impact on projects that rely on HLW specific components, and plan for alternate suppliers for motors, couplers, and electronics if long term production remains suspended.

For the community, the halt underscores the fragility of small and specialized manufacturers in the post pandemic market. Trackside operators and collectors who value HLW products now face decisions about preserving equipment, sourcing parts, and managing resale expectations. Verify your warranties and parts arrangements, keep an inventory of critical items, and monitor any further announcements in case production resumes.