Ontario Northland “Northlander” Passenger Cars
O Scale by Golden Gate Depot
A true icon of Canadian intercity railroading arrives in O Scale with the Ontario Northland “Northlander” Passenger Cars. Representing one of Canada’s most distinctive and beloved regional passenger services, these cars capture the rugged reliability and unmistakable blue-and-yellow presence of the Northlander as it connected Northern Ontario with Toronto for decades.
Purpose-built for long-distance regional service through some of Canada’s most challenging territory, the Northlander combined comfort, practicality, and dependable operation—making it a standout chapter in Canadian passenger rail history and a perfect fit for serious O scale layouts.
Golden Gate Depot faithfully recreates the Northlander with finely crafted car bodies, fully realized interiors, and crisp factory-applied paint that accurately reflects Ontario Northland’s classic passenger livery.
Prototype Background
Introduced by Ontario Northland Railway in 1962, the Northlander provided essential passenger service between Toronto and Northern Ontario communities including North Bay, Timmins, and Cochrane. Operated with a variety of conventional passenger coaches and head-end equipment over the decades, the Northlander became synonymous with dependable regional rail service in Ontario.
Known for its long consists, distinctive color scheme, and frequent use of road-switcher and passenger-equipped diesel locomotives, the Northlander remained in service until 2012 and continues to hold a strong place in Canadian railfan and modeler interest.
Paint Scheme Offered
Ontario Northland Standard Passenger Scheme
The classic blue and yellow livery worn by Northlander passenger equipment, accurately reproduced with sharp lettering and correct striping.
Available Passenger Consists
Each consist is fully roadnumbered with no duplication, allowing multiple sets to operate together prototypically.
Ontario Northland “Northlander” Passenger Consist
Standard Passenger Scheme
4-Car Set Includes
Road numbers TBD
Cab car
Coach Car
Coach Car
Coach Car
Set Price: $1,929.99
(Car types and numbering reflect typical Northlander consists.)
Individual Car Availability
To support flexible consist lengths and era-specific operation, select cars are available for individual purchase, allowing modelers to recreate short regional trains or longer Northlander consists.
MSRP: $449.99 per car
Coach Cars (Individual)
– Multiple road numbers available
These individual offerings make it easy to tailor train length and car mix to match specific years of Northlander operation.
Model Features — Standard Passenger Specifications
Accurately Scaled Aluminum Car Bodies with correct window and door arrangements
Highly Detailed Underbodies featuring brake gear, tanks, and equipment boxes
Fully Detailed Interiors appropriate to Northlander service
Correct coach seating layouts
Optional café or service areas where applicable
Passenger Figures Installed where appropriate
Flicker-Free LED Interior Lighting throughout
Ball-Bearing Trucks for smooth, quiet operation
Die-Cast Metal Truck Frames for added weight and stability
Brass Detail Parts including grab irons, steps, and end hardware
Crisp Factory-Applied Paint and Lettering matched to Ontario Northland standards
Designed for Long-Distance Regional Passenger Operation
A Northern Icon in O Scale
Whether operated as a compact regional train or expanded into a longer consist, the Ontario Northland “Northlander” Passenger Cars bring an authentic piece of Canadian rail history to your layout. From their unmistakable livery to their prototypical car arrangements, these models capture the spirit of the Northlander—an enduring symbol of passenger rail service in Northern Ontario.
