Explore our comprehensive list of model train manufacturers from around the world. From American favorites like Lionel and Bachmann to European stalwarts like Märklin and Hornby, find the perfect HO, N, O, or G scale train for your collection.
American Model Train Manufacturers
If you’re an avid fan of model trains, chances are you’ve heard of American model train manufacturers. These brands have been around for decades and have become synonymous with quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular American model train manufacturers and what sets them apart in the market.
Lionel
Lionel is one of the most well-known names in the model train industry, and for good reason. The company has been around for over 100 years and has consistently produced high-quality trains that are both durable and visually stunning. Lionel’s flagship product is its O-gauge train sets, which are perfect for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The company also offers a wide range of accessories and track options to customize your train set to your liking.
Bachmann
Bachmann is another American model train manufacturer that has been around for over a century. The company is known for its affordable yet high-quality HO-scale train sets, which are perfect for beginners and experienced model train enthusiasts. Bachmann also offers a wide range of accessories and track options, making it easy to customize your train set to fit your needs.
Atlas Model Railroad Co.
Atlas Model Railroad Co. is a newer player in the model train industry, but it has quickly made a name for itself as one of the best American manufacturers of N-scale trains. The company is known for its attention to detail and its commitment to producing high-quality, realistic-looking trains. Atlas also offers a wide range of track options and accessories to help you create the perfect train set.
Kato USA
Kato USA is another newer player in the model train industry, but it has quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the best N-scale trains on the market. The company is known for its attention to detail and its commitment to producing trains that are both visually stunning and functional. Kato USA also offers a wide range of track options and accessories to help you create the perfect train set.
European Model Train Manufacturers
If you’re a model train enthusiast, you know that Europe has produced some of the most iconic and beloved model trains in the world. Here are four of the top European model train manufacturers to keep an eye on.
Märklin
Founded in Germany in 1859, Märklin is one of the oldest and most respected model train manufacturers in the world. They offer a wide range of scales, including HO, Z, and 1, and are particularly known for their high-quality locomotives and rolling stock. Märklin is also known for their attention to detail and their commitment to producing models that are as accurate and realistic as possible.
One of the unique features of Märklin’s models is their use of digital control systems. Their proprietary digital control system, called “Märklin Digital”, allows for more precise control over locomotives and other rolling stock, and also enables users to control multiple trains on the same track at the same time.
If you’re interested in starting a Märklin collection, you’ll find a wide range of options available, from starter sets to high-end locomotives and rolling stock. Märklin also produces a variety of accessories, including buildings, figures, and landscapes.
Hornby
Based in the UK, Hornby is another well-known and respected European model train manufacturer. They offer a wide range of scales, including OO, HO, and N, and are particularly known for their attention to detail and their commitment to producing models that are as accurate and realistic as possible.
One of the unique features of Hornby’s models is their use of “Digital Command Control” (DCC) technology. This allows users to control multiple trains on the same track at the same time, and also enables more precise control over locomotives and other rolling stock.
Hornby also produces a range of accessories, including buildings, figures, and landscapes. They’re a great choice for anyone looking to start a model train collection or expand an existing one.
Fleischmann
Founded in Germany in 1887, Fleischmann is another well-known European model train manufacturer. They specialize in HO and N scales, and are particularly known for their high-quality locomotives and rolling stock.
One of the unique features of Fleischmann’s models is their use of “profi couplers”. These are a type of coupler that allows for more realistic coupling and uncoupling of rolling stock, and are considered by many to be one of the best couplers on the market.
Bachmann Trains - E-Z Command Plus Digital Command Control System - Controller, Prototypical ColorsFleischmann also produces a wide range of accessories, including buildings, figures, and landscapes. They’re a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality European model trains.
Roco
Based in Austria, Roco is a relatively new player in the model train market, having been founded in 1960. However, they’ve quickly made a name for themselves as one of the top European model train manufacturers.
Roco specializes in HO and N scales, and are particularly known for their attention to detail and their commitment to producing models that are as accurate and realistic as possible. One of the unique features of Roco’s models is their use of “z21” digital control technology, which allows for more precise control over locomotives and other rolling stock.
Roco also produces a range of accessories, including buildings, figures, and landscapes. If you’re looking for high-quality European model trains, Roco is definitely a manufacturer to consider.
Japanese Model Train Manufacturers
If you’re a model train enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of the big names in the Japanese model train manufacturing industry. Japan is known for producing high-quality model trains that are popular not only in Japan but around the world. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top Japanese model train manufacturers.
Tomix
Tomix is a Japanese model train manufacturer that specializes in producing high-quality model trains and accessories. The company was established in 1959 and has since become one of the leading model train manufacturers in Japan. Tomix produces a wide range of model trains in various scales, including the popular N scale and HO scale.
One thing that sets Tomix apart from other model train manufacturers is their attention to detail. The company uses the latest technology and techniques to produce highly detailed model trains that are incredibly realistic. Tomix also produces a range of accessories, including track, buildings, and scenery, which can be used to create a realistic model train layout.
Kato Precision Railroad Models
Kato Precision Railroad Models is another Japanese model train manufacturer that is well-known for producing high-quality model trains. The company was established in 1957 and has since become one of the leading model train manufacturers in Japan. Kato produces a range of model trains in various scales, including N scale and HO scale.
One of the things that sets Kato apart from other model train manufacturers is their commitment to innovation. The company is constantly developing new technologies and techniques to produce more realistic and detailed model trains. Kato also produces a range of accessories, including track, buildings, and scenery, which can be used to create a realistic model train layout.
MicroAce
MicroAce is a Japanese model train manufacturer that produces a range of model trains and accessories. The company was established in 1962 and has since become one of the leading model train manufacturers in Japan. MicroAce produces a wide range of model trains in various scales, including N scale and HO scale.
One thing that sets MicroAce apart from other model train manufacturers is their attention to detail. The company uses the latest technology and techniques to produce highly detailed model trains that are incredibly realistic. MicroAce also produces a range of accessories, including track, buildings, and scenery, which can be used to create a realistic model train layout.
Greenmax
Greenmax is a Japanese model train manufacturer that produces a range of model trains and accessories. The company was established in 1954 and has since become one of the leading model train manufacturers in Japan. Greenmax produces a wide range of model trains in various scales, including N scale and HO scale.
One of the things that sets Greenmax apart from other model train manufacturers is their commitment to producing eco-friendly products. The company uses environmentally friendly materials and processes to produce their model trains and accessories. Greenmax also produces a range of accessories, including track, buildings, and scenery, which can be used to create a realistic model train layout.
Other Model Train Manufacturers
If you are looking for model train manufacturers that offer unique and high-quality models, then you might want to consider Accurail, Athearn, Broadway Limited Imports, and Walthers. Each of these manufacturers has its own unique characteristics and offerings that cater to different model train enthusiasts.
Accurail
Accurail is a company that specializes in producing freight car kits for HO and N scale model trains. The company offers a wide range of kits that are designed to be easy to assemble and customize. Accurail’s kits are made of high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity. The company’s attention to detail and accuracy make their models a popular choice for hobbyists who are passionate about realism.
Some of the most popular Accurail models include their 40′ AAR steel boxcar and their 50′ exterior post boxcar. Accurail also offers a range of decals and accessories that allow model train enthusiasts to customize their models to their liking.
Athearn
Athearn is a leading manufacturer of model locomotives, rolling stock, and accessories. The company has been in operation since 1947 and has built a reputation for producing high-quality models that are both accurate and reliable. Athearn’s attention to detail and commitment to quality make their models a favorite among hobbyists.
Athearn offers a wide range of models, including HO and N scale locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars. Some of the most popular Athearn models include their Genesis series SD70ACe locomotive and their RTR 50′ FMC boxcar. The company’s commitment to innovation and quality make them a popular choice for model train enthusiasts.
Broadway Limited Imports
Broadway Limited Imports is a company that specializes in producing high-quality models of steam and diesel locomotives. The company has built a reputation for producing models that are both accurate and reliable. Broadway Limited Imports uses advanced technology to produce their models, which allows them to capture the intricate details and nuances of real-life locomotives.
Some of Broadway Limited Imports’ most popular models include their Paragon3 steam locomotives and their BlueLine diesel locomotives. The company also produces a range of rolling stock and accessories that allow hobbyists to build complete and realistic model train layouts.
Walthers
Walthers is a company that has been in operation since 1932 and is a leading manufacturer of model trains and accessories. The company offers a wide range of products, including locomotives, rolling stock, and scenery. Walthers’ attention to detail and commitment to quality make their models a popular choice for hobbyists.
Walthers’ range of products includes models in HO, N, O, and Z scales. Some of the most popular Walthers models include their Proto 2000 GP30 diesel locomotive and their Cornerstone brick office building kit. The company also produces a range of scenery products, including trees, buildings, and figures that allow hobbyists to create realistic model train layouts.
Scale Model Train Manufacturers
If you’re a hobbyist model train enthusiast, you’ll know that the scale of a train is one of the most important factors to consider when building your layout. In this section, we’ll explore some of the most popular scale model train manufacturers and their offerings.
HO Scale
HO scale is the most popular scale for model trains, with a ratio of 1:87. This scale allows for a good balance between the size of the trains and the space required to set up a layout. One of the most well-known manufacturers of HO scale trains is Bachmann. Bachmann offers a wide range of trains, including steam and diesel locomotives, as well as rolling stock and accessories.
Another popular HO scale manufacturer is Atlas Model Railroad Co. Atlas has been producing model trains since the 1940s and is known for its high-quality locomotives and rolling stock. Kato USA is also a top choice for HO scale enthusiasts, with a focus on producing accurate models of real-life trains.
N Scale
N scale has a ratio of 1:160, making it a popular choice for those with limited space for their layout. Despite its smaller size, N scale trains can still offer a high level of detail. One of the most popular N scale manufacturers is Kato Precision Railroad Models. Kato’s N scale trains are known for their smooth operation and accurate details.
MicroAce is another notable N scale manufacturer, with a focus on producing high-quality Japanese prototype models. Greenmax is another Japanese manufacturer that produces N scale trains, with a focus on creating realistic landscapes and scenery.
O Scale
O scale has a ratio of 1:48, making it a larger scale than HO and N scale. This larger size allows for more detail and realism in the models. Lionel is one of the most well-known O scale manufacturers, with a history dating back to the early 1900s. Lionel produces a wide range of locomotives, rolling stock, and accessories, with a focus on producing models that appeal to both collectors and hobbyists.
Another top O scale manufacturer is MTH Electric Trains. MTH produces a wide range of locomotives and rolling stock, with a focus on producing models with high levels of detail and accuracy.
G Scale
G scale has a ratio of 1:22.5, making it the largest scale of model trains. This larger size allows for even more detail and realism in the models. Accurail is one of the top G scale manufacturers, with a focus on producing high-quality rolling stock. Athearn is another popular G scale manufacturer, with a range of locomotives and rolling stock in both standard and narrow gauge.
Broadway Limited Imports is another top G scale manufacturer, with a focus on producing models that offer a high level of detail and realism. Walthers is also a notable G scale manufacturer, with a range of locomotives, rolling stock, and accessories.
Overall, there are many scale model train manufacturers to choose from, each with their own unique offerings and specialties. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, there’s sure to be a manufacturer and scale that’s right for you.
