This category focuses on model railroading, a hobby in which rail transport systems are modeled at a reduced scale.
Actually, since this is the shopping area of our guide, we will be concentrating on the products involved in the hobby, such as the locomotive, rolling stock, track, power supply and control systems, scenery, buildings, ballast and ground cover, signal systems, and accessories, as well as weathering supplies, tools, kits, and others.
Additional information and resources can be found in the corresponding category within our Sports & Recreation area.
Model railroading is a fascinating hobby that combines engineering, artistry, and a love for trains.
It is common for a child to receive an inexpensive train set for Christmas. Most will enjoy playing with it for quite a while, but some eventually either wreck it or put it away as other toys grab their attention. Many, however, will take it much further than that, building layouts, adding accessories, and upgrading to a more sophisticated set.
Model railroading can become a lifelong hobby, or even an obsession, as what began with a child's toy comes to mimic real-world railroads, complete with intricate layouts. Some people have added onto their homes or even built separate buildings to accommodate their growing hobby.
The trains themselves are at the heart of model railroading. These miniature locomotives and rolling stock come in various scales, with the HO scale (1:87) and the N scale (1:160) being the most popular. Each scale offers a different level of detail and space requirements. This allows hobbyists to choose based on their preferences and available space.
Tracks are the foundation of any model railroad. They come in different types, including sectional tracks, which are pre-formed pieces that snap together, and flex tracks, which can be bent to fit custom layouts. Popular brands like Atlas, Kato, and Peco provide high-quality track systems that ensure smooth operation and reliability.
To bring the trains to life, model railroaders need power supplies and controllers. Traditional DC (Direct Current) systems are still widely used, although Digital Command Control (DCC) systems have gained popularity for their ability to control multiple trains independently on the same track. Companies like Digitrax and NCE offer advanced DCC systems.
Beyond the trains and tracks, rolling stock (freight cars, passenger cars) and structures (stations, buildings, bridges, tunnels) add depth to a layout. Manufacturers like Athearn, Bachmann, and Walthers offer a wide range of rolling stock and structures catering to different eras and regions.
Scenery transforms a simple track layout into a lifelike miniature world. Scenery can be purchased, or materials such as foam, plaster, and ground cover can be used to create landscapes. Woodland Scenics offers scenery products like trees, grass, water effects, and buildings.
Given the importance of precision in model railroading, hobbyists use specialized tools like hobby knives, cutting mats, tweezers, and small brushes.
Companies like Hornby, Lionel, and Märklin are well-known manufacturers of model railroading gear. Lionel, an iconic American brand, is famous for its O-scale trains and accessories, while the British company, Hornby, provides a range of model railroading products for beginners and experienced modelers. Märklin, a German company, offers everything from starter sets to advanced digital systems.
Hobby shops and online retailers play a significant role in making model railroading accessible. Local hobby shops are usually able to provide personalized service and a sense of community, while online retailers, like TrainWorld and ModelTrainStuff, offer a large selection of products and the convenience of online shopping.
Recommended Resources
Charles Ro Supply Company is a well-known retailer specializing in model trains and hobbies. It has become the world's largest Lionel dealer, offering a wide selection of model train sets and accessories. Their store is located in Malden, Massachusetts, and has an online store, offering several options in O-gauge, S-gauge, G-scale, HO-scale, and N-scale, as well as building blocks train kits, wooden train sets, woodland scenes, and other components and accessories.
https://charlesro.com/
Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Evan Designs specializes in miniature LED lights for hobbies and models. They offer a wide range of products, including battery-powered LED lights, wiring components, switches, sirens, and accessories for model trains, diecast police cars, RC helicopters, and more. Their LEDs come in various sizes and styles, such as Chip, Nano, Pico, and Mega LEDs, catering to different scales and projects. Also included is modeling software for model trains and dioramas.
https://evandesigns.com/
Headquartered in Concord, North Carolina, Lionel is an American designer and importer of toy trains and model railroads. Its roots were formed in the former Lionel Corporation, which was founded in 1900 and operated for over 120 years, before it was acquired by General Mills in 1969, later becoming Lionel Trains and then Lionel, LLC. Lionel accounts for about 60% of O-gauge trains sold each year. Its product line is featured, along with information on getting started in model railroading.
https://www.lionel.com/
The German toy company was founded in 1859, and is based at Göppingen in Baden-Württemberg. Originally specializing in doll house accessories, the company is best known for its model railways and technical toys today. Featuring all important gauges in the model railroad market, the company offers the possibility of adding to existing layouts and collections over several years. Its product catalog, services, clubs, events, services, and trade shows are highlighted.
https://www.marklin.com/
Located in Piscataway, New Jersey, The Model Railroad Shop was established by Howell Day and has been in continuous business since 1933. Its location, contacts, and hours of operation are set forth, along with the store's history and information on getting started in model railroading. Its online catalog includes HO, N, and O-scale railroads, brass items, full train sets, scenery, structures, and buildings, DCC electronics, paint, tools, and supplies, along with books.
https://themodelrailroadshop.com/
Specializing in rare and hard-to-find pre-owned model trains and a curated selection of newer trains, all backed by a satisfaction guarantee, the family-owned business buys second-hand model train collections and estates in all scales from all over the country. Located in Ocala, Florida, its facilities are open by appointment only, and most of its business is conducted online, either through its website or via eBay auctions. Shoppers can browse its categories, and weekly specials are included.
https://modeltrainmarket.com/
The business began as a general hardware store in 1913 and later began carrying model train sets in the 1960s. In the mid-1970s, the store was converted entirely to trains. Its web store opened in the 1990s and is currently online only, with no in-person shopping or store pickup. Based in Arden, North Carolina, online shoppers may browse its product catalog by new arrivals, scale, brand, trains, or layout, with sale items highlighted. The history of the business is presented.
https://www.modeltrainstuff.com/
Founded by Peter and Aileen Bianco, TrainWorld is a third-generation family-run business that has become a well-known resource for model train enthusiasts. Formed in 1968, TrainWorld has a retail store in Lynbrook, New York, while its mail-order offices are in Brooklyn. Visitors to its online shopping site may browse by product category, by scale (G, O, S, ON30, HO, N, Wooden Trains), or by brand. Alternatively, they can search the entire store by keyword. Contacts are posted.
https://www.trainworld.com/
Founded by Scott Griggs in his father's garage in the 1970s, the company went through some ups and downs during its history, Trainz carries a large selection of new and used collectible model trains, offering free shipping on orders above $500 to the continental United States. Besides its large inventory of model trains, components, and accessories, the company has several other programs, including its Private Car membership program, its Trainz Academy, and its train buying service.
https://www.trainz.com/
Wm. K. Walthers, Inc., was founded in Milwaukee in 1932. Its first ad offered a 24-page catalog listing rail, couplers, and electrical supplies. Within five years, the company had outgrown its original building. Today, Walthers sells its own products and those from over 200 other manufacturers, including buildings, people, scenery, locomotives, and rolling stock on multiple scales. Its showroom location and hours are posted, and its products are also available online.
https://www.walthers.com/
