Top 30 Model Railway Brands in 2024

The most popular brands for Model Railway Includes FALLER, Noch, Microscale, Woodland Scenics, Walthers, Vollmer, Atlas, Preiser, Viessmann, Bachmann among many others.

1

FALLER

Popular Brand

Faller is known for its made-in-Germany residences. Faller has manufactured rail tracks, trains, and terminals. Terrain mats and trees complement Faller landscape components. The city decorations, bridges, and ordinary things are also available here. The one-of-a-kind car system transforms streets into simple traffic patterns. Modern structures pass by high-tech trains, and new extra functions add further dynamism and effects. Faller says it's a good idea to sell houses as building kits worldwide.

2

Noch

Popular Brand

Don't hold your love inside to build model sets of landscapes, trains, track construction, etc. Located in southern Germany, Noch is a specialist in model landscaping and has been in this business for over 100 years. It has a variety of products, from a model railroad, theme worlds, and diorama kits, to terrain structuring and a lot more. A separate tab called 'crafting-tips' offers lots of creative DIY ideas.

3

Microscale

Popular Brand

Microscale has been in the business for over 87 years. They intend to cross that 100 mark and go ahead some more. The brand makes stickers and decals for the military and the navy. Hundreds of customers trust them to deliver the stickers. Corona has caused some hindrance to the production and growth of the company, but they are slowly getting back on track with the situation returning to normal. Microscale has a catalog that you can check out.

4

Woodland Scenics

Best Brand

Woodland scenic is an American brand founded in 1975 by David Osment. They manufacture realistic models of scenery and educational art and crafts used by many industries and companies as display projects. They sell building materials for the project, such as kits and equipment. Woodland has had its name for decades based on its experience decade since its inception involving 28 models of tree humps. It has several consumers across the United States and the World who chose Woodland as a remodeling service.

5

Walthers

Best Brand

Helping people to own tracks of the future, Walthers caters to providing you with all your needs for railroading models. They have been in the market since 1932 and have constantly evolved from the postwar era. Their flyers are available for you to check out online, and you can surely visit their showroom as well. They have over 1000 different products as well. Grab your materials to construct your dream railroad.

6

Vollmer

Best Brand

If you need greater watch casings and bands, Vollmer is your partner. The company has been in business for almost 90 years and has developed its reputation via rigorous raw material selection, tight quality control, and close examination of every final product. All goods are entirely handcrafted in Germany by qualified professionals. They exclusively give maximum materials, which professional artisans examine throughout the manufacturing process. In addition, they manufacture quartz watches.

7

Atlas

Best Brand

Atlas provides an entirely new game experience for kids. The game has a futuristic vibe since it combines the actual world with the virtual one in a mobile, tactile, and digital experience. Students may learn about the solar system and become masters at traversing the universe with an interactive game offered by Atlas. Young explorers may learn about space in an entertaining, informative, and engaging way thanks to the app's award-winning technology, which combines a variety of game concepts.

8

Preiser

Best Brand

Preiser is a German manufacturer of model figures. Their products are available in several scales, such as HO, N, Z,...

9

Viessmann

Viessmann is a leading manufacturing company that produces innovative heating and refrigeration systems. The company has been in the market...

10

Bachmann

Bachmann makes it simple to incorporate Scandinavian style into your house. It features a full line of dinnerware, flatware, glasses,...

11

Busch

Busch, a lifestyle modification company, aids people in decorating their homes with elegant and visually pleasing fireplaces and furnishings. These...

12

TYCO

TYCO is the top supplier of physical security systems and services, including access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, and fire...

13

Kadee

Kadee is a company based in the USA which produces, designs, and manufactures products such as trucks, couplers, and many...

14

POLA

Cosmetics are the products used for increased beauty. Pola is a cosmetics company whose products mainly focus on men and...

15

WIKING

WIKING is a company making toy models for the last 80 years. They are mainly focused on building realistic models...

17

Fleischmann

Fleischmann is a company that has been building model trains for almost a century now. They started the company back...

18

BRAWA

Brawa is a railway transport vehicle commonly known as a locomotive or engine production company. These products provide the motive...

19

Athearn

There is no age to enjoy a hobby as fun as model railroading. Athearn is a company that delivers exemplary...

20

Auhagen

There have been numerous companies selling automotive parts, but there are not many that are known for providing model railway...

21

Airfix

Airfix is one of the most reputed and trusted dealers of aeromodelling. It is the predecessor of all the UK-based...

22

Heljan

Model making is an art that is easy to learn but difficult to master. Heljan has earned its reputation in...

23

Lionel

Lionel Corporation ran a chain of toy stores mostly on the eastern side of the United States. It is the...

24

Dapol

If collecting railway models is your hobby, then you definitely would've heard the name Dapol. They provide magnificent railway models...

25

IHC

IHC stands for International Hobby Corps. It is a brand of products for children. They provide transporting vehicle toys to...

26

Bar Mills

Bar Mills is a unique brand hailing from the state of Maine. Every individual can rely on the company’s comprehensive...

27

PECO

PECO serves millions of clients in Pennsylvania with electricity and natural gas. When it comes to producing the best quality...

28

Banta Modelworks

Banta Modelworks is a premium small laser model makers company. Their team comprises the most talented and creative people from...

29

Jouef

Jouef is a model company that develops a natural train environment. The models are precise and lifelike, with a level...

30

PIKO

PIKO America is a model train brand that manufactures PIKO trains, tracks, buildings, and many more products. It produces G-Scale,...

Model Railway Buying Guide

Model railways are a popular hobby with enthusiasts all over the world. Creating your own miniature world with trains, tracks, buildings, and landscapes is both creative and relaxing. However, for someone who is new to the world of model railways, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. This buying guide aims to provide some essential tips on buying the right model railway components and materials that suit your needs, skill level, and budget.

Choose the Scale

The first thing to consider when starting a model railway is the scale of the model. Scale represents the proportion of the real-life object and the size of the model. There are different scales to choose from, and each scale has its advantages and disadvantages.

N Scale

The N scale is 1:160 in ratio and is the smallest scale available for model railways. It is perfect for those who have limited space as it takes up less room than larger scales. It also allows for more intricate and detailed landscaping compared to larger scales. However, it is not ideal for those with visual or dexterity issues as small and intricate parts can be hard to handle.

HO Scale

The HO scale is the most popular scale worldwide, and measures 1:87 in ratio. It is larger than the N scale, but still small enough to fit into a small space. The HO scale offers a wide range of accessories and details to choose from due to its popularity.

O Scale

The O scale measures 1:48 in ratio and is suitable for those looking for larger models with more detail. It is perfect for creating a retro feel and for larger spaces, but it takes up more room than smaller scales, and accessories can be expensive.

Decide on the Layout

Next, you need to decide on the layout for your model railway. The layout refers to the way the tracks and accessories are arranged to create a coherent design. Before purchasing any tracks or accessories, it is important to have a complete layout plan that considers the available space, shape of the room, and the desired look and theme.

There are several layout styles to choose from. The most popular are:

Oval

An oval layout is the simplest layout to set up and is ideal for beginners. It is easy to control the trains as they travel a round circuit, and it is easy to add buildings and scenery around the track.

Figure-Eight

A figure-eight layout consists of two ovals with a crossover in the center. This layout offers more interest and challenge as it allows two trains to run simultaneously, each navigating around the different tracks.

Point-to-Point

A point-to-point layout involves trains traveling from one point to another through a series of tracks, usually set up in a linear fashion. This layout offers more realistic scenery and can include more realistic hills, tunnels, and valleys.

Consider the Train

Choosing the right train for your model railway is essential. There are different types of trains available, and deciding on the type you want can be a challenge. Here are the most popular types of trains available:

Steam Locomotives

A steam locomotive is the most popular type of train for model railway enthusiasts. It gives a realistic, classic feel and is ideal for nostalgic layouts. However, it requires more maintenance and can be expensive compared to electric trains.

Electric Trains

Electric trains are the most common type of train used in model railways. They are easy to set up, low maintenance, and come with a range of accessories.

Sound Equipped Trains

Sound-equipped trains produce realistic noises such as whistles, chugging sounds, and braking sounds. They are ideal for those looking for a more immersive experience but can be expensive.

Purchase the Track

Tracks are the most important component of a model railway, and choosing the right track is essential as it affects the overall look and operation of the model railway. Here are the most popular types of tracks available:

Straight Track

Straight tracks are the simplest type of tracks available and are used to create the basic foundation of the railway.

Curved Track

Curved tracks are used to create turns and bends in the railway. It is essential to have a variety of curved tracks to create a realistic and varied layout.

Turnouts and Switches

Turnouts and switches allow the train to change direction and switch between tracks. There are several types of turnouts and switches available, including manual and electric options.

Add Scenery and Accessories

Adding scenery and accessories is one of the most enjoyable parts of creating a model railway. It allows the model railway to come alive and look more realistic. Here are some popular types of scenery and accessories:

Buildings

Buildings such as houses, train stations, and shops add a realistic touch to the model railway. They are commonly made of plastic, wood, or resin.

Landscaping

Landscaping accessories include trees, rocks, and grass that add a natural feel to the model railway. They are essential to create a realistic environment.

Lighting

Lighting adds a dramatic effect to the model railway and illuminates the overall scene. It is essential to choose the right lighting type to suit the desired effect.

People and Vehicles

People and vehicles add life to the model railway and create a sense of activity in the miniature world. They are usually made of plastic or resin and come in different sizes.

Conclusion

Creating a model railway is a fun and enjoyable hobby that requires attention to detail and patience. Choosing the right components and materials can be overwhelming, but with a clear understanding of the scale, layout, trains, tracks, scenery, and accessories, it is possible to create a realistic and enjoyable model railway. Remember, the most important thing is to choose components that suit your skills, budget, and desired theme, and have fun while creating your miniature world.

Categories Similar to Model Railway

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