Model Railway Brands To Consider

Discover the top names in model railway manufacturing

Welcome to the fascinating world of model railways! From locomotives and rolling stock to scenery and track systems, we'll explore the key players that stand out in the realm of miniature railways. Each brand brings its unique strengths to the table, offering enthusiasts a wide range of options to create their perfect layouts.

Summary: Top Model Railway Brands
Bachmann	Highly detailed OO scale models, affordable options
Hornby	Iconic British outline models, extensive range
Peco	High-quality track systems, innovative designs
Metcalfe Models	Premium card construction kits, realistic buildings

Bachmann: A Leader in Model Railway Innovation

Bachmann Trains, a US company owned by renowned Chinese manufacturer Kader Industries, has established itself as a powerhouse in the model railway industry. Since forming Bachmann Europe in 1989, the brand has become a serious rival to Hornby, offering a portfolio of highly detailed and critically acclaimed model railway products.

Bachmann's Branchline products are highly regarded and respected by both dealers and modellers alike. You'll find an extensive collection of Bachmann products at various retailers, often at competitive discount prices. Their commitment to quality and innovation has made them a go-to choice for enthusiasts seeking reliable and realistic models.

• Scenecraft: Bringing Your Layout to Life

Scenecraft, a Bachmann brand, offers a comprehensive range of easy-to-use buildings, figures, and accessories suited for model railway layouts, dioramas, and other scenic applications. These fully painted and decorated items can be quickly placed straight from the box, adding instant realism to your layout.

Scenecraft products are available in both OO and N scales, catering to different modelling preferences. The attention to detail in these accessories helps create immersive miniature worlds that bring layouts to life.

• Graham Farish: Precision in N Scale

Graham Farish, now part of the Bachmann family, specializes in N gauge British railway models. Founded in 1928 in the UK, the company was acquired by the Kader Group of Hong Kong in 2001. While operations were absorbed by Bachmann Industries, the Graham Farish brand continues to produce high-quality N scale models, now manufactured in China.

This blend of British heritage and modern production techniques results in exceptionally detailed and reliable N gauge models, perfect for those working with limited space or seeking to create expansive landscapes in a smaller footprint.

Hornby: The Home of Model Railways

First introduced in 1920, Hornby has become the brand leader of '00' Gauge model railways in Great Britain. Throughout its long history, Hornby has produced iconic sets and highly detailed locomotives that have captured the imagination of enthusiasts for generations. The Hornby name first appeared in 1909 on an educational Meccano set, but it wasn't until 1920 that it was used to market a loose track model railway system.

By 1981, Hornby became an independent company and started the journey to where you see the brand today. With new ideas and technology continuing to progress the hobby, Hornby is looking forward to a new era of model railways, continuing to inspire enthusiasts of all ages.

Many train journeys have been taken since 1920, with model railways enthusiasts from all walks of life. Hornby continues to be at the forefront of this beloved hobby.

PECO: Innovation in Model Railway Track Systems

PECO has always been a forward-looking family company with a long tradition of innovative thinking. The business started trading in 1946 and is now in its third generation. From its early days, PECO has concentrated its manufacturing skills on producing trackwork for model railway enthusiasts. Starting with individual component parts, PECO developed into producing HO/OO ready-made track with fibre sleepers. With the rise of plastics in the 1960s, PECO introduced the famous Streamline range, which over the years has become one of the world's leading brands for not just HO/OO but all scales from Z to G.

Today, PECO produces no less than 20 track ranges, featuring both standard gauge and narrow gauge systems, plus a wide selection of complementary accessories and items to add scenic detail to your layout.

Metcalfe Models: Precision in Card Construction Kits

Metcalfe Models has established itself as the world's premium brand of scale card construction kits for model railway, craft, and hobby enthusiasts. With kits produced in two miniature scales – N and 00/HO – Metcalfe's passion is creating high-quality, realistically detailed model buildings that are challenging yet rewarding to build.

Metcalfe Models offers a wide range of buildings and structures, from quaint country cottages to grand city buildings, allowing modellers to create diverse and realistic scenes for their layouts.

Conclusion

Choosing the right brands for your model railway is crucial in creating a realistic, enjoyable, and long-lasting layout. Whether you're drawn to Bachmann's detailed locomotives, Hornby's classic British models, PECO's innovative track systems, or Metcalfe's intricate building kits, each brand offers unique strengths to enhance your modelling experience. Each brand we've explored offers opportunities to learn, create, and express your vision of the railway world in miniature. So, pick up that controller, lay down some track, and let your imagination run wild!