Do you love model trains? If so, you might be looking forward to knowing more about the different model train makers you can see in the market. Various model train makers offer different designs, unique features, and a lot of other specifications to choose from.
British model trains are among the most prominent around the globe. Whether you’re new to train modeling or a seasoned hobbyist, you’ll want to read about some of the best British model train makers out there! Just like British car makers, these companies produce some of the finest model trains in the world, and their products are highly sought after by collectors and hobbyists.
You can check out the various British model trains available in the market. Continue reading to learn more about these amazing companies!
Peco
First on the list of British model train makers is the manufacturer of model railway accessories: Peco. The company was founded in 1946 and is based in Devon, England. It is a world-renowned brand that produces high-quality products for both model railway enthusiasts and professional layout builders.
Peco’s product range includes tracks, locomotives, rolling stock, buildings, scenery items, figures, lighting products, tools, and more! Their products are available in several different scales such as HO scale, N scale, OO scale, and O gauge.
Some of the most popular Peco products include their code 100 flex track (which is used to create curved sections of track), their point motors (used to control turnouts or switches), and their scenic accessories (such as trees and bushes).
Hornby
Hornby is another British company that produces model trains and accessories. It was founded in 1901 by Frank Hornby, who is also the inventor of Meccano. The company is based in Margate, England and its products are available on several different scales, such as the OO scale, HO scale, and N scale.
Hornby’s product range includes locomotives, rolling stock, tracks, buildings, scenery items, figures, lighting products, tools, and more! Some of their most popular products include the Hogwarts Express (a Harry Potter-themed train set), the Flying Scotsman (a historic steam locomotive), and the Mallard (another historic steam locomotive).
In addition to producing model trains and accessories, Hornby also manufactures die-cast vehicles, Airfix plastic model kits, and Scalextric slot cars.
Bachmann
Bachmann is another well-known British company that produces model trains and accessories. It was founded in 1833 by Henry Carlisle. The company’s products are available on several different scales, such as the OO scale, HO scale, N scale, and On30 scale.
Bachmann’s product range includes locomotives, rolling stock, tracks, buildings, scenery items, figures, lighting products tools, and more! Some of their most popular products include the Thomas & Friends train sets (based on the popular children’s TV show), the Percy engine (from the Thomas & Friends TV show), and the Emily engine (also from the Thomas & Friends TV show).
In addition to producing model trains and accessories, Bachmann also manufactures die-cast vehicles, plastic model kits, and radio-controlled vehicles.
Scalextric
Scalextric is a British company that produces slot cars and other racing products. It was founded in 1957 by Fred Francis. The company is based in Havant, England and its products are available on several different scales, such as the HO scale, N scale, and OO scale.
Scalextric’s product range includes tracks, cars, buildings, scenery items, figures, lighting products tools, and more! Some of their most popular products include the James Bond Aston Martin DB-five (from the film Goldfinger), the Batman Batmobile (from the TV show Batman), and the Mini Cooper S (from the film The Italian Job).
In addition to producing slot cars and other racing products, Scalextric also manufactures die-cast vehicles, plastic model kits, and radio-controlled vehicles.
Airfix
Airfix is a British company that produces plastic model kits. It was founded in 1939 by Nicholas Kove. The company is based in Maidenhead, England and its products are available in several different scales such as HO scale, N scale, OO scale, and O gauge.
Airfix’s product range includes aircraft, cars, ships, figures, buildings, scenery items, tools, and more! Some of their most popular products include the Supermarine Spitfire (a British fighter aircraft from World War II), the Jaguar E-type (a British sports car from the 1960s), and the Titanic (the ill-fated passenger ship from 1912).
In addition to producing plastic model kits, Airfix also manufactures die-cast vehicles, radio-controlled vehicles, and slot cars.
Humbrol
Humbrol is a British company that produces paint, glue, and other modeling products and was founded in 1919.
Humbrol’s product range includes paint, glue, tools, figures, buildings, scenery items, and more! Some of their most popular products include the Enamel Paints (a type of paint that dries to a hard finish), the Super Glue (a strong adhesive), and the Model Cement (a glue for plastic models).
In addition to producing paint, glue, and other modeling products, Humbrol also manufactures plastic model kits and die-cast vehicles. Today, this British brand is already owned by Hornby.
Choosing the Right Model Train Maker
There are many different British companies that produce model trains and accessories. So, how do you choose the right one for you? Here are a few things to consider:
- The type of products you want: Do you want locomotives, rolling stock, tracks, buildings, scenery items, figures, lighting products, tools, or something else?
- The scale of the products you want: Do you want an OO scale, HO scale, N scale, On30 scale, or something else?
- The price of the products you want: Model trains and accessories can range in price from very affordable to quite expensive. So it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping.
- The quality of the products you want: Some model train makers produce high-quality products while others produce lower-quality products. It’s important to read reviews and do your research before you make a purchase.
Now that you know what to look for, you’re ready to choose the right British model train maker for you!
Final Thoughts
There are many different British companies that produce model trains and accessories. It can be difficult to choose the right one for you, but it’s important to consider things like the type of products you want, the scale of the products you want, and the price of the products you want. Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’re ready to choose the right British model train maker for you!