Major Manufacturers

Overview

Major manufacturers

August 21, 2013

Find links here to the hobby’s biggest manufacturers.

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Accucraft

August 27, 2013

Accucraft makes brass live steam and electric locomotives, as well as freight cars, passenger cars, and track products in several scales including 1:20.3, 1:29, and 1:32.

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Until closing in 2013, Aristo-Craft made locomotives and rolling stock in 1:29 and 1:24 scales, as well as code 332 track, buildings, people, and a radio control system called the Train Engineer Revolution. The Revolution system is still available from Crest Electronics.

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Bachmann Trains

September 11, 2013

Bachmann is a leading manufacturer of 1:20.3 scale narrow engine locomotive and cars, as well as the popular and inexpensive “Big Hauler”, “Lil Hauler”, and Thomas and Friends series.

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Hartland Locomotive Works

September 11, 2013

Hartland makes 1:24 scale locomotives and cars, including trolleys and gas locomotives.

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LGB

September 11, 2013

LGB practically started the hobby with 45mm track and a wide range of products. Many LGB products are based on European prototypes, with 1:22.5 (meter gauge) being the dominate (but approximate) scale. There is a wide-range of US products as well, not strictly adhering to any particular scale but sized to fit in with other G-gauge trains.

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MTH Electric Trains

September 11, 2013

MTH makes a wide range of affordable 1:32 scale locomotives and cars, including big steam and diesel locomotives. MTH locomotives run best on DCS, a proprietary control system, but will also work on DC and, for 2014+ releases, DCC as well.

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USA Trains

August 21, 2013

USA Trains is a manufacturer of highly realistic 1:29th scale and 1:24th scale model trains and code 332 brass track. USA Trains tends to keep a large inventory of items (including parts) in stock, and produces multiple road numbers for most equipment.

Power Supplies, Sound and Control

Overview

Power Supplies, Sound and Control

November 6, 2013

There are a lot of choices in large scale when it comes to power, sound, and control. Equipment almost always comes ready to run on DC power, but it’s often without sound. Many people choose to add to the experience with sound and independent control of locomotives using one of the products listed below:

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AirWire

November 6, 2013

As least locally AirWire (using battery power and Phoenix sound) seems to be the most popular control system choice, and for good reason since it’s easy to use and reliable. Although once you add sound and batteries it’s also one of the most expensive options. Note that QSI makes Gwire, which is mostly AirWire-compatible, so you have two manufacturers to chose from.

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Bridgewerks

November 6, 2013

When it comes to DC power supplies, Bridgewerks is known for high quality powerful systems, some even with RC control.

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Cordless Renovations

November 6, 2013

Cordless Renovations makes battery control systems and sells a wide range of batteries and other components which can be used with any control system.

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Locolinc

November 6, 2013

Locolinc has been around since the early 90’s. Today the system remains relatively unchanged, but the manufacturer still sells and supports the product. If you’re buying used equipment it’s not uncommon to find a Locolinc receiver already installed.

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Massoth

November 7, 2013

Massoth makes a premium 12 amp DCC system, as well as sound decoders with advanced functionality comparable to QSI and Zimo.

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NCE

November 6, 2013

NCE makes a 10 amp DCC system with radio control which has proven to be one of the most popular DCC systems for large scale use. It’s not as cutting edge as some, but it’s reliable and affordably priced.

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Phoenix Sound Systems

November 6, 2013

Phoenix is well-known for their high quality sound systems, which can be used with any DC, RC, or DCC system.

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QSI

November 6, 2013

QSI makes sound and control systems which work with DCC, DC, or Airwire (using their Gwire receiver). Unique features include stereo sound outputs, and sound that varies with the actual load of the locomotive (uphill vs downhill).

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Zimo

November 7, 2013

Zimo is known for DCC sound decoders packed with features and functionality. They are also working on a premium DCC system which, when released, will likely be the most expensive but most popular DCC system on the market.

Buildings, Structures, and Bridges

Overview

Buildings, Bridges and Structures

September 11, 2013

Links to manufacturers of buildings, bridges, structures and other Large Scale infrastructure.

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Colorado Models

September 11, 2013

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Eaglewings Iron Craft

September 11, 2013

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Mainline Bridges

November 3, 2013

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Woodland Scenics

September 11, 2013

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MD Trains

April 7, 2014

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Reindeer Pass

November 3, 2013

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Rolling Stock Trains

March 12, 2016

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RLD Hobbies

November 3, 2013

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Silver State Trains

September 12, 2013

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Train-LI-USA

November 3, 2013

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TrainWorld

March 12, 2016

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Wholesale Trains

September 12, 2013

Online Groups and Forums

Overview

Online Groups and Resources

November 3, 2013

There are many groups, forums, and other types of garden railway resources available online. Here are some of our members’ favorites.

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Large Scale Trains

May 21, 2023

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G Scale Central

November 3, 2013

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G Scale Train Forum.com

November 3, 2013

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Large Scale Central

November 3, 2013

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myLargescale.com

November 3, 2013

Website Resources

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History of the Texas Railroads

June 22, 2024

Annie Pruitt, from the Harrison Park Community Center, notified us that a young gentleman named Elliot found our links useful when doing research to earn his Railroading Merit Badge for Boy Scouts. He also found this link about the history of Texas railroads and thought it would be useful for other railroad enthusiasts. It is filled with many additional resources about Texas railroads.

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Family Garden Trains

November 3, 2013

Lots of information about landscaping, planting, structures, product reviews, info for new hobbyists, and more. However some information is outdated.

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George Schreyer

March 13, 2016

Started in 1997, this site is filled with tips on maintaining and modifying large scale equipment (especially older equipment from the 90’s).

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Greg Elmassian

March 13, 2016

A wealth of information on all kinds of large scale trains (especially mainline 1:29th scale), DCC (especially QSI), NMRA standards, Kadee couplers, and more.

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Ray’s Electric Trainworks

March 12, 2016

MTH expert (authorized sales & services) with lots of information and tech tips and photographs of equipment from many manufacturers, but especially MTH.