Top 10 Best Model Train Manufacturers of All Time
This list will go over what I think are the best model train manufacturers. This will include companies that are still in business and those that are not.I put Lionel as No. 1 because when I think of toy trains, Lionel is always the one that comes to mind.
Starting in 1900 and still going strong today, it's just the iconic toy train manufacturer that has remained in business for over a century.
MTH was the company that produced the most advanced toy trains on the market. My first electric train was an MTH set, and they're just amazing, with incredible detail and sound.
Bachmann is the only HO manufacturer I buy from. I mostly go for the Thomas line they've produced since 2002, and they recreate the characters from the show perfectly.
I just never stop collecting the engines and rolling stock. They've always done a great job with the Thomas models.
Hornby Trains of England has made many impressive British locomotives and rolling stock. Many are based on real, handsome engines, and they've also included Thomas products in their range.
They have a nice variety of trains from England.
The biggest competitor to Lionel, American Flyer, produced many intriguing Standard, S, and O gauge trains.
They are primarily famous for their S gauge trains, and their products were just as outstanding as Lionel's.
Marx was another big-name toy train manufacturer of the past. Their trains were a less expensive option for those who couldn't afford Lionel or American Flyer trains.
Their designs were unique, and many of their train sets were sold alongside the company's other toys. Marx was a major name in vintage toys.
Ives was another one of the big-name toy manufacturers of the past. They went out of business in the late 1920s when Lionel dominated sales.
Ives had attractive trains, such as the National Limited and the Black Diamond. While they don't exist anymore, their trains and other products were quite fascinating.
LGB trains are the most popular for G-scale layouts and outdoor garden railways. I always thought they were interesting because of their larger scale and ability to withstand the elements outdoors.
Even former President Ronald Reagan had one, and that set is now on display in the Larue Shempp Model Train Collection at the Thomas T. Taber Museum in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. LGB trains have always been fascinating.
Kusan Trains was another small brand. They produced diesel locomotives and rolling stock that resembled Marx trains.
While the company didn't last as long, they had famous products, such as the military-themed train set. It's an interesting brand with a unique history.
LEGO is one of the best-selling toy brands, and they've also made train sets out of LEGO bricks.
I think LEGO trains are just as fun as the regular LEGO playsets. You can always build different things and create a tiny world with LEGO blocks, trains, and other sets.
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