Beginners Manufacturers producing large scale trains today

Manufacturers producing large scale trains today

By Lucas Iverson | September 5, 2025

From vast offerings to specific products

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Color photo of large scale steam locomotive, stockcar, and caboose on track.
As one of the manufacturers producing large scale trains today, a steam locomotive with a smoke unit and sound effects and a stockcar with animated cattle are just some of the highlights of the Bachmann Trains’ Cowcatcher set. The bobber caboose features separate, factory-applied handrails and grab irons. Bachmann Trains

Manufacturers come and go in model railroading. The large scale market, primarily G gauge, is no exception, with a wide range of scales to choose from, and whether you’re taking the hobby indoors or outside. Let’s explore who is producing for customers today, from those with vast offerings to those specializing in specific products.

If you know of a manufacturer not on this list, please contact us at editor@gardenrailways.com.

Vast offerings

Accucraft Trains

Though ranging from On3 up to 7 1⁄2 inch gauge equipment, Accucraft excels in large scale. Its inventory features finescale electric-powered and live-steam locomotives, rolling stock, and track (primarily 1:32 scale/gauge 1). Accucraft also owns American Mainline, a subsidiary specializing in 1:29 scale locomotives and rolling stock, along with outdoor-compatible tracks for all large scale trains; and Aster Hobby Co., a Japanese manufacturer crafting live steam locomotives.

Bachmann Industries

As a major manufacturer across nearly every gauge, Bachmann’s presence in G gauge is no surprise. Their lineup includes train sets, locomotives, rolling stock, track, and accessories like parts and lubrication. While their Big Haulers and Thomas the Tank Engine brands often target beginners and younger enthusiasts, seasoned modelers and garden railroaders can find higher-end 1:29, 1:22.5, and 1:20.3 scale locomotives and rolling stock.

LGB Model Railways

Not much has changed for this German manufacturer since its introduction to the large scale industry in 1968. LGB continues to produce locomotives, rolling stock, train sets, tracks, DCC, power supplies, and accessories for both new and veteran hobbyists. With a primary focus on 1:22.5 scale, LGB offers both American and European-based prototypes and remains a frontrunner, especially for garden railroading. LGB’s parent company, Märklin, also participates with its gauge 1 lineup of European locomotives, rolling stock, train sets, tracks, power supplies, and accessories.

Piko

Piko, another German-based manufacturer, offers a similar range of products to LGB: locomotives, rolling stock, train sets, tracks, DCC, power supplies, and accessories. The company does have an advantage by offering structures. While they have some North American-inspired prototypes, most Piko models are European-based and around 1:25 scale.

USA Trains

Starting as a Lionel Trains retailer in the 1970s, Charles Ro’s company, USA Trains, has grown significantly in both its size and product offerings. As its name suggests, the company produces North American locomotives and rolling stock, along with track and power supplies. Of course, all in large scale. Their high-end Prestige and Ultimate series are 1:29 scale, while their American, Work Train, and other themed series are 1:24.

Specific products

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