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
- Busch Gmbh & Co Kg – Scenery, structures, electronics, and accessories
- Digitrax – DCC and electronics
- Electronic Solutions Ulm GmbH & Co. KG – DCC and speakers
- G-Scale Graphics – Custom vinyl lettering and electronics
- Grand Central Scenery – Scenery and structures
- Grandt Line Products – Structures, minifigures, parts, and accessories
- Herpa Models – Vehicles
- Isle Laboratories – Tunnels and rock formations
- JT’s Mega-Steam – Smoke fluid and lubricants
- JTT Scenery – Scenery
- Kadee – Scale couplers and tools
- Llagas Creek – Tracks and accessories
- Lionel Trains – Train sets, tracks, electronics, and accessories
- Micro Engineering – Track and accessories
- Microscale Industries – Decal
- Model Rectifier Corporation – DCC, power supplies, and electronics
- MTH Electric Trains – Locomotives and rolling stock (Gauge 1)
- NCE DCC – DCC and electronics
- New Bright Industrial Co. – Train sets, tracks, and accessories
- NOCH – Scenery and minifigures
- Plastruct – Structures and detail parts
- Pola – Structures and minifigures
- Preiser Kg – Minifigures
- Regner Dampftechnik – Locomotives (Live steam)
- Roundhouse Engineering – Locomotives (Live steam) and rolling stock
- SoundTraxx – DCC and electronics
- Sunset Valley Railroad – Track and accessories
- Tam Valley Depot – DCC and electronics
- Tomar Industries – Drumheads, parts, and accessories
- Train Control Systems – DCC and electronics
- Train Line 45 – Locomotives and rolling stock
- Vollmer Gmbh – Structures and accessories
- Woodland Scenics – Scenery, structures, and roadbed
It was such a disappointment to lose Aristo-Craft. Even though Bachmann picked up much of the tooling, there hasn’t been any effort to produce replacement parts. With prices as high as they are for new locomotives, not being able to service Aristo-Craft equipment will force some to drop out of the hobby.