This is the Sixth Edition (Fifth update) of the List - update includes quite a few updates. Please feel free to send me new linksFirstly I hope this post has been made in the right sub-section of the Forum, but as it relates to all things required to build a layout I think it should go here. If the Admins think this is useful please feel free to make it a sticky.
A lot of this Forum is devoted to the locomotives and rolling stock that form the bulk of our collections and over which we can get very excited and passionate, but what next, you have now purchased some locos and rolling stock and want to build a layout, what do you need, and what products are available in the marketplace, what choices do you have. Some manufacturers are more well known that others, but hidden away and often unknown are other manufacturers who make interesting products and may make that specific item that you seek for your layout.
Over the years I have developed a small list of lost of companies who make Layout / Landscaping items, some have come from posts on this Forum or Stummi, others I have found whilst search and exploring the internet, and I though it might be useful to have a thread solely devoted to these items so that new comers to the hobby and experienced layout builders looking to modify or refresh their layout have a resource they can use to look for that right item, or try something new.
This list does not include the numerous Ebay suppliers (and there are some good Chinese suppliers of trees, lights, people and cars) maybe some of these can be added later, and the list mostly focuses on manufacturers rather than retailers of the products. The first version of this list heavily references my interests which are; European layout in HO scale; and so this list focuses on items that could be used to build such a layout. I am aware that there are other manufacturers making products for N gauge and Z gauge and many making items for US themed layouts which are not reflected in this initial list. Likewise I have identified a section for Turnout motors but since I have no involvement with such items yet it is blank and needs Forum members to add to this section.
I hope that other Forum members will add to this list and fill in the blanks, and add any other new and interesting manufactures over time, I will try and update this list from time to time so I hope it will provide a useful resource for all Forum members.
Finally, many items over the years have been in production for limited periods of time, or companies may have ceased trading or been purchased by others, but these older items can often be found on Ebay and other auction sitesLarge Scale ManufacturersThese companies produce a wide range of products for the construction of a layout, producing combinations of plastic and/or laser-cut models, catenary, bridges, viaducts, tunnel portals, walls, landscaping products, lights, people, vehicles, electrical control equipment/decoders, backgrounds, paints, and the like.
Faller -
https://www.faller.deKibri -
https://viessmann-modell.com/Noch -
https://www.noch.com/Vollmer -
https://viessmann-modell.com/Auhagen -
https://auhagen.de/Viessmann -
https://viessmann-modell.com/Busch -
https://www.busch-model.info/Sommerfeldt -
https://www.sommerfeldt.de/de/Pola – Purchased by Faller and ceased as an independent model brand, but many items still appear on Ebay & Auctions
Train Manufacturers who also produce landscaping itemsOver the years various train manufacturers have also issued kits, buildings, vehicles, people, lights, catenery and the like, under their own brand (sometimes these items have been manufactured by third parties but sold under the brand)
Märklin -
http://www.maerklin.de/Trix -
https://www.trixtrains.com/Heljan -
http://www.heljan.dk/shop/frontpage.htmlRoco -
https://www.roco.cc/en/news/catalogs/index.htmlEheim – Became Brawa but many items still appear on Ebay & Auctions
Brawa –
https://www.brawa.de/en/home/Piko -
https://www.piko.deLima – Now part of Hornby -
https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/shop/brands/lima-h0-1-87.htmlA.C.M.E. –
http://www.acmetreni.it/index.php/en/Bachmann - Mostly kits etc in 1:76 scale -
https://www.bachmann.co.uk/Dapol - Mostly kits and people in 1:76 scale -
https://www.dapol.co.uk/Walthers - Various kist made under own name and Cornstone (mentioned below) -
https://www.walthers.com/Jouef - Now part of Hornby -
https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/shop/brands/jouef-h0-1-87.htmlIndependent Model Companies(Includes plastic kits, resin kits, laser cut kits, etc)
Peco Model Railway Products -
https://www.peco-uk.comJoswood -
https://lasercut-shop.de/epages/22270.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/22270/Categories/Joswood_GmbHArtitec Models -
http://www.artitec.nlHolzmann Brazilian Models
http://www.holzmann.net.br/WIAD - I understand now defunct but kits appear on Ebay and at auctions
Vau-Pe - I understand now defunct but kits appear on Ebay and at auctions
Atlas Kits - I understand now defunct but kits appear on Ebay and at auctions
Vero Model - I understand now defunct but kits appear on Ebay and at auctions
Airfix (mostly 1:76 scale) –
https://www.airfix.com/uk-en/Cornerstone kits – Part of Walthers -
https://www.walthers.com/Model Power Kits – Not sure if still in production - No website
Artmaster Models –
https://www.das-kantoor.de/Art & Web -
http://www.art-and-web.ch/blog/category/produkte/AHM Minikits – I understand now defunct but kits appear on Ebay and at auctions
Karton Modell Bau -
https://www.kartonmodellbau.de/epages/63481486.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/63481486/Products/104337Mehubu Lasertech models -
http://mehbu-lasertechnik.de/Schreiber Bogen -
http://www.schreiber-bogen.com/Modellbahnzubehoer -
https://www.mbz-modellbahnzubehoer.deStadt Im Model -
https://www.stadtimmodell.deMetcalfe Models -
https://www.metcalfemodels.com/Tyco kits – Not sure if still in production - No website - but appear on Ebay and at auctions
Pikestuff -
https://rixproducts.com/product-category/pikestuff-ho/Plastruct -
https://plastruct.com/Modellbahn Union -
https://www.modellbahnunion.com/Modellbahn-Union-GmbH-m292.htm?SessionId=&a=marke&Hersteller=292Fos Scale Models (mostly US) -
https://fosscalemodels.com/t/ho-scale-kitsFides – Holzbausatz – No website not sure if company still active
Spieth Brass Models – Company no longer active, but appear on Ebay and at auctions
Pre-cast models - Modelbauluft
http://www.modellbauluft.de/English-Part/Product-list-HO/product-list-ho.htmlLangley Models -
http://www.langleymodels.co.uk/Frenchman River Model Works -
http://frenchmanriver.com/Seaport Model Works -
http://seaportmodelworks.com/about_us.phpBearcomarine -
http://www.bearcomarine.com/resin.htmRusty Rail -
http://rustyrail.com/HOMarineBoatsandPartsPage.htmBrikho (limited range) -
http://www.brikho.com/American Model Builders Inc - Mostly US structures -
http://www.laserkit.com/laserkit.htmRS / Dr.Rudolf Spitaler - 1950s wooden-cardboard H0 models still available on Ebay, auctions and the like
Creglinger/August Flor - 1950s wooden-cardboard H0 models still available on Ebay, auctions and the like
Preh - 1950s wooden-cardboard H0 models still available on Ebay, auctions and the like
87 Train -
http://87train.eu/en/MAFEN -
http://www.mafen.eu/?lang=enWeinert Modellbau -
https://weinert-modellbau.de/Igra Model -
http://igramodel.cz/cs/Cites Miniatures -
http://www.cites-miniatures.com/Dynimo Kits -
http://www.dynimo.be/Noupré Kits - No website information or information on whether the company still active - Can Forum members advise?
Paul Bellon Kits - No website information or information on whether the company still active - Can Forum members advise?
Matho Models - Mostly 1:32 scale but 1:87 planned -
http://www.mathomodels.comIndustrial Model Shop - Various Industrial modeling bits & bobs -
http://industrialmodelshop.com/Alkem Scale Models -
http://alkemscalemodels.biz/ and there specialist steel model kits -
http://alkemscalemodels.biz/steel-mill-details/Rusty Stumps -
https://www.rustystumps.com/Vampisol (including innovative stone free building system) -
http://www.vampisol.deLuetke Modellbahn -
https://www.luetke-modellbahn.de/Kölner Modell Manufaktur -
https://www.koelner-modell-manufaktur.de/impressum.htmFactory Models 3D -
https://factorymodels3d.com/en/Modellbahn Engl - Modular Arcade system Modular Platform system & a few buildings -
https://www.modellbahn-engl.deA&S Projekt – No website - see
http://www.makieciarz.pl/as-projekt-prod-186.html; or Facebook page -
https://www.facebook.com/asprojektpl/Frateschi (Brasil) -
https://www.frateschi.com.br/web/construcao-para-montar/?lang=enSMB Kits -
http://www.smbservice.no/hobby/smbkit.htm?fbclid=IwAR0wmAAT7fais-PLeXXj3Vr6RnVmHykQYij0-G5WIdQqkdT5sI1kAA7CbOEModel Tech Studios -
https://modeltechstudios.com/KC's Workshop - Laser cut kits and also sheets of brick and stone for kitbashing -
https://kcworkshop.com/Rusty Rail Castings - Various cast items to provide details on your layout -
http://www.rustyrail.com/hoscaleindex.htmlPlease also note that several US companies such as Model Power (Pola), AHM, and Atlas (Faller), purchased model kits from European suppliers and rebranded them for US layouts. You may find some of these kits on Ebay or swap meets which can be used in a European setting.
Independent Companies making BridgesHack Brucken -
https://www.hack-bruecken.de/Walthers (again) - Make some interesting bridges (swing and bascule) , that could be adapted to European layouts -
www.walthers.comLuetke Modellbahn -
https://www.luetke-modellbahn.de/
Independent Companies making Freight LoadsLadegter Bauer -
http://xn--ladegter-bauer-ksb.de/shop/gx2/Chooch Enterprises -
http://www.choochenterprises.com/CCLaser - No website yet, available through Walthers producing laser cut wooden loads
American Model Builders Inc - Freight loads -
http://www.laserkit.com/laserkit.htmProtoloads -
http://www.protoloads.com/Duha - Have made loads for Märklin -
https://www.duha-modely.cz/YD Models - (loads and other useful MRR items - see post 22 below) -
http://www.ydmodels.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=41&osCsid=64cd87a7fe73bb6b154178b1bdeab427Modellbahn Engl -
https://www.modellbahn-engl.deGerd Otto - Scrap metal items for loads and scenic use -
https://www.otto-scrap-design.de/For anyone looking for an alternative to using rubber/elastic bands for securing loads or simulating load strapping, why not try using Chartpak Tape, I have used the black tape width 1/32In which is available from Amazon (here is a link to Amazon.co.uk for the tape
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chartpak-Tape-Bg3101M-Black-648In/dp/B000HF0710/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=chartpak+tape&qid=1573213813&sr=8-1
Independent Companies making Modelling ComponentsPlastruct -
https://plastruct.com/Evergreen -
https://evergreenscalemodels.comAero Naut -
http://www.aero-naut.deL’Octant -
http://www.octantenligne.comhttp://www.octantenligne.comGrandt Line -
https://www.grandtline.com/Steel Mill Modelers Supply - various piping and steel mill components - No website Facebook only -
https://www.facebook.com/steelmodelerssupply/Micromark -
https://www.micromark.com/Albion Alloys -
http://www.albionhobbies.com/Aero-Naut (mostly for aircraft and boat modelling but lots of timber items) -
http://www.aero-naut.de/produkte/werkmaterialien/Independent Companies making PeoplePreiser -
https://www.preiserfiguren.de/ and
https://www.preiser-figuren.de/Noch -
https://www.noch.com/Merten - No website yet but available from various suppliers and Ebay
Independent Companies making VehiclesWiking -
https://www.wiking.de/en/sortiment.htmlSchuco -
http://www.schuco.de/en/models/Herpa -
https://www.herpa.de/Oxford Diecast –
www.oxforddiecast.co.ukBrekina –
http://brekina.de/Rietze Automobile -
https://www.rietze-shop.deWespe Models -
https://www.wespemodels.comRoco Minitanks -
https://www.minitank.net/en/home/index.htmlBUB – Closed in 1960’s so now defunct but items appear on Ebay and at auctions. See this fan site:
http://www.bubmania.deAMW Automodelle -
http://www.automodelle.comAlbedo – I understand now defunct but items appear on Ebay and at auctions
BUC – No website but I own a 1:87 scale buses
RIE - No website but I own a 1:87 scale buses
EKO - I understand now defunct but items appear on Ebay and at auctions, see information on brand at this fan page
-
http://www.87thscale.info/eko.htmZiss Modell also known as Euro-Modell & R.W. Modell & Wittek Modell & Mini-Auto - I understand now defunct but items appear on Ebay and at auctions and second hand sales
Norscot Scale Models – 1:87 catapillar models -
http://www.norscot-models.comSiku 1:87 Range -
https://www.siku.de/en/sortiment/Lemke -
http://www.lemkecollection.deAutocraft - No website yet
Hummer / Hümmer / Huemmer – German company that makes 1:87(ish) scale promotional models in Germany can be found on Ebay – no sales through Website -
https://huemmer-werbung.de/werbeartikel/Revell - Vehicle kits -
https://www.revell.com/index.phpY-Modelle -
http://www.y-modelle.de/EPM Productions -
https://www.epm-productions.com/actualites-des-nouveautes-autos/Igra Model -
http://igramodel.cz/cs/Vehicle Number PlatesIf you are looking for number plates for your vehicles try this site -
https://www.kennzeichengenerator.com/?fbclid=IwAR2LnhNkVE83DvlGWwd7kSFMnUUGJTDbBOpi4BUOAvqfE6WHWwbIWU-AfakCompanies making moving car systemsFaller Car System -
https://www.faller.deFaller AMS – Slot Car System – Not made anymore but widely available on Ebay and auction sites
Faller also make a couple of remote control 1:87 scale models for use on MRR layouts
Brima Road System -
https://www.modellanlagenbau.de/eigene-produkte/brs-brima-road-system/Techno Innov (used at Mini World Lyon display) -
http://en.techno-innov.fr/technique-car-system/Interesting web article of Minatur Wonderland Car System -
https://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/discover-wunderland/technologies/others/hints-tricks/model-building/carsystem/I am also going to include Magnorail although they do not make moving cars their system can be sued to move cars [see this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PytWrYI4hOI] -
https://www.magnorail.com/en
Independent Companies making 1:87 Locomotive models (for static display)Revell –
https://www.revell.com/index.phpITALERI -
https://www.italeri.com/Est Modeles -
http://www.est-modeles.com/Independent Companies making Landscaping ProductsHeki -
https://katalog.heki-kittler.de/Woodland Scenics –
https://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/MiniNatur -
https://www.mininatur.de/en/Anita Décor -
https://www.anitadecor.nlGreen-Scene -
http://www.green-scenes.co.ukMicrorama -
http://microrama.eu/MBR Model -
https://mbrmodel.eu/Scenery Express -
http://www.sceneryexpress.com/Silflor-Mats/products/1042/Model Scene –
www.model-scene.comGrass Tech USA -
http://www.grasstechusa.com/StaticGrassTerrain Genesis -
https://www.terraingenesis.com/shop/silflor-autumn-brown-savannah-grass-mat/Javis Scenic Mats -
http://www.newmodellersshop.co.uk/scenic_mats.htmJoefix Studios -
http://www.joefix-studio.beSkale Scenics - Part of Hornby / Bachmann
DOW Scenics - Trees -
https://www.debrisofwar.com/trees--scenery.htmlPolak Scenics -
https://polakscenics.ukWar World Scenics –
https://www.wwscenics.com/Hobby King -
https://hobbyking.com/en_us/cars/trains/scenery.html?___store=en_usJuweela -
http://www.juweela.de/Martin Welberg Scenic Studios -
http://www.martinwelberg.nl/ (On Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/martinwelbergscenicstudios/) And products available from stores Modelbahnshop Lippe or Xtrain24, NL Bentink Modelspoor, BE miaa.be..
Independent Companies making Track Ballast systemsMerkur -
https://www.merkur-styroplast.de/Tillig Styrostone -
https://www.tillig.com/eng/H0_Modellbahnen_STYROSTONE.htmlWoodland Scenics Trackbed -
https://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/category/TrackBedASOA -
https://www.asoa.de/spurh0.htm?fbclid=IwAR1oGedT-PvslL6RYcgrsM6BZWx7qnhgIpJu1ZXLdFcRq8GwIHWYEi20GqwTram Track SystemsTillig Tram Track Systems -
https://www.tillig.com/eng/Strassenbahngleis.htmlBaseboard manufacturers & ModulesWhite Rose Modelworks –
www.whiterosemodelworks.co.ukGrainge and Hodder -
http://www.graingeandhodder.co.uk/store/c1/Featured_Products.htmlHarry Maynard Model Baseboards -
http://hmbaseboards.co.uk/Module end pieces laser cut - Eisenbahn Modulbau -
http://www.eisenbahn-modulbau.de/index.htmlIndependent Layout BuildersFor those in a hurry and deep pockets there are companies who will build a complete layout for you, or finish it to a given stage.
Brima Modellanlagenbau -
https://www.modellanlagenbau.de/Modelling MouldsModellbaushop Joachim -
http://www.modellbaushop-joachim.de/Langmesser Modellwelt -
https://www.langmesser-modellwelt.de/Linka model casting system
http://www.linkaonline.co.uk/ and
http://www.linkaworld.com/index.htmHirst Arts Fantasy Architecture Inc. -
http://www.hirstarts.com3D PrintingShapeways –
www.shapeways.comMRR ToolsFohrmann tools -
https://www.fohrmann.com/de/katalogMicromark Tools -
https://www.micromark.com/Proses tools -
https://proses.com/prestashop/Modelmaker - Part of Bachmann -
https://www.bachmann.co.uk/product-category/modelmaker/Games Workshop / Citadel tools - Tools, paints, painting stuff -
https://www.games-workshop.com/en-GB/Painting-Modelling?N=3815391097+2174078724&Nr=AND%28sku.siteId%3AGB_gw%2Cproduct.locale%3Aen_GB_gw%29&Nrs=collection%28%29%2Frecord%5Bproduct.startDate+%3C%3D+1530885660000+and+product.endDate+%3E%3D+1530885660000%5DKreg 90° Corner clamp for module building or layout frame building [see video
here] -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/KREG%C2%AE-90%C2%B0-Corner-Clamp-Automaxx%C2%AE/dp/B07CZLRXB3Magnetic Systems for Model BuildingFaller Magnetic Clamps 170681 -
https://www.faller.de/gb/en/Products/Model-layout-construction/Utilities/Rite-Way-Angle-set-sid10078.htmlProse 'Snap & Glue' Magnetic Clamps (PROSES PPR-SS-05) -
https://proses.com/prestashop/tools-for-modelers/74-45-degree-snap-glue-set-square-8680979260678.htmlMicromark Magnetic Gluing jig Square -
https://www.micromark.com/Magnetic-Gluing-Jig-10-1-4-Inch-SquareMicromark Magnetic Gluing Jig Long & Narrow -
https://www.micromark.com/MAGNETIC-GLUING-JIG-6-X-24Not magnetic but great for holding model components under construction - 1. 2. 3. Blocks -
https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/56451149Independent Companies making BackgroundsJowi backgrounds -
http://modellbahn-hintergrund.com/ MRR Decals Modelbahndecals -
http://www.modellbahndecals.de/index.phpMicroscale Decals -
http://www.microscale.comForum Thread on copies of Faller (and other kits) Decals for reprinting -
https://www.marklin-user...er-Decal-Bank#post460438Continental Modeller Article on Home Made Decals:
Continental Modeller - October 2015 - Article on Home Made Decals.pdf (3,248kb) downloaded 225 time(s).Painting and WeatheringAK Interactive - paints (including a tarmac paint product), weathering items and accessories -
https://ak-interactive.com/Vallejo paints -
https://acrylicosvallejo.com/en/ Moulding Materials and CompoundsAlumlite -
https://www.alumilite.com/Europacrafts -
http://www.europacrafts.comCastings -
https://www.miniaturemolds.comBergswerk Modell -
https://www.bergswerk-modell.de/Modelling compound and scenic sculpting - Sculptamold -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amaco-Sculptamold-Modeling-Compound-3lb-White/dp/B0016ZXY8I/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=53918241995&gclid=Cj0KCQiAtrnuBRDXARIsABiN-7AuJWOequNzPqPkqEy-6N2y7837u-OVFwSko_5Lsiiy72yWknTQk8saArixEALw_wcB&hvadid=259056532501&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9046526&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=11672287113814065861&hvtargid=kwd-323939354114&hydadcr=15322_1771489&keywords=sculptamold&qid=1573835008&sr=8-1Useful Decoders, Lights and misc electronic stuffTrain Tech -
http://www.train-tech.com/Decoder stuff -
http://www.luessi.ch/Magnorail (moving cyclists and boats) -
https://www.magnorail.com/enLEDRise - LED Reseller -
https://www.ledrise.eu/SB Modellbau - Motor kits -
https://www.sb-modellbau.com/RemoteSign [Dale is a member of this Forum] - mechanical signs for your layout such as Solari boards, Flapboards, Flap boards, Flap displays, Split flap signs, Fallblattanzeiger -
http://remotesign.mixmox.comRadio Frequency Identification (RFID) trackingTrainTraxx -
https://www.traintraxx.com/?fbclid=IwAR0AsgSY9KJuGkFYrBevG7ceVNoYxT9HTq1JzbSutOzlirdJiowWXX5hLDcElectronic Uncoupler - servo assistedBrima - this is a new product developed by layout builder Brima (See video
https://youtu.be/93B9DJhTZWk) - Can be purchased here -
http://www.brima-shop.de/de/Turnout Motors(Members please recommend)
Viessmann (motors ref: 4554/4558 recommended in this Forum) -
https://viessmann-modell.com/Great Sources of Landscaping TipsWebsites and YouTube sites which offer great practical advice on building landscaping items and weathering your layout
Marklin of Sweden (Forum member Martin Tärnrot) -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPeZXHh52SuCYjnDtHgl9sAThe Cabin layout (Forum member Dale Schultz) has lots of layout tips - this one for grape vines -
http://cabin-layout.blogspot.com/2018/02/making-grape-vines.htmlAdventures in Minature - Tips, decals, etc -
http://www.floodland.nl/aim/index_en.htmA site with lots of information on scratchbuilding -
https://djstrains.com/A simple guide to German signalling -
http://www.sh1.org/eisenbahn/shhp.htmDownload and Print Printable Buildings and ScenesScale Scenes - Mostly 1:76 and UK stuff -
https://scalescenes.com/
Printable Plans for Containers and Vehicle Trailers and the like - PayDigComDesigns -
https://www.digcomdesigns.netPrintable plans for containers - FreeI often think the price for containers is high and I came across these printable plans some time ago, please feel free to download them
HO Containers -
HO Containers.pdf (2,743kb) downloaded 94 time(s).Print your own Brickwork on home printer for freePaperbrick -
http://paperbrick.co.uk/index.php?action=home Sadly looks like due to a lack of funding this site may have ceasedPrintable Brick Patterns -
http://wordsworthmodelrailway.co.uk/brickpaper.htmlUseful Windows programme for printable brick arches for tunnels and the like -
http://www.bwwmrc.co.uk/bricks/Printable textures (including brickwork can be rescaled and used for interiors and exteriors -
https://www.sketchuptextureclub.com/textures/architecture/stones-walls/claddings-stoneAnother printable textures site -
https://www.textures.com/Useful MRR layout accessories (such as vacuum cars track cleaners, etc)Lux Modellbau -
https://www.lux-modellbau.de/cms/front_content.php?idcat=57Kleinspoor - Dutch based company making some interesting items and kits -
http://www.kleinspoor.nl/Linea Models - I am including this company as they make some wonderful brass models of track maintenance equipment including the Euros 2,300 track laying machine that I saw on display in Eurospoor 2013 (see minute 3:06, of this Youtube vid -
Track Maintenance Exhibition Layout @ Eurospoor 2013 ) -
http://www.lineamodel.it/modelli%20in%20ottone%20scala%20h0.htmTrackplansA link by Forum member ShannonN to numerous Marklin Trackplan books -
https://www.marklin-users.net/forum/posts/t39698-PDF-dl-of-lots-of-old-Marlin-track-plans-from-Marklin-Track-plan-booksBest Regards
PS: Please let me know if any of the links do not work.Edited by user 27 December 2019 12:43:27(UTC)
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