Model Train Sets and Hobbies

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Do you love making Models? Well, this is the lens for you, combining some of the most popular brans of Models of all time - Athearn, AMT, Revell, Atlas and more are all here!

Athearn Trains

Athearn is an United States manufacturer of model railroad equipment, produced and distributed by American hobby manufacturer Horizon Hobby, Inc. of Champaign, Illinois, USA.

History

The company's history began in 1938, when its founder-to-be, Irv Athearn, started an elaborate O scale layout in his mother's house. After placing an ad selling the layout, and receiving much response to it, Irv decided that selling model railroads would be a good living. He sold train products out of his mother's house through most of the 1940s. After becoming a full-time retailer in 1946, Irv opened a separate facility in Hawthorne, California in 1948, and that same year he branched into HO scale models for the first time.

Athearn Trains have been a favorite of model enthusiasts for years. Shop Big4Hobbies for a great selection of Athearn trains as well as Ahtearn HO models. A few models are shown below.

Athearn HO RTR SD40-2 Conrail #6396

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Athearn HO RTR Bay Window Caboose Cotton Belt #47

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Athearn HO RTR PS 2600 Covered Hopper Burlington Northern #43014

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Athearn Models

HO RTR 40' Youngstown Door Box, BAR/Maine #4200

HO RTR 40' Youngstown Door Box, BAR/Maine #4200

HO RTR 40' Youngstown Door Box, BAR/Maine #42000 points

Athearn HO Train Set Warbonnet Express CSX - 1002

Athearn HO Train Set Warbonnet Express CSX - 1002

Athearn TrainPak power supply Three freight cars w more...0 points

Athearn HO Train Set Warbonnet Express Western Pacific : 1001

Athearn HO Train Set Warbonnet Express Western Pacific : 1001

Whether as a first set or part of a model railroad more...0 points

HO 60' PS Auto Parts Box/Late, L&N #105517

HO 60' PS Auto Parts Box/Late, L&N #105517

In the 1960's, Ford Motor Company, Pullman Standard more...0 points

Athearn N 2-6-0 Passenger Train Set New York Central : 10035

Athearn N 2-6-0 Passenger Train Set New York Central : 10035

N Scale 2-6-0 Passenger Train Set, NYC 2-6-0 Old T more...0 points

HO Iron Horse Express Train Set, BNSF

HO Iron Horse Express Train Set, BNSF

HO Iron Horse Express Train Set, BNSF0 points

HO F7 Streamlined Passenger Train Set, RI

HO F7 Streamlined Passenger Train Set, RI

F7 Streamlined Passenger Train Set, RI Athearn Tra more...0 points

HO Warbonnet Express Train Set, SF

HO Warbonnet Express Train Set, SF

HO Warbonnet Express Train Set, SF0 points

Athearn HO Train Set Iron Horse Express CSX - 1004

Athearn HO Train Set Iron Horse Express CSX - 1004

HO Iron Horse Express Train Set CSX0 points

HO RTR 50' Flat w/Trailer, CSX

HO RTR 50' Flat w/Trailer, CSX

HO RTR 50' FLAT, CSX0 points

HO RTR GP38-2, MKT #310 ATH79984

HO RTR GP38-2, MKT #310 ATH79984

HO RTR GP38-2, MKT #310 Fully assembled and ready more...0 points

HO Iron Horse Express Train Set, UP ATH1005

HO Iron Horse Express Train Set, UP ATH1005

Whether as a first set or part of a model railroad more...0 points

HO RTR F7 A/B, MKT/Green

HO RTR F7 A/B, MKT/Green

HO RTR F7 A/B MKT/Green0 points

HO F7 Heavyweight Passenger Train Set, GN

HO F7 Heavyweight Passenger Train Set, GN

F7 Heavyweight Passenger Train Set, GN Athearn Tra more...0 points

HO RTR GP38-2, BNSF/Heritage #2094

HO RTR GP38-2, BNSF/Heritage #2094

HO RTR GP38-2, BNSF/Heritage #20940 points

HO RTR C44-9W, BNSF/New #917

HO RTR C44-9W, BNSF/New #917

HO RTR C44-9W, BNSF/New #6170 points

HO Warbonnet Express Train Set, CSX

HO Warbonnet Express Train Set, CSX

HO Warbonnet Express Train Set, CSX0 points

HO SD75M, SF/Warbonnet #235

HO SD75M, SF/Warbonnet #235

HO SD75M SF/Warbonnet #2350 points

HO F7 Streamlined Passenger Train Set, PRR

HO F7 Streamlined Passenger Train Set, PRR

HO F7 Streamlined Passenger Train Set, PRR0 points

HO RTR 53' Jindo Container, Pacer/Early (3)

HO RTR 53' Jindo Container, Pacer/Early (3)

HO RTR 53' Jindo Container, Pacer/Early (3)0 points

HO Iron Horse Express Train Set, CSX

HO Iron Horse Express Train Set, CSX

HO Iron Horse Express Train Set, CSX0 points

HO F7 Streamlined Passenger Train Set, SP/Daylight

HO F7 Streamlined Passenger Train Set, SP/Daylight

F7 Streamlined Passenger Train Set, SP/Daylight At more...0 points

HO RTR Bethgon Coalporter w/Load, BNSF/New #4 (5)

HO RTR Bethgon Coalporter w/Load, BNSF/New #4 (5)

HO RTR Bethgon Coalporter w/Load, BNSF/New #4 (5)0 points

HO RTR AC4400, BNSF/Heritage II #5621

HO RTR AC4400, BNSF/Heritage II #5621

HO RTR AC4400, BNSF/Heritage II #56210 points

Atlas Trains

Atlas Model Railroad Company, Inc. is a highly reputable family-owned business which was run by the same family for more than 50 years now. The original enterprise was based in New Jersey. They make a wide array of locomotives, vehicles, and rolling stock made from N scale, O scale, and HO scale. On top of that, they recently entered the structures and bridge construction industry.

Atlas Model Trains Company were originally established in 1924 as a Tool Shop by Stephan Schaffan Sr. Their so-called shop was just situated in a small garage in Newark. In 1933, at the age of 16, his son joined him after graduating top in the class in a vocational school - thus making it a father and son collaboration. With his intelligence and superior tool making skills, he became an enormous aid towards the growth of their business.

During their time, railroad modelers had a hard time building their prototypes for they lack in materials, so they literally have to start from scratch. His son made his first invention which was called a switch kit and had gained popularity in a snap. It sold very well and was in demand that the whole family have to work at night while doing the regular machine shop in the morning. This was just the start of their success.

Subsequently, after the invention of the first switch kit, Steve Jr. made the rail joiner. It served as the stapling of each rail to fiber track. After that was the flexible track. He was unstoppable and his creations were a hit. All of his products helped modelers and the like all around the globe. Their business immensely grew thus the incorporation and naming of Atlas Model Railroad Company in 1949.

Atlas Model Railroad Company brought model railroading up to a whole new different level, enthusiasts and modelers were extremely gratified for their existence and a lot of people are still devotees of their prototypes even up to this day. By their observance of the finest standards, they will continue to become the head of innovation in the railroading business for decades to come. So, if it's the latest in technology that you desire then Atlas Trains are a sure bet!

Atlas O N&W cupola caboosse

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Atlas C420 ph 2b Monon sound

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AMT Model Cars

The model car "kit" hobby began in the post World War II era with Ace and Berkeley wooden model cars. Revell pioneered the plastic model car with their famous Maxwell kit derived from a toy. Derk Brand, from England, pioneered the first real plastic kit, a 1932 Ford Roadster for Revell. He was also famous for developing a line of 1/32 scale model car kits in England for the Gowland brothers. These kits were later introduced by Revell in the U.S.

AMT, and AMT's sister company SMP, began producing assembled 1/25 friction and coaster models in the early fifties. These were an outgrowth of promotional models manufactured for automobile dealers. Youngsters would be given the scale models to play with while the parents and the salesman haggled. Collecting and trading these "promos" soon became a popular hobby.

During the 1950s to 1960s, interest in the hobby peaked, and AMT Model introduced the model car kit in 1958. Jo-Han, Revell and Monogram started producing model car kits about this same time, and it was considered a "golden age" for model car building from these new innovative customizing kits. Most of these kits were known as "annual" kits, which was the unassembled kit version of the promos that represented the new cars that were introduced at the beginning of each model year.

AMT, Jo-Han, and later MPC were the primary promo manufacturers. In addition to building them stock, most annual kits were known as "3 in 1" which allowed the builder to assemble them as stock, custom, or racing versions. Model Products Corp. (MPC) joined the kit/promo business in 1965, and among their first annual kits/promos, was the full-size Dodge Monaco, which was released with a gold metallic painted body and is a valuable collector's item today.

Shop for your favorite AMT Model Cars by clicking on the images below.

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AMT Models

AMT Model King 21850P 1959 Imperial 3 in 1 Customizing 1:25 Scale Plastic Kit

AMT Model King 21850P 1959 Imperial 3 in 1 Customizing 1:25 Scale Plastic Kit

AMT Model King 21850P 1959 Imperial 3 in 1 Customizing more...0 points

1970 Buick Wildcat by Model King

1970 Buick Wildcat by Model King

1/25 1970 Buick Wildcat Car Includes decals for st more...0 points

Monte Carlo Nascar 1;25 Home Depot Car AMT Model Kit

Monte Carlo Nascar 1;25 Home Depot Car AMT Model Kit

The largest variety of model kits for beginners an more...0 points

1950 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup by AMT/ERTL

1950 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup by AMT/ERTL

Model Kit 1950 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup/Deluxe Cab by more...0 points

AMT- Star Destoyer Model

AMT- Star Destoyer Model

Assemble the colossal Star Destroyer with this mag more...0 points

AMT Mack R685ST Truck Cab

AMT Mack R685ST Truck Cab

Limited release kit! Features precision parts scal more...0 points

1972 Chevy Nova SS American Muscle

1972 Chevy Nova SS American Muscle "The Old Pro" 15sec 1/4 Mile Street Rod 1:18 ERTL Die Cast Remake From the AMT Plastic Glue Model

American Muscle Elite - 1972 Chevy Nova SS Hard To more...0 points

AMT Star Trek 3 piece Adversary Set - 38390

AMT Star Trek 3 piece Adversary Set - 38390

Includes Ferengi Marauder, Klingon Bird of Prey, a more...0 points

AMT 1972 Chevelle SS Model Kit

AMT 1972 Chevelle SS Model Kit

This 1:25 scale Skill Level 2 kit contains more th more...0 points

1972 Chevy Monte Carlo Stock Car 1-25 Model King

1972 Chevy Monte Carlo Stock Car 1-25 Model King

1-25 Scale. Highly detailed kit complete with deta more...0 points

American Hotrod 32 Ford Coupe Model Car by AMT

American Hotrod 32 Ford Coupe Model Car by AMT

1/25 Scale. This kit features detailed engine and more...0 points

AMT 1/25 1967 Mustang GT Fastback : 31550

AMT 1/25 1967 Mustang GT Fastback : 31550

Ford enthusiasts will regonize this model as repli more...0 points

Galco Jak Slide Concealment Holster For Pistols Type Amt Model Hardballer Hand Right

Galco Jak Slide Concealment Holster For Pistols Type Amt Model Hardballer Hand Right

The Jak Slide is constructed of premium saddle lea more...0 points

1932 Ford Sedan Phaeton Switcher by AMT

1932 Ford Sedan Phaeton Switcher by AMT

1-25 Scale. Build the sedan or the phaeton then sw more...0 points

Challenger Funny Car by Model King

Challenger Funny Car by Model King

1-25 Scale, Great kit by Model king features 2 ope more...0 points

1962 Corvette Model Car by AMT

1962 Corvette Model Car by AMT

The hottest vehicle trends on the streets are repl more...0 points

AMT - Star Wars Millennium Falcon %uFFFD Cut-Away Version

AMT - Star Wars Millennium Falcon %uFFFD Cut-Away Version

Bring the Star Wars Millenium Falcon to life with more...0 points

AMT Batman Batmissle Batmobile Model Kit

AMT Batman Batmissle Batmobile Model Kit

This is a 1:25 scale plastic model kit of the Batm more...0 points

AMT Model King 21775P 1969 Chevy Camaro Funny Car 1:25 Scale Plastic Kit

AMT Model King 21775P 1969 Chevy Camaro Funny Car 1:25 Scale Plastic Kit

AMT Model King 1969 Chevy Camaro Funny Car 1:25 Scale more...0 points

AMT/ERTL 1/25 Scale '55 CHEVY CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE.

AMT/ERTL 1/25 Scale '55 CHEVY CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE.

Model Features: - Snapfast, molded in Yellow with more...0 points

Mack Cruise Liner Truck Cab Model Kit AMT

Mack Cruise Liner Truck Cab Model Kit AMT

1-25 Scale. Highly detailed kit complete with deta more...0 points

Grumman F7F-3N Tigercat Model Plane AMT ERTL 8842

Grumman F7F-3N Tigercat Model Plane AMT ERTL 8842

Grumman F7F-3N Tigercat model kit by AMT ERTL of K more...0 points

AMT Model King 21775P 1969 Chevy Camaro Funny Car 1:25 Scale Plastic Kit

AMT Model King 21775P 1969 Chevy Camaro Funny Car 1:25 Scale Plastic Kit

AMT Model King 1969 Chevy Camaro Funny Car 1:25 Scale more...0 points

AMT/ERTL 1/25 Scale '55 CHEVY CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE.

AMT/ERTL 1/25 Scale '55 CHEVY CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE.

Model Features: - Snapfast, molded in Yellow with more...0 points

Revell

Revell Models was a company originally founded in 1943, in Venice, California. After four decades of marginal profitability, Revell was purchased by Odyssey Partners of New York and folded into the Monogram Models Company of Morton Grove, Illinois which Odyssey had purchased earlier that year. Its plant was closed in Venice, California and all its usable assets were transferred to Monogram's Des Plaines, Illinois Number 2 plant. The new company then moved to Northbrook, Illinois, United States, it manufactures a broad range of plastic and die-cast models of cars, aircraft, military vehicles and ships. Due to Revell's prolific world wide name recognition, Revell has become the primary brand name used on many of its kit lines. This has led to the humorous nickname "Revellogram" among the model building community. Its major American competitors in the plastic model kit market include AMT-Ertl, Lindberg, and Testors. The company now resides in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, United States.

This store is a great place to shop for Revell Model Cars and other Revell model kits.

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Revell Amazon Voting (Plexo)

US Gato Class Submarine Model Kit

US Gato Class Submarine Model Kit

Experience the awe of World War II battles in the Pacific more...0 points

1/48 A-10 Warthog

1/48 A-10 Warthog

A-10 Warthog Model Kit Features ... Detailed interior more...0 points

Revell 1957 Chevy Model Kit

Revell 1957 Chevy Model Kit

Build your own classic Chevy hardtop with this uni more...0 points

p-40b tiger shark

p-40b tiger shark

"This is a 1/48 P-40B Tiger Shark Plastic Air more...0 points

1/48 Junkers Ju87D Stuka RMX855250

1/48 Junkers Ju87D Stuka RMX855250

This is a plastic model, assembly required. The St more...0 points

Revell Metal Body Corvette 327 Fuel Injection Engine

Revell Metal Body Corvette 327 Fuel Injection Engine

1-6 Scale. Features over 100 pre painted parts mad more...0 points

Star Wars Droid Tri-Fighter

Star Wars Droid Tri-Fighter

Star Wars Droid Tri-Fighter0 points

Revell Spirit of St. Louis Plane

Revell Spirit of St. Louis Plane

This is a plastic model, assembly required.0 points

Dale Earnhardt Jr Oreo/Ritz Febuary 2003 Raced Version 1/24 Revell Diecast Car

Dale Earnhardt Jr Oreo/Ritz Febuary 2003 Raced Version 1/24 Revell Diecast Car

Dale Earnhardt Jr Oreo/Ritz Febuary 2003 Raced Ver more...0 points

1/400 R.M.S. Titanic RVL05206

1/400 R.M.S. Titanic RVL05206

Assemble the RMS Titanic Luxury Liner with this 1: more...0 points

1/25 Ford SVT F-150 Lightning RMX857201

1/25 Ford SVT F-150 Lightning RMX857201

This is a 1999 Ford SVT F-150 Lightning Pickup Tru more...0 points

Digitrax

Digitrax is a company that makes Digital Command Control (DCC) systems and accessories (ie decoders) for model railroaders. This company is currently headquartered in Panama City, FL and has been in the DCC field since the 1980s. You can shop for Digitrax and its components at Big4Hobbies.

Digitrax components (throttles, boosters etc) can be interconnected via proprietary Loconet networking. These are built from simple 6P6C telephone cables using RJ12 connectors.

Digitrax

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  • ModelTrainHobbyist Aug 31, 2011 @ 7:40 pm | delete
    Nice breakdown of some of the major model companies, and for providing some background history too. But I noticed you forgot another big name in model railroading, Bachmann trains.
  • efriedman Jun 24, 2011 @ 4:47 pm | delete
    There's something very appealing about trains - my sister had a model train, and I thought it was wonderful.

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