The Top 5 Brands Model Train Collectors Love

A British Classic Hornby Model Trains

Hornby model trains are by far the most popular brand and for many considered the face of model train collecting. This is because it’s a household name and a pioneer of the OO gauge, with this now being largely considered the standard. The brand was officially launched in 1920 by Frank Hornby and has been the undisputed gold standard for model train collectors in the UK since.

What makes Horby Trains special?

Beyond the name, collectors value Hornby Trains for their longevity. Due to having been around for so long, there is a huge range of different models, liveries and regional locomotives to collect. The Hornby Dublo range (1938-1964) is particularly popular, being made with die-cast metal engines, which have character and durability that their modern counterparts lack.

When it comes to the value of a Hornby set, it will depend on the condition and completeness of the set. The original red-and-white or blue box can fetch hundreds, sometimes thousands, of pounds.

Hornby Trains To Look Out For:

If you have recently inherited a collection of model trains, you might not know where to start. You might just want to know where to sell model trains or if the models you have are worth anything. Here are a few specific Hornby Models to check for:

• The 1963 Bournemouth Belle Set
• 1983 Thomas the Tank Engine
• Silver Jubilee Sets
• Variations or Misprints

Although it can be surprising to those who don’t collect model trains, if you have a model with a slight variation or a defect, it can make an ordinary model worth a fortune.

German Engineering At Its Best: Märklin Model Trains

If Hornby is the heart of the British hobby, Märklin can make similar claims globally. Founded in 1859, Märklin is the oldest and most prestigious name in the industry. With this being a key reason, it’s so special to have these trains in your collection.

A key thing that sets these trains apart is that the business has refused to switch to plastic models, giving every model its signature weight and character. Another thing that separates this brand is its use of the three-rail AC system, where other brands tend to use a two-rail DC power system. This technical choice makes their layouts more reliable; even with complex track geometries, they rarely stall. Because of this, Märklin model train collectors tend to be loyal to the brand, creating a massive second-hand market for the trains.

What Makes Collectors Love Märklin Trains?

Märklin has incredible backward compatibility, which means a locomotive from the 1950s can often run on a modern digital track with just a few minor adjustments. Something that other brands have really struggled to do. There are also a few exclusive (or insider) models which are produced in limited numbers, making them harder to get your hands on but all the more special if they’re a part of your collection.

Märklin Trains To Keep An Eye Out For:

• The Crocodile (Be 6/8 or CCS 800)
• The Big Boy (37990 series)
• Pre-war O Gauge
• V 200 Diesel (3021)

Retro and Collectable Tri-ang Models

Another big brand that model train collectors love is Tri-ang. While Märklin continues to produce solely metal trains, Tri-ang introduced plastic injection moulding to appeal to the masses. Plastic trains are not only cheaper, but they’re lighter, more detailed and can easily be produced in mass.

Tri-ang are also the champion of the 2-rail DC system, which is the standard most use to date. Being popular in the 1950s and 1960s, children of that era grew up with a Tri-ang set under the Christmas tree, which makes the retro models popular due to the nostalgia collectors get.

In 1964, Tri-ang actually acquired Meccano (Hornby), bringing in the “Tri-ang Hornby” era. This blended the modern production of Tri-ang with the prestigious heritage attached to the Hornby brand.

Why are Tri-ang collectables?

Collectors love Tri-ang model trains for their quirkiness, and they hold value due to the nostalgia attached to them. Unlike other brands, Tri-ang wasn’t afraid to experiment with more unusual ranges. Giving their models a distinct 1960s aesthetic that looks fantastic on retro-themed tracks.

Tri-ang Trains To Look Out For:

• The Battle Space Series
• The Railway Children Set
• The Transcontinental Range
• The Princess Elizabeth (R.50)
• The Blue Pullman

Fleischmann Model Trains

Founded in 1887 in Nuremberg, Fleischmann began as a toy company (making tinplate boats and planes) before changing to trains, something that would make them famous around the world. Fleischmann is the go-to choice for model train collector purists. Being well known for their uncompromising precision.

Fleischmann pushed the boundaries of what was possible in injection moulding, which resulted in some really special models, but more importantly, made them the leaders in the European market. Being particularly popular with model train collectors in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

What collectors love about Fleischmann Model Trains?

The technical innovations are what make this brand so special to collectors. They were the first trains to perfectly fit the PROFI-track system. Fleischmann model trains were also built to last, rather than designed to be taken apart, cleaned and repaired. This means that the models have stood the test of time, and collectors are much more likely to find a mint condition Fleischmann train than one of the same standard from another brand.

Fleischmann was also always positioned as a premium brand, only producing a small quantity for each set. This scarcity, combined with their well-engineered German motors, keeps their resale value high.

Fleischmann Model Trains To Keep An Eye Out For:

• The Magic Train O-scale Range
• Die-Cast Steam Locomotives
• The Edelweiss Rack Railway
• N-Gauge Piccolo Anniversary Sets

Dapol Model Trains

A key difference between Dapol and the other brands on this list is that Dapol was founded in 1983; despite lacking a history that spans a century, it’s still a favourite among model train collectors. Since its founding, the company has transformed from a small kit manufacturer into a household name for British model railway enthusiasts.

The brand’s popularity stems from taking a risk when the UK N-Gauge market was stagnating. Dapol added directional lighting and DCC (digitally command control) compatibility as standard across all its models. Something that you would only get from a large-scale set previously. More recently, Dapol have moved into OO gauge and has continued to add features that other brands only include on larger sets. The brand is the first choice for collectors who want cutting-edge technology paired with highly detailed mode

What makes Dapol Trains special?

Like many of the other brands, Dapol also makes use of scarcity, doing limited runs on certain models. These special edition locomotives are also much more specific to regions or retailers, making them hard for collectors to get their hands on. Also, due to the size of the business, a limited run for Dapol model trains is considerably smaller than what Hornby would consider a limited edition set.

Dapol Trains To Look Out For:

• The Black Label A4 Pacific (specifically 60027 Merlin or 60009 Union of South Africa)
• The Class 52 Western Diesel
• Bulleid Light Pacific
• Limited Edition 7-Plank Wagons
• The Pendolino Sets