TrainReference is a photographic reference library for model trains, locomotives and rolling stock from Lionel, Bachmann, Walthers Proto, Atlas, Athearn, Rivarossi and specialty brass manufacturers.
Browse original photographs, model and product identification, road numbers, production details and the history of the real locomotives and trains these models represent.
Browse Model Trains by Brand
Lionel
Prewar, postwar and modern Lionel trains, including the 700E Hudson, GG-1, Train Master, F3 diesels, Girls’ Train and Polar Express.
Bachmann
HO, Large Scale and Spectrum models including steam locomotives, diesels, the Hogwarts Express and Durango & Silverton.
Walthers & Proto
Walthers and Proto 2000 locomotives including classic EMD passenger diesels and Heritage steam.
Atlas
Atlas model-train references including detailed O-scale locomotives with original product identification and photography.
Featured Model Train References
Lionel 700E Hudson 5344
Reference for Lionel’s celebrated prewar scale-model New York Central Hudson.
Bachmann Hogwarts Express 00646
The 2002 Chamber of Secrets special-edition train set with original photographs and set identification.
Fine Art Models PRR 4828 GG1
Gauge 1 Fine Art Models GG1 and N5 Cabin Car with original photographs and model history.
Lionel Southern Pacific 4294 Cab Forward
Lionel’s model of the sole surviving Southern Pacific Cab Forward locomotive.
Browse by Scale
About the Collection
TrainReference focuses on identifying specific model trains rather than publishing generic model-railroad articles. Whenever the surviving evidence allows it, references include the manufacturer, catalog or item number, road number, scale, production details and prototype history.
Many references are built around original photographs of the actual models, including packaging and identification labels that can help distinguish similar releases. Historical and manufacturer information is researched from catalogs, railroad records and other reference sources.
