About Us

Railroad Collectibles was formed approximately twelve years ago to serve the ever-expanding 0 scale market. Differentiated from 0 gauge toy trains, 0 scale models are accurate representations, with a high level of detail built to represent the exact and specific appearance of actual prototype  equipment.

Although 2-rail 0 scale has existed for over 70 years, the growth of 3-rail 0 scale since 1980 represents possibly the largest percentage growth of any aspect in the American model railroading industry. The quality, level of detail, and diversity of equipment presently available in 3-rail 0 scale has expanded way beyond the few scale locomotives first offered in 3-rail in the early '80s. In addition, sound, smoke, and control systems have become quite sophisticated and have greatly enhanced the operational possibilities and realism of these scale 3-rail trains, although some initial contrast was drawn between the long-standing 2-rail scale market and the un prototype appearance of 3-rail track systems. In fact, 3-rail scale has much more in common with 2-rail scale than it does with the toy train market. For this reason, Railroad Collectibles handles only scale-sized equipment and offers availability to both the 2- and 3-rail markets. For the most part, the passenger and freight equipment is easily adapted for either version; only the locomotives have characteristics which would make conversion difficult and expensive.

Railroad Collectibles reviews and evaluates most new offerings by the manufacturers in 0 scale for accuracy, quality of construction, and operational reliability. We handle, when available, many of the locomotives manufactured by the major market participants, such as Williams, Weaver, MTH, Lionel, Sunset, and Atlas. However, we focus on that equipment which was prototype to American railroads up through 1960. Therefore, our offerings will be concentrated on steam, electric, and first-generation diesel locomotives, as well as freight and passenger equipment.

Passenger equipment is the area in which the 3-rail market has had some serious deficiencies in the availability of realistic-appearing, accurate cars. In the 2-rail scale arena, very limited production, expensive, brass cars have been available from time to time. However, no medium-priced, ready-to-run, decorated cars have been available for some time. Kits formerly available, in most cases, are no longer in production. The majority of cars offered in the 3-rail scale market have been made using only one set of dies and in most cases these cars are built shorter than the actual prototype in order to accommodate sharp radiuses and make them more flexible for smaller layouts. How-ever, prototype railroads most frequently operated equipment specifically designed for each of them, and many modified and upgraded older cars in their own shops during the service life. As a result, there was very little standardization of passenger equipment, and the habit of manufacturers making one type of car and lettering it for 25 different railroads contributes very little to the concept of "scale model railroading".

As a result, Railroad Collectibles offers a line of custom and semi-custom passenger cars built for those modelers who wish to re-create actual representations of the equipment used by most major American railroads. Using a combination of production and custom -built components, we build individual cars or entire trains on request. Cars are available for both heavyweight riveted-style cars used from the 1920's, onward through welded, smooth-side equipment of the late '30s, and the stainless steel, streamlined equipment of the '40s and '50s. Although we don't claim to be the last word on every detail for every railroad, we are available to answer questions on accuracy and define the type of equipment used in any particular period to assist modelers in learning what actual trains may have run in the era they are modeling. Our passenger cars are listed as to the most common types requested, however, we build special cars on request. Our cars can be ordered with either standard or overhead lighting, and interior details can also be provided.

Freight equipment is also available and we stock production freight cars for many American railroads, with particular emphasis on those limited production, short run types which may be difficult to locate. Custom freight cars and cabooses are also available.

Our locomotive inventory always consists of a mix of some recent releases and those which have been built over the last 20 years but generally have had little or no use and are usually in their original boxes in mint or close to mint condition. We also offer a substantial number of custom locomotives where we have added detail and modified equipment to represent prototypes that may have never been built as a production item. We also upgrade paint and detail work on production engines to represent modified versions used by the actual railroads. Complete custom engines are also available on request.

Railroad Collectibles publishes periodic sales brochures with color illustrations and much of our equipment can be seen here on our web site:  www.oscalerealism.com . We also have available an illustrated catalog arranged alphabetically by railroad listing locomotives, passenger and freight equipment; although, due to the limited production nature of some of this equipment, the items shown may not be available at all times.

Railroad Collectibles periodically attends train shows in order to display our custom equipment and our current schedule is posted on this website.

Thanks for your interest in Railroad Collectibles, 

James H. Foster