Model Trains & Railway Accessories

Welcome to Discount Model Railroads!

We offer you a wide variety of model trains, magazines, and accessories at deep discounted prices. Browse through our 15,000+ stock of engines and rolling stock from Atlas, Bachman, Lionel, and Tyco available in G Scale, HO Scale, N Scale, O Scale, and Z scale.

Also choose from a large selection of railroad scenery for train layouts for all scales from Woodland Scenics, Noch, Kibri, Faller, Vollmer and more.

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Model trains by makers such as Lionel and American Flyer are as popular with enthusiasts as they were with yesterday's children.  If you have assembled a collection over the years, whether on a working track or stored in the attic, it may prove and excellent investment.  Model trains were first produced in the mid-19th century.  Early trains of cast iron, wood, or tinplate were often made for the well-to-do, and could be very expensive. 

Since then, toy trains have been driven by steam, clockwork, or electricity, and made in a variety of sizes, or gauges.  They can be picked up a toy shows, garage sales, and specialized auctions

Gauging Value 

Older, heavier trains that are more realistic in appearance tend to be more desirable, and the rarest trains can be worth thousands of dollars.  Trollies and coaches are sought after, and often reach high prices:  and Ives No.804 Suburban tinplate trolley can fetch up to $1,000, while a Marklin hand-painted tin Electric Tramway trolley can fetch over $15,000.  The manufacture of reproductions can affect value:  the largest Lionel Standard-Gauge electric locomotive, the 391E from 1928 used to be very expensive, but value has dropped due to a reproduction by Williams.  Larger size trains are normally the most collectible, followed by Standard Gauge and S Gauge.  With the exception of brass locomotives and some limited-run plastics, many more modern HO and N scale trains are normally worth less than half of their original retail value, no matter how old they are.

Condition is Key

An old Lionel train that is immaculate but won't run is worth more than the same train in scruffy condition in perfect working order.  The original box, parts, and paperwork also add value.  Some examples might merit restoring, though the majority do not - a restored train is often worth less than the same item in untouched condition.  Major variations in body type, exterior color, and the size, color, and placement of graphics also affect value.  Join a collectors' group, attend train meetings and shows, and consult price guides to get acquainted with current prices for specific models and variations.