Era Ia
The pioneering period with the first private railways, very short trains, simple stations and individually designed locomotives. Vehicles still show strong regional or British influences.
State railways and early railway history
Era I Model Railway – State Railways 1835–1920
Era I takes you back to the pioneering age of the railway: small steam locomotives, colourful state-railway coaches, elegant express trains, early narrow-gauge railways and stations with a distinctive regional character.
A quick overview
What Does Era I Mean in Model Railways?
In the commonly used German era classification, Era I covers the period from 1835 to 1920. It begins with the first public railways and ends with the transition from the individual state railways to a common German national railway administration.
Unlike later eras, there was not yet a unified Deutsche Reichsbahn or Deutsche Bundesbahn. Prussia, Bavaria, Saxony, Württemberg, Baden, Mecklenburg and other German states operated their own railway administrations. Locomotives, coaches, lettering, colours and construction principles therefore often differed considerably.
This variety makes Era I especially appealing for model railways. A small branch line, rural station or short passenger train can already look convincing in a limited space. More impressive express trains, early electric routes, freight operations and narrow-gauge railways can also be recreated.
From the beginning of the railway to standardisation
Which Periods Belong to Era I?
Era I is often divided into four periods for more precise classification. These boundaries help when selecting vehicles, lettering, buildings and road vehicles.
Era Ib
Large railway networks were nationalised and combined into state railways. Branch lines and the first extensive narrow-gauge networks opened up rural regions.
Era Ic
The railway networks were largely complete. Locomotives became more powerful, four-axle express coaches became more widespread and vehicle designs were increasingly standardised.
Era Id
Large express locomotives, the first electrified main lines, new freight-wagon designs and increasingly standardised regulations characterised the final phase of the state-railway period.
| Period | Character | Typical vehicles | Suitable layout theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ia | Earliest railways and private companies | Small tank locomotives, open wagons and early compartment coaches | Opening railway, small terminus or diorama |
| Ib | Expansion and nationalisation | State-railway locomotives and short passenger and freight vehicles | Branch line, rural station or goods loading |
| Ic | Golden age of the state railways | P 8, express locomotives and four-axle passenger coaches | Main line, urban station or express-train operation |
| Id | Standardisation and technical modernisation | Large steam locomotives, standardised wagons and early electric locomotives | Main line, border station or early electrification |
Regional railway worlds
Which Railway Administrations Belong to Era I?
When planning an Era I layout, it is best to select a specific region and period. This keeps vehicle colours, uniforms, signals and buildings particularly consistent.
Royal Prussian Railway Administration
The K.P.E.V. offers the widest range of prototypes, including the T 3, P 8, S 10 and G 7, as well as numerous compartment coaches, express coaches and freight wagons.
Typical scene
A Prussian through station with main-line and branch-line traffic.
Royal Bavarian State Railways
Bavarian locomotives and coaches are known for their elegant shapes, regional colour schemes and famous express locomotives.
Typical scene
A local railway with short trains or a prestigious main line.
Royal Saxon State Railways
Saxony combines standard-gauge railways, industrial traffic and a dense narrow-gauge network. This creates varied operating scenes.
Typical scene
Transporter-wagon operation, a small narrow-gauge station or a factory siding.
Royal Württemberg State Railways
Württemberg offers distinctive steam locomotives, compact passenger coaches and attractive routes through low mountain regions.
Typical scene
A small-town station with a passenger train and local goods handling.
Baden and Other State Railways
Baden, Mecklenburg, Oldenburg and smaller administrations expand Era I with regional designs and unusual vehicle models.
Typical scene
A border station or a regionally themed branch line.
Austria, Switzerland and Neighbouring Countries
The kkStB, early Swiss railways and the Rhaetian Railway also provide suitable prototypes. The exact era boundaries may differ from the German classification depending on the country.
Typical scene
An Alpine railway, viaduct, narrow-gauge line or international border traffic.
Steam locomotives, compartment coaches and freight traffic
Which Vehicles and Train Formations Suit Era I?
The vehicles should not only belong to the same era, but should also match the selected state railway, region and type of operation wherever possible.
Locomotives
Small tank locomotives handled shunting and branch-line services. Tender locomotives hauled passenger, express and freight trains. Well-known prototypes include the T 3, P 8, S 10, G 7, S 2/6, Saxon VII T and the Saxon narrow-gauge I K.
Passenger Coaches
Two- and three-axle compartment coaches are particularly typical. Four-axle express coaches appeared later on main lines. Luggage and mail coaches complete convincing passenger trains.
Freight Wagons
Covered and open wagons, livestock wagons, tank wagons, refrigerated wagons and short service vehicles form mixed freight trains. Individual wagons are delivered to goods sheds, loading roads and factory sidings.
Creating a convincing state-railway world
What Does a Typical Era I Model Railway Layout Look Like?
Not every building has to be historically exceptional to create a convincing overall impression. The important points are to avoid modern elements consistently and to make the selected region recognisable.
Station and Railway Buildings
Small station buildings, goods sheds, signal-box huts, water cranes, coal bunkers, engine sheds and simple platforms are particularly suitable. Lighting should be restrained and warm.
Signals and Level Crossings
Semaphore signals, bell systems, telegraph poles, mechanical barriers and regional signal designs shape the railway scene. Modern colour-light signals, concrete poles and reflective road signs should be avoided.
Roads and Vehicles
Horse-drawn vehicles, handcarts, early bicycles and a small number of motor cars bring the surrounding area to life. Roads are often unpaved or surfaced with natural stone.
Industry and Freight Traffic
A brewery, sawmill, brickworks, coal merchant or agricultural loading point creates shunting tasks. Goods are often transferred directly at the loading road or goods shed.
Landscape
Field tracks, small villages, kitchen gardens, telegraph lines and traditional workshops suit the period. The landscape can appear quieter and less densely built-up than on modern layouts.
Colours and Atmosphere
Natural colours, brick red, dark wood and regionally typical façades convey a historical appearance. Vehicles may look well-maintained, but should show subtle traces of coal, oil and smoke.
From Z gauge to garden railways
In Which Gauges Are Era I Models Available?
Era I vehicles are available in many scales. The selection is particularly varied in H0 and TT, while other gauges offer interesting specialist themes.
| Gauge | Strengths | Typical Era I themes | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z gauge | Very low space requirements | Small state-railway trains and collector’s models | Miniature layouts and display cases |
| N gauge | Long routes in a small space | Main lines, express trains and stations | Operation with longer trains |
| TT gauge | Good balance between space and detail | Prussian and Saxon state railways | Compact home layouts |
| H0 gauge | Wide variety of vehicles and accessories | Almost all German state railways | Beginners, operators and collectors |
| H0e and H0m | Tight radii and distinctive vehicles | Saxony, Austria and Swiss narrow gauge | Branch lines and mountain layouts |
| 0 and 0e gauge | High level of detail and shunting operation | Small stations and local railways | Modules and shunting layouts |
| Gauge 1 | Impressive large-scale models | Steam locomotives and historic coaches | Collections and spacious layouts |
| G gauge | Robust operation and strong visual presence | Alpine railways and historic narrow gauge | Garden railways and indoor layouts |
Step by step towards a state-railway layout
How Do You Plan an Era I Model Railway?
A clear focus prevents unsuitable impulse purchases and makes it easier to select vehicles, buildings and accessories.
Practical tip
Select a region
Choose Prussia, Bavaria, Saxony, Württemberg or an Alpine railway.
Practical tip
Define the period
Select Ia, Ib, Ic or Id and match the vehicle lettering accordingly.
Practical tip
Choose the operation
Select a branch line, main line, narrow gauge, shunting operation or express service.
Practical tip
Assemble the first train
Begin with a suitable locomotive, three to five vehicles and a luggage van.
Practical tip
Add the surroundings
Coordinate buildings, signals, figures and road vehicles with the selected region.
Common mistakes on Era I layouts
- Mixing state-railway vehicles without a convincing operating concept
- Combining Era I vehicles with later Era II models without checking the lettering
- Using modern colour-light signals, road markings or vehicles
- Assembling trains that are too long for small state-railway stations
- Buying only locomotives and forgetting luggage, mail and freight vehicles
Selected models for historic train formations
Suitable Era I Models at Modellbahnshop
The following selection combines locomotives, passenger coaches, freight wagons and train sets from different state railways and gauges.
Era I in H0 Gauge
Locomotives, train sets and coaches for state-railway, branch-line and main-line operation
PIKO 58205 Saxonia Train Set
H0 gauge · Train set
A historic introduction to Saxon railway history.
View product →Roco 7100013 Steam Locomotive 310.01
H0 gauge · K.W.St.E.
Württemberg express locomotive for DC layouts.
View product →Roco 7110013 Steam Locomotive 310.01
H0 gauge · Digital with sound
Sound-equipped version for a Württemberg express train.
View product →Roco 7120013 Steam Locomotive 310.01
H0 gauge · AC version
Württemberg version for centre-stud layouts.
View product →Roco 70035 T 3 Tank Locomotive
H0 gauge · K.P.E.V.
Compact Prussian locomotive for shunting and branch-line service.
View product →Märklin 38015 S 2/6 Steam Locomotive
H0 gauge · K.Bay.Sts.B.
Famous Bavarian express locomotive with digital sound.
View product →Roco 6200076 Passenger-Coach Set
H0 gauge · K.W.St.E.
Five coaches for a Württemberg passenger train.
View product →Roco 6200190 Passenger-Train Set
H0 gauge · kkStB
Four coaches for an Austrian state-railway train.
View product →Roco 6200197 Local Railway Train
H0 gauge · Bavaria
Four coaches for a compact Bavarian local railway train.
View product →pmt 30101 Saxon VII T
H0 gauge · Saxony
Distinctive tank locomotive for branch-line and shunting duties.
View product →BRAWA 51243 Gm Covered Freight Wagon
H0 gauge · Saxony
Covered wagon for mixed state-railway freight trains.
View product →Tillig 77064 Freight Brake Van
H0 gauge · Saxony
Suitable service vehicle for a Saxon freight train.
View product →Era I in TT Gauge
Prussian express trains, freight trains and state-railway vehicles in a compact scale
PIKO 47109 G 7.1 Steam Locomotive
TT gauge · K.P.E.V.
Prussian freight locomotive for heavy mixed trains.
View product →Tillig 02035 P 8 Steam Locomotive
TT gauge · K.P.E.V.
Versatile passenger locomotive for main and branch lines.
View product →Tillig 01085 Express-Coach Set
TT gauge · Prussia
Three coaches for an impressive state-railway express train.
View product →Tillig 01070 Prussian Express Train
TT gauge · Passenger-coach set
Suitable addition for Prussian express locomotives.
View product →Tillig 95870 Tank Wagon
TT gauge · Private-owner wagon
Historic tank wagon for varied freight trains.
View product →Quack & Salber Saxon O3
TT gauge · Open freight wagon
Open wagon for coal, timber and other loads.
View product →Tillig 13455 Luggage Van
TT gauge · K.P.E.V.
Luggage and service van for Prussian passenger trains.
View product →Narrow Gauge and Large Scales
Saxon light railways, Württemberg narrow gauge and Alpine prototypes
Technomodell 51312 I K Steam Locomotive
H0e gauge · Saxony
Classic locomotive for an early Saxon narrow-gauge railway.
View product →Technomodell 52202 Passenger Coach
H0e gauge · I K train
Two-axle coach for a Saxon narrow-gauge train.
View product →Technomodell 52402 Passenger Coach
H0e gauge · Third class
Suitable state-railway coach for Saxon light-railway trains.
View product →Bemo 3001802 Luggage Van
H0e gauge · Württemberg
Narrow-gauge luggage van for Württemberg train formations.
View product →LGB 26275 G 3/4 Engadin
G gauge · Rhaetian Railway
Alpine steam locomotive for historic RhB trains and garden railways.
View product →
Brands and related theme worlds
Manufacturers and Suitable Categories
State-railway models are available from numerous manufacturers. Complete your locomotives with period-appropriate coaches, wagons, buildings, signals and accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Questions and Answers About Era I
Key answers concerning the historical period, vehicle selection and the design of a state-railway layout.
When did Era I begin and end?
In Germany, Era I generally covers the period from 1835 to 1920. It begins with the first public railways and ends with the consolidation of the state railways after the First World War.
Why is Era I also called the state-railway period?
Germany consisted of several states with their own railway administrations. Prussia, Bavaria, Saxony, Württemberg, Baden and other states developed their own vehicles and regulations.
Which gauge offers the largest selection?
H0 offers a particularly large range of locomotives, coaches, wagons and accessories. TT is also well represented for Prussian and Saxon prototypes. H0e and G are particularly suitable for historic narrow-gauge railways.
Can vehicles from different state railways be operated together?
Individual coaches and wagons could be exchanged between railways, and cross-border trains were possible. A regionally consistent train formation nevertheless looks more convincing on a typical branch line.
Can Era I and Era II models be combined?
Vehicles from approximately 1918 to 1925 can be used to represent transitional situations. Lettering and national emblems should be checked because many vehicles were renumbered or relabelled.
Were electric locomotives already used in Era I?
Yes. The first electrified routes and electric locomotives appeared during the later part of Era I. Steam locomotives nevertheless remained the defining form of traction for most state-railway and branch-line themes.
What train length is suitable for a small layout?
A tank locomotive with three short passenger coaches or a freight train with five to eight wagons can already look convincing. Platforms and storage sidings can therefore remain compact.
Can an Era I layout be operated digitally?
Yes. The historical appearance is independent of the control system. Digital decoders, sound, switchable lighting and digital turnouts can be installed unobtrusively.
Which buildings suit the state-railway period?
Regional station buildings, goods sheds, small engine sheds, water stations, timber-framed houses, brickworks, sawmills and agricultural buildings are particularly suitable.
Which train is suitable as an introduction to Era I?
A complete train set or a small tank locomotive with a few matching state-railway coaches is a good starting point. Luggage vans, freight wagons and station buildings can then be added.
More Planning Guidance in the Model Railway Guide
Discover essential information about gauges, layout planning, vehicles, railway companies, digital technology and scenery design.
Content last reviewed: 12 July 2026 · Historical classification based on the commonly used German model railway era system.