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Related topics Model Railway Guide Manufacturers Gauges Eras I–VI Freight Cars Locomotives
Model railway train representing an overview of European railway companies
State Railways · Private Railways · Freight Transport

Model Railway Companies | DB, SBB & Private Railways

Discover historic and modern railway companies ranging from DB, DR and DRG to SBB, ÖBB, SNCF and RhB, as well as RegioJet, FlixTrain, Railpool, METRANS, TX Logistik and other private operators – now with a large logo quick-selection, gauge overview and current models.

Choose a Railway Company Current Models Gauges
Railway Administrations and Railway Operators

Which Railway Company Suits Your Model Railway?

Model Railway Companies | DB, SBB & Private Railways provides an overview for anyone who wants to choose rolling stock not only by manufacturer but also according to a specific railway prototype. The railway company determines the livery, lettering, typical locomotives, coaches, multiple units, operating regions and often the appropriate era.

A West German layout from Eras III and IV, for example, is strongly associated with the Deutsche Bundesbahn. East German themes focus on the Deutsche Reichsbahn, Städteexpress trains, Reko coaches and typical diesel and electric locomotives. Switzerland offers completely different railway worlds with SBB, BLS and RhB: international Gotthard trains, Lötschberg traffic, red narrow-gauge trains and Alpine panoramic trains.

Modern railway modellers can also design layouts around private railway operators. RegioJet and FlixTrain represent contemporary long-distance passenger services, while METRANS and TX Logistik are particularly interesting for freight trains. Railpool locomotives are leased across many European networks, RailAdventure transfers railway vehicles and TRI Train Rental enables unusual passenger-train formations.

The choice should therefore always be made together with the era, gauge and the desired type of operation.

Roco Class 386 012-9 METRANS electric locomotive in H0 gauge
Discover METRANS
Märklin Class 110 TRI Train Rental electric locomotive in H0 gauge
Discover TRI Train Rental
PIKO Vectron electric locomotive in FlixTrain livery in H0 gauge
Discover FlixTrain
Quick Logo Selection

Recognise Railway Companies at a Glance

The logos lead directly to the respective railway themes, making it especially easy to select state railways, private operators, transport companies and wagon keepers.

Deutsche Bahn Germany · Eras V–VI
Deutsche Bundesbahn Eras III–IV
SBB Switzerland · Standard Gauge
ÖBB Austria
Rhaetian Railway Switzerland · Metre Gauge
FS / Trenitalia Italy
DSB Denmark
NS Netherlands
PKP Poland
MÁV Hungary
ČD Czech Republic
RegioJet International Long-Distance Transport
Railpool Locomotive Leasing
FlixTrain Modern Long-Distance Transport
Alex Bavaria · Regional Transport
ODEG Regional Transport
PRESS Private Railway and Freight Transport
VTG Freight Wagons and Logistics
GATX Leasing and Tank Wagons
Wascosa Modern Freight Wagons
DHL Logistics and Combined Transport
Historic and Modern Prototypes

German State Railways from DRG and DR to the Bundesbahn and DB

German railway history can be divided particularly clearly by railway administration on a model railway. Lettering, liveries and rolling stock changed significantly from era to era.

Regional, Rental and Private Railways

More Colour for Modern Model Railway Layouts

Private operators add variety through distinctive liveries and unusual vehicle combinations. From local passenger services to vehicle transfers, they provide many realistic possibilities for Eras V and VI.

Switzerland and Austria

Alpine Railways between Gotthard, Lötschberg and Bernina

SBB, BLS, RhB, Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn and ÖBB combine spectacular scenery with varied passenger and freight operation.

International Railway Worlds

European State Railways and Modern Long-Distance Transport

Cross-border EuroCity, night, high-speed and freight trains make European railway administrations especially interesting. Rolling stock from several countries can be used together convincingly.

Cargo, Leasing and Logistics

Modern Freight Trains with METRANS, TX Logistik, Railpool and Wagon Keepers

In modern freight transport, locomotives, railway undertakings and wagon keepers from different countries come together. This is precisely what makes varied and believable block trains possible.

Manufacturer Worlds

Manufacturers Offering Models from Many Railway Companies

The manufacturer logos take you directly to the corresponding brand ranges at Modellbahnshop.

Märklin logo Roco logo PIKO logo Tillig logo Fleischmann logo BRAWA logo Trix logo Arnold logo LGB logo
From Z Gauge to Garden Railways

Which Railway Companies Are Available in Which Gauges?

Not every railway company is equally well represented in every model size. H0 offers the greatest overall variety, while TT is particularly strong for German and Eastern European themes. N enables long international trains, H0m and H0e are important for narrow-gauge railways and G gauge is especially suitable for large Alpine vehicles.

Gauge Particular Strength Typical Railway Companies
Z Gauge Smallest classic production model size DB, SBB, ÖBB and selected international railways
N Gauge Long passenger and freight trains in limited space DB, SBB, ÖBB, SNCF, FS, DSB, NS and freight operators
TT Gauge Germany plus Central and Eastern Europe DR, DB, ČD, ČSD, PKP, MÁV, PRESS, EBS and ITL
H0 Gauge Largest selection of vehicles and manufacturers Almost all railway companies shown on this page
H0e / H0m / TTe Narrow gauge and mountain railways RhB, MGB, SDG and selected DR and ÖBB railways
0 / Gauge 1 Large, highly detailed vehicle models DB, DR, SBB and selected European prototypes
G / IIm Garden railways and large-scale narrow gauge RhB, SDG, DR, ÖBB and various private railways
Current Rolling Stock

Find Models by Railway Company and Gauge

The selection begins with current example models and can be expanded directly from the railway-company theme pages in the shop. Search and filters help narrow locomotives, multiple units and coaches or wagons by company and gauge.

Current model railway products are being added from the relevant theme pages.

Selection Guide

Combine Railway Company, Era and Model Railway Theme Correctly

1

Start with the Era

A clear historical period prevents unwanted mixtures. DRG primarily belongs to Era II, Deutsche Bundesbahn and DR define Eras III and IV, while modern private railway companies mainly belong to Eras V and VI.

Especially Important
Check Lettering and Liveries

Even changed logos, running numbers or liveries can indicate a different era. For prototype-oriented layouts, it is therefore worth checking the precise vehicle lettering.

2

Define the Region and Route

Gotthard, Lötschberg, Bernina, Saxon narrow gauge or a modern container corridor all require different rolling stock. A clearly defined route theme simplifies every subsequent purchasing decision.

Cross-Border Traffic
Several Railway Companies Are Explicitly Possible

International passenger and freight trains can contain vehicles from different countries. On main lines in particular, this mixture is highly prototypical.

3

Choose Passenger or Freight Transport

SBB, ÖBB, DB, SNCF and RegioJet are suitable for extensive passenger services. METRANS, TX Logistik, PRESS and EBS create strong accents in modern freight transport.

Add Wagon Keepers
Use VTG, GATX and Wascosa Correctly

A wagon keeper is not automatically the railway company operating the train. This distinction makes particularly realistic freight-train combinations possible.

4

Consider the Gauge

H0 offers the broadest selection, TT is interesting for many German and Eastern European prototypes and N is excellent for long trains. RhB and MGB, on the other hand, often lead to H0m or G gauge.

Before Purchasing
Check the System and Minimum Radius

In addition to the gauge, the power system, couplings, digital equipment and required minimum radius must be compatible with the existing model railway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Railway Companies on Model Railways

Answers covering selection by era, gauge, country and desired type of operation.

Which Railway Companies Are Available for Model Railways?

The range extends from DRG, DR and Deutsche Bundesbahn through DB, SBB, ÖBB, SNCF, FS, RENFE, PKP and ČD to modern private operators such as RegioJet, FlixTrain, METRANS, TX Logistik, PRESS and many other companies.

Which Railway Company Offers the Largest Model Selection?

For German layouts, DB, Deutsche Bundesbahn and Deutsche Reichsbahn are among the most extensive themes. Internationally, SBB, ÖBB and SNCF are also strongly represented. The exact selection additionally depends on the chosen gauge.

Can Different Railway Companies Be Combined?

Yes. International passenger trains, border stations and freight trains often contain rolling stock from several railway companies. A believable period and plausible route are the decisive factors.

What Is the Difference Between DB, DR and DRG?

DRG refers to the Deutsche Reichsbahn-Gesellschaft of Era II. In the model railway sector, DR usually means the Deutsche Reichsbahn of the GDR. The Deutsche Bundesbahn represented West Germany from 1949 until 1993; Deutsche Bahn AG was then established in 1994.

Which Railway Company Suits an Alpine Layout?

SBB, BLS and ÖBB are particularly suitable for standard-gauge Alpine routes. For narrow-gauge mountain railways, the Rhaetian Railway and Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn are characteristic prototypes.

Which Railway Companies Suit Modern Freight Trains?

METRANS, TX Logistik, PRESS, EBS and ITL are attractive Era VI themes. Railpool locomotives and wagons from VTG, GATX and Wascosa further expand the possible train formations.

Which Company Is Suitable for Modern Long-Distance Trains?

In addition to DB, SBB, ÖBB, SNCF and other state railways, RegioJet and FlixTrain offer contemporary and distinctive long-distance themes. TRI can additionally be used for replacement and special services.

Which Railway Company Is Suitable for a Small Layout?

Regional and branch-line themes are particularly space-efficient. ODEG, Alex, selected DB and DR routes and narrow-gauge railways allow short trains and compact stations.

Which Railway Company Is Interesting for H0m?

The Rhaetian Railway and Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn are especially important metre-gauge themes. They make it possible to recreate viaducts, mountain stations, panoramic trains and Alpine scenery in a highly characteristic way.

What Is the Difference Between a Railway Company and a Wagon Keeper?

A railway company operates passenger or freight train services. Companies such as VTG, GATX and Wascosa, by contrast, mainly own or lease freight wagons that can be used in trains operated by different railway undertakings.

From a Railway Company to a Complete Model Railway World

The comprehensive Model Railway Guide also provides information on gauges, eras, digital technology, track, layout planning, rolling stock and scenery.

Open the Model Railway Guide