Athearn

Athearn is one of the most traditional and well-known American manufacturers of model trains. The company was founded in 1946 by Irvin Athearn and quickly became a major player in the model railroad hobby – especially in HO scale (1:87). Today, Athearn products are manufactured and distributed worldwide by Horizon Hobby, Inc. Athearn became internationally famous for its durable and attractively priced models of the so-called 'Blue Box' era, which significantly contributed to the spread of HO scale. Building on this tradition, Athearn today offers several clearly structured product lines: Roundhouse for beginners, Ready-to-Roll for immediately operational models, and the premium Athearn Genesis series. The Athearn Genesis models stand for the highest level of prototypical accuracy, the finest engravings, separately applied details, and prototypical paint schemes and lettering. Many locomotives are optionally DCC-ready or factory-equipped with DCC sound and offer powerful, smooth-running motors. Athearn Genesis is therefore aimed primarily at discerning model railroaders and collectors. The product range includes steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, freight and passenger cars, as well as complementary vehicles based predominantly on North American prototypes in HO and N scales. Athearn combines decades of experience with modern manufacturing and remains one of the most important brands for fans of American model railroading.