About us

Model Trains Direct an Auckland, New Zealand family owned and operated business, specialises in Model trains and Accessories. We offer Kiwi Model Train enthusiasts a exciting new range of quality OO and TT Gauge model trains and accessories not previously available. 

A model Train enthusiast for over 50 years I have built many Layouts using traditional OO/HO products, and am in the process of building my first TT gauge layout.  There have been huge changes in the hobby especially in the last 20 years, such as the advent of Fine scale production and DCC control which offers many exciting new operating features over traditional Analogue control systems.

A word about Gauges:  There are a number of Model railway gauges available, OO/HO being one of the most common. The very small small N Gauge requires much less space and allows much longer more realistic trains. TT gauge (Table Top) fits between OO & N gauges. TT often referred to as "the middle gauge," only requires 60% of the space required by a OO gauge layout, so is ideal for smaller homes and apartments or where space is at a premium. In addition to being able to run longer more realistic trains, TT is perfect for those who find N gauge a bit small and difficult to handle, and there is more room inside the Locos for decoders etc.  TT Gauge has been growing in popularity in Europe for many years, and has recently taken off in the UK also.

Whether a newcomer to Model railways or a seasoned Modeller planning a new layout, TT represents an exciting option, with detailed high quality TT rolling stock and an ever increasing range of accessories available.

 We are delighted to be able to offer the following product ranges:

 Accurascale OO gauge Diesel Locos, Carriages and Wagons. Accurascale a London based company offers surperbly built British themed railway products at a competitive price. They are rapidly expanding and taking market share from other UK OO producers.  Accurascale's philosophy is to offer "realistic models at realistic prices."    We offer their locos DCC ready, or with DCC decoders fitted c/w Acurathrash sound .... which has to be heard to be believed! 

Unlike some other brands, Accurascale dont offer a standard and a deluxe range. All Accurascale models have all the features and are built to the same precise standards.

Research carefully because it is not away obvious what you are buying. Cheaper locos  often lack detail, have no lighting and are fitted with cheaper 3-Pole electric motors.

Talking from experience, if you want smooth glitch free performance at any speed, alway choose model locos fitted with 5-pole electric motors and heavy flywheels!

Roco TT gauge Locos, Carriages, Wagons, Track and turnouts, and Roco HO/OO track and turnouts. Roco is one of the leading European manufacturers of Model railways. Roco/Fleishmann located near Salzburg, Austria have manufacturing plants in Slovakia & Vietnam.   We offer Roco superbly detailed locos (with 5-pole electic motors) in DCC ready, and with DCC decoder & sound fitted.  We stock Roco track systems (both in TT & HO/OO gauges- Code 83) which are realistic and robust.

Woodland Scenics Landscaping materials have long been a favourite with Train modellers. Gone are the days of dyed sawdust landscape materials. Woodland products are colour fast, realistic and made to last. We offer their Tunnel portals, Track Ballast, Metals, Ground cover, handmade Trees and Bushes and Landscape accessories in many sizes to suit N, TT & HO/OO layouts, as well as their Sub Terrain System of High density Foam Risers, Incline & Decline sets. The Sub Terrain system allows Interesting layouts with different levels to be built quickly and economically circumventing complicated calculations, and the dusty mess associated with cutting traditional wood and plywood track beds.  Modelling made so easy!

Landscaping Accessories i.e. Bridges, Tunnel portals, Buildings, Fences, People, props etc add realism to any layout.  Made by leading manufacturers such as Noch, Viessmann, and now a superb range from SR 3D models (UK) for TT and OO/HO with a number of new items arriving over the next few months.

If there are further items from these ranges of interest to you, then please send us an enquiry on our Contact page.

 Alan Bisley.