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 an exciting new range of quality TT and OO Gauge model trains and accessories not previously available here in New Zealand. 

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.

Whether a newcomer to Model railways or a seasoned Modeller planning a new layout, TT Gauge represents an exciting option requiring only 60% of the space of OO Gauge layouts. This allows for longer more realistic trains in a given space, with highly detailed  quality TT rolling stock, track systems and an ever increasing range of accessories now available - see our "Bridges/tunnels/buildings & accessory page"

We have started a "Resources page" to try to demistify some of the terminology and peculiarities of Model Railways. 

 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 don't offer a standard and a deluxe range. Instead all Accurascale models have all the features, and are built to the same precise standards.

When purchasing a Loco, research carefully because it is a substantial investment and is not alway obvious what you are buying. Cheaper loco brands 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 all speeds, choose 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 (all with 5-pole 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, or for any querries, then please send us an enquiry on our Contact page.

Best regards,

Alan Bisley.