I am not sure of a better group to ask than this to ask my questions regarding HO scale. I am interested in the HO toy train companies that produced entire lines similar to Lionel’s style. It is very hard to find accurate info on this stuff. I would like to know who currently has what tooling and how all these companies were related.
Tyco
Mehano
Lima
Model Power
AHM
IHC
Some of these companies shared resources. Does Model Power currently have the Marx and Tyco HO tooling? AHM sold trains made by Mehano correct? Its info like this that I seek. These trains were a part of my childhood. I always wanted them at the toy stores but was steered away due to their cheapness.
Also did Atlas make trains in the USA in their own facility? I recall their locomotives being made by others???
Tyco(Mantua Metal Products) - This was originally the Manfua ‘kit’ line. The Tyco line was the ‘RTR’ line. The Tyco name comes for the Tyler family who started and owned the company for many years. The line was sold in the 1980’s(IIRC) and the Mantua name and locomotives were bought back by the family The remaining line was sold to Model Power a number of years ago, and is offered as .Mantua Classics’ and Mantua ‘Heavies’.
Mehano - This is a European Manufacturer that made North American design locomotives for AHM and IHC through the years. They went bankrupt and IIRC were eventually bought out by Hornby - Only European design model may be still available.
Lima - Another European manufacturer that built North American design HO equipment for several brands/importers.
AHM - this was an American company that commissioned/imported North American design equipment for several sources. Rivarossi/Mehano/Lima and other have produced models for them. They went under years ago and were brought back as IHC, which closed down after the death of AHM founder Bernie Paul.
Atlas - American company. Their track was made in the US until maybe 10 years ago. N and HO engines/cars have been made by various off-shore firms over the years. In the 70’s, the yellow box engines like the SD24/FP7/S2 were made by Roco(European). The RS3, RS1, & GP7 was made by Kato(HO) - Most production is now made in China.
Mehano - still in the market and independent. Company is located in Slovenia. They are concentrating on premium models of European prototype these days, but seem to have retained some of their US products.
Strange that they are still producing some of their American steamers with DCC and Sound in some. I wonder if the new IHC site will be bringing in any of the new Mehano