Toy and model trains and railways, and vehicles by Marklin, Germany

Gebruder Marklin, commonly known as Märklin, is a German manufacturer of model trains and other toys. The company was founded in 1859 by Theodor Friedrich Wilhelm Märklin in the town of Göppingen, in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Märklin started as a maker of metal toys, including dolls' house furniture, kitchen utensils, and other household items. In the 1890s, the company began producing clockwork trains, and in 1900 it introduced its first electric train. This was a significant development, as electric trains offered greater speed, reliability, and realism than clockwork models.

Märklin quickly became known for the quality and detail of its trains, which featured accurate reproductions of real-world locomotives, rolling stock, and scenery. The company's trains were popular around the world, and by the 1930s, Märklin was the leading manufacturer of toy trains in Europe.

During World War II, Märklin was forced to halt production of more... toy trains and instead focused on making military equipment for the German army. After the war, the company resumed production of trains and quickly regained its position as a leading manufacturer.

In the years that followed, Märklin continued to innovate, introducing new technologies such as digital control systems and sound effects. The company also expanded its product line to include other model vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and airplanes.

Märklin remains an established major player in the model train industry, known for its high-quality products and attention to detail. The company continues to innovate, developing new technologies and designs to keep pace with the changing interests of hobbyists and collectors. less...