European sources for unique models suitable for US layouts

[robertjohndavis]

With the  specter of tariffs on goods coming into the US from the EU looming, I have made a few purchases from my favorite European model makers.

One of the best things about model railroading for me the past 5 years has been the rise of really interesting products coming out of Europe that are good no matter what region you are modeling.

I suggest you check out these three sources. I put orders in today.

HOIMAT on eBay makes fantastic small 3d prints in N and Z. They are among the best quality - maybe THE best quality - I have ever seen. Stairs, cabins, sheds and other all small models are good for US scenes, and he has incredible German prototypes if that's your thing. Models ship from Germany for just $5.20!!!! https://www.ebay.com/str/hoimat

MAKERSMULTI out of Portugal makes sublimely modeled and finished stone bridges, walls and archways. Prices are rock bottom considering the quality you get (pun intended). N and Z available. People rave that the work of his I have on my family's layout.  https://www.ebay.com/str/makemulti

Finally, there is the N scale-only DM Toys in Germany. The sell their own line of buildings, details (fantastic industrial bits; interior details like tool cabinets, control panels and furniture; plus an array of incredible items you will never see for sale in the states. Shipping is $19.99 or free over 500 euro. I usually get product within 3 days. They also make some of their own electronics. BTW if you have older German N-scale, they make custom motor/gear retrofit kits. They also stock some British and American-made models in addition to those from Germany, Netherlands, Spain and more. Fascinating shop. https://www.dm-toys.de

And I already picked up a load of pre-tariff Chianti, Prosecco, Super Tuscans and Amari so I can enjoy a nice beverage while modeling. 

[basementcalling]

Nice finds. We need more threads like this listing small, relatively unknown manufacturers, especially 3d printers.  I never feel like I'm finding the best stuff when I search places like Thingiverse.

I'd love to see Faller do some N scale versions of their HO chemical plant and cranes. Industrial with steel trusses is hard to find in N scale, other than the Green Max #37 series, and then some conveyer support pieces in Glacier Gravel and the new Walthers coal mine flood loader.

[jwaldo]

DM Toys also exports the Micromotor.eu line of, well, micro motors. They make coreless motor upgrade kits that are mostly for European-prototype models, but also some for European-made U.S. prototypes. It's amazing what putting a modern motor in something like a Minitrix H-12-44 will do!

[Jimbo]

Here’s a German source for pre-wired LEDs.  I bought some from him a while back… great quality, and WAY cheaper than the pre-wired ones from Showcase Miniatures!  (~$5.25 for 10!  Vs. $9.95 for ONE!)

Tri-color pre-wired LEDs:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/375912555741?itmmeta=01JKM4TG9KB7RYVDDQ2T3K2855&hash=item57862264dd:g:nTwAAOSwLwVnfplS

Seller’s page:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?item=375912555741&rt=nc&_trksid=p4429486.m3561.l161211&_ssn=ledbaron

Change the item location to “worldwide.”  If you leave it on “default”, you won’t see a lot of his good stuff!!

Jim

[Caddy58]

Here are a few sources you might be interested in:

Eichhorn Modellbau: etched Metal, spare parts, details
https://www.eichhorn-modellbau.de/produkt-kategorie/scale-1-160-n-2?lang=en

Stepsworld: 3D printed ships, harbor models, bridges and details
https://www.stepsworld-shop.de/shop/Spur-N-1-160-c134800020

Trafofuchs: figures
http://www.trafofuchs.de/index_N.htm

Spur N Teile: spare Parts and odds and ends
https://spur-n-teile.de/info/kleinserien.html


Some websites are only in German, but most are well illustrated.

Cheers
Dirk

[pmpexpress]

Here are a few sources you might be interested in:

Stepsworld: 3D printed ships, harbor models, bridges and details
https://www.stepsworld-shop.de/shop/Spur-N-1-160-c134800020

Some websites are only in German, but most are well illustrated.

Cheers
Dirk

Always in search of additional N-Scale port area and maritime models, StePsWorld is a really nice find.

[robertjohndavis]

Trafofuchs: figures
http://www.trafofuchs.de/index_N.htm

Cheers
Dirk

Thank you! The Trafofuchs figures are delightful!

[Caddy58]

Another shop is Panzer Shop: 3D printed vehicles, mostly military
https://www.panzer-shop.net/c-4760921/usa/

Cheers
Dirk

[Simon D.]

Modelu in the UK (not now EU of course) has the best figures - all 3D scanned and well printed - including US railroad figures.  https://www.modelu3d.co.uk/product-category/north-american/

[robertjohndavis]

To underscore how efficient DM-Toys is, I placed an order at 2pm Saturday. It arrived in NJ from Germany in 72 hours for $19.99.  Most domestic hobby orders take much longer just to pack a shipment. DM does it right.