Micro-Trains Line N Scale Model Railroads & Trains

Micro-Trains is a model railroad manufacturer that specializes in N and Z scale model trains. Located in Talent, Oregon, the company has produced over 80 different styles of accurate model train freight cars, more than any other model train manufacturer in any scale.

Micro-Trains started out as a branch of the Kadee company. Kadee was founded in 1940 by twin brothers Keith and Dale Edwards. The brothers invented the first knuckle coupler, the Magne-Matic metal knuckle coupler, for HO scale model train cars. This style coupler remains the standard for model trains today. In the '60s, the brothers began to produce Magne-Matic couplers in N scale. They expanded from this to undercarriages for N scale freight cars, and finally began producing entire cars in N scale in 1972. At this point, Micro-Trains became as separate division of Kadee.

Micro-Trains continued to expand its product lines in N scale, as well as adding Nn3 scale (narrow gauge N scale), and Z scale. In 1990, Kadee and Micro-Trains split into separate companies, with Dale Edwards heading Kadee and Keith Edwards heading Micro-Trains. The company continues to specialize in N scale freight cars, including special-run releases for clubs and organizations, and special editions in a variety of themes.

Quick Facts

• The Edwards brothers started in the model train business by making model train turnouts. They called their new business Kadee after the K in Keith and the D in Dale
• In September 1990, a Kadee 36020 N&M 50' dbl plug #36616 N scale car sold for $2,110
• In 2008, hobbyists participated in the world's largest modular N scale layout at the World's Greatest Hobby on Tour in Louisville, Kentucky. The layout included over 50 model railroad clubs with 700 modules and occupied 50,000 square feet