A Passion for Model Trains
Trainz is one of the largest online retailers and buyers of collectible model trains in the United States, serving hobbyists, collectors, and estates with new and pre-owned inventory across all major train scales and manufacturers. In addition to model trains and parts, we also offer die-cast vehicles, model kits, radio control products, and other hobby collectibles.
Founded by Scott and Milinda Griggs, Trainz grew from a small train repair business in Scott's parents' garage into a company operating from a 73,000-square-foot facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia. Today, we help collectors buy, sell, repair, and enjoy model trains while preserving the history and excitement of the hobby for future generations.
The History of Trainz
In 1975, Scott Griggs turned his passion for model trains into a repair business operating from his parents' garage. While still in high school, he purchased the Lionel Service Station inventory from Toledo's Trains Hospital for Trains, laying the foundation for a lifelong career in the hobby.
More than two decades later, Scott and Milinda Griggs recognized the potential of online commerce and launched Trainz in 1997. What began as a basement e-commerce operation has grown into a trusted destination for collectors, supported by a dedicated team whose decades of hands-on experience help customers buy, sell, repair, and identify collectible model trains every day.
Read the full founder history on Scott's Story.
Why Trainz Is Different
Trainz is more than an online hobby retailer. We are also one of the largest buyers of model train collections in the United States, helping collectors, families, and estates sell collections of every size.
Our team combines decades of experience with specialized tools and services designed for hobbyists, including Trainz Rewards, Wish Lists, parts diagrams, repair resources, and international shipping to select countries. Whether you're searching for a rare collectible or your first starter set, our goal is to make buying and selling model trains easier and more enjoyable.
Learn more about our shopping benefits, Wish List, Trainz Rewards, Private Car membership, parts diagrams, repair courses, and international shipping options on Why choose Trainz.
Explore Our Inventory
We offer a massive selection of model trains in every scale from every manufacturer. Entering the hobby? We offer pre-owned options that get you started without having to shell out the big bucks. On the hunt for your holy grail? Trainz.com has an ever-changing inventory of collectibles from the prewar era up to the modern day.
Alongside model trains, shoppers can also find die-cast vehicles, model kits, radio control products, and other hobby collectibles. Our inventory changes constantly, so there is always something new to discover.
How We Prepare Collectible Inventory
Every collectible model train and railroad item we acquire goes through a detailed preparation process before it is offered for sale.
Depending on the item, our specialists may research its history, identify variations, clean and repair components, and evaluate its condition using the Train Collectors Association (TCA) grading standards. Most collectibles are then photographed individually in our dedicated photography stations so buyers can see the actual item they will receive rather than a stock image.
Our commitment to accurate listings, transparent condition descriptions, and individual product photography helps collectors shop with confidence.
Our Model Train Expertise
For decades, Trainz has specialized in Lionel, MTH, vintage, postwar, and modern model trains. Our team evaluates collections, researches product history, identifies variations, and works with train parts and repairs every day.
That expertise extends beyond buying and selling. Through Trainz Academy, collectors can learn directly from respected Lionel and MTH experts who have spent decades repairing and servicing model trains. These courses were originally developed to help train our own repair team and are now available to hobbyists who want to expand their knowledge.
Our experience evaluating collections is supported by decades of transaction history, helping us assess everything from individual pieces to large collections and estates.
Selling a Train Collection
Trainz also buys collections and does all the grunt work for you - box matching, cleaning, repairing, taking photos, researching and pricing the item. We gladly buy rolling stock and other pieces from collectors downsizing, people changing scales, or those leaving the hobby. We have decades of pricing history to rely on with an immense in-house database of transactions.
The collectible train market is our specialty. We have the knowledge and experience to maximize profit for collectors selling to us, and the honesty and integrity to make sure our buyers know exactly what they will receive when they open that cardboard shipping box.
Have a collection you're thinking of selling?
Let us do all the work and get you the best value for every piece.
Learn More About the Process
Why Thousands of Collectors Trust Trainz
For decades, Trainz has served model train enthusiasts through buying, selling, repairing, and appraising collectible trains. Our commitment to expertise, transparency, and customer service has helped establish Trainz as a trusted name in the hobby.
That trust is built on decades of experience evaluating collections, thousands of collections purchased, millions of items processed, individual collectible product photography, detailed condition grading, and secure shipping designed to help collectors buy with confidence.
Careers & Recognition
Trainz is certified as a Great Place to Work, and we are always looking for excellent applicants. If you've got the right stuff, we'd love to hear from you.
Join Our Team