How many companies make O-gauge trains?
There are lots. Obviously, Lionel is the best known because they’ve been around since the turn of the 20th century. Lionel didn’t invent O-gauge, but they’ve been making O-gauge stuff since 1900. Since then, many competitors have come into play. As far as I know, there are 5 major O gauge train makers today. Yes, there a lot more than 5 companies that make O-gauge trains but I’m just talking about the major brands that you see on most train store shelves. The major players appear to be Lionel/K-Line/American Flyer, M.T.H/Railking, Atlas, Weaver, and Williams. Lionel is obviously the classic choice and usually makes a good starting point for people who are new to the hobby. Lionel absorbed train makers American Flyer and K-Line, but they still put out unique products under those names. MTH (Mike’s Train House), which can also be found under the Railking name, makes very high quality trains and is probably my personal favorite overall. MTH’s Premier Line offers the high end scale product
