The 18 best engineering kit brands
Hornby, Walthers and Dragon Models lead our ranking of 18 engineering kit brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Engineering Kit brands, ranked
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1
Hornby
In the United Kingdom, Hornby is a well-known brand in the model train hobby. In 1901, the company's founder, Frank Hornby, filed a patent application to protect an innovation called "Improvements in Toy or Educational Devices for Children and Young People." Nobody could have predicted how much of an impact this product would have on the modern model train hobby. As a result of this, In 1907, Meccano Ltd was founded. Frank Hornby had to relocate his plant regularly due to the company's success. Meccano would become one of the most well-known toys of all time.
Website: hornby.com |Brands like Hornby
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Walthers
Helping people to own tracks of the future, Walthers caters to providing you with all your needs for railroading models. They have been in the market since 1932 and have constantly evolved from the postwar era. Their flyers are available for you to check out online, and you can surely visit their showroom as well. They have over 1000 different products as well. Grab your materials to construct your dream railroad.
Website: walthers.com |Brands like Walthers
Popularity 10.0/10
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3
Dragon Models
Dragon Models was established in 1987. They manufacture plastic model kits. The company itself makes the designs. The company has won several awards for the model ideas they have come up with. They have released more than 1000 products to date, and they have no plans to stop anytime soon. They make innovative plastic models that are a lot of fun. Collectors can have a field day with all of their collector-oriented model lines. Action figures can also be found at their site.
Popularity 7.9/10
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4
PECO
PECO serves millions of clients in Pennsylvania with electricity and natural gas. When it comes to producing the best quality products and services, they don't rest on their laurels. The company aspires to consistently enhance its performance using data-driven insights and innovative technology to provide the best value to its clients. PECO is dedicated to environmental stewardship through various projects and collaborations, including developing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. You can rely on them to provide safe and dependable energy to your house, whether you use natural gas or electricity.
Website: peco.com |Brands like PECO
Popularity 7.9/10
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5
Miller
Fall protection crews rely on Miller harnesses, which use tongue-buckle leg straps and, in the Revolution line, two-sided DualTech webbing. The AirCore universal harness is another model in the lineup. Body belts, anchors, grips and straps are sold alongside the harnesses, and the brand now sits within Honeywell's safety products.
Popularity 7.1/10
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6
Athearn
Athearn produces model trains in HO and N scale, along with John Deere toys and parts boxes. The company has been making model railroad products for over sixty years. Its range suits hobbyists who want detailed locomotives, rolling stock and accessories at accessible prices.
Website: athearn.com |Brands like Athearn
Popularity 7.1/10
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7
Smithsonian
Smithsonian-licensed STEM kits and games for children form a large part of this brand's range, with hands-on science sets such as magnetic gyroscope kits. The lineup also includes engine model kits and silk scarves carrying Smithsonian designs. The products are sold through the Smithsonian Store and through retail partners.
Website: smithsonianbooks.com |Brands like Smithsonian
Popularity 6.1/10
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8
Bachmann
Bachmann produces model trains in G scale and N gauge, along with track sets for building a layout. Its sets let hobbyists work at different scales and expand their railway over time. The range is aimed at hobbyists who want to build a layout gradually, starting small and adding track later.
Website: shop.bachmanntrains.com |Brands like Bachmann
Popularity 5.0/10
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9
K'NEX
K'NEX is unrivaled when it comes to teaching children via imaginative play. As the tagline of this brand suggests, their toys indeed represent creativity at its peak. Nothing is bound to teach your kids more than something they build with...
Website: knex.co.uk |Brands like K'NEX
Popularity 5.0/10
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10
ThinkFun
Thinkfun makes learning fun. They put a continuous effort into making puzzle games and brainteasers for the growth and development of the brain. It is fun to think, and as a parent might face the problem of providing stimulating games...
Website: thinkfun.com |Brands like ThinkFun
Popularity 5.0/10
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11
Airfix
Airfix designs plastic model kits in the United Kingdom, a company founded in 1939 whose kits cover aircraft, tanks, ships and buildings. Its wartime aircraft and tank replicas are a long-running draw for modellers. The kits are meant to be...
Website: us.airfix.com |Brands like Airfix
Popularity 5.0/10
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12
LGB
LGB is all about helping you reach your destination and making the train enthusiast in you happy. With LGB’s most authentic train models you’ll ever find, browse through various locomotives, train sets, tenders, and more. Established in 1968, LGB has...
Website: lgb.com |Brands like LGB
Popularity 5.0/10
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13
Aurora
From its American roots in model and toy making, Aurora sells slot cars, including AFX models, along with stuffed animals and white light products. The slot car line appeals to hobbyists who race miniature cars on tracks. Stuffed animals and...
Popularity 3.5/10
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14
Roundhouse
The Roundhouse is a meticulously restored edifice in Chippendale's center. The Age of Steam Museum and Australia's sole public miniature gauge railway are located here. It's all about trains, from its heritage-listed turntable to its collection of steam locomotives. It's...
Popularity 3.5/10
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15
AFX
AFX sells motorcycle helmets and HO scale slot cars for hobbyists and racers. Its slot car line includes the Mega G+ chassis, which offers a narrow, low profile and accurate handling on track. AFX also sells racetrack sets and controllers,...
Website: afxracing.com |Brands like AFX
Popularity 3.5/10
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16
Discovery Toys
Discovery Toys was established in 1978. They are dedicated to making toys for toddlers to help them interact with the outside world and learn all the developmental skills that a child needs in the early stages. Discovery Toys has a...
Website: discoverytoys.net |Brands like Discovery Toys
Popularity 3.5/10
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17
Revell
The top producer of plastic model kits worldwide is Revell. They offer everything you want, whether you are new to the activity and searching for your first kit or an experienced one who wants to construct something remarkable and one-of-a-kind....
Website: revell.de |Brands like Revell
Popularity 3.5/10
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18
Trumpeter
Thousands of people sign up for the army every year. These soldiers who are strangers to one another, fight one another to keep us safe and sound. Hence it is our duty to provide them with all the support we...
Website: trumpeter-china.com |Brands like Trumpeter
Popularity 3.5/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornby | hornby.com | /officialhornby | officialhornby | @hornby | hornbyhobbiesltd |
| Walthers | walthers.com | /waltherstrains | waltherstrains | – | walthersmodeltrains |
| PECO | peco.com | /pecoconnect | pecoconnect | @pecoconnect | – |
| Athearn | athearn.com | /Athearn | – | @athearntrains | – |
| Smithsonian | smithsonianbooks.com | /Smithsonian-Books | smithsonian_books | – | – |
| Bachmann | shop.bachmanntrains.com | /Bachmann-Trains | – | @bachmanntrains | bachmanntrains |
| K'NEX | knex.co.uk | /KNEX | knex | @KNEX | knexteam |
| ThinkFun | thinkfun.com | /ThinkFunGames | thinkfun | @thinkfun | ThinkFunInc |
