Athearn HO Trains

by on Saturday, June 26th, 2010 | No Comments

Irv Athearn began modifying and experimenting with model trains in 1938. He began modifying an elaborate O scale layout and several years later, Irv valued his O collection at $10,000. He placed an advertisement selling it in Model Railroader. Response to the ad was overwhelming , giving Irv the idea that selling model railroads would be a good way to make a living.

He opened a store in Hawthorne, California in 1948 and began making HO model train kits that same year. In 1956 Athearn released the EMD F7 diesel utilizing the revolutionary “Hi-F” drive, and, in 1973, he introduced the F45 and FP45, among the first model locomotives to include flywheels on the motor shaft.

After the death of Irv Athearn in 1991, the company was passed on to new owners in 1994. The new management continued Athearn's tradition of manufacturing new and innovative models. Such innovations included the premium Genesis line, obtaining a licensing agreement with John Deere, acquiring Rail Power Products, Inc., the manufacturing of N scale products, and the development of the Ready To Roll line.

In 2004 the comapny was purchased by Horizon Hobby, Inc. and was moved it into a new state-of-the-art new facility in Carson, California. Today Athearn HO trains continues to be a major force in the model train industry.