Trix Express
Early H0 three-rail system enabling independent operation of two engines.
Trix Express was the flagship model train line from Trix of Nuremberg, Germany, a company now owned by Märklin of Göppingen, Germany. The system debuted at the Leipzig exhibition in spring 1935, and it was the first affordable H0 (Half Zero) table-top model train system, running on 16.5 mm track at a scale of 1:87. In Germany, it was sold under the name Trix Express. After the Nazis forced the Jewish owners of the company—Stefan Bing and others—to sell their shares, they relocated to Britain and founded Trix Ltd London, which initially used the same system under the brand TTR (Trix Twin Railway).
Like other pre-World War II systems, Trix Express used a third (centre) rail to deliver current to the models. Unlike systems such as Märklin H0 (still in production) and Hornby Railways, the outer rails were insulated, with the centre rail serving as the common pick-up. This design allowed two model engines to run independently on the same track, and even three if overhead catenary wires were used.
The original system ran on 14V AC power. In 1953, the German company switched to 14V DC and continued using the third-rail system until 2003, when the last models were produced under Märklin’s ownership. Due to strong lobbying directed at Märklin, Trix Express was revived in 2013 with the production of new rolling stock. The British Trix Twin company changed to DC in 1956, abandoned the three-rail system in the early 1960s, and disappeared after a series of takeovers and mergers in the 1970s.
Apart from its centre pick-up, Trix Express also retained the larger wheel flanges typical of the 1930s right up to its recent end, which made derailments rare but rendered its rolling stock incompatible with more modern two-rail NEM systems. The Trix Express system still has a large following in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands, with active clubs, and it is readily available on eBay.
- Introduced
- spring of 1935 at the Leipzig exhibition
- Scale
- H0 (1:87) with 16.5 mm track
- Original power
- 14V AC
- Power change (germany)
- 14V DC in 1953
- Last german production
- 2003 under Märklin
- Re-initiated
- 2013 with new rolling stock
- British power change
- DC in 1956
Lore & Background
The Trix Express system used a third (centre) rail to supply current to the models. Unlike other systems such as Märklin H0 and Hornby Railways, the outer tracks were insulated, using the centre rail as a common pick-up. This design allowed independent operation of two model engines on the same track, and even three if overhead catenary wires were used. After the Nazis forced the Jewish owners Stefan Bing and others to sell their shares, they moved to Britain and founded Trix Ltd London, which initially used the same system under the brand TTR – TRIX TWIN RAILWAY.
The original system operated on 14V AC power. The German company changed to 14V DC in 1953 and continued using the third rail system until 2003, when the last models were produced under Märklin. Because of a great lobby to Märklin, Trix Express was re-initiated in 2013 by producing new rolling stock. The British Trix Twin company changed to DC in 1956, abandoned the three-rail system in the early 1960s, and disappeared after a number of take-overs and mergers during the 1970s.
Apart from the centre pick-up, Trix Express retained the larger wheel flanges customary in the 1930s right until its recent end, making derailments rather uncommon but rendering its rolling stock incompatible with more modern two-rail NEM systems.
Reader's Guide
Trix Express holds significance as the first reasonably priced H0 table-top model train system, introduced in 1935. Its three-rail system, with insulated outer rails and a centre common pick-up, was a distinctive technical feature that allowed independent operation of two engines on the same track—a capability not offered by contemporary systems like Märklin H0 or Hornby Railways. The system's longevity is notable: the German branch continued production until 2003 under Märklin, and a re-initiation occurred in 2013 due to enthusiast lobbying. The British offshoot, Trix Twin Railway, adapted the system but eventually abandoned three-rail operation in the early 1960s and ceased to exist after corporate changes in the 1970s. The retention of larger wheel flanges from the 1930s ensured operational reliability but prevented compatibility with modern NEM standards. The system maintains a large following in the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands, supported by active clubs and collector associations, and remains readily available through online marketplaces such as eBay.
Did You Know?
- Trix Express was first introduced at the Leipzig exhibition in the spring of 1935.
- The system used a third (centre) rail for power, with insulated outer tracks allowing independent operation of two engines.
- Trix Express retained larger wheel flanges from the 1930s, making its rolling stock incompatible with modern two-rail NEM systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trix Express?
Trix Express was the flagship model train line produced by Trix of Nuremberg, Germany. It is recognized as the first affordable H0 table-top model train system, running on 16.5 mm track at a 1:87 scale. The company is now owned by Märklin of Göppingen.
When was Trix Express first introduced and how was it powered?
The system debuted at the Leipzig exhibition in the spring of 1935. It originally ran on 14V AC power, and German production later switched to 14V DC in 1953.
What made Trix Express stand out among early H0 model train systems?
Its three-rail H0 design allowed two locomotives to operate independently on the same track, giving hobbyists a practical way to run multiple engines without extra wiring. This made it a genuinely affordable entry point into table-top model railroading.
What happened to the original Trix company during the Nazi era?
The Jewish owners, including Stefan Bing, were pressured into selling their shares under the Nazi regime. They relocated to Britain and founded Trix Ltd London, which initially marketed the same system under the TTR (Trix Twin Railway) brand.
Is Trix Express still being manufactured today?
German production of the line ceased in 2003 under Märklin's ownership. The brand was re-launched in 2013 with a new range of rolling stock.
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