National Capital Trains was established in 1989 to serve the needs of scale modelers in the Washington, DC area. We started out by purchasing narrow gauge supplies in S Scale and some HO because we were unable to find local merchants that would stock these items. We quickly shifted to HO and N Scale high end Kato, Atlas, and Stewart (Kato-built) plastic diesels which reflected our interests and those of our customers. Over time the demographics, high real estate prices, and space limitations resulted in a greater emphasis on N Scale. With the advent of Soundtraxx decoders and Blackstone models, we re-entered the narrow gauge market in HOn3. Today, we are among the largest dealers of N Scale and HOn3 in the state of Virginia.
Our Philosophy
Just as in life we practice the “Golden Rule” with model trains and our customers. First, we only stock items that we ourselves will use on model train layouts. If a product is a dud, it is quickly eliminated from our stock. Second, we treat our customers the same way we would like to be treated when we are customers. Knowledge of trains means nothing if people are unwilling to share it with others, particularly the younger generation of model railroaders. Third, we believe that an educated customer who observes models trains in operation will have a better understanding of the hobby and what he/she would like to purchase. We take to all shows our outstanding portable N Scale layout which features up to six trains and one or two trams operating at the same time, either in analog or digital electrical mode.
Our Team
Bernie is the superintendant and financial guru. He is a veteran model railroader with over 50 years in the hobby.
Steve B. is our chief electrical expert, who also close to 60 years in the hobby. He is an expert in locomotive mechanisms, electronics, and a number of other areas.
Curt is our narrow gauge specialist and is an excellent modeler.
Fred is a key player and provides overall design and planning guidance to the operation.
Mike, another model train veteran, is our “Mr. HOn3” and generally will offer an opinion on most issues.
Finally, my beloved wife Debbie remains as the overall anchor by exercising sound judgment at all times.
