Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about using TrainDex to find HO scale model trains.
What marketplaces does TrainDex search?
TrainDex aggregates listings from eBay, specialty hobby retailers like Trainz, Model Train Stuff, White Rose Hobbies, Head End Hobbies, Model Train Market, and other Shopify-based hobby shops. New sources are added regularly.
Does TrainDex sell model trains directly?
No. TrainDex is a marketplace aggregator. When you click a listing, you are redirected to the original seller on their platform. TrainDex does not handle transactions, payments, or shipping.
How often are listings updated?
eBay listings are fetched live in real time when you search. Specialty retailer inventories are refreshed on a scheduled basis, typically every few hours.
What does "Live" mean on a listing badge?
A "Live" badge means the listing was fetched directly from eBay's API in real time for your current search. These results reflect the current live availability.
What scale does TrainDex cover?
TrainDex focuses exclusively on HO scale (1:87 ratio) model railroad equipment. This includes diesel and steam locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, and complete train sets. HO is the most popular model railroad scale worldwide.
What is HO scale?
HO scale is the most widely used model railroad scale, at a 1:87 ratio to the real thing. An HO scale locomotive is roughly 8 inches long. The track gauge is 16.5mm. HO stands for "Half O" — it is half the size of O scale (1:48).
How does the price tracker work?
The price tracker monitors completed (sold) listings on eBay for select HO scale models. It records actual sale prices over time, so you can see average prices, price ranges, and 30-day trends. This helps you determine fair market value before buying.
How do I use search filters?
On the search page, you can filter results by manufacturer (e.g., Athearn, Kato, ScaleTrains), condition (new or used), and price range. You can also sort results by newest, price low-to-high, or price high-to-low.
Does TrainDex earn commissions on purchases?
Yes. TrainDex may earn a small commission when you click through to a seller and make a purchase. This is how the site is funded. It does not affect the price you pay — the commission comes from the seller or marketplace.
What is the Model Database?
The Model Database is a curated catalog of HO scale models organized by manufacturer, prototype type, and road name. Each entry includes specifications like SKU, MSRP, DCC/sound capability, and detail level. It helps you identify and compare specific models.
What is the Prototype Database?
The Prototype Database (Real Train Database) contains information about the real-world trains that HO models are based on. Each prototype entry includes history, technical specifications, Wikimedia photographs, and links to the HO scale models that reproduce it.
How are brands and railroads organized?
The Brand Directory lists manufacturers like Athearn, Kato, ScaleTrains, and Broadway Limited, showing how many models and active listings each brand has. The Railroad Directory lists North American railroads (BNSF, Union Pacific, CSX, etc.) and shows which HO models are available in each road name.
How do price alerts work?
Price alerts are currently in development. In the meantime, you can save your filtered search URLs as bookmarks and revisit them regularly to check for new listings that match your criteria.
What do DCC and Sound mean on a model listing?
DCC (Digital Command Control) means the model has a built-in decoder that allows independent control of multiple trains on the same track. Sound means the model includes a speaker and sound decoder that plays realistic engine, horn, and brake sounds. Models with both are often labeled "DCC with Sound."
How can I contact TrainDex?
You can reach us at [email protected] for privacy-related questions or general inquiries about the site.
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