The model railway eras divide railway history into six time periods. Each era has its own characteristics: typical locomotives, liveries, lettering and operating scenarios. The era determines which vehicles fit together on a model railway layout – anyone who wants to run prototypically should combine locomotives and coaches from the same era.
The era system was defined by MOROP (European Model Railway Federation) and is today the standard for all model railway manufacturers. The corresponding era is indicated on the packaging of every model. Here you will find an overview of all six eras with their characteristics and the matching H0 models:
The Model Railway Eras at a Glance
The era system was defined by MOROP (European Model Railway Federation) and divides railway history into six sections. Each era is characterised by specific features: railway administrations, numbering schemes, liveries and technical standards. For model railway enthusiasts, the era system is an important ordering principle – it helps with the selection of matching vehicles and ensures a coherent overall appearance on the layout.
Era I (1835–1920) – The Länderbahnen
The beginnings of the railway in Germany with the state railways of the individual states: Prussia, Bavaria, Saxony, Württemberg, Baden and others. Each Länderbahn developed its own locomotive designs with individual liveries – Prussian locomotives in green, Bavarian ones in blue, Saxon ones in dark green. Typical are steam locomotives with open cabs, three-axle passenger coaches with open platforms and simple goods wagons. Models of Era I are rather rare and particularly sought after by collectors.
View all H0 models of Era I
Era II (1920–1950) – The Deutsche Reichsbahn
With the founding of the Deutsche Reichsbahngesellschaft (DRG) in 1920, the vehicle fleet was standardised. This led to the creation of the famous standard locomotives: the fast BR 01 for express trains, the heavy BR 44 for freight trains, the versatile BR 50 as a wartime locomotive and the compact BR 86 as a tank locomotive. The vehicles received uniform DRG lettering. This era also includes the streamlined cladding of the 1930s and the wartime designs of the 1940s. Era II ends with the division of Germany and the founding of DB and DR.
View all H0 models of Era II
Era III (1949–1968) – The Golden Age of Model Railways
Era III is considered the most popular and most modelled era in H0 scale. In the West, the Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB) operates; in the East, the Deutsche Reichsbahn (DR). What makes it special: steam, diesel and electric locomotives run side by side – the last steam locomotives operate alongside the first diesel locomotives and modern electric locomotives. Typical are the green passenger coaches of the DB, the Silberlinge in local traffic and the first TEE trains in long-distance traffic. At the DR, Reko coaches and double-deck trains shape the picture. The variety of classes and vehicle types makes Era III particularly appealing to model railway enthusiasts.
Popular models: DB models · DR models · All H0 models of Era III
Era IV (1968–1990) – Computer Numbers and New Colours
The introduction of the UIC computer numbers in 1968 marks the beginning of Era IV. The vehicles receive new operating numbers according to international standard. At the DB, the ocean-blue/beige livery prevails – the TEE and IC trains in these colours are among the most popular model railway motifs. At the DR, dark red dominates as the new standard colour. The last steam locomotives are withdrawn from service at the DB in 1977 and at the DR in 1988. Modern diesel and electric locomotives take over all operations. In freight traffic, the first container and piggyback trains appear.
Popular models: DB models · DR models · ÖBB models · All H0 models of Era IV
Era V (1990–2006) – Reunification and Privatisation
German reunification brings DB and DR together. In 1994, Deutsche Bahn AG (DB AG) is founded. Traffic red becomes the new corporate colour, replacing the previous colour schemes. The ICE revolutionises long-distance traffic on the new Hannover–Würzburg line. For the first time, private railway companies appear on the German rail network. With locomotives, the era of multi-system vehicles begins, capable of cross-border operations. Modernisations also take place at ÖBB and SBB.
Popular models: DB AG models · ÖBB models · SBB models · All H0 models of Era V
Era VI (from 2006) – The Modern Railway
Era VI depicts today's railway. Its hallmark is the 12-digit UIC vehicle numbers, standardised across Europe. Multi-system locomotives such as the Siemens Vectron (BR 193) and the Bombardier TRAXX (BR 185/186) travel across borders throughout Europe – often in changing liveries of various leasing companies. Private long-distance providers such as Flixtrain complement the DB's offering. In local transport, modern multiple units dominate; in freight traffic, locomotives of numerous private rail operators are in service. Era VI offers the greatest variety of colours of all eras.
Popular models: DB AG models · Flixtrain · ÖBB models · All H0 models of Era VI
Which Era Suits Me?
Choosing the era is one of the most important decisions when building a model railway layout. Here are some tips:
- Steam locomotive fans: Eras II and III offer the widest selection of steam locomotives. DC steam locomotives · AC steam locomotives
- Modern railway: Era VI offers the most current vehicles with the greatest variety of colours.
- Variety on the layout: Era III allows steam, diesel and electric side by side.
- International traffic: Eras V and VI with cross-border multi-system locomotives.