Maker record
DJH Model Loco
DJH is a British maker of metal model locomotive kits, with production documented from 1974. Its range includes OO- and O-scale kits and factory-built O-scale models, covering steam and diesel locomotives. The 2020 catalogue describes kits combining cast metal bodies and chassis parts with etched components, including one-piece boiler and footplate castings and etched cab and tender sides. It also documents in-house design, toolmaking, mould-making, centrifugal casting and metal finishing at the company’s County Durham factory.
- Founded
- 1983
- Countries
- United Kingdom
- Locations
- County Durham, England · 1977
- Founders
- Dave and Janice Hartley
The story of DJH Model Loco
DJH’s 2020 catalogue dates its metal self-assembly locomotive kits to 1974 and says the first O-scale kits were added in 1989. It describes a business that had diversified into other market sectors while continuing to make locomotive kits in OO and O scales and factory-built O-scale models. The catalogue places production in a purpose-built factory in County Durham, where the company describes in-house design, toolmaking, mould-making, centrifugal casting and metal finishing.
The catalogue’s kit overview describes a construction mix of cast metal and etched parts. Typical components include one-piece boiler, smokebox and firebox castings, one-piece footplates, etched cab and tender sides with rivet details, and brass and nickel-silver detail parts. The 2020 range covered steam and diesel locomotives from British railway companies, including British Rail classes and earlier prototypes. DJH also offered made-to-order factory-built O-scale models.
