Maker record
Balboa Scale
Balboa Scale Models was a San Diego, California, importer of brass model railway equipment active from 1964 to 1974. Its range centered on HO scale steam locomotives for the Southern Pacific and Union Pacific, with Colorado narrow-gauge models and passenger cars also represented. Several locomotives were built in Japan by Katsumi (KTM), and Balboa’s Master series offered more detailed models at higher prices. The company’s catalogue included both locomotives and rolling stock.
- Founded
- 1964
- Locations
- United States
The story of Balboa Scale
Balboa Scale Models was a brass model railway importer based in San Diego, active from 1964 to 1974. It concentrated on steam locomotives representing the Southern Pacific and Union Pacific, with some Colorado narrow-gauge subjects and passenger cars. A specialist reference describes its passenger cars as railroad-specific models that were also offered in liveries for other railroads.
Balboa imports were built primarily in Japan; collector accounts identify Katsumi (KTM) among the builders. The importer’s Master series positioned selected models as more detailed, higher-priced offerings. Its range included all-brass steam locomotives, including Southern Pacific MT-3 and MT-4 models. Balboa’s listed period ends in 1974, after which the specialist reference notes that many of its prototypes were later modeled using newer technology.
