Maker record
Backyard Railroad
Backyard Railroad was a line of large-scale outdoor model railroad equipment produced by Bethlehem Pattern & Model Shop in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Its 1½-inch-scale, 7½-inch-gauge range included car kits, hand cars, pedal locomotives, gasoline-powered diesel locomotives, steam locomotive castings, track and switches. A 24-page catalog documented the range in 1962. The products served builders of rideable miniature railways, spanning powered equipment, rolling stock and track components.
- Locations
- Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
The story of Backyard Railroad
Their catalog featured detailed steam and diesel locomotive models, as well as rolling stock, track components, and accessories designed for live steam and outdoor miniature railroads. Backyard Railroad was one of the niche manufacturers supporting the live steam and large-scale model railroading community, a hobby that continues to thrive today.
The company's catalogs were sold at a price of 35 cents, suggesting it operated during the mid-20th century, though exact founding and closure dates remain unclear. Bethlehem Pattern & Model Shop was likely a machine and casting shop that specialized in precision metalworking for the production of train components.
Despite limited historical records, Backyard Railroad remains a well-regarded name among live steam railway enthusiasts. Their vintage catalogs and parts are still sought after by collectors and hobbyists.
