Maker record
Ibertren
Ibertren is a Spanish model railway brand introduced by Model-Iber S.A. in 1973. Its first range used N scale (1:160) and the company’s proprietary 3N electrical system, which collected current from both rails and a central contact shoe. It later added H0 models and introduced conventional two-rail N products. The Iberama range offered layouts that could be expanded in stages, alongside locomotives, rolling stock and railway accessories. A later Ibertren company reissued selected older N-scale models using original 1970s moulds and tooling, with mechanical modifications.
- Founded
- 1972
- Countries
- Spain
- Locations
- Spain
- Founders
- Antonio Iborra Martínez
The story of Ibertren
Model-Iber S.A. began making model trains under the Ibertren name in 1973. Its first products were N-scale (1:160) trains using the proprietary 3N system: current was collected from both rails and a central shoe, allowing return loops without a short circuit. In 1980 the range expanded to H0 (1:87). Ibertren introduced conventional two-rail N models, marketed as 2N, in 1982; this made its locomotives and track compatible with other manufacturers’ systems. The company also developed Iberama layouts, initially supplied assembled and decorated, then offered as modular printed plans that could be expanded with track, bridges, buildings and other accessories.
After a difficult period beginning in 1992, commercial activity under the brand resumed in 2004 under a new company. Ibertren later issued a vintage N-scale line based on original moulds and tooling from the 1970s. The reissued models incorporated mechanical modifications while retaining the earlier designs. This return connected the brand’s historic N-scale range with its later model railway products.
