Micro-Trains Line

Dale Edwards, with his twin brother Keith, began making HO turnout kits in 1940, naming their new company with their initials (KADEE). In 1946 they developed a metal knuckle working coupler called the “K” series which was the first model train coupler to combine a realistic looking design with a fully-functioning mechanism that operated just like the real ones. In 1956, an improved version of the knuckle coupler was developed. The No. 5® had a metal knuckle spring and magnetic action to open and delay the coupler to un-couple and park cars anywhere on a layout. This Patented Design was called the MAGNE-MATIC coupler.

In 1972 Kadee began the production of a line of freight cars that were noted for their detail and accuracy in N scale (1:160). These Micro-Trains were considered to be the finest detailed Ready to Run Rolling stock built at that time.At that point, Micro-Trains® Line, was formed as a separate division. Because of the success over the past two decades the brothers chose to split the company in 1990. Dale Edwards built a new factory for the HO line at White City, OR and Keith Edwards continued to manufactuer the N Scale Micro-Trains line at Talent, OR.

The phenomenal growth, during the 1990s, in the popularity and quality of N scale can be attributed to a great degree by Micro-Trains® efforts. Today, Micro-Trains® is the only model train manufacturer of any scale that offers more than 120 different styles of prototypically correct model train freight cars. The company's uncompromising standards of excellence are reflected in the uniquely accurate features, and exacting fidelity in the micro-fine printing and lettering that each freight car offers. The fit, finish, and detail of each item produced is celebrated throughout the railroad modeling community.

Micro-Trains® distributes these freight cars in a variety of forms; including single car releases, multi-packs, and complete train sets. In addition, the company specialises in providing 'Special Run' releases, customised to the exact requirements requested by clubs, organisations, and businesses of all types.To complement the full line of prototypically correct freight cars, Micro-Trains® also produces a line referred to as 'Special Editions.' These cars capture a variety of popular, and fictitious schemes & heralds on freight cars that would otherwise never appear on the rails.

Source: https://www.kadee.com/our-story and https://www.micro-trains.com/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=4