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Aristo-Craft G Scale Model Railroads & Trains

Aristo-Craft model trains were originally a branch of Polk’s Model Craft Hobbies of New York and Newark, New Jersey. Founded by Irwin and Nathan Polk, this company primarily sold supplies for model airplanes. Nathan Polk added the Aristocraft model train line to the company in 1935.

Aristo-Craft focused on HO scale model trains, importing HO models from Japan in the '50s and '60s. In more recent years, Nathan Polk began to focus on G scale, also called 1 Scale, model trains. These large sized trains are designed for large, open areas, such as gardens, shopping malls, and other public facilities.

Polk’s Model Craft Hobbies closed its New York store in 1985, but the Polk family continued to operate a scaled down version of the company after 1985. In 2013, due to growing financial difficulties, the Polk family closed the business. In 2014, Scott Polk, grandson of founder Irwin Polk, started Polk’s Generationext. Through Generationext, Polk continues the family’s hobby tradition, selling G gauge model trains.


Quick Facts

  • Polk’s Model Craft Hobbies had a five story building in New York City. Every floor was dedicated to a different hobby, and the building was a popular spot for children
  • Many people refer to G scale model trains as "garden scale" because these large size trains are often displayed outdoors in gardens. Outdoor model railroads have been made popular by publications such as "Garden Railways Magazine"
  • Vintage Aristo-Craft model trains available on the market today are often HO scale pieces. These trains were sold by Aristo-Craft in the '50s and '60s. Aristo-Craft’s G Scale trains date from the '80s through the '00s

Recommended Items at Auction

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Aristo Craft Gauge One UP Heavyweight ART-31608 REA ART-31708 Combo LIKE NEW
Sep 29, 10:00 AM EDT
Aristo Craft Gauge One UP Heavyweight ART-31608 REA ART-31708 Combo LIKE NEW
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $10- $150
$906 Bids
Aristo Craft Gauge One UP Heavyweight ART-31308 ART-31408 ART-31508 LIKE NEW
Sep 29, 10:00 AM EDT
Aristo Craft Gauge One UP Heavyweight ART-31308 ART-31408 ART-31508 LIKE NEW
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $10- $300
$3005 Bids
Aristo Craft Gauge One UP Heavyweight ART-21208 M-41 Baggage LIKE NEW
Sep 29, 10:00 AM EDT
Aristo Craft Gauge One UP Heavyweight ART-21208 M-41 Baggage LIKE NEW
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $10- $150
$1504 Bids
Aristocraft Burliington G Scale Caboose
Sep 30, 11:00 AM EDT
Aristocraft Burliington G Scale Caboose
by Railroad Super Galaxy
Est: $100- $150
$401 Bid
Aristo Craft Gauge One UP ART-41308 Tank ART-42208 Bobber Caboose LIKE NEW Boxed
Sep 29, 10:00 AM EDT
Aristo Craft Gauge One UP ART-41308 Tank ART-42208 Bobber Caboose LIKE NEW Boxed
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $10- $100
$101 Bid
Aristo Craft Gauge One Santa Fe Passenger Cars 33306 33406 LIKE NEW
Sep 29, 10:00 AM EDT
Aristo Craft Gauge One Santa Fe Passenger Cars 33306 33406 LIKE NEW
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $10- $150
$101 Bid
Aristocraft Santa G Scale Caboose
Sep 30, 11:00 AM EDT
Aristocraft Santa G Scale Caboose
by Railroad Super Galaxy
Est: $50- $100
$250 Bids
Aristocraft V&T G Scale Tender
Sep 30, 11:00 AM EDT
Aristocraft V&T G Scale Tender
by Railroad Super Galaxy
Est: $75- $125
$500 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Aristo-Craft G Scale Model Railroads & Trains


Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists

Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists

Railroad Super Galaxy

Railroad Super Galaxy