About
Tillig Bahn
Tillig Modellbahnen was founded in 1993 when Hans-Jürgen Tillig acquired the assets of Berliner TT-Bahnen (BTTB), a move that effectively saved the 1:120 scale from potential obsolescence following the reunification of Germany. Based in Sebnitz, Saxony, the company is the direct successor to the historic Zeuke & Wegwerth firm, which had been nationalized by the East German government in 1972. Under Tillig’s leadership, the brand underwent a massive modernization program, replacing the aging, robust "toy" designs of the Soviet era with high-precision engineering and "fine-scale" aesthetics. This revitalized the TT scale as a viable, high-fidelity alternative for modelers who wanted the detail of H0 scale within approximately 60% of the space.
Today, Tillig is recognized as the undisputed world market leader in the TT scale, offering an exhaustive ecosystem of locomotives, rolling stock, and track systems. The brand is particularly famous for its "Modellgleis" (model track) and "Bettungsgleis" (roadbed track) systems, which provide a level of realism and geometry flexibility that has set the standard for the 1:120 community. Beyond its core TT business, the company expanded significantly in 2001 by acquiring Sachsenmodelle, a specialist in H0 scale passenger coaches. This acquisition allowed Tillig to enter the 1:87 market with a focus on high-quality international express trains and the highly acclaimed H0 Elite track system, which is widely considered one of the most prototypical track systems available due to its low rail profile and realistic tie spacing.
The brand also maintains a dominant presence in European narrow-gauge modeling, specifically within the H0m (1:87 on 12mm track) and H0e (1:87 on 9mm track) segments. By focusing on the unique regional railways of Saxony and the Harz Mountains, Tillig has provided a home for enthusiasts of iconic steam-powered branch lines. Furthermore, the company offers a specialized mass-produced tram track system that remains a unique highlight in the industry. Operating from its headquarters in Sebnitz—which also houses a dedicated model railway museum—Tillig continues to bridge the gap between historic East German traditions and modern digital innovation, ensuring that "the ideal scale" remains a cornerstone of the global hobby.
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Country
Germany
Since
1993
H0 / HO (1:87)
H0e / HOe (1:87)
H0m / HOm (1:87)
TT (1:120)