About

Jouef

Jouef was founded in 1944 by Georges Huard in Champagnole, France, initially under the name "Le Jouet Français." The company began by manufacturing tinplate toys, but its trajectory changed in 1949 with the release of the "Trans-Saharan" railcar, its first miniature train. By 1950, the brand officially adopted the name Jouef and made the strategic decision to focus on the H0 (1:87) scale. This choice proved revolutionary for the French market, as it provided an affordable and space-saving alternative to the larger O gauge systems that dominated the era, effectively democratizing the hobby for a new generation of French families.

The mid-1950s marked a technical turning point when Jouef transitioned from tinplate to plastic injection molding. In 1955, the brand launched its first electric locomotive, the BB 9003, which was quickly followed by the record-breaking BB 9004. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Jouef became the undisputed leader of the French model railway industry, operating multiple factories in the Jura region. The company became synonymous with the French National Railway (SNCF), producing iconic models such as the "Le Capitole" express and, later, the world-famous TGV. During its peak, the brand also diversified into slot car racing with its "Record 64" system, further cementing its place in European toy history.

After several decades of independence and subsequent ownership by the CEJI and Rivarossi groups, Jouef was acquired by Hornby PLC in 2004. This acquisition revitalized the brand, shifting its focus from mass-market "toy" trains toward highly detailed, museum-quality models for collectors. Today, Jouef remains the flagship brand for French prototypes within the Hornby International portfolio. Modern releases feature advanced electronics, including NEM digital interfaces and synchronized sound, while maintaining the brand's historic commitment to capturing the distinct aesthetic and engineering legacy of France's rail network.
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Jouef will attend the following events:
Hobby Model Expo | Segrate, IT Sep 25 - 27, 2026
Hobbymesse Leipzig | Leipzig, DE Oct 2 - 4, 2026
Modellbautage Tulln | Tulln, AT Oct 16 - 18, 2026
Faszination Modellbau | Friedrichshafen, DE Oct 30 - Nov 1, 2026
Jouef attended the following events:
INTERMODELLBAU | Dortmund, DE Apr 16 - 19, 2026
Lleida Expo Train | Lleida, ES Mar 14 - 15, 2026
Model Expo Italy | Verona, IT Mar 7 - 8, 2026
RailExpo | Dreux, FR Nov 28 - 30, 2025

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Jouef - Latest announced miniatures:

SNCF, steam locomotive 241 P 16 with tender 34 P 308 "Cité du Train"

Recommended retail price: from 399,90 €

SNCF, steam locomotive 241 P with tender 34 P

Recommended retail price: from 399,90 €

Jouef - Now available miniatures:

CIWL - "Libre-Service" restaurant coach

Recommended retail price: 76.90 €

SNCF Infra - Uas (ex Res) freight wagon

Recommended retail price: 55.90 €

SNCF - Rs freight wagon w. "Citroën" 20' containers

Recommended retail price: 59.90 €

SNCF - "Mistral 69 / TEE Jules Verne" passenger coaches set

Recommended retail price: 309.90 €

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Jouef - Latest catalogs:

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Jouef - Recently featured in the following photos:

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