KRES Modelle

KRES Modelle was founded in 1996 in Fraureuth, Germany, by Uwe Köstel and Matthias Rasch, originally as an electronics firm specializing in SMD assembly and complex circuit board manufacturing. This technical background became a defining advantage in 2004 when the company decided to apply its industrial expertise to the world of model railroading. By combining high-precision injection molding with their own proprietary electronics, KRES quickly transformed from a component supplier into a respected manufacturer of high-end rolling stock, primarily focusing on the TT (1:120) scale, while also producing selected models for H0 and N gauges.

The brand is particularly celebrated for its focus on German State Railway (DR) multiple units and railcars from Epochs III and IV. One of their most iconic achievements is the award-winning recreation of the SVT 18.16 (BR 175) "Görlitz" express train, which showcased the company’s ability to integrate sophisticated lighting and mechanical reliability into a single, museum-quality model. Technically, KRES is a leader in digital integration, often factory-fitting models with their specialized "FlexDec" decoders, which allow for localized control of interior lights and destination displays that mimics the prototype with clinical precision.

In addition to its railway catalog, KRES has developed a popular niche in 1:87 and 1:120 scale road vehicles, specifically focusing on the nostalgic mopeds and motorcycles of the former East Germany, such as the Simson S51 and MZ TS 250. Today, the company remains a "Made in Germany" specialist, operating from its expanded facility in Fraureuth. It is favored by collectors who appreciate the seamless blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern electronics, ensuring that their miniature worlds are as technically functional as they are historically accurate.