Trackside Affiliates
Exclusive Custom Runs • Collector Collaborations • Premium Releases
Trackside Affiliates
Trackside Affiliates is a collaborative custom-run initiative built by passionate collectors, creators, and trusted names within the model train community.
Our goal is simple:
To bring unique, high-quality, limited-production custom runs to collectors who want something different from standard catalog releases.
These projects are designed for enthusiasts who appreciate rarity, presentation, thoughtful roadname selections, and collector-grade execution.
Every Trackside Affiliates release is created with intention, authenticity, and community passion behind it.
What Is Trackside Affiliates?
Trackside Affiliates is a partnership-driven custom-run group focused on producing exclusive model train releases and collector-centered projects.
Rather than operating as a traditional manufacturer, Trackside Affiliates works by bringing together experienced hobbyists, creators, and community members to develop custom products that stand out from normal production offerings.
Each release is carefully selected, collaboratively planned, and produced with collectors in mind.
The vision behind Trackside Affiliates is to create custom runs that feel meaningful, memorable, and truly special within the hobby.
Our Mission
At Trackside Affiliates, our mission is to:
- Create unique and exclusive custom-run products
- Bring fresh ideas and uncommon concepts into the hobby
- Collaborate with trusted members of the train community
- Deliver collector-focused experiences with premium presentation
- Build excitement around limited-production releases
- Continue growing the community through creativity and collaboration
We believe custom runs should feel exciting.
Not just another item.
Something memorable.
Something collectors are proud to own.
What Makes a Trackside Affiliates Custom Different?
Trackside Affiliates customs are designed to stand apart.
- Exclusive roadnames and concepts
- Limited availability
- Collector-oriented presentation
- Thoughtful project selection
- Community-driven collaboration
- High attention to visual identity and detail
- Special production ideas that may not exist in standard catalogs
Many projects are developed from ideas that originate directly from within the community itself.
This allows Trackside Affiliates customs to feel more personal, enthusiast-driven, and unique.
How We Approach Custom Runs
Every Trackside Affiliates project begins with a shared vision.
Ideas are discussed collaboratively between members and partners involved in the project.
From there, concepts are refined around:
- Product selection
- Roadname ideas
- Historical inspiration
- Collector interest
- Visual presentation
- Exclusivity
- Production feasibility
The goal is always to create something that feels worthy of being part of a serious collection.
Founding Members & Affiliates
Thomas and His Trains
Founder and creator of Thomas and His Trains, ThomasAndHisTrains.com, and the Trackside Affiliates initiative, Thomas brings a strong combination of collector insight, execution-driven creativity, branding vision, and enthusiast passion into every project developed through the group.
As a dedicated collector, curator, designer, and rapidly emerging creative voice within the modern model railroading community, his focus centers around creating custom-run releases that feel exciting, memorable, visually impactful, and truly different from standard production offerings.
Known for identifying emerging trends, discovering highly desirable exclusives, and understanding what collectors are actively searching for within the hobby, Thomas plays a major role in shaping the direction, presentation, and overall identity of Trackside Affiliates releases.
His strengths in branding, visual presentation, project development, marketing strategy, and concept execution help transform ambitious ideas into fully realized collector-focused projects.
Thomas is especially recognized for pushing creative boundaries within the hobby and developing bold concepts that others may overlook or avoid attempting. His willingness to explore ambitious custom-run ideas and think beyond traditional offerings helped contribute to the creative direction behind larger-scale projects such as the PRR Big Boy release.
By combining collector awareness, presentation-focused thinking, and ambitious project vision, his approach helps encourage Trackside Affiliates releases that feel unique, memorable, and visually impactful within the hobby.
From early-stage project vision to final release presentation, his execution-focused mindset helps ensure that Trackside Affiliates customs feel polished, intentional, premium, and community-driven from start to finish.
His passion for exclusivity, collector culture, creative presentation, and high-impact releases continues to help shape the long-term vision and growth of Trackside Affiliates.
PGH
TRAINFANATIC
A valued affiliate and contributor bringing over 40 years of model railroading experience, deep historical knowledge, and collector-focused expertise into Trackside Affiliates projects.
Known for exceptional attention to detail and a strong understanding of railroad history, PGHTRAINFANATIC plays an important role in helping develop authentic, believable, and visually compelling custom-run concepts.
His extensive knowledge of locomotive history, rolling stock accuracy, roadname authenticity, and historical operations helps ensure projects remain grounded in realism while still feeling fresh and exciting for collectors.
With a strong eye for visual balance, paint scheme development, and railroad identity, he is highly respected for helping create custom concepts that feel both premium and historically inspired.
PGHTRAINFANATIC has also contributed to multiple custom-run projects and design concepts that were later produced or picked up by major dealers within the hobby. His creative involvement and design direction have helped influence various Lionel VisionLine and Legacy custom run releases, further establishing his reputation for developing collector-focused concepts with strong enthusiast appeal.
From accurate consist planning to historically appropriate railroad applications, his contributions help elevate Trackside Affiliates releases beyond standard custom-run offerings.
A&M
Trains
A trusted affiliate bringing strong historical research abilities, archival discovery skills, enthusiast-driven creativity, and custom paint scheme development into Trackside Affiliates custom-run projects.
A&M Trains is highly valued for uncovering rare railroad references, historical concepts, vintage train photography, forgotten paint schemes, and archival material that help inspire unique collector-focused releases.
With a strong ability to research historical operations, identify authentic railroad applications, and locate valuable source material, his contributions help ensure Trackside Affiliates projects remain both creative and historically grounded.
Known for a strong eye in custom paint scheme design and visual concept development, A&M Trains plays an important role in helping shape the visual direction and identity of Trackside Affiliates releases. Many projects developed through the group feature design elements, historical inspiration, or creative input influenced by his collaborative involvement.
Known for being an excellent connector within the hobby community, A&M Trains also helps bring together ideas, resources, historical references, and enthusiast insight that strengthen collaborative project development.
His passion for railroad history, collector interests, emerging trends, and premium presentation continues to help shape the authenticity, creativity, and long-term direction of future Trackside Affiliates releases.
How To Identify a Trackside Affiliates Custom
- Trackside Affiliates branding
- Special project markings or packaging
- Limited-run announcements
- Affiliate collaboration identification
- Exclusive promotional material
- Dedicated release pages and collector information
Collectors should look for official Trackside Affiliates branding and release information to verify authentic projects.
What To Expect Going Forward
Trackside Affiliates is only getting started.
- Additional exclusive custom runs
- Affiliate collaborations
- Expanded project announcements
- Limited collector releases
- Special themed projects
- Community engagement initiatives
- Behind-the-scenes previews and development updates
Our focus will always remain on creating memorable projects for collectors who genuinely love the hobby.
Exclusive Drops
Exclusive Drops
PRR Premium Collector Box
Exclusive collector packaging developed specifically for the PRR Big Boy project featuring luxury-inspired presentation and enthusiast-focused detail.
PRR BIG BOY #4005
Custom designed PRR Big Boy #4005 collector release created by Trackside Affiliates and brought to you by Thomas & His Trains. Finished in deep Tuscan Red with premium detailing and exclusive collector presentation.
Collector Concept Development
Visual concept development showcasing the ambitious direction and premium presentation planned for future Trackside Affiliates releases.
Premium Presentation Elements
Collector-oriented presentation materials designed to create a memorable and high-end unboxing experience.
PRR Big Boy Project
A bold collector-focused custom-run initiative inspired by Pennsylvania Railroad styling, premium presentation, and large-scale enthusiast collaboration.
Trackside Affiliates Custom Run
Collector-focused custom-run development showcasing unique presentation, exclusivity, and enthusiast-driven creativity.
Limited Production Boxcar Release
Exclusive custom-run concepts developed to bring uncommon railroad ideas and premium collector presentation into the hobby.
Collector Collaboration Project
A visually distinctive custom-run initiative inspired by railroad history, collector culture, and enthusiast collaboration.
Exclusive Enthusiast Release
Premium custom-run development focused on rarity, presentation, and memorable collector-focused execution.
🛫 We Deliver the Heat
No matter where you rail, we deliver the heat. Fast, secure, and worldwide.
Satisfaction Comes First
Every item is inspected, packed, and shipped with collector-level care. Due to the exclusive nature of our products, all sales are final—no returns, refunds, or exchanges.
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