About the Company

Model Die Casting, Inc. got its beginning in July 1938 when a hobby store called "The Roundhouse" was established by two musicians. Although excellent musicians, the two partners were limited in the amount of time they could devote to the business. Becoming discouraged, they sold their operation within a year to an employee, who soon ran into more financial difficulty than he bargained for.

During this time under both ownerships, two part-time employees saw the potential of the business. They made an agreement with the current owner, and for a modest consideration took over the business, assuming all financial responsibilities. The business was at this time very much "in the red." Soon after purchasing the business, Paramount Pictures made a contract with Roundhouse to produce 2 locomotives and 2 passenger car models for the movie "Union Pacific." Additional custom models were created for collectors, including a model of the "Robert E. Lee" paddle wheel riverboat for a famous writer.

In 1939, "Roundhouse" released its first kit. The company continued to grow until World War II broke out, when restrictions on materials and size of operations did not allow for conversion to war supportive manufacturing. The company was forced to suspend operations in February 1942. Rent was continued on the store location, while the two partners, both capable tool and die makers, worked in war production. At the close of the war, the company re-entered the model railroad manufacturing field. Adopting the new name of Model Die Casting Co., “Roundhouse” name was retained as a trademark, with all subsequently manufactured items known as "Roundhouse Products." By the summer of 1946 Roundhouse Products were back on the market.

The company made new dies for HO freight cars. In May 1979, the company announced a new line of N-Scale kits. Roundhouse Products jumped into the big world of "G" Scale in the late 1980’s, introducing products for large scale outdoor model railroading.

For the future, Model Die Casting, Inc. will continue to provide the most exciting and innovative model railroad kits in the industry.

Its A Big World …Ride It With Roundhouse !

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