About Us

                                                              

The Whittle Shortline Railroad is an American company that handcrafts wooden toy trains that are compatible with major wooden railways like Thomas, Brio and Chuggington.  They are modeled after North American trains.  Freight trains include Burlington Northern, CSX, Canadian National, Norfolk Southern, Santa Fe and Union Pacific among others.  Some of our best sellers are passenger trains such as Metra and WSRR Streamliner.  Whittle Shortline trains are great for a train birthday party, Christmas train, rewards or any train fan you know!

It started in a garage . . .

 

Family Garage - Kirkwood, MO 1996

almost 20 years ago.  In the early 90's my dad, former Air Force pilot and father of four, received a miter saw from my mom.  Having always been handy around the house it is rumored her secret hope was to finally get crown molding in her living room.  The box remained unopened for a couple years until one day he began tinkering and made a little wooden caboose ... that was 1996.  Nephews, nieces and neighbors really enjoyed these new little wooden creations.  After a few months my dad, along with my oldest brother, began making trains in my parents Kirkwood, MO garage.  The Whittle Shortline Railroad was born.

                                                          

Father and Son

After 3 years my dad and my brother were able to move the factory out of the garage and my mom got her garage back . . .  but no crown molding :) 

In the years since The Whittle Shortline Railroad has maintained its standard for high quality realistic toy trains, gaining licensing and patents to solidify itself as a top tier product.  Whittle Shortline Railroad trains are currently handcrafted in Kirkwood, MO in a factory about 3 miles from the garage where it all started.