European Epoch System

Throughout the history of railway development, we have used Epochs to help us to identify differences in fixed installations (eg in the style of buildings and railways accessories) and in the appearance, liveries and registration of wagon coaches and locomotives. Epochs mark technical characteristics and changes in corporate structures and help enthusiasts to distinguish their favourite models by the era they belong to.

There are six main Epochs for European railways, although as with most time periods, there is no hard and fast rule that every model must belong to a definitive era. Each Epoch is preceeded by a Roman Numeral to split them into six. Again, it’s impossible to truly capture every single nuance as each country developed slightly differently to fit their particular set of circumstances. More information will soon be available, if you are interested in how each country progressed and the impact this had on their railways. We have also included dates on the end of each title to help give you an idea of the time period being referenced, but these will differ country to country. For the time being, this is the standard historical guide to European railways.

We, as manufacturers of model railway materials and accessories, try to ensure with every model and accessory that they are as authentic to either their real life counterpart, or to the time period we have categorised them in. We hope that this easy guide will assist you in creating an authentic European diorama, right at home in the era of your choice.

Epoch I:

1848 – 1920 was the definitive period for the birth of the European railway system. During this time, the first railways were built, and steam locomotives were developed. Although these early forms might seem primitive to us now, they proved so successful at the time, that private railways were developed for the wealthy. These private companies were home to some of the largest fleets at the time.

Epoch II:

By 1921 – 1948, construction and operating regulations had unified to create more progressive railways and systems than ever before. Electric traction was introduced, culminating in electric locomotives. This was a big step forward for the railway system as these new locomotives proved to be superior to the steam ones from the decade before. Electric locos were able to accelerate faster and had more power behind them, resulting in connecting cities across Europe. Light signals were also introduced, however their use in these early days was sporadic at best.

Epoch III:

With Europe still recovering from the effects of the Second World War, 1949 – 1970 was a period of reinvention. Major reconstruction was prioritised and with that, came the development of a more modern train fleet. Whilst riding the wave of inspiration, another change of traction was introduced, as a result of the extension of electric and diesel traction.

Epoch IV:

By 1971 – 1990, the traction system across Europe was looking very similar to what we use now. With these more modern changes underway, a numbering scheme was also introduced across the continent to distinguish fleets carrying goods from commercial fleets carrying passengers. This strengthened the ties between European countries and began a line of communication which we still see today.

Epoch V:

The period of 1991 – 2006 was one of freeing up the railways. Liberalised access to the railway networks was put into action in the early 2000’s across a select few European countries. This was done in aid of opening up railway freight to competition and created processes to regulate access to railway licenses to companies who wished to enter this particular market. The emergence of high-speed railways and more appealing liveries was to make the market more appealing for all involved (commercially and otherwise).

Epoch VI:

2007 – Present has been a time of building upon all of the progress that has been made over the last century. Traditional railway companies were joined by a plethora of companies who base their infrastructures off of guidelines from the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies. The European Union have also made better use of the international freight network by connecting countries through creating a Member State rail network. This conglomerate of European companies and countries has succeeded in unifying the European railway system, like nothing else.