Fleischmann was founded as a toy company in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1887 by Jean Fleischmann . Their first model trains--in O scale--were produced in 1949.

At the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 1952, Fleischmann presented its first lineup of HO scale models. Building off their experience in creating a 2-rail DC system in O scale, the technology was used for the new HO line, making Fleischmann the first company to offer this approach in HO. Along with track and a full assortment of rolling stock and accessories, enthusiasts were presented with a class 01 steam passenger loco, a class 80 tank loco, and a class E44 electric loco.

The first N scale "Piccolo" products premiered in 1969, and Fleischmann has gone on to be recognized as a world-leader in detail and mechanisms in this challenging scale.

All Fleischmann HO products are made for 2-rail DC operations, but many engines are also available for HO AC/3-rail systems, as well as non-insulated wheelsets for use with rolling stock.