Athearn is a manufacturer of model railway equipment which is today produced and distributed by Horizon Hobby Inc. of Illinois. Founded in 1946 by Irvin Athearn (1904-1991) the company which originally marketed only 'O Gauge' products made its name produing low cost self-assembly kits in HO scale. Following the pattern of so many companies for financial reasons production was eventually moved to China (2009) and manufacture of the 'Blue Box' kits ceased. Today Athearn continues to produce and market a wide range of pre-assemled railrod products.