Posted on 27-3-2025 by Sander
Major shift in the model railway world: Keesmarklin taken over by Modelspoorbaanwinkel
BERGEN OP ZOOM/ALMERE - After 25 years as a trusted address for model railway enthusiasts, the well-known webshop Keesmarklin will be transferred to Modelspoorbaanwinkel.nl from 31 March 2025. Founder Pierre Dietvorst, who built Keesmarklin into an international name, will remain active in the model railway market, while the webshop will continue to grow under the wings of Sander Elkerbout.
Keesmarklin: a household name in the model railway world
Pierre Dietvorst started his business over 25 years ago on eBay, where he now sells used Märklin products in 72 countries. Keesmarklin is also a familiar face at model railway fairs in the Netherlands and Belgium and has a strong presence on Catawiki. As a Märklin dealer, Pierre remains active in selling new Märklin material under the name Dietvorst Modelspoor in Bergen op Zoom.
International growth and expansion
With the acquisition by Modelspoorbaanwinkel.nl, Keesmarklin will be retained and further expanded as a brand name. Sales via eBay and Catawiki will be maintained, while the product range will be significantly expanded. Modelspoorbaanwinkel.nl, owned by Sander Elkerbout, is an established name in the model railway world and, in addition to Modelspoorbaanwinkel, also runs Modelrailwayshop and ETS Modelspoor. ‘Keesmarklin is a household name within the market. The acquisition offers us a unique opportunity to further expand our international reach and serve model railroaders worldwide even better,’ said Sander Elkerbout.
The future of Keesmarklin and Dietvorst Modelspoor
Although Keesmarklin will now become part of Modelspoorbaanwinkel.nl, Pierre Dietvorst remains active at the fairs and as a Märklin specialist. His passion for purchasing and special Märklin models remains unchanged. He will continue to attend the Houten fair in 2025 and focus on his volunteer work as a city guide in Bergen op Zoom, among other things. ‘After 25 years, it is time to hand over Keesmarklin, but my passion for Märklin remains,’ says Pierre Dietvorst. ‘I hand over the webshop with a good feeling to Sander, who will continue to grow the brand.’
Keesmarklin: a new era with trusted service
Sales via eBay and Catawiki will remain unchanged, while Keesmarklin will have its own webshop alongside Modelspoorbaanwinkel.nl's existing operations. The assortment will be significantly expanded with an even wider range of second-hand Märklin items. Customers can count on the same service and expertise, with the familiar name Keesmarklin. The official transfer between Modelspoorbaanwinkel and Keesmarklin will take place on 31 March 2025.
