The Tyco HO Scale Model Train is a separate brand which branched from the Mantua , which aimed its operations in the ready to use  HO scale model railroad kits and equipments market. Founded by John Tyler, Tyco actually means Tyler Company.

The major shift for Tyco came when it moved into the ready to run trains market and started manufacturing trains for hobbyists.  The electric HO scale sets were also introduced during this time and Tyco became more customer oriented than before. During the 1980 period, Tyco was the king of the electric and radio control in model trains. It also went into model cars market and specific toys to compete companies like Lego. Unforeseen success in the alternative toys markets saw Tyco branching into two parts. One which remained loyal to the model trains and the other which catered to the market needs of toys.

At a later stage, the toys division of Tyco became the third largest toy company in the world and was eventually acquired by Mattel at a good price. The department still exists under the Mattel Tyco division. The other part, that of the model trains, switched back to Mantua brand, and all the new locomotives in model railway were from Mantua. This continued till 2001,  after which the model railway and railroad operations were sold to Model Power company.