For generations now model trains have been a source of inspiration for thousands of railroading enthusiasts around the world. This exciting and challenging hobby has its roots in Europe. During World War II, these small trains were very popular, as they gave children a safe and rewarding way to spend time in doors.
Those that have kept the models that they purchased during that time, are now owners of some of the most sought after trains in the world, because trains from the war era that have been well looked after are scarce and rare, and anything collectable that bares these aspects is always highly valuable.
Model Trains Please Enthusiasts Of All Ages
Besides older models being excellent collectors’ items today, most modern models manufactured by well known companies offer so much to enthusiasts of all ages on different levels of skill.
Train models are manufactured in different scales. A single locomotive can be as small as the size of a matchbox, the ‘Z’ scale, or as large as the size of a football, the ‘O’ scale. This diversity means that those purchasing a model train for the first time will certainly be able to find one that suits their requirements.
Larger trains like those found in the ‘O’ scale are best suited for children who have not had a great amount of experience with train models just yet. These larger trains, when manufactured by well known companies, are usually highly durable and can stand the knocks and bumps that most toys experience in the hands of children. Also, larger trains are usually easier to handle and operate, because there are no ‘finicky parts’ that could confuse children or get broken.
For enthusiasts that have already learnt a great deal in this hobby, they may find that building an ‘N’ scale or ‘Z’ scale model railroad will suit them well. Both of these scales are small and a layout for either of them could easily be constructed on a coffee table in a living room, or even in a briefcase.
Because these sizes are as small as they are, hobbyists working in this scale need to have had experience in this hobby and should ideally be able to handle intricately detailed parts and accessories.
However, not all veteran or experienced enthusiasts prefer to work with small scales.
For Some, Bigger Is Better
Garden trains and ‘G’ scale trains are some of the largest model trains available to model railroading enthusiasts. These model giants have been built specifically for those who wish to simulate the operations of a real railroad in their gardens. Layouts for trains in these sizes can obviously also be constructed in a large arena or hall.
Enthusiasts go to great extremes to convert their gardens into magical railroading hideaways, where the sounds and sights of an “out of this world railroad” allow a garden that was once very ordinary to come to life in an amazing way.
Children go crazy over model railways like these, as they get to explore them and watch as the train journeys through tunnels, over bridges and hills, and over rivers in their uncle’s back yard.
Not only is this hobby a fantastic past time for enthusiasts of all ages, it has a serious side to it too. The model railroading world is filled with dynamic individuals who dedicate their lives and most of their incomes to creating layouts that leave viewers in awe, and perhaps sometimes even a little dumbstruck.
In conclusion, the model railroading hobby has so much to offer. Regardless of whether you choose to become an expert when it comes to creating layouts for model trains or whether you simply want to have fun with one of these little locomotives in your living room on Christmas morning, model railroading is one of the best ways to express your creativity and perhaps one of the only ways to bring the world in your dreams to life.
About the author: Walter Mcknight writes for Top Model Trains, a site dedicated to the hobby of model trains.
Credits: Photos courtesy of Jennifer Lamb and Sean Lamb respectively.