The first train was manufactured over a century ago. Model railroading has become a serious hobby – much more than child’s play. Model train collectors are very serious about their hobby. The art of collecting has been shared from one generation to the next. It is not uncommon for someone to own a model train set that is older than themselves.
The first wooden and metal floor toy train was made in the 1860s. In the 1890’s, a series of wind-up and electronic-powered train sets were designed. In 1901, Lionel built an electronic train set for their story display that amazed even adults. It was on every young boys Christmas list that year.
Lionel is still one of the number one model railroad developers today. From the early 1900s to the 1970s electronic trains have continued to become more popular. Lionel’s Standard Gauge Tinplate Commodore Vanderbilt was the first streamlined locomotive released 1934 in America and became the prototype for the first toy train. The design included a true-life sound system that imitated the big rigs and increased the level of excitement in owning such a grand train set. Lionel’s Union Pacific Veranda Turbine diesel-turbine power train set was different than most train sets. It was one of the first that could be dissembled and then reassembled.
Model railroading is a hobby that evolved from wood to electric; from scale model railroading to toy trains; from HO trains to N scale trains and then Z scale which is even smaller in size. By the 1980s, digital control systems were developed and became very popular among Baby Boomers. Some toy train sets are worth thousands, while others carry no significant value other then sentiment. This is a hobby that can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages.
The appeal isn’t so much the value of the train that draws collectors but being the owner. Now in 2010, the model railroading hobby has significantly grown. There are well over 500,000 participants in model railroading hobby clubs across the nation: United States, Canada, Australia, England, Japan, and Germany. From those who craft scenery to those who collect sets, the model railroading hobby keeps on growing.
