Model Railroads

Passenger railroads originated in the 1820s, and toy makers quickly followed with wooden and metal replicas. Since the nineteenth century, toy trains have evolved into realistic model railroads and captured the attention of adults as well as children. Today, model railroading is practiced by children and adults around the world.

By 1832, European toymakers were creating a variety of wooden and metal model locomotives. Early model trains were not self-powered and most did not come with tracks. In the late 1830s, German manufacturers began to make running trains with clockwork engines.

In 1891, German toy manufacturer Marklin produced the first commercially available train set with tracks, train cars and a variety of accessories. Marklin's early trains were powered by clockwork engines and made of painted tin.

One of Marklin's major contributions to the market was the introduction of track gauges. A gauge is a standardized way of representing the distance between rails on a given section of train track and therefore relates to the size of the model. Marklin's train tracks were available in four sizes: gauge 1 (1¾ inch tracks), gauge 2 (2⅛ inch tracks), gauge 3 (2½ inch tracks) and mini, or 0, gauge (1¼ inch tracks).

European toy manufacturers soon adopted the gauge system and began creating toys that could be used on Marklin tracks. Germany led the model train market, though competitors in France and England also made significant contributions.

By the late 1890s, European designers had begun to create realistic models aimed at an older audience. These railcars were the precursor of the model train sets that dominate the contemporary market.

In 1896, American manufacturers increased in prominence when toymaker Carlisle and Finch created the first electric model engine. Lionel, one of America's leading manufacturers, created their first electric train in 1901. Lionel used gauges similar to those used by Marklin, but used electric power and designed trains that were detailed representations of actual locomotives.

German toy manufacturers suffered as a result of anti-German sentiment and product prohibition during World War I. To fill the void, toy manufacturers in France, England, and the United States became more productive and began to ship their products overseas. During the 1920s, some manufacturers began using plastic in the manufacturing process.

The train market diversified by creating new gauges, including 1:76 and 1:87 scale trains. German manufacturers regained some of their market by pioneering the new, smaller gauges.

By 1938, American and German toy manufacturers were using injection molded plastics to reduce production costs. As model trains became more affordable, they increased in popularity.

Model railroading in the US reached a pinnacle in the 1950s, when model railroads were the best-selling item in the holiday market. The market for children's trains and those for adults continued to diversify. By 1960, sales of toy trains declined and many manufacturers shifted to the adult market.

By the 1970s, advances in micro electronics allowed manufacturers to produce trains with complex lighting and sound effects. Marklin introduced the Z scale (1:220) in 1971, which enabled hobbyists to create a complete railroad system in a very small space.

During the 1980s and 1990s, digital technology and computer-aided control systems gave the hobbyist the ability to run complex multi-train models in a repeating pattern. Manufacturers also used digital recording to give model trains more realistic sounds.

In the early twenty-first century, the major manufacturers of model trains are in Germany, America, England, Japan, and China. Specialty shops and model train organizations across the world provide hobbyists with parts and accessories to create model train sets, landscapes, and dioramas.

Scale and Gauge for Model Trains

The gauge of a model train is measured as the distance between the two rails on the tracks. Each gauge is usually associated with a specific scale, which measures the size of the train in relation to a full-sized locomotive. Though some gauges and scales are fairly common, exact measurements may vary between manufacturers and countries of origin.

The most common scales include:

• Z scale: The Z scale is approximately 1:220 actual size and features a gauge of 6.5 millimeters (⅕ inch).
• N scale: The N scale is approximately 1:160 actual size and features a gauge of 9.0 millimeters (about ⅓ inch).
• HO scale: HO scale is one of the most popular scales for model railroaders and is approximately 1:87 actual size, with a gauge of 16.5 millimeters (about ⅔ inch).
• S scale: S scale trains are approximately 1:64 actual size and have a gauge of 22.2 millimeters (⅞ inch).
• O scale: O scale trains are approximately 1:48 actual size and have a gauge of 31.75 millimeters (1¼ inches).
• Large gauge: 1 or G gauge are sometimes simply called large gauge and tend to be approximately 1:32 actual size. Large gauge trains usually have a 45 millimeter (1¾ inch) gauge, but the distance can vary between manufacturers.

Things to look for

Original model trains from 1830 to 1920 are highly prized by collectors. Occasionally, Marklin, Bing, or Lionel train cars or entire sets can be found at estate sales or at thrift shops. Some collectors specialize in finding and restoring antique model trains.

Trends

Some hobbyists use computer-aided control software to operate multiple trains on a single track system. Several companies now offer programs that allow users to control the speed and timing of multiple trains. Some systems also allow the user to determine the location of each engine on the track system. By 2019, some companies had taken remote technology further, creating apps using Bluetooth, or wireless, technology to enable users to control model trains from their smartphones without any other equipment. After downloading the application, the operator can adjust speed as well as sound and lighting effects.

Advances in the quality of molded plastics have contributed to the realistic appearance of model rail cars. Modern manufacturers are able to reproduce the minutest details and can use digital chips to produce sounds recorded from actual locomotives.

Model Railroads for Fun vs. Profit

Some professional model railroaders design railroads as exhibits for museums, stores, and public events. Professional model builders may also create and sell specialized train cars or accessories for model railroad enthusiasts.

Advanced hobbyists have turned model railroading into a career by working with or operating model railroad museums. Railroad museums across the country feature extensive dioramas and multiple trains running through a vast miniature landscape.

Learning More

Organizations

Historical Model Railway Society (HMRS). <http://www.hmrs.org.uk/>

National Model Railroad Association (NMRA). <https://www.nmra.org/>

Train Collectors Association (TCA). <https://traincollectors.org/>

Books

Johnson, Kent J. Project Railroads You Can Build: From Benchwork to Finished Scenery. Kalmbach Publishing Company, 2005.

Koester, Tony. Realistic Model Railroad Building Blocks: An Introduction to Layout Design Elements. Kalmbach Publishing Company, 2005.

Posey, Sam. Playing With Trains: A Passion Beyond Scale. Random House Publishers, 2004.

Schleicher, Robert. 101 Projects For Your Model Railroad. MBI Press, 2002.