Model Trains

Standard Gauge Model Trains

Mon, 14 May 2012 02:27:47 -0500

The idea of having toy trains and small scale model railways has existed for a long time and at one time, was the toy of choice for many youngsters in America. The standard gauge toy train was an idea originally put into motion by the Lionel Corporation, in an effort to boost the sales of toy trains in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. The term "standard gauge' refers to the size and diameter of railroad tracks for the toy trains. The Lionel Corporation developed a three-rail track of about 54 mm between each outside rail, which in turn did not work very well wi... Tags: Standard Gauge Model Trains

O Gauge Train Track � the Classic Toy Scale

Mon, 14 May 2012 02:27:47 -0500

During the Great Depression, almost all demand for the larger models of trains disappeared, and by 1932, O gauge was the default standard. Because the gauge had not yet been standardized, trains of that time varied wildly in size and style, but all would run on the same track. Lionel has been the most enduring brand to produce O gauge trains, with a name known even outside the hobby. During the heyday of this standard, it was difficult to use trains from different companies together, as they used different couplers to interlock the cars. However, since O gauge began to regain its... Tags: Gauge o Model Train

HO Model Train

Mon, 14 May 2012 02:27:47 -0500

As many HO scale models and supplements exist as all other scales combined. This ensures there is tremendous variety available to HO scale enthusiasts. This is largely due to economy of scale, and the middle of the road size. Smaller sizes exist, but the smaller models are more expensive and fragile due to the manufacturing difficulties. Larger sizes exist, but require more space. In terms of realistic railroad modeling, HO is relatively child friendly with a minimum of swallow-able components. Tags: Ho Model Train

Model Railroading for the Less Well Off

Mon, 14 May 2012 02:27:47 -0500

Model railroading is a hobby with a long history, dating from the 19th century, when it was mostly practiced by the well off. The earliest forms of model railroads were the carpet railways of the 1840s. These consisted of a simple steam boiler on wheels, simply decorated, which did not operate on a track. With the introduction of O gauge in 1901, the hobby attained greater popularity, with that gauge becoming the standard until the 1960s. In the later 20th century, detail and accuracy become more important to hobbyists, and model trains moved out of the realm of children’s t... Tags: Discount Model Train