Model Toy Trains

The modern toy industry provides thousands of different categories of toys for children. Some of these toys appeal to adults as well. Model toy trains is one category of toys that appeals to both children and adults. Model railroading is a very creative and enjoyable hobby. Thousands of people all over the world take this hobby very seriously.

Model toy trains are very suitable for children. They come in different sizes, or scales, from large G scale trains, also called garden scale trains, to the very tiny Z scale trains. Most train toys are electrically powered. You can buy train toys in sets, usually consisting of a locomotive, some additional cars, tracks, and a transformer to provide power. You can also buy everything individually. If you buy a set, you can add more tracks and cars to the set. You can also accessorize your train set by buying scenery, and building realistic looking layouts.

Scales

The most popular scales, or gauges, for train toys are:

G scale trains (1:22.5): G scale trains are built to a 1:22.5 scale. This means that one inch on the model represents 22.5 inches on a life size train. G scale trains are often used to build outdoor garden layouts, so they are also called Garden scale trains.

O scale trains (1:48): O scale trains are smaller than garden scale trains, but large enough that they are easy for small children to handle. Lionel makes a wide selection of O scale trains.

S scale trains (1:64): Lionel "American Flyer" trains are built to S scale. S scale trains are also a good size for small children, but are not as popular as O, N, or HO scales.

HO scale trains (1:87): HO is one of the most popular scales among serious model train enthusiasts.

N scale trains (1:160): N scale is the second smallest of the popular trains scales. N scale is popular among modelers who like to build large elaborate layouts.

Z scale trains (1:220): Extremely small and very detailed, Z scale trains are also good for building extremely large and complex layouts, and take up even less space.

Once a product only able to be enjoyed by society's elite, model trains are now accessible for all to enjoy. Thanks to the advent of plastic and ever increasing modern technology the hobby of collecting model trains and creating full scenic layouts for them has continued to grow in popularity.

Many manufacturers have stepped up to fill the on-going need for quality but affordable model toy trains to appeal to both beginners and collectors. Model Train Set Depot is an example of the growing trend to fulfill the need for the cheaper end model trains available on the internet. A small retailer with just a few web pages, the company is thriving. A combination of good marketing and a great demand for the rewarding hobby of model trains.

Antique models are of course still around for the really keen collector who knows exactly what they are looking for and can afford their long cherished dream train. For families starting out though we can be grateful that the world of model trains is within the grasp of most families.

In a time when ipods, PSP's , x-boxes and TV fills our lives model toy trains are still thriving and continue to grow in popularity. Perhaps it is the interactive family nature of playing and working with these beautiful trains that can lead to them becoming so much more than a toy. A full-time hobby awaits the enthusiast ready to build a whole environment around an affordable model train. Even in times of economic hardship it is heartening to see that a hobby such as model train collecting is still able to reach so many, providing a fulfilling outlet for creation and imagination.