How Come Grown Men Play with Toy Model Trains?
by George Love
For some children, their initial experience with trains was by way of the endearing television adaptations of Thomas the Tank Engine with his fantastic friends. As Thomas, Percy, Rocky and all of the other characters mesmerized youngsters throughout several generations, the love of steam engines was implanted in a great many small minds.
Personally the appearance on television of Thomas was too late to generate the magical effect it has made on so many children, but on the upside I am old enough to remember when steam trains were in their heyday. In point of fact my Grandfather was a train driver, and I can remember him describing to me, when I was a lad of about 8 or 9, how to start a train and get it moving. What an awesome effect that made upon me back then although I didn’t grasp most of what he was describing.
What is it about steam locomotives that causes such a lasting impression on boys and girls and men and women once they puff their way through the tunnel of our hearts? They were deafening, dirty beasts, demanding attention as well as unforgiving if they weren’t paid constant attention. Their smaller counterparts are not the awesome hissing, clanking beasts of the full sized locomotives, nevertheless for many enthusiasts it truly is profoundly satisfying to be able to capture something of the grandeur and delight of the real thing.
Finding yourself in control of a model train also needs a certain amount of skill at the higher levels, whilst for more youthful people their introduction to a simple circuit design nevertheless holds a thrill and a fascination that may later grow into an absorbing hobby.
Just one of the, perhaps, surprising aspect of the hobby is that just about as many girls and women are enthusiasts as boys and men. It appears to be a widespread attraction that breaks down many boundaries. Almost every country provides model train clubs, displays, museums and amusement parks. Take, for instance, the Minatur Wunderland of Hamburg in Germany that claims to be “The largest model railway in the world”. In case you have not yet come across this ‘wonderland’ Google it and be astounded.
My own first toy train was made of tin plate and had a clockwork ‘engine’. It ran on a very simple circular track, but to me, at that time, it was wonderful. I used to gaze at this little wonder in the toy shop near where my grandparents lived until, one day, my Grandfather purchased it for me and I can still remember how much it cost. I’m talking the UK approximately 1947 and it was 2 shillings and 6 pence. That’s a little more than a third the cost of a first class postage stamp today!
Modern model trains are constructed of sterner stuff. These are typically rugged and made to last. On the higher quality models the detail are usually incredibly fine. Getting started doesn’t always have to be pricey.
If you’re just dipping your toes into the model train world, or if you don’t want to invest too much to begin with, think about one of the more compact scales or take a look on eBay in the first place.
In the event you are buying for a child then give consideration to one of several inexpensive plastic sets out there. You can always upgrade later if he or she buys into the hobby.
In any event, keep in mind this model railroad hobby can be absorbing, time consuming and addictive. But it surely will give you great fun, satisfaction, and hours of pleasure.
About the Author
George Love writes on a variety of subjects including MOdel Trains. Visit his web site at:
http://www.mymodeltrainsworld.com/
