Archive for the ‘Model Trains’ Category
….continued from yesterday…..
American Flyer New York Central
World War II ended the production of toy electric trains from 1940 through 1945. When production resumed after the war, their popularity skyrocketed.
By the 1950’s, electric trains were the most popular toys among boys in the United States. Lionel was the largest toy train manufaturer, and they had become much more affordable.
Over the years various gauges of toy trains were introduced to the public. Realistic sounds and digital control systems were eventually added to the electric toy trains in the 1980’s. It has been estimated that there are over a half million train collectors in the United States and Canada.
Not only do toy electric trains provide a lot of enjoyment for the entire family, they have a history almost as rich as that of the real railroads.
Toy trains first appeared on the market during the 1860’s. These trains were simply designed and were made from wood and metal. It is highly unlikely that the designers of them had any inkling of what these simple floor toys would evolve into.
The first electric toy train was introduced to the world in 1901, a product of the Lionel Toy Company. Originally this train was meant to be used only as a window display. However, customers soon grew more interested in the trains in the window display than in the merchandise.
During the 1920’s electric toy trains became really popular. All of the kids wanted one, but only the rich could afford them.
…more tomorrow…..
Model trains are typically set up indoors in various settings. The most popular, it seems, is under a Christmas tree, winding around the gifts that have been wrapped and placed there. While there are many people who prefer to set up their own unique display for year-round viewing inside their homes, it is rare to find model train layouts on display outdoors. This is mainly because of the fear of damaging the train system. However, there are a number of model trains and model train systems designed just for the outdoors.
It is important to know how to properly set up a good outdoor model railway display, so it is important to learn all you can before starting this venture. Outdoor model trains should always be placed in a secure area and should be as level as possible. An outdoor train system added to a garden or a garden designed around a model train makes a beautiful, yet fun, display. With some planning and creative thinking, you can create a toy train wonderland right in your own backyard!
Once you feel ready to set up your model train set, start by looking around your house to determine the best place for your layout. As tempting as it may be, it is best not to place it on the floor. Toy trains that are set up on the floor are easy to step on or kick. Also, train sets placed on the floor are subject to dirt and carpet fuzz, which gum up the mechanisms, and the uneven surface of a carpet often interferes with the train running properly. A better idea is to find a large table or piece of plywood that you can arrange your railroad display on.
Another idea that I feel may work is a sheet of styrofoam. I haven’t tried it, but I don’t know why it wouldn’t be ideal. I bought a 4 ft. x 8 ft. sheet which was at least 2 inches thick to use for my Christmas house display. It is very sturdy but lightweight. You might want to check that out.
You will probably want to begin with a simple layout. Large layouts can be complicated and intimidating. You can add to it later a little at a time. That is the great thing about model train sets; they are designed to be expanded. The main thing is to have fun and enjoy your project.
Perhaps you and your family have been trying to come up with a hobby that all of you can participate in and enjoy. After careful consideration of several ideas, all of you agree that setting up an electric toy train would be the perfect choice!
Now that that has been decided, a myriad of other questions come to mind. Trains come in a variety of sizes and gauges. Which one fits your needs and requirements? How much track do you want and how will you arrange it? Accessories? You may want a few at first and add more later over time.
One big question is where to put your train. Do you have a table or large piece of plywood and space to display it?
A few years ago our son built a shelf or ledge along the four walls of a room in his home. It was several inches down from the ceiling. (I’m sure you have seen such an arrangement.) While it was fun to watch, that was not the ideal setup in my opinion. I like to see a train, or even 2 or 3 trains, set up with crossings, tunnels, buildings, people – all things that mimic real life situations. How you set yours up is just a matter of choice, and no matter how you do it, it will be great fun!