| Some model trains can be extremely expensive | | | | and they are the oldest train club in the world. |
| and are too delicate for children, but toy model | | | | Clubs like this are a great way to get more |
| trains are the perfect way to introduce children to | | | | information on things you can do with your toy |
| this wonderful hobby. They are less expensive | | | | trains, and to share your interest with other |
| than other types of trains, and they are generally | | | | people who enjoy it as much as you do! |
| sturdier and easier to use. | | | | Lionel Toy Trains |
| Model Trains Kits | | | | Lionel is by far the most popular maker of toy |
| Many toy model train kits come with the train, | | | | trains. The company has been in existence for |
| tracks, and some accessories for creating the | | | | over 100 years, originally started in 1900. They |
| environment. They may come with some trees, | | | | were founded as an electrical novelties company, |
| signs, and other accessories that children can use | | | | but trains quickly became the staple of its product |
| to set up their own play set. | | | | line. They originally produced trains from 1901 |
| Scale Standards | | | | through 1969, when they were bought by General |
| The Normal European Modeling Standards, also | | | | Mills. These days the company is still doing |
| called NEM standards, currently lists twelve sizes | | | | business, making toy trains and accessories. |
| for toy model trains, from minuscule 1:220 scale | | | | Composition |
| models all the way up to very large 1:5.5! To truly | | | | Toy trains may be made of metal, plastic, or |
| be considered a toy model train, they are | | | | wood. Metal trains are usually preferred by most |
| generally either S gauge or O gauge, although HO | | | | enthusiasts. Plastic trains are generally reserved |
| scale and N scale models are easier to find in toy | | | | only for children. Wooden trains are beloved by |
| stores. | | | | many people, but they've fallen out of favor with |
| A good way to get started with toy model trains | | | | the general public. |
| is to purchase a pre-packaged set. Companies like | | | | Some people buy toy model trains to play with, |
| Lionel and Bachmann make great starter sets, | | | | and others prefer to purchase them solely for |
| and they are collectible, as well. | | | | collecting. Those who buy to collect usually prefer |
| Once you get a little experience, you may prefer | | | | older models, and those made my major |
| to start buying pieces individually. You can buy | | | | companies like Lionel or Marx. People who |
| train cars, tracks, and accessories separately, so | | | | purchase their trains to play with may buy from |
| you can choose only the pieces you really want. | | | | any manufacturer, and may even mix parts |
| If you really enjoy trains, you might consider | | | | between manufacturers in order to build their ideal |
| joining the Model Railway Club or another similar | | | | system. |
| club. This club was established in London in 1910, | | | | |