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Model Trains – All Aboard
Collecting model or toy trains is a fascinating hobby, and one
that can be passed down from one generation to the next. Long
after today’s video games and technological gadgets have been
forgotten, trains will still hold their allure. We know this
because vintage model trains dating as far back as the early
1900’s are still a hot commodity today. There are thousands of
enthusiasts still collecting these wonderful old versions of
real trains from long ago and all of the accessories that went
with them.
Whether building new small scale replicas of the trains that
helped to build the country, or choosing the older vintage
models, it is a wonderful family project – one that the entire
family can enjoy together. Being able to make memories with your
family, memories similar to the ones that we remember from our
own childhood, is really a rarity when you consider the fast
paced world of today. Okay I know I’m a girl, but I saw the
excitement on the faces of all my male relatives whenever they
were around any kind of a train.
If
this hobby interests you, or someone you know, it is important
to learn as much as you can about what is sure to become a
serious avocation. In the case of model trains, that means
educating yourself as much as possible about the various gauges
and scales that are available. Understanding just how they work
can increase the enjoyment you derive from your new found hobby
and it will help you to better decide on the right size models
that will best fit your particular basement, living room or
garage.
Railway gauges generally represent the width of the track,
rather than the size of the actual train. The gauge of a model
railroad track is measured from the inside of one outer rail to
the inside of the other outer rail, so it is important to get an
accurate measurement when you start your shopping spree. While
experienced model train enthusiasts may be able to tell the
difference between two similar gauges from across the room it
may take awhile for a new hobbyist to acquire such a skill.
Scale deals with the size ratio between a model and the actual
full size train. For example a scale of 1:48, which is an O
scale, means that each inch of a model train represents 48
inches of the real train. These are the trains that are often
seen whizzing around Christmas trees during the holidays. O
scale first became popular with train lovers right around WWI.
The
G scale (1:32 but can vary) is a popular choice for many new
hobbyists, since it represents a good size train that is not too
large or unwieldy for home use. The HO scale has a ratio of 1:87
and is roughly half the size of the O scale. Today HO is the
most prevalent scale in both Europe and North America. The OO
scale (1:76) was and still remains the most popular choice in
Britain. HO never really caught on in Britain but it became the
size of choice here in the United States during the 1950’s.
The
size of the HO scale allows for much greater detail in the
trains themselves, as well as accommodating the most complex
track layouts while using the least amount of space. The HO
takes up about the same amount of space as that used by some of
the smaller versions.
Some
of the other scales are N – 1:60, S – 1:64, Z – 1:220 and
standard – 1:27. There are also a few other less common choices
available. You will find many different sites on the Internet
that sell everything one could need to get started. Some of
these sites sell new models and some sell vintage. You can also
find most everything required for the beginning collector at
local hobby shops. Auctions are another option but it could take
quite awhile before you find exactly what it is that you need.
Since our site is about live auction houses, antiques and
collectibles, we could hardly talk about something this popular
without providing a little background about the great vintage
model trains.
Vintage Model Trains
The
Marklin Company from Germany made the very first model train in
1891 and so began the never ending love affair between the
railways, little boys and men who were still little boys at
heart. Love really bloomed here in America with a name that
truly is synonymous with model trains – Joshua Lionel Cowen.
Today MTH in conjunction with the new Lionel Company are still
making trains. Some of the models they are producing are
tinplate trains and they are decked out with some of the
original Lionel logos – providing a great sense of nostalgia to
those who are familiar with the original Lionel models dating
back to the 1920’s.
The
1920’s are considered the “Golden Age of Toy Trains.” Besides
Lionel, there were other manufacturers that helped to make this
era what it was such as Ives, American Flyer, Marx and Hornby.
During the 1930's Lionel acquired Ives, which propelled them to
the number one spot as the largest manufacturer of toy or model
trains in the United States. Lionel also became famous for their
expertise in the area of electric trains.
Lionel later went on to purchase American Flyer in the late
1960’s but they closed their doors shortly thereafter.
Unfortunately by this point in time, the continued desire for
model trains had decidedly decreased. This coincided with the
fate of the real trains. Trains continued to be a mainstay when
it came to hauling goods but passenger trains had fallen out of
favor – people had found other modes of transportation more
desirable.
Many
elaborate models were produced by the manufacturers to include
clockworks, diesel locomotives, electric locomotives, steam
locomotives, tenders, box cars, stock cars, flat cars, tank
cars, VAT cars, crane cars, coal cars, hopper cars, barrel cars,
cabooses, passenger cars and the necessary transformers.
Train model enthusiasts created sophisticated model railroad
layouts but these layouts would never have come to pass without
the fabulous accessories that were fabricated to compliment the
trains and tracks. These included passengers, railroad workers,
bridges, tunnels, newsstands, railroad crossings with lights and
gates, trees, water towers, cars, trucks, fueling stations,
lumber loaders and fire houses. These accessories transformed
the boredom of watching a train run back and forth on a track
into the excitement of a busy area with beautiful landscaping
and lots of activity. To some, the accessories were as important
as the trains themselves.
In
addition to the replicas being made today by many companies such
as MTH/Lionel, Bachmann, Atlas, Marklin, Accurail and Aresto-Craft,
just to name a few, the original model trains from so long ago
are still being actively bought and sold online, privately, in
antique stores and at live auctions. Many of them command pretty
high prices. However, if one cannot afford the cost associated
with collecting everything needed to establish an original model
train layout, a similar layout can be created with today’s
replicas. Don’t let price hamper the little boy in you or stand
in the way of you having hours and hours of enjoyment with your
entire family.
Here
are the prices of several vintage model trains that sold at
auction on May 17, 2009 at Ambrose Bauer Train Auctions in
Pittsburgh:
Lionel #400E/400T Black Standard Gauge Steam Engine &
Tender/Brass Trim $1300.00 Hammer Price
Early Lionel #6 Steam Engine & NYC & HRRR Tender
$760.00 Hammer Price
Rare
Ives Saratoga Trackless Clockwork Tin Steam Engine
$1000.00 Hammer Price
Scarce Lionel #9U Orange Standard Gauge Electric
$980.00 Hammer Price
Outstanding Bing Premium 5 Piece Maroon/Black O Gauge Steam
#2631 Passenger Set
$2450.00 Hammer Price
Rare
Ives 1880s/90s Trackless Cast Iron Train Set
$2400.00 Hammer Price
3
Pieces of Marklin 2-Gauge: Engine, Tender & Coach
$820.00 Hammer Price
Outstanding Lionel #1088W Blue/Silver Steam Passenger Set
$1450.00 Hammer Price
Lionel #906B Semi-Scale Switcher Outfit/#232/8976 Semi-Scale
0-6-0
w/Magic Electrol
$2000.00 Hammer Price
Written
by Anne Benedetto, Auction House Talk
All Rights Reserved
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