The Fascination of Toy Model Trains

You might remember Thomas the Tank Engine from when you were small, I know I do. Watching those toy model trains and everything they got up to was enthralling for a young boy. I remember the characters and thinking that I wanted a model train so I could make it have those adventures too.

I’m not sure as a small boy there was any understanding of what makes toy model trains so fascinating, but as I got older I realized it was the attraction of creating my very own world of trains and controlling everything that happened.

Perhaps it’s the same thing that drives most boys to play with model railways. It is addictive to drive a train, even toy model trains that are only a fraction the size of a real one. But then I was also intrigued by how the trains actually worked by running electricity through the train tracks.

I think there’s a touch of nostalgia in those memories too. The whole experience of being a child at Christmas, surrounded by presents with the train whistling its way through the tunnels made from wrapping paper. There’s definitely something of the joy still there every time I set the trains going, even as old as I am now.

Toy model trains used to mean a fairly low cost plastic version, but these days there are toy trains of a fairly decent standard. Admittedly, they’re not the high quality machines of the enthusiast, but then they’re not supposed to be. They are really designed either for younger children, or to introduce someone to the model railway world. And they can normally take more knocks and bumps than the more expensive locomotives and engines.

Also toy model trains are usually available from large toy stores or outlets, you don’t need to visit a model train specialist or hobby shop. And yes, the price tends to be much lower too. There are a few things to watch out for though. If you’re buying a toy model train that runs on tracks, you might find that the lighter weight causes it to be slower in starting, or makes it struggle when pulling any carriages or trucks. That is one advantage the more expensive model trains have.

And of course toy model trains won’t have anywhere near as much detail or authenticity as a more expensive model. But then that’s to be expected and probably won’t be an issue. If you’re looking for any level of accuracy in your model train then a toy train is not really what you’re looking for.

One benefit of buying toy model train sets is that they usually come with a huge collection of accessories. A horde of little men to fix the steam engines and clean the railway tracks. Passengers galore for the station platform, and of course all that model railway scenery such as trees, fences, farm animals and such. And you almost always get a model train tunnel or two.

Even though there are very few boys that get to drive a real train, or even grow up to drive a train, those that do must relish the fact that they are living their childhood dream. For the rest of us, we’ll have to make do with our toy model trains, which are a wonderful substitute no matter how old we get.