A Brief History Of American Model Trains

Model Trains Layouts — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:50:00 +0000

In order to tell the history of American Model Trains, it is necessary to tell the history of the S scale. This is the scale that is sold by the company today. They have staked their reputation on being able to create model trains in a sector, which is all but forgotten by too large a section of the model train industry. Getting to know this niche market may cause you to want to invest in an S scale model train today.

The S scale is about half way in between O and HO scale. It is characterized by a 1:64 ratio. The model is fairly large as far as model trains are concerned. Because of its size, it is fairly durable. It can handle being mistreated by those who not know much about model trains like children and beginners. The larger size allows the production companies to add more detail to the trains in order to boost the amount of realism as the train powers around the track.

The history of American Model Trains starts in Britain where the S scale first got its start. When it was created before the turn of the century, it was known as the H-1 scale in order to represent its size as half that of the #1 scale. The name was changed in 1937 when CD Models started marketing the track that would be suitable for use in the 1:64 scales. The last change in the name came when the American Flyer brand started selling steam-powered locomotives.

American Flyer Trains got its start as a toy model train company, which was bought by AC Gilbert in 1937. When the company first started selling the trains, they ran on a 3-gauge rail. In 1942, the company started producing a 2-gauge track that is pretty close to what is being used by the same scale trains today. The American Flyer Train business failed in 1967, but the Lionel Company bought the name in order to sell the same scale and using the tracks that the company designed. Lionel still sells the American Flyer brand in their catalogs and online.

The majority of American Model Trains which are produced today are made to look and feel just like the old American Flyer trains. This will bring back a lot of memories for those who remember the trains chugging around the track on Christmas morning. Even if you do not remember, the trains offer a great classical looking train you can enjoy as it powers down the track.

The train you buy today will undoubtedly have a lot of history attached to it. Seldom are the trains going to have such an American heritage as the American Model Trains do. No matter if you buy the train for the history or for the realism, you are sure to enjoy the way it looks as it rolls down the tracks. Make sure you buy the train, which will allow you to have the most fun. Having fun is the name of the game in this and any hobby.

David Blackburn has had a passion for Model Trains for over 20 years. His enthusiasm and knowledge on the subject of model trains can be found in his writing and his new book. For more great information on American model trains visit his site at: http://www.modeltrainsadvice.com. While you are there make sure you sign up for his FREE “Secrets
To Successful Model Railroading” Mini Course.

Originally posted 2009-12-18 10:54:15. Republished by Old Post Promoter

The History Of Model Railway Trains

Model Trains Layouts — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:49:12 +0000

Model railway trains have been produced ever since the first train started rolling along the tracks in real life. These giant, powerful creations captured the minds and attentions of the children, which created an industry for toy makers. Adults bought these toys for their children and helped them to set them up in the basement and other parts of the home. There was not much realism in the models at the time, but there did not need to be. The idea for the children was more being able to control the train as they sent them around the track.

More and more, parents became involved in the model railway trains their children were playing with. They sought out more detailed models to purchase for their own displays. New manufacturers emerged which started making models that looked very realistic. These models did not start out with any kind of standardized scale, so it was impossible to buy track from one manufacturer to use with the train from another. Standardization did not come along until much later. This posed a problem for people who already had a train and wanted to buy a new car from a different manufacturer.

Most of the major manufacturers of model railway trains were located in Germany. When WWI started up, it caused a disruption in the production and distribution of model trains in the United States and Europe. This opened up the door for many manufacturers like Lionel to get started in the United States. Lionel is a brand still known to model railroaders today as a good starter for those new to train modeling. The details are good, but not as detailed as many of the other trains that are available. This makes their price low, and sales high.

One of the big innovations in model railway trains has been in the material used for the tracks. A very big issue many encountered when setting up their model train was making sure there was proper grounding. Many times, the track would get shorted out because it was made completely of brass. When plastic rail ties became a common base, it made it possible to put the track in more places including a tabletop. The material of the rails themselves changed over the years from brass to the more common aluminum and stainless steel. Many still prefer brass for it’s easy to maintain quality in all weather.

An issue many model railroaders have encountered over the years has been the issue of controlling their trains. In order to control multiple trains on the same track, it was necessary to have several junctures at which the power was connected to the track. You would then have to switch between these junctures in order to control the individual train. There was a switch in which you could reverse polarity so your train could go in reverse. These days, there are computers, which will effectively control every train on the track remotely without incident. There are sure to be many more innovations in the years to come.

David Blackburn has had a
passion for Model Trains for over 20 years. His enthusiasm and knowledge on the
subject of model trains can be found in his writing and his new book. For more
great information on model
railway trains visit his site at: http://www.modeltrainsadvice.com.
While you are there don?t forget to sign up for his FREE “Secrets
To Successful Model Railroading” Mini Course.

Originally posted 2009-11-06 11:18:20. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Model Trains Layouts » History

A Brief History Of American Model Trains

The History Of Model Railway Trains