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 LIONEL PREWAR O GAUGE 2689T BLACK TIN TENDER X889  US $29.99
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 LIONEL 7 92004 1872 WESTERN ATLANTIC GENERAL 4 4 0 LOCO IN TIN BOX 1 120 SCALE US $14.99
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 LIONEL LINES 6167 CABOOSE Plastic and Tin US $4.99
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 2 LIONEL TRAINS TIN METAL AD SIGN NICE US $14.99
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 Vintage Lionel Tin Caboose 477618 Pennsylvania US $9.99
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 LIONEL TRAINS PRE WAR 2652 BURNT ORANGE GONDOLA TIN PLATE ALL ORIGINAL NICE US $44.95
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 Lionel 126 Train Station Tin Plate US $149.95
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 Lionel Lines Caboose Tin Plate 2682 US $14.00
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 DISNEY 1936 LIONEL HAND CAR DONALD DUCK PLUTO 1107 WIND UP TIN TRAIN x parts US $113.50
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The History Of Toy Model Trains
A majority of people tend to collect the toy model trains for a number of reasons. Some people enjoy building the trains while others love how the toy trains look and like the feeling that comes along with having the perfect train set. Despite the various reasons, one thing that is similar is that there is a higher demand for the toy model trains. The popularity of this hobby is not about to change anytime soon either.
Toy trains have been in existence ever since the very first train was set on the tracks. It however took years for the trains to be perceived as a collectible or hobby. Modern toy trains are a glimpse into American history since a majority of these trains depict the real life versions from their respective era. The first toy trains were spring loaded, push powered or were powered by steam which appeared in the store windows during the late 1800s of the Victorian period.
During this time, there were certain toys which came with track layouts while others sped across any surface. In fact, the very first toy trains were run using steam in the 1840s. This was done by ensuring that the metallic model was filled with water and then placing it on a heated surface. Although these trains did not use a railway track, they definitely left a whole water trail behind them.
In 1891, the German model train company, Marklin, introduced the very first train set. This model set featured the track layouts and wind up engines which could be expanded when extra tracks were purchased. Marklin also established a majority of the standard model train set gauges such as the Z scale, the HO scale and the O scale. Thereafter, other German toy manufacturers followed the success of Marklin and, in no time, the model train set gained further popularity spreading to many different countries. The initial train sets were made mostly out of tin and were powered in many cases by steam, clock work or springs.
The electrical train sets came into existence during the turn of the century and were introduced by the American toy makers who were seeking to compete with their German counterparts. Unfortunately, the popularity of these trains was hindered primarily by the fact that electricity was not available in certain areas. As a result, the German toy trains were able to gain more popularity in the market at the start of the World War I. From the period leading up to World War I and through World War II, the German train sets were overtaken by the European and the American manufacturers such as JEP, Hornby, and Lionel. In the past fifty years, model trains have decreased in popularity as a toy for the children. Instead, it has now become a booming hobby worldwide.
About the Author
Gabriel O. Delaney is a model train enthusiast. For more great information on toy model trains, visit http://www.ultimatemodeltraintips.com.
Lionel Tin Plate Train at Red Barn Village B & B