O Gauge Trains
O Gauge Trains are second only to HO model trains in terms of their popularity; this is one of the larger scales of model train, but there are a lot of enthusiasts out there who prize O scale models exactly because they are so large. Not only does the large size of these trains mean that they generally bear a lot of fine detail compared to smaller trains, but they are also an excellent choice for children and any adult who find smaller models difficult due to impaired vision or physical difficulty handling smaller trains.
O Gauge Model Trains have been available for over a century now, having first been introduced by the German manufacturer Marklin. It took some time for these trains to catch on with serious hobbyists and were long considered to be just children’s toys. Due to their larger size, these trains once used a triple rail system in order to support their weight. The exact ratio of O scale trains depends on where the trains were manufactured; in the US, O scale trains are 1:48 compared to real trains, trains made in the UK are at a 1:43.5 ratio and in the rest of Europe, the ratio is 1:45. Before you purchase an O scale train, make sure it’s the same size as you currently use, since it won’t run on your rails otherwise.
One thing about O gauge trains is that they are a little more expensive than some of the smaller sizes of model trains, though the cost is still more than reasonable. However, hobbyists should be aware that the scenery and other accessories for this size is a little more costly as well. Of course, there’s no need to buy any accessories which you don’t want to – you could buy a basic starter set and add to it piece by piece or even make your own layouts from scratch if you have a knack for handicrafts.
One of the more popular O gauge trains you can start out with is the Lionel 0-Gauge B&O Ready-To-Run Train set. This set is heirloom quality and comes with a die cast metal 4-4-0 steam locomotive, that has realistic looking puffing smoke, as well as a working headlamp. It also includes the tinder car, Lionel Lines boxcar, and gondola car with cable reels, and of course a classical red caboose. As an added bonus, you also get an additional ‘Sentinel’ boxcar as well. You also get a small extension bridge, ten telephone poles, as well as enough FasTrack to put together a 40″x60″ oval. You get the PowerMax transformer, which controls movement in both forward and reverse. All of these can fit into a reusable box that it comes in and lists for just under 0.
If you’re looking for O gauge engines, cars, tracks or any other accessories for this model train scale, it’s easy to find anything you need at local hobby shops and online, where there are many different retailers who carry extensive lines of O scale products.
Your local hobby stores are a good place to begin your search. Not only will they usually carry plenty of trains and accessories for your O gauge trains, but the staff can answer your questions and steer you towards resources. There are many books available which can give you ideas about model train layouts as well as websites with pictures and videos, along with lists of the supplies you’ll need to make your own layouts.
Lionel Model Trains
From their introduction in the early 1900s to the current day, Lionel model trains have evolved and made continuous improvements to keep up with the times. Though keeping true to its primitive design consisting of working lights, sounds and even smoke, these trains continue to improve with the progression of the real trains that we see today. Announcements of departures and arrivals can be heard, and they include identification of the train that is being operated. And now the smoke will billow from the exhaust in cadence with the revolutions of the train’s wheels! Although Lionel has always been well known for its pretty good representation of authentic trains, today’s model trains are even more realistically made. Regardless of what model dimension you want, such as Traditional or Standard O, Lionel manufactures it. The potentialities to the realism of your train set are illimitable, thanks to the continual innovations in model train technology.
Lionel model trains can be relished by everyone, but if you are thinking about purchasing one for your child, keep in mind that they may be too young to run it by themselves. Operation by children younger than five years of age is not recommended, and children older than five should always have constant adult guidance when they are operating a train. Learning about and beginning a collection of model trains at a young age can develop into a treasured hobby that your children can enjoy throughout their lives. With all of the available options for assembling and expanding a train set with cutting edge features and sophisticated details, a model train enthusiast could work at it for years and not be done. There are new editions of trains, models and new options being produced all the time for your pleasure.
Lionel model trains are some of the finest available, whether you are searching for your inaugural for your young child, or you are a model train aficionado, Lionel model trains should be your first choice.
Lionel Model Train Legacy Past to Present
In America, when thinking of model trains one can’t help but think of Lionel, the company that since it’s founding in 1900, made model trains popular with the masses. Despite the financial difficulties, near bankruptcies and actual bankruptcy of the past three decades, Lionel model trains today are stronger and better than ever before. With a renewed vision, new ownership as well as a respect and appreciation for the great past and history of Lionel, the current Lionel LLC is a credit to the Lionel trademark that is indelibly etched into so many memories of childhoods and is synonymous with toy trains.
With a new outlook and a new corporate structure, Lionel is able to do well in the modern world of tomorrow while keeping that which we know and love about the Lionel model trains of yesteryear and creating high quality products with tradition and innovation that all can enjoy and appreciate. Model trains haven’t enjoyed the main stream interest they once had but they have not disappeared completely, in fact they are enjoying somewhat of a resurgence of interest. With more options to play with, especially video games and other electronics, it’s no wonder that children’s interest today in a model train set is not going to be as high as it was in the golden era of model railroading.
If you’re like me, as an adult you have plenty of good memories of Lionel model trains in your childhood recollections. The largest wrapped big box under the Christmas tree on Christmas day in the morning, or finding a new train set up mysteriously set up triggers some great memories for many. The love for model train along with the pleasant childhood memories of them remains with many of us into adulthood. Having the resources as an adult allows many of us to fulfill our model railroad wishes building layouts that we could only dream about as children.
As Lionel has matured as a company, almost disappearing yet coming back strong with a vengeance, several other model train companies are beginning to share the model railroading spotlight. New innovations are being introduced by model train companies like MTH Railking. With their high level of realism and detail, MTH is pushing the boundaries of modern model railroading. Lionel has had to seriously respond to the upped ante that the new companies have created, but they have been able to do so while still honoring the traditions and qualities of their most collectible items from the past. In any case, even with new competition and other manufacturers on the model train scene, model railroaders of all kinds appreciate the history and contributions, past, present and future of Lionel model trains.