Model Train Collecting

By Alex Bergman

The steam engine was once the acme of technological progress. What was once cutting edge is now relegated to the museum, and like the water loom or spinning jenny. That image, a mighty locomotive belching smoke, might have slipped out of the collective consciousness were it not for their miniature reproductions. Model railroading is a constant reminder of the glory days of railroading, but it is also one of the most popular and enduring hobbies. Since the 1890’s miniature trains have been popular with both children and adults.

Models trains are made in a number of sizes, or “gauges.” These “gauges” indicate the size and scale of the track, which dictate the size of the train. The smallest American scale is Z or 1:220 (or one inch in real life is 18 1/3 feet on the scale model). The largest trains are 1:8 scale, and large enough for an adult to ride. These are operated outdoors and powered by steam. The most common, as well as the easiest to involve yourself with, scale is HO or 1:87. Here is a list of common train scales:

1:24 is known as G scale, the largest common scale, famously made by LGB

1:48 is known as O scale, the original scale of Lionel and Marklin trains

1:87 is known as HO scale, the most common scale in the United States

1:160 is known as N scale, roughly the size of a pencil

1:220 is known as Z scale, the smallest scale, the size of your pinky finger

To begin collecting toy trains, you have to take into consider three things: time, finances, and space. As mentioned before, HO is the most accessible scale. It is least expensive, relatively small and very easy to find. HO scale trains can be found at almost any hobby shop. HO is easy, low maintenance, and is the best introduction to the hobby.

O is the scale many people born before 1960 grew up with. It is for the train enthusiast who prefers running trains with fewer worries about the modeling aspect of the hobby. Also, collecting vintage O scale trains, like Lionel, Marklin, Marx and American Flier, is a popular hobby in and of itself.

G is the largest scale, as well as the most expensive. Engines range between eight inches and two feet, and can cost hundreds of dollars. However, they are robust enough that it is possible to run them outdoors, in “garden railways.” And while collecting G scale trains may be difficult, little rivals the beauty of a twelve-foot long LGB locomotive, steaming around a sculpted garden.

N and Z scale trains share strengths and weaknesses. Their greatest strength is their small size, requiring only a few square feet to layout track. Unfortunately, their small sizes causes some difficulty in construction, making them some trains more expensive then their HO counterparts. Also, if small children are around their small size makes them delicate, and easily damaged.

Whatever scale best suits you; purchasing a starter set can make a good introduction to the model toy hobby. These sets usually include an engine, cars, track and a transformer; everything you need to get started a model railroader. It is a fun and fulfilling hobby, and can accommodate both the weekend warrior, and the committed enthusiast.

Alex Bergman is an advanced collector, and a staff writer for Manion’s International Auction House. He is currently studying Anthropology and History at the College of William and Mary.