Model Trains

The hobby of model railroading or railway modeling involves building working scale models of railway systems. Builders may copy existing rail systems or choose to create their own "layouts," which can range from simple oval tracks to intricate scale models which include natural scenery, buildings and people.

Fast Facts

1. Terminology:
   1. Gauge: The distance between the two running rails of the track
   2. Scale: The ratio between a unit of measurement and the corresponding full sized prototype
2. The oldest model train society is The Model Railway Club based in London, England
3. The world's largest model railway is at Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany
4. Most model trains are powered by low voltage DC electricity
5. Some model railways are large enough to carry human passengers

Precursors

The first model trains were not built to any particular scale and were more like toys than the miniature representations of full sized prototypes of today. The earliest working model trains, called "carpet railways," were powered by steam and developed in the 1840s. Carpet railway trains, nicknamed "Birmingham Dribblers" because they often left a trail of water behind them, are now highly collectible and have sold for up to $1,000. The first electric trains appeared in the early 20th century.

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