The Lure of Toy Model Trains

You might remember when you were a boy and loved Thomas the Train. You weren't the only one! There were many boys who fell in love with this talking train not just for the cartoon value, but because they were in love with these amazing machines. Later, as they grow up, they are still highly interested, and suddenly they see trains in a whole new light. They see its true power, and they see a way that they too can control it.

So what is it about trains that convinces or even coerces men to start playing with them? Many people see it as grown men playing with toys. It's possible that they enjoy running a small train and having power over it. Or perhaps because they want to know how a train operates. Perhaps they have memories of their Christmas train when they were a child. No matter what it is, you cannot refer to a model train as a toy any more. They are now machines, hobbies, and they are just as good for adults as they were for children.

When you think of a toy train, you are probably thinking of plastic trains that you buy for the bottom of the Christmas tree. Sure they are inexpensive, and they are a great way to introduce children to the art of model trains as a hobby. They are however, just toys. Now when they get into the actual hobby, they are playing with what is known as a locomotive. Locomotives are much more durable than toy trains and will last for a very long time. You don't have to 'push it' to get it started, and they are made of solid metal. Note that heavier trains are a better choice because they will be able to make better contact with the track, meaning that they will run longer and work better.

You can buy an electric train, but if you want to have a real touch of authenticity, then why not try a steam powered train? This is truly a lot of fun, and there are many different types available. There's nothing quite as fun as having a train with real steam. It adds that touch of realism that you might never have with an electric train. You truly have many different choices when it comes to model trains these days.

There aren't many who will grow up to operate a train like they have always dreamed of, and those who do probably do not appreciate the opportunity that they have been given. Accomplishing our dreams however does not have to come in the form of being an actual train operator. Model trains can provide us the realization of that dream any day of the week.