What can you learn by building model railroads?
By creating model railroads, “you learn carpentry,” said Mr. Mei, 62 years old, who runs a motorcycle-parts business in Phoenix and spends 20 to 25 hours a week with his trains. “You learn electric. You learn painting. Kids today, they have skill in one thing—that’s a videogame or a smartphone.”
What did Ron Mei do with his train set?
For Christmas in 1960, Ron Mei got a Lionel train set. More than 55 years later, he still hasn’t found a better toy. By creating model railroads, “you learn carpentry,” said Mr. Mei, 62 years old, who runs a motorcycle-parts business in Phoenix and spends 20 to 25 hours a week with his trains.
How big is Howard Zane's model train set?
Howard Zane has been working on the railroad for thirty years--building a massive model train set complete with 150 locomotives, thousands of feet of track and more than 6,000 figures. He's expanded his basement twice to accommodate the train set's ever-growing spread. Photo: Madeline Marshall/The Wall Street Journal
Are model trains still popular?
From the cheap toy of yesteryear to the great collectible of today, model trains remain one of the most popular miniature vehicles ever made.
Are model trains a good hobby?
Learn and Use New Skills. Model trains offer enthusiasts a lifetime of lessons and skills to learn. Most people start by choosing between N and HO scale models and working on their preferred model. There are a lot of ways to hone your craft.
Why are people obsessed with model trains?
The long-term nature of building a model railroad runs counter to the culture of instant gratification in our society. It teaches the value of a job well done, and a sense of deep gratification comes out of constantly improving something over months and even years of work.
What are model railway enthusiasts called?
railway modellersHobbyists, called "railway modellers" or "model railroaders", may maintain models large enough to ride (see Live steam, Ridable miniature railway and Backyard railroad). Modellers may collect model trains, building a landscape for the trains to pass through. They may also operate their own railroad in miniature.
Are model trains worth anything?
An old model train can be worth $100 or less, but it can also be worth $10,000! It all comes down to the manufacturer, the condition that your train is in, and other factors like rarity, production run, features, etc.
How many people are model railroaders?
Model RailroaderEditorEric While (as of 5/11/22)Total circulation (2011)138,034First issue1934CountryUSAWebsitemrr.trains.com5 more rows
How expensive is a model train hobby?
Generally, you should expect to spend around $300 to $400 per square foot for a quality N-scale tabletop railroad of around 1 x 2 meters (3.28 x 6.56 ft).
What is the cheapest model railroad scale?
N and HO scales are the two most common worldwide standards for model trains an common question for those thinking about this wonderful hobby then is which is cheaper. The answer is undoubtedly that while both are inexpensive to started, N scale is cheaper than HO scale in the long run.
Does Michael Jordan like model trains?
1. Michael Jordan. Rumour has it that basketball legend and sporting superstar Michael Jordan also has a profound love for building model railways. His achievements include a N Scale layour based on the Chicago and North Western – with Jordan famously playing for the Chicago Bulls.
Why are train models so expensive?
Materials. Costs and availability of materials have a major impact on the production of each model. Unpredicted world events can mean manufactures have to put up their prices. Unfortunately this is very true for model railways too.
Why do little boys love trains?
There is one study in the field of psychotherapy that suggested that it is the motion and speed of trains that makes them so fascinating. That the way they move on the track makes it appear like a television or a projector, but that the reality of it sparks some deep excitement in the child's brain.
How do Railfans know when a train is coming?
Railroads use what we call line-of-sight communications which means a scanner listener will hear the train crew when they are anywhere from 5 to 10 miles away. Line-of-sight reception is based on the radio transmit power.
Is Railfanning legal?
Walking or playing on railroad property is trespassing. It is illegal, very dangerous and poses a serious safety and security risk. Keep safely away from the scene of an incident and do not talk to suspicious people.
Why are train enthusiasts called foamers?
“Foamers” is how railroad employees refer to railfans because they think we “foam” at the mouth anytime we see a train. To them, railroading is just a job. To us, it's a passion.
Is Lionel trains going out of business?
It was founded as an electrical novelties company. Lionel specialized in various products throughout its existence. Toy trains and model railroads were its main claim to fame....Lionel Corporation.Lionel logo on a box from the 1950sTypePublic companyDefunct1993Fatesold rights, LiquidationSuccessorLionel, LLC5 more rows
How much is a 50 year old Lionel train worth?
Lionel No. This train set was manufactured in 1950. It is worth $1,050 to $2,500.
Are model trains collectible?
Collectors also prefer certain types of trains to others, such as the O Gauge model trains which were made in the 1950s and are always highly sought after. In reality though most model train collectors do so purely for the love of collecting and not because of the value of the items.
What is the most popular model train?
The top brands include:Athearn (HO, N scale)Atlas (O, HO and N scale)Arnold (N gauge, owned by Hornby)Bachmann (HO, N and G scale)Lionel (O scale trains).Walthers (N and HO scale)
What do you do with old model trains?
You have many options for selling your old model trains. You will need to do research into how much you can expect for a selling price and decide where you will place it for sale....Selling OnlineGeneral online auction sites such as eBay.Auction sites specializing in model trains.Online forums dedicated to model trains.
How do I sell my old train sets?
Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. Price Received. Effort. ... Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. Price Received. Effort. ... Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. Price Received. Effort. ... Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. Price Received. ... Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. Price Received.
Are Lionel trains a good investment?
Lionel Trains' Value and Collecting Trends At auction, Lionel train sets, pieces, and accessories can sell for a few hundred dollars or for a few thousand dollars, depending on the rarity and condition of the piece. Lionel collectors tend to have a lifelong passion for model railroading.
Why are train models so expensive?
Materials. Costs and availability of materials have a major impact on the production of each model. Unpredicted world events can mean manufactures have to put up their prices. Unfortunately this is very true for model railways too.
How many locomotives does Howard Zane have?
Howard Zane has been working on the railroad for thirty years--building a massive model train set complete with 150 locomotives, thousands of feet of track and more than 6,000 figures. He's expanded his basement twice to accommodate the train set's ever-growing spread. Photo: Madeline Marshall/The Wall Street Journal
What did Ron Mei get for Christmas?
For Christmas in 1960, Ron Mei got a Lionel train set. More than 55 years later, he still hasn’t found a better toy. By creating model railroads, “you learn carpentry,” said Mr. Mei, 62 years old, who runs a motorcycle-parts business in Phoenix and spends 20 to 25 hours a week with his trains. “You learn electric.
Do retirement homes have model railroads?
Some retirement homes provide model-railroading rooms for their residents. “I’m a dinosaur,” said Howard Zane, 77, of Columbia, Md., a retired industrial designer who has expanded his basement twice to accommodate an ever-growing model railroad, now including more than 1,000 railcars. “My wife says I’m collectible.”.
