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The History of Toy Electric
Trains
Not only do electric toy trains provide allot of fun for the
entire family, they have a history that is almost as rich as the
one shared by the real railroads.
The very first toy trains first appeared on the market in the
1860's. These trains were simple designs that were made out of
wood and metal. It is doubtful that the designers had any
inkling of what there simple floor toys would evolve into.
The Marklin company saw a need for a set of standard gauges for
toy trains in 1891. When they first implemented these standard
gauges it was for the wind-up (also called clockwork) trains the
Marklin Company produced. The same standards are still used for
today's electric trains.
The very first electric toy train was introduced to the world in
1901. The train was a product of the Lionel toy company. At
first this train was only intended to be used as a window
display. It wasn't long before consumers were more interested in
the window display then in the the merchandise.
It was during the 1920's that electric toy trains became really
popular. At the time all the kids wanted them, but only the rich
kids could afford them.
Smaller scaled eclectic toy trains were introduced to the world.
These trains were typically O gauge and HO gauge. Most of these
trains could only be purchased as kits that were then put
together by adults with a great deal of experience.
World War II stopped the production of toy eclectic trains from
1941 through 1945.
When production of toy electric trains resumed after the war,
the popularity of the trains took off. By the 1950's they were
the most popular toy among boys in the United States. They had
also become more affordable. At this time the biggest toy train
manufacturer is Lionel. By the middle of the 1950's there was a
clear division between toy electric trains that were designed by
adults and toy eclectic trains that were designed with children
in mind.
The N scale train was introduced in 1965. The N scale train was
only one half the size of the O trains. Three years later the G
scale train was introduced. The G scale train is still a popular
choice among garden railroaders. The G scale train was
introduced by Germany's LGB company. The G scale trains allow
collectors to add real scenery to their layouts as well as
topography. Some people incorporate garden trains directly into
their homes landscaping.
Marklin created a train that was even smaller then the N scale
train in the 1970's. This train was called the Z scale. At this
time improvements in technology and electronics could be seen in
the toy electric trains.
Realistic sounds and digital control systems were added to the
electric toy trains in the 1980's. It is estimated that there
are over a half million train collectors in the United States
and Canada.
For more information about
model trains checkout- "Model Trains for Beginners and
Insiders Club"- Click Here!