The Joy of Model Trains
I am sure that we have all experienced the joy that comes across the faces of children as they sit in awe by those fantastic machines, trains. Toy model trains offer a powerful addiction to many boys and men and it is hard to understand where these feelings come from. As these boys grow older, they begin to realize what power it is that has captured them when they were boys and stayed with them into adulthood. Perhaps the power is the thought that you are in charge of a very powerful machine.
But why do men continue to play with these “toys” even into adulthood? Perhaps it is because we enjoy having control over something so powerful, even though it is only 1/87th the original size. Or perhaps it could be the challenge of understanding what exactly makes a train run. Maybe it is the memories of trains along the countryside or around the Christmas tree as they grew. But what ever it is, one thing is for certain – it is no longer a toy when talking about model trains. These toys have somehow transitioned into machines, perfect for the big boys.
Toy trains like most remember or think about are the small, plastic varieties that are easy to find around the holidays. Typically they are not very high quality and don’t come with a track. But, they are excellent to introduce to young boys to the hobby. When boys grow up they are called men. And when toy trains grow up, they are called locomotives. Locomotives are made to last. They are of much higher quality construction and different features. The design is meant to provide a real life experience both in terms of looks and functionality of the train itself. The wheels are designed to make greater contact with the track and electricity, which will help it run smoothly. Also, locomotives have much stronger engines, allowing for greater pulling power. The heavier the train, the better the contact with the track.
As in real life there are many different types of model trains. The most typical being the electricity, but if this isn’t good enough, you can also find high quality steam engines. There are many types even of steam engines and there is nothing better then enjoying these model trains with lifelike steam filling the scenery.
Not many boys get the opportunity to grow up to become train conductors. I am certain that many conductors today look at what they do as simply a job that pays the bills rather then a little boy’s dream. We do not have to ever drive a real life train to fulfill our dream because of the wonderful hobby of model train railroading.
