The history of model railways

The history of model railways

by Trackside Signs

Our fascination with model trains is almost as old as the life-size counterparts. It’s a legacy that stretches back almost 150 years and it’s still thriving. So how did it start and why does our fascination with model railways endure? Let’s look back on how it all started to understand the popularity of this pastime. 

The history of model railways

The first model railway recorded was built by the Emperor Napoleon, the third for his then three-year-old son also called Napoleon. It was powered by clockwork and ran in a figure of eight. In terms of the mass market model train sets that were popular with children as gifts were invented by Marklin, a German company in 1891. The Marklin brothers presented a windup clockwork train at the German trade fair in 1891 and sparked the desire in young children to obtain toy trains. As full size railway networks and trains evolved, so did the models.

How we learn from model railways

The world's oldest working model railway is located in the national railway museum in York. This set dates back to 1912 and in fact remained in use to teach signalmen in training for the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway and was working until 1995. So the humble model railway set had real value for training within Britain’s railway network. 

Advancing technology

The combination of the invention of plastic and ways to use electricity meant that model railways became incredibly realistic and detailed. The more common electric trains that we see in the model railway world started to appear at the beginning of the 20th century. These involved into far more realistic trains that we see now due to advances in technology

Model railways in North America post war

Model railways fall into two distinct areas: the period of the toy train from the late 19 century through to the outbreak of World War II. After that time there was a shift in the value of these training railway kits from a child’s toy to something that piqued adults' imagination to become an incredibly well-subscribed hobby. The big players in the North American market were Ives, Lionel and American flyer. These fed the huge appetite from model railways in the USA in Canada. By the 1950s model trains had rocketed to the number one spot for the most popular toy for boys in the United States.

Model railways today

When we reflect on how model railways evolved from a toy to a technically advanced replica, it is easy to see why model railways are more than just a hobby. Model layouts provide a snapshot not just on how we used to live but how our modern railways systems have evolved and the innovation it took from engineers. The joy of watching these trains go through a model network is a pastime that can be enjoyed by the whole family. A glimpse of calm in an otherwise busy world.