Learn More About Model Trains | Train Collectors Association (2024)

FAQs

What are model train collectors called? ›

Hobbyists, 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.

First, check with local hobby shops that deal with toy trains. If the hobby shop owner doesn't have an idea of your train's value, he or she may know of a local collector who would. Second, attend swap meets and train shows. Talk with toy train collectors there and show them your train.

Lionel trains' value varies depending on design, materials, and era. 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.

Railfans often combine their interest with other hobbies, especially photography and videography, radio scanning, railway modelling, studying railroad history and participating in railway station and rolling stock preservation efforts.

code (rail) — the height of a rail measured in one thousandths of an inch without the decimal point. The same code rail may be used in different scales to represent rail of different weights.

Now, some adults certainly collect toy trains—especially those from their own childhoods. But many adults are so-called model railroaders, faithfully collecting and building scale models of real trains that actually exist—and creating intricate environments for them, known as layouts.

Auctions do best if you have high-end items like Mint or Like-New Postwar and Prewar trains. You will also get more if you enlist an auction house that specializes in toy trains. Auction houses generally keep 30% to 40% of the sales price, 15% to 20% from the seller (you), and another 15% to 20% as a buyer's premium.

If you have old HO, N, or Large scale trains(with the exception of LGB and Marklin trains), there is at best a smaller collector's market for them. Unless you are lucky enough to find the “right buyer,” or have a very specific train that collectors are just drooling over, the resale value is minimal.

Although condition has the biggest influence on value, a model train's parts can be valuable too – especially if they are rare or in short supply. Variations in colour, a unique number or rare feature will also help model locomotives to fetch a higher price.

The HO Scale is 1:87, half of the O scale. They run on a gauge of . 625 inches. Because of its small size, the HO Scale has become one of the most popular scales for model trains.

What do you do with old model trains? ›

400E Lionel Standard Gauge Set

This set sold at auction for $250,000. Lionel began producing model trains in 1900, so this isn't the oldest set around. But it is very rare to find a set from the early days of the company that is completely mint and well preserved.

It is distinguished from a model train by an emphasis on low cost and durability, rather than scale modeling. A toy train can be as simple as a toy that can run on a track, or it might be operated by electricity, clockwork or live steam. It is typically constructed from wood, plastic or metal.

Tom Hanks, the beloved Hollywood actor, is known to have a passion for model railways.

N scale is great for running long trains – 20 or 30 cars with multiple-unit motive power on the front. Long trains like that need long passing sidings, which can be hard to fit in HO. On the other hand, it's easier in HO scale to do all the coupling and uncoupling local switching calls for.

TCA is one of the largest and most respected collecting societies in the world. We focus on toy trains – the hobby of collecting, operating, studying and discussing them. Friendships and fun for all ages!

A railfan or railway enthusiast and sometimes also called a trainspotter is a person interested, recreationally, in rail transport. Railfans of many ages can be found worldwide. To support the hobby in the United Kingdom, railway enthusiast societies or clubs were formed though many are now defunct.

(ˈtɪkɪt kəˈlɛktə ) or ticket inspector. noun. a person who checks that passengers on a train, etc, have a valid ticket, and marks it so that it cannot be used again.

In the United States, freighthopping became a common means of transportation following the American Civil War as the railroads began pushing westward, especially among migrant workers who became known as "hobos".