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From Thikipedia
Model railroading hobbyists would be offended if you
call their model train collection toy trains. For
them, it would be like calling a classic piece of
literature a novel. Besides, who can blame you? Toy
trains and model trains are small in size and are
powered by electricity or other types of power
sources. However, you have to consider that there is a
difference between toy trains and model trains.
Basically, toy trains in the early days were often
powered by wind up motors. Some were even powered by
steam. In those days, these toy trains were generally
made of cast iron.
Then, electric trains followed. Some were powered by
batteries, while there are other toy train sets that
were plugged in where the electricity flowed on the
tracks to power the train.
So, how do you differentiate toy trains from model
trains?
First of all, toy trains are what you can easily buy
in your local toy store. It is cheap and will not
necessarily have all the details of a particular
train. Usually, most toy trains are made of plastic
and there are generally not enough details to tell
what kind of model the train is.
With model trains, you will see that it will be a lot
more expensive. It will usually be made with metal and
will have several moving parts that resemble that of
the real train. Model trains are exact replicas of
real trains. From the engine detail to the paint, you
will see that model trains will have all the visual
references that can help you distinguish what kind of
train it is.
Model trains will also be included with realistic
tracks and cabins. Some will even have lights in the
cabins, while there are even others where you can see
miniature people inside the train.
In most cases, model train enthusiasts will spend
thousands of dollars just to get their tracks and
trains as realistic as possible. Some will even do a
bit of landscaping and even dig a tunnel for the
tracks. Model buildings are also added as well as a
train station.
Today, you can even see model trains controlled by
computers.
This is how you can differentiate model trains from
toy trains. Model trains are very expensive and can be
quite a fulfilling hobby for most railroad
enthusiasts. It offers realism and great detail on the
train like no other can.
Today, there are several manufacturers of model
trains.
Always remember that model trains are not toys that
you can give to your 10 year old son to play with. It
is very expensive. Besides, you wouldnt want to see a
$500.00 model train flying off your house, would you?
So, the next time you are in a store to purchase your
child a train set, try to settle for a toy train.
However, if you are a railroad enthusiast who wants to
get realistic working replicas of trains, then
purchasing a model train is for you.
Remember these things and you can be sure that the
next time you buy a miniature train you will know the
difference between model trains and toy trains.
So, if you are enthusiastic about railroads, you might
want to try considering purchasing model trains. You
will see that this type of hobby is quite fulfilling.
