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Model Trains - Are They Toys, Collectors Items or Miniature Works of Art?
By Tom Dawson
The interest in model railways has increased hugely increase over the last few years, and particularly over the last few months. This increase in popularity, particularly in the UK, has been put down to the credit crunch forcing people to get involved in more home based and family oriented activities, instead of days or evenings out. The quality of model trains has also improved massively during the last few years. Having simple plastic injection moulding, some of today’s models are highly intricate feats of model engineering, with impressive amounts of detailing. This attention to detail really captures the character and feel of the original locomotive locomotive, coach item of rolling stock being modelled. Some of the more recent offerings from Hornby Trains are particularly fine model trains with exceptional detailing. No longer are these models just simple plastic mouldings, with all the detail cast into the main moulding. These put together using many different parts. For example, the recently released Hornby Schools Class shows a completely new and reworked. The firebox, boiler and dome are all cast in metal, whilst the smokebox, running plate, cab, chimney and smoke deflectors are plastic. The engine features plenty of accurate rivet detail and there are plenty of separately fitted items, such as brass safety valves, clack valves, nameplate, chimney and wire handrails. It is quite a pity that perhaps the most stunning area of the model is the one that will most likely be hidden from view}. That is the cab interior and boiler backhead. The quality of the cab instruments, control levers and wheels is amazing. The calibrations on the gauges are legible under a magnifying glass, and the water gauge glasses, regulator, reverser and atomiser are miniature works of art. So the question is will models of this quality be run on layouts by young children, or are these models now aimed at collectors to display proudly? For sure these new, highly detailed models do look absolutely fabulous on display but also look magnificent on a well built layout. That is not to say that they look out of place on a simple layout either. Hornby have obviously thought of this as they often produce Limited Edition models, clearly aimed at the collector. In 2008 they produced a 70th Anniversary Edition of the World Famous Class A4 Mallard, complete with gold plated exterior metal parts. This specially commissioned pack was limited to 5000 and each one comes complete with a certificate of Authenticity. With the introduction of Digital Control, (DCC) locos now feature lights that work and stay lit all the time (something not feasible with a normal analogue layout unless using a separate power source in each loco) and also sound. These new features add a whole new dimension to the hobby. These DCC locomotives are obviously meant to be used of the layout, and also to add extra realism to the observer. However, at the other end of the spectrum, Hornby also have a range of models aimed at the younger enthusiast. Known as the RailRoad range, these models are devoid of the easily damaged detail parts. The Hornby RailRoad Range also offers the younger enthusiast a cheaper entry into the hobby. So, summing up. Are model trains toys, models or miniature works of art? The impressive quality of some of the recent models could well be thought ofas works of art. A large contingency of enthusiasts are of the opinion that steam locomotives were works of art and these new models faithfully reproduce the character and charm of the originals. However, how many children still get a great amount of pleasure from operating their first train set? These are the ones that will become future enthusiasts and collectors as they grow older. I suppose the answer is Yes to all three! |
The Flying Scotsman
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This intel was contributed by spike
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May, 2012
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