Model Train Club Article
About Model Scale Trains
What is a model scale train? A model scale train is the three-dimensional representation of actual size train having all parts in the same.
Layout of Model Scale Trains: Talking about the layout of these model scale trains, they can be found in varied models, shapes and styles. The stylistic layouts may be represented in circular or oval in shape, while there may be realistic ones, in which case real shape is adopted and real place is modeled to scale. One of the Real shape-model can be found in Pendon Museum of Oxfordshire, in UK. In that museum, the construction work of an EM gauge, modeling Vale of the White Horse, as like that used to appear in 1930’s, is in progress.
One of earlier made real shape scenic model – The Madder Valley layout can also be found there in the Pendon Museum. It was built in late 1930’s to 1950’s and got a big coverage during this period. The said period is considered to be the start of the era of realistic modeling. The largest Model HO scale train track in the world is the Miniatur Wunderland, which exists in Hamburg, Germany. And, the Train Mountain in Chiloquin (in Oregon, USA) is the largest live steam layout having around 40 km (25 miles) track.
Model Trains Clubs: There exists Model train clubs Model where the scale model train enthusiasts meet. Sometimes, these clubs put their models on displays general public. One of the famous Model train/railway club is Tech Model Railroad Club also called TMRC at MIT. They pioneered automatic control of the track switching in 1950’s. They used and introduced that time, advanced technology of telephone relays among hobbyists.
Another Club, known as the oldest society among these Model train clubs is The Model Railway Club, which was established in 1910. It is based in London, UK, near Kings Cross. Along with the work of building model trains, they maintain a library on Model scale trains and have more that 5000 periodicals and books. One more Model train society in UK, called The Historical Model Railway Society is there in Derbyshire England. It is mainly specialized in Historical Train/ Railway matters.
Rail Model Trains in UK: In United Kingdom, Hornby Railways was the famous and leading brand of model railway. The company established in 1901, then known as Meccano Ltd, released first O gauge train model in 1920. it was a Clockwise operated model. It was followed by an electric train but was not a success as it was under designed. But in 1925, a proper designed model was introduced which got success. It was operated on high voltage of 220-240 V AC power. They established a separate factory in France and involved in big export activity by exporting Hornby trains to Autralia, Argentina, New Zealand and Scandinavia.
In 1964, Tri-ang Railways took over Meccano Ltd. And merged Hornby and Tri-ang into a new company called Tri-ang Hornby. The existing Hornby line then discontinued whose place was then taken by cheaper plastic train Models.
