Toy or Collectors Item - Are Model Trains Still Toys?

The interest in model trains has increased hugely over the last few years, and particularly over the last few months. This increase in popularity, particularly in the UK, has been attributed to the credit crunch forcing people to get involved in more home based and family oriented activities, instead of days or evenings out.

Model train build quality has also improved massively during the last few years. Having started out as crude tin plate, through basic 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 prototype locomotive, coach item of rolling stock being reproduced.

Some of the more recent 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 recent models are now intricately made up of many different parts. As an example, the recently released Hornby Schools Class depicts an entirely reworked model. The firebox, boiler and dome are all cast in metal, whilst the smokebox, running plate, cab, chimney and smoke deflectors are plastic.

There is an abundance 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 almost a shame that perhaps the most visually attractive area of detailing will be almost lost from view. That is the cab interior and boiler backhead. The detailing quality of the cab instruments, control levers and wheels is amazing. With a keen eye or by using a magnifying glass, you can even read the gauges, and the water gauge glasses, regulator, reverser and atomiser could be regarded as miniature works of art.

So will models of this quality end up being run on layouts by young children, or are these models now intended for collectors to proudly put on display? It is true that these new, highly detailed models do look absolutely fabulous on display but look equally impressive on a well built layout. That is not to say that they would look out of place on a basic 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) locomotives now have features such as working lights that stay on something not feasible with a conventional layout unless using a separate power source in each loco and also sound. These new features bring a whole new level of realism to the hobby. These DCC locomotives are obviously meant to be worked on layouts to add extra dimensions to the functionality 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 that adorn the new super detailed models. The Hornby RailRoad Range also offers a simple and cost effective way of getting into the hobby.

So, summing up. Are model trains toys, models or miniature works of art? The superb quality of some of the recent models could well be classed as works of art. A large contingency of enthusiasts still believe to this day 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!

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