O Scale Model Train

O scale was originally introduced in the 1900's by Marklin, a German manufacturer and is the scale that is often used for toy trains. By the 1930s O gauge was the most popular model railroad scale in the United States. It remained popular until the 1960s, until the introduction of smaller scales, at which point its sales took a nosedive.

When model trains were looked upon as toys, the O scale was at its peak. Important to users at the time was value for money and durability, as they were a popular purchase for children, who don't posses the gentle hands that adults do. At this stage intricacy and realism were not of much importance.

Just to be clear on the difference between a model train and a toy. Toy trains are easy to spot whilst out shopping and are usually made out of plastic. As a rule they are of poor quality, low priced and with no pretence to be anything more than they are. A disposable child's toy. Although these lowly toys, can often be the first step to a lifelong fascination with trains - they cannot be classed in the same league as a model train!...or am I simply being snobby about toy trains?

Anyway, O scale still has its place and in the United States, it is still a popular choice for enthusiasts who perhaps enjoy other aspects of model railroading and are not too concerned with detail or realism. O scales remains popular in the United Kingdom as it is easily accessible and reasonably priced.

When boys grow up they are called men. And when toy trains grow up, they are called locomotives.

Stuart Graham is a model train enthusiast. For more information on model railway trains visit http://www.themodeltraincenter.com

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