Electric Model Train History

There is a clear split between scale model railroading for adults and toy trains sold to children.

Electric model train history. The earliest model railway s were the carpet railways in the 1840s. Ebay carries a range of model trains to suit the specific interests of any train hobbyist including supplies for any scale you may be looking for z scale n. Lionel s electric train sets come in various sizes and scales. The first models were not constructed to any one scale or standard as were more like toys without any way to have different trains working together.

One reason for such success was that lionel trains were more realistic than all the. Our most popular brand is our ready to run sets also knows as o gauge. But his talents as an engineer and salesman soon put lionel ahead of its competitors. The first mass market model train sets were invented by a german company called marklin in 1891 and by the early 1950s model trains were the number one most popular toy for boys in the united states.

As technology advanced model train kits became more realistic. Ever improving electric motor technology and manufacturing techniques lead to the introduction of n scale trains about half the size of ho trains. Lionel s electric trains are very detailed and come with a lot of unique features like detailed sounds smoke and lights. Like the mighty locomotives and dynamic railroads to your favorite licensed trains of our most popular the polar express harry potter thomas and friends and more lionel train sets are packed with animation and excitement.

By the 1930s they had become very popular. Plastic takes over as the primary material used to produce model trains. Engineers developed the first electric locomotives in the late 19th century. Cowen designed his first train the electric express not as a toy but as an eye catching display for toy stores.

From the 1940s to the 1960s electric and diesel trains replaced steam power in many countries. The history of model trains stretches back nearly 150 years almost as old as the railroad industry itself. Electric trains are also made in s gauge and ho gauge. For 120 years lionel trains has captured the hearts and stirred the imaginations of young and old.

Early 1900s by joshua lionel cohen produced the most legendary trains of all. Electric trains appeared around the start of the 20th century but these were crude likenesses. An electric locomotive uses electric motors to drive the wheels. The company began by making small electric motors to power electric trains but shortly after world war i became the biggest name in model train making.