Model Trains - Toys, Models or Miniature Works of Art?
The interest in railway modelling 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 recent economic slump which has led to people getting involved in more home based and family oriented activities, instead of days or evenings out.
Model train build quality has also improved tremendously during the last few years. Having gone from crude tin plate, through basic plastic injection moulding, many of today’s models are incredibly intricate works of model engineering, with impressive amounts of detailing. This level of detail really captures the character and feel of the prototype locomotive, coach item of rolling stock being modelled.
Some of the more recent Hornby Trains are particularly fine model trains with magnificent detail. They are no longer 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 model released recently of the 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 locomotive 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 almost a shame that perhaps the most stunning 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 are miniature works of art.
So will models of this quality end up being run on layouts by young children, or are these models now aimed at collectors to proudly put on display? It is true that these new, highly detailed models do look absolutely fabulous on display but also look magnificent on a highly detailed layout. That is not to say that they would 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 advent of Digital Control, (DCC) locos 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 add a whole new dimension to the hobby. These DCC locomotives are obviously intended to be used on layouts to add extra dimensions to the operation of the layout, and also as an added experience for the observers.
In contrast to this, Hornby also have a range of models targeted at the younger enthusiast. Known as the RailRoad range, these models do not have the smaller, more easily damaged detail parts that are a feature of the main range. 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. Many people 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 delight 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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