Electric Model Train History

Ever improving electric motor technology and manufacturing techniques lead to the introduction of n scale trains about half the size of ho trains.

Electric model train history.

Electric trains appeared around the start of the 20th century but these were crude likenesses. Lionel s electric trains are very detailed and come with a lot of unique features like detailed sounds smoke and lights. Beginnings youthful inventor joshua lionel cowen wasn t the first to manufacture toy trains. Model train engines and control systems also vary widely from electric cars to steam powered to gas electric model train locomotives that closely simulate the engines of modern trains.

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. 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. There is a clear split between scale model railroading for adults and toy trains sold to children. Early 1900s by joshua lionel cohen produced the most legendary trains of all.

But his talents as an engineer and salesman soon put lionel ahead of its competitors. Lionel s electric train sets come in various sizes and scales. Electric trains are also made in s gauge and ho gauge. Model trains today are more realistic in addition to being much more technologically advanced.

An electric locomotive uses electric motors to drive the wheels. For 120 years lionel trains has captured the hearts and stirred the imaginations of young and old. Plastic takes over as the primary material used to produce model trains. As technology advanced model train kits became more realistic.

By the 1930s they had become very popular. 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. From the 1940s to the 1960s electric and diesel trains replaced steam power in many countries. One reason for such success was that lionel trains were more realistic than all the.

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. Engineers developed the first electric locomotives in the late 19th century. Our most popular brand is our ready to run sets also knows as o gauge. 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.