Model railways have long been a favorite hobby with millions of people across the world. A model railway begins as a toy in its basic form, but becomes something more as the child gets older. Model railways – trains sets if you like – have a strong following and many famous people are enthusiasts.
There are clubs across the world dedicated to creating layouts (a layout being an entire model complete with track, trains, model scale buildings and landscape) and one such endured something of a troubled time quite recently.
The Market Deeping Model Railway Club, based in the town of that name in Lincolnshire, England, had its own massive and detailed layout on display at a local show when some teenagers decided that destroying it would be fun. Valued at £30,000 and a ‘lifetime’s work’, the club members were stunned.
The four teenagers involved were charged with criminal damage. The members rallied together and set about rebuilding the layout, with donations from well-wishers aiding the cause. What they did not expect was a surprise £10,000 donation to help from music star Sir Rod Stewart! A model railway enthusiast himself, Sir Rod said he ‘felt their pain’ and is now an honorary club member.
Choosing the Right Set
Now that we’ve seen that model railways grab the attention and even tug at the heartstrings of the famous – not to mention bring communities together – it’s easy to see why this is one of the most engaging and enduring hobbies of all.
When a kid starts playing with model trains they will likely be hooked forever, and it becomes something very satisfying to create your own village, town or scene using scratch materials or from any of the many kits that can be bought from model shops and online stores.
Choosing the right set to start with means looking closely at a variety of brands. Across the world, the Hornby brand is highly regarded, but we’re recommending you check out the LGB brand of model trains. They offer a wide choice of different gauges, so let’s explain what we mean.
As in real life railways, the gauge refers to the width of the track and the scale of the models. For example, the popular HO scale is 1:87. However, LGB – which is now owned by the collector’s favorite, Marklin – introduced the G scale for larger models, with a scale of 1:22.5.
These are very collectible, beautifully made and accurate models that – as they come in different sizes but all suitable for the same 45mm wide track – can be used for both indoor and outdoor layouts, adding greater versatility for the modeler. Larger trains appear to smaller children too, so starting a kid with an LGB set makes a lot of sense.
Find the Right Space
What is additionally appealing about LGB is that they cater for beginners and also for specialist collectors, and offer a full range of exciting and interesting locomotives and rolling stock often based on actual engines.
An LGB layout can be built to replicate a real railway line if you want, or to create one that is entirely original.
With a wide choice of sets for beginners that are perfect to start with and sensibly priced, the sheer quality of an LGB model train set should be enough to convince you that this is the brand to start with.
There’s plenty to enjoy in terms of model kits for this scale, and the sizing is such that even the smallest hands can get involved. Check out the LGB model train set range now, and you’ll be giving your children a gift they will love for a lifetime.
