Scale Model Locomotive Commotion - Lifetime Hobby for Enthusiasts

For many reasons, people who once enjoyed locomotive transportation haven't been able to let go of the look and feel of trains. During the earliest stages of development, trains were once self-propelled by the pull and push lever for purposes of heavy work transfer and first practically constructed in Great Britain in 1804. Later, "Old Ironsides" was the first steam engine compelling five tons on track and four wheels. Today high-speed trains operate in Europe and Japan some evolved to the monorail. Fuels for trains have included steam, diesel, gas or turbine and combinations with/or electric motors. Some modern trains are run solely by electricity.

One of the prominent collector's clubs today includes the Lionel Collector Club of America with a current enrollment of 8,000 members. Beginning as early as the 1970s, conventions are held during the last week in July each year in the U.S. The latest convention or the 37th Annual Convention for the club was held in Chicago, Ill., during 2007 and included many activities at different locations. The annual convention was held in Denver, Colo. in 2006 and in St. Louis, Mo. during 2005. Organizers and announcers wore the Chicago mobster Al Capone garb, i.e., top hats, white ties and suits. Chicago Botanical Gardens often displays well-made scale model trains for public viewing.

Just as modern day scale models are compelled by electricity, so are some of the modern trolleys or subways. The Train Collectors Association based from Santa Anita, Calif., has announced upcoming shows in 2007 at Ringgold, Ga., Lexington, Ky., and Naperville, Ill. Modern day train shows are very elaborate and can be considered action collectibles and virtual tourism.

Locomotive collectors remain so enthusiastic that members often mention model trains as the "world's greatest hobby." Detailed plans for setting up a train scape are available as well as junior engineer's membership. A most popular size Lionel train was the HO model often used to set up around the Christmas tree during the cold northern American winters. The scales sizes for each train car has its number on each box. Train cars, engines, conductors and transformers can be purchased separately, or some large toy stores such as FAO Schwartz of New York City offer complete sets starting at $319 for a box of the essentials. Individual cars attaching to Lionel engines have included images of moving swimming fish, lighted cars, cars with cranes and pulleys, rocket cars, cars with people, cargo dumping cars, flat cable transport and hobo box cars; Union Pacific, Canadian Pacific and Amtrak. Buying, selling and trading options are available on Internet transaction sites such as e-bay or e-track, and on the collectors sites.

Prices of collectible trains are determined by rarity, condition, and how much money collectors have. Buyers and sellers do use variables and bargain for the final price. Some train engines or cars are worth tens of thousands of dollars. Original cars bought at $50 thirty years ago are usually worth about $1,000 today.The city of Chicago and location where this year's Lionel collectors met, maintains one of the most reliable modern-day urban railroad systems, part of the tour. FAO Scwartz mega toy store located at 767 Fifth Avenue, New York City, displays some of the most elaborate setups to be seen, especially during the holidays. Set-ups include Swiss chalets and waterfalls with waving conductors. Model sizes to consider are RR, G, HO, N, O and SZ before making a purchase. These sizes are to scale meaning whatever size chosen for your display, by matching the letters on the boxes, everything will piece together with perfection. So if you're into serious action hobby collecting consider locomotion -- recommended for children ages eight and up, and adults.