Are Todays Model Trains Works of Art?

The interest in model railways has increased hugely over the last few years, and particularly in recent months. This increase in popularity, particularly in the UK, has been put down to the recent economic slump forcing people to get involved in more home based and family oriented activities, rather than days or evenings out.

The quality of model trains has also improved tremendously over the last few years. Having gone from crude tin plate, through basic plastic injection moulding, some of today’s models are highly 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 exceptional detailing. They are no longer just simple plastic mouldings, with all the detail cast into the main moulding. These recent models are now put together using many different parts. For example, the recently released Hornby Schools Class shows an entirely reworked model. 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.

However, perhaps the most visually attractive area of the model is the one that will most likely be hidden from view. That is the cab interior and boiler backhead. The detailing quality of the cab instruments, control levers and wheels is amazing. The calibrations on the gauges are legible under a magnifying glass, 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? For sure these new, highly detailed models do look magnificent on display but look equally impressive on a well built 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 introduction of Digital Control, (DCC) locomotives now feature working lights that stay on something not possible with a normal analogue layout unless using a separate power source in each loco and also sound. These new features bring a whole new level of realism to the hobby. These DCC locomotives are obviously meant to be used on layouts to add extra dimensions to the functionality of the layout, and also to add extra realism to the observer.

However, at the other end of the spectrum, Hornby additionally offer a range of models aimed 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 thought ofas works of art. A large contingency of enthusiasts 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 a great amount of pleasure 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!