Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Model trains aren’t just for kids

In this era of video games and power computers, you'd figure model trains just aren't high-tech enough for today's kids.

Not so.

"Model trains today are very high-tech," said Pat McManis, a computer consultant and model train hobbyist.

"There are computer chips used to control some trains and sound systems that are so realistic you can hear cows mooing from cattle cars and a calliope playing in circus cars."

Dave Swanson, a lifelong model train enthusiast from Chicago, said the model train industry is moving toward computers to tap an ever-expanding market.

"The technology is improving to provide for easier-to-assemble track, realistic lighting and even computer programs to help you lay out your track," he said.

"With these programs, you create the layout on the computer, which warns if you are trying to design a turn that will be too tight for the train to handle. Then you build it from that design."

Swanson, 39, said such programs are relatively inexpensive -- less than $100 -- and open a world of possibilities to enthusiasts whose hobby has grown far beyond the circular layout around the Christmas tree.

Paul Mickelson, a Las Vegas model train enthusiast who specializes in the electronics end of the hobby, said higher technology may be one reason for the hobby's growth over the last several years.

"There is a difference between scale model trains and toy trains -- and, as with anything, if you buy cheap, you get cheap," he said.

"Regardless of how high-tech a system you want, you should buy quality equipment so you can enjoy the hobby."

He noted that the enjoyment level can be greatly inhibited by glitches. Cheap sets don't have high-tech bells and whistles and they tend to derail frequently and otherwise malfunction, Mickelson said.

Swanson said the digital radio controls "have made trains popular with the younger set again," but the vast majority of today's hobbyists are adults who were introduced to model trains 50 years ago, put the hobby aside as teens and have picked it up as seniors.

While some hobbyists want all the newfangled gadgets, others desire the simple layouts -- free of computer control and similar to the trains of their youth.

"Even for those who prefer the circular layouts, I recommend a few switches for sidings (strips of track connected to the main line) so they can add or drop off cars like a real railroad," Swanson said.

"You can walk alongside your train and throw the switches, or create an automated setup run by a computer -- totally hands free."

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