Model Ho trains scenery trees figures streetlights best place online to shop for model trains. You will find a wide variety of model trains, both for buying, selling and collecting. Our selection includes toy trains such as Athearn, Bachmann, Hornby, Lionel, Marklin, AHM/Rivarossi, MTH and Marx
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Manufacturers have the goal of creating accurate and realistic model trains. The first model trains were powered by wind-up clockwork, or steam engines, with the first electric model trains appearing in the late 19th century.
The German manufacturer Marklin produced detailed trains as well as signals, stations, houses, and other scenery and destinations. Other German companies made ride-on-top live steam trains.
In 1906, Joshua Cowen invented Lionel trains, which soon came to dominate the American toy train market. More recently, LGB popularized garden trains in the United States.
Toy trains look less realistic than model trains, but often appeal to collectors. The first toy trains were made of cast iron or were pull toys. In the early 20th century, Lionel started making toy trains for standard gauge and O gauge. Other companies, such as American Flyer, Ives, and Marx made similar trains.