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Toy trains aren't just for kids!
Teens are great participants in this hobby.
Today's toy trains aren't just toys anyway! The following will give you some great leads to enjoying them.
Computers and Toy Train Games
You can use modern computer technology to operate toy trains, do simulations and games, and enjoy computer graphics. Here's one listing of many of these.
Model building
It takes skill and a steady hand to actually create models of real trains. We have links to many manufacturers and publications that will tell you all about it.
LEGOs
This popular product line allows you to create trains on-screen, and to order them too. Trains can be assembled from parts that click together -- airports, cars, houses, and more, too! Check out their site.
K'NEX
This product uses plastic parts to assemble bridges, simple machines, gears, levers and inclined planes, which are all elements of railroads. One use of this product to build a train layout may be found at Scott's Design Gallery. While these are often used by younger kids, you can design railroad uses drawing on your greater understanding of how things work.
Layout design and construction, Collecting, Repairing and restoring
You can get into building layouts with trackside scenery and buildings. Working together with friends is great too. Collecting toy trains, fixing them up, maintaining them, all requires skills that can be used for other jobs too. For information about getting started, go here.
 Great new model trains can be purchased from leading manufacturers, such as the new Amtrak Acela train from Lionel. Check out other firms making fine toy trains. |
Join a Model Railroad Club
The Train Collectors Association has local chapters all over. Contact one for information about local meetings and events. Check out the Teen Association of Model Railroaders (TAMR)
which specializes in model railroading and railfanning. Their site provides information and events for teens. They have local chapters and their links page can guide you to more sources.
Here's some interesting information on railroads:
History, maps, literature, ads, games, and more
History of Railroads from the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Lots of background information including current railroading.
| Students are welcome to use the Toy Train Reference Library for research with assistance from the librarian, and for browsing books about the great hobby of toy trains. |
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Scout Railroading Badge If you're in the Boy Scouts, you can go for this badge that includes real and toy trains! (Availability may be limited, ask your troop leader.)
Toy Train Web Sites
There are hundreds of sites. See some on our list here. |
