Model trains are toy train replications modeled after real trains, that are built with accurate scale and appearance after the real trains they were fashioned after.
Real trains and railroads did not come about until the 1800s, hence real toy model trains could not have existed before that time period. The first miniature trains were built by unknown German toy makers, beginning in 1830s, these miniatures were molded in metal similar to the many toy soldier figurines of the day. Toy trains were soon being made across Europe, however, the first model trains were hand-crafted and expensive, made as original and novel one-offs by toy makers, tinsmiths, clock smiths, music box and instrument makers, and anyone else who had the necessary skills. The early model trains also did not function as moving trains, they were hand-pushed at best. One of the first moving powered model train was a steam-powered toy train called the Dribblers and the Piddler invented by Sir Henry Wood.
1891 Marklin
However, it wasn't until 1891 that a milestone in model train history occurred with the introduction by the German manufacturer Marklin of the first mass manufactured toy model train set. This was a complete train set that came with a track, the train was powered by a wind-up mechanism, and the set was expandable, additional trains and track were offered to customers.
Marklin also set the international standards for train scales, they introduced the first five gauges of toy model train sizes, and the O, Ho, and Z scale sizes. These sizes refer to the scale of the model toy trains as compared to the real sized, real trains the toys were modeled after. For example, the tiny "Z" scale trains are 1:220 scale, meaning for every 220 inches of real train there is a 1 inch accurate reproduction in the "Z" scale toy model train.
American Model Train Manufacturers
Founder of a real train company, the Baltimore Locomotive Works, Mathias Baldwin created a model toy of a passenger train in the 1830s, one of the first examples of an American built model train. George Brown and Company of Connecticut is created the first self-propelled American model train in 1856, the model was propelled by a wind-up clock mechanism.
However, America is known for its mass-produced model train makers, during the late 1890′s and early 1900′s, three now famous toy train manufacturers were established, Ives, Lionel and American Flyer.
Joshua Lionel Cowen had a real passion for trains. Cowen was an inventor of sorts; he developed a fuse to ignite photographic flash powder. Though the invention failed in its intent, the U.S. Navy bought up the fuses to use with underwater explosives.
Joshua Lionel Cowen finally achieved the success he really wanted: he was the person who successfully mass manufactured toy model trains in 1900. As happened with the fuses and the flashlight, Cowen was actually trying to invent something else when he invented toy nodel trains. He originally intended to create a store window display, a battery powered toy car that traveled on a circle of track. People wanted to buy the display more than the real merchandise for sale. Joshua Lionel Cowen went on to start Lionel Model Trains.
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