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The first model trains were made out of pressed metal. As such they didn't have much detail. However, they were the best products that could be created with the technology available. The size of the models was dependent on the size of the electric motors available. As with all things electric, motors got smaller and smaller so the size of the model trains decreased. These first models were sold primarily to rich people for their "children" to play with, as "adults" didn't play with toys (rich or otherwise).
This train was going 100+ mph, in 1935!
It turns out - in secret - adults did like to play with toy trains...
Note! This is the first of TWO DIFFERENT model railroad exhibits. The newer, larger, and more impressive one is located behind the children's play area.
This cabinet is the first of a series which shows model trains of various scales, largest to smallest.
After adults started (secretly) "playing" with the "toy trains", the adults who were more "into trains" wanted more realism. This is where the differentiation between "toy" and "model" trains began. After awhile, the "toy trains" were looked-down-on by the "serious" model railroaders (not train hobbyist, model rail-road-ers, please!). However, that began to change as the "toy trains" became more realistic and also when people realized the "toy trains" could be as realistic as "model train" in their simulation of real train operations. So now, the "guys who play with trains" and the "serious model railroaders" can talk to each other.
A small working steam locomotive.
The entrance to the newest Model Train exhibit is to the left.
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The NMRA Model Train exhibit.
See the picture above for how to find it.
Trains of many types and eras.
Is it working today?
This is a model of a railroad CTC Machine (aka, CTC Board) which is used to remotely direct trains on a portion of track. "CTC" means: Centralized Traffic Control. The portion of track controlled can be from (say) 40 miles long to many hundreds of miles long, depending on the era and the railroad. The machine controls the switches and signals that direct the trains. Most railroad routes in North America are single track (one lane roads), which means trains have to pass each other on short sections of double track called "sidings", which are spaced about 10-20 miles apart. If you press the button for the exhibit, the machine simulates two trains, which start on either end of the track diagram (the lines on top of the machine and called the machine's "model board"), and need to move to the opposite end of the track diagram. The trains, indicated with lights on a particular section of track, move toward each other and pass at a siding located on the right-panel toward the back; labeled "Big Springs Jct.". After passing each other, the trains continue their journey and eventually move "off the board".
The control levers - which have colored lights above them - are for direction of travel (the bottom row of levers) and control of switches (the top row). The direction lever settings are left, stop, or right. The switch lever settings are neutral (straight) or reverse (side track). The person who operates the machine is generally called a dispatcher.
On a model railroad, the machine can do the same task.
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