A Brief History of Steam Trains and the Value of Model Steam Trains
When we think of steam trains we often think of those powerful locomotives we've seen with huge billows of black smoke spewing out of the engines smokestack, barreling down the railroad track pulling a chain of rail cars behind it, and this image could very well be what motivates most hobbyist to include model steam trains to their collection.
It may come as a bit of a surprise, but the fact is that the history of this type of train can actually be traced back to the time of the Romans, who devised a means by which their carts and carriages could be moved on road surfaces.
Although simple in its mechanical design, it was none the less effective, and accomplished what the Romans set out to do.
By the year 1630, the idea that the Romans developed was taken to another level in England, where a system was designed allowing horses to pull wagons with iron wheels on wooden tracks.
They were still a long way from developing a mechanized means for transporting people and wares.
In 1776, in Sheffield England, a railroad system made out of iron bars set into wooden beams was invented and it was through this idea that the very first steam train traversed it's tracks.
In spite of the endless potential for transportation, the steam train was still not ready for the world.
Another twenty years would pass by before the first commercially successful steam train would be introduced on the scene.
It's inventors name was Robert Stephenson, and by now the contribution it could make was undeniable.
As with any new and innovative invention, the steam engine presented it's own set of problems.
It was entirely to expensive for companies to take a serious interest in producing them, and for the time period they were considered impractical.
Once again, a considerable length of time passed before a twin cylinder locomotive, designed by Matthew Murray was introduced in 1812.
Finally, the steam train was considered a viable alternative to the other forms of transportation being used.
If you are a model train enthusiast, your train collection could hardly be considered complete if you haven't added at least one model steam train locomotive and it's railcars to it.
Capturing this wonderful era will be more accurately reflected by having a highly detailed steam engine rolling around your layout.
Not only can a steam engine highly enhance your model railroading experience, but you may also want to consider their monetary value as well.
It is a well known fact that collectors aggressively pursue the acquisition of model steam engines to add to their collections, and will often fight over them.
One of the drawbacks in adding a model steam train to your collection is that they are not without their expense.
Most are quite pricy, but in the end you won't have any regrets about the addition of a model steam train locomotive and it's rail cars to your collection.
It may come as a bit of a surprise, but the fact is that the history of this type of train can actually be traced back to the time of the Romans, who devised a means by which their carts and carriages could be moved on road surfaces.
Although simple in its mechanical design, it was none the less effective, and accomplished what the Romans set out to do.
By the year 1630, the idea that the Romans developed was taken to another level in England, where a system was designed allowing horses to pull wagons with iron wheels on wooden tracks.
They were still a long way from developing a mechanized means for transporting people and wares.
In 1776, in Sheffield England, a railroad system made out of iron bars set into wooden beams was invented and it was through this idea that the very first steam train traversed it's tracks.
In spite of the endless potential for transportation, the steam train was still not ready for the world.
Another twenty years would pass by before the first commercially successful steam train would be introduced on the scene.
It's inventors name was Robert Stephenson, and by now the contribution it could make was undeniable.
As with any new and innovative invention, the steam engine presented it's own set of problems.
It was entirely to expensive for companies to take a serious interest in producing them, and for the time period they were considered impractical.
Once again, a considerable length of time passed before a twin cylinder locomotive, designed by Matthew Murray was introduced in 1812.
Finally, the steam train was considered a viable alternative to the other forms of transportation being used.
If you are a model train enthusiast, your train collection could hardly be considered complete if you haven't added at least one model steam train locomotive and it's railcars to it.
Capturing this wonderful era will be more accurately reflected by having a highly detailed steam engine rolling around your layout.
Not only can a steam engine highly enhance your model railroading experience, but you may also want to consider their monetary value as well.
It is a well known fact that collectors aggressively pursue the acquisition of model steam engines to add to their collections, and will often fight over them.
One of the drawbacks in adding a model steam train to your collection is that they are not without their expense.
Most are quite pricy, but in the end you won't have any regrets about the addition of a model steam train locomotive and it's rail cars to your collection.
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