Welcome aboard Mr. Gnome! And that's a nice layout you have!
I suppose if we were going to be "orthodox" about it a classic toy trains would be defined as either Standard or O gauge if pre-war, and O and S gauge if post-war, made by any one of a number of makers but most famously by Lionel, American Flyer, and Marx.
However, I'd suppose you could also call the floor or pull-toy trains of the 19th and early 20th Centurys as "classic toy trains" as well, but they don't get too much attention, at least not here.
We talk about modern production as well, but whether those will become "classic" only time will tell. On30 might just fall into that category one day.
Anyway, whatever you like, don't be a stranger, we learn a lot from each other here and have a lot of fun doing it!
Speaking of classics, want to see a "Gnome" that's a classic and has nothing to do with toy trains?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYc-H8Wg-MQ
Cnw,
thanks for the reply. I will try to remember the lionel, mth and marx are classic train manufacturers. This will help as i browse ebay.
Traindaddy,
thanks for the reply. My eyes are not young anymore either, which is why I went with on30 instead of all ho. My fantasy layout might appeal to my grandkids; they have not seen it yet.
But after thinking about your comment, I can see that classic is related to age Of the train. As I collect older cars, they might be considered by some to be classic. However, presumably old junk does not count as classic. A traditional brand, such as Lionel, might be safe.
anyway, i am starting to figure this out.
I like your layout. Reminds me of mine a little over fifty years ago.
HO is a wonderful world as you will probably find out if you tune into the Model Railroader forum.
If you ever get bored with the little stuff or like some of us older guys your eyes start going and your fingers / hands don't quite work the way they used to, come on over and join us with the larger O size.
As to your question.. I really don't know the answer. I'll leave it to the experts.
To me, a Classic Toy Train is one that has stood the test of time and can be identified as a typical or traditional example of a "toy" train.
This doesn't mean that modern made trains are not to be considered classics but only their representation as being, as such, toys.
(Side note) When I was "into" HO, many of my pals considered their trains as models of "real-life" trains and seriously shunned the idea that they were "toys" even if their consists qualified to be called classic toy trains.)
did I get "off the track"!
Enjoy the hobby. Wish you all the best.
Welcome Gnome and what a nifty looking little layout! You are certainly welcome here. While I defer to any official response from forum moderators, I have enjoyed articles and reviews for these On30 engines and layouts in Classic Toy Trains' sister publication, Model Railroader. If you browse this forum, you may find more 'classic' O gauge engines and rolling stock from companies like Lionel, MTH, and Marx.
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
As a newbie, i am trying to find out where i best fit in the model train community. My layout is not an effort to reproduce a particular time, place or railroad. Also, making perfect scenary is not my thing. Instead, my continuous track runs in a circle around a village. The track is HO. The loco is a Bachmann on30 Porter. A used Wabash gondola is on its way to me from an ebay seller.
The description for the Classic Toy Trains magazine does not mention Bachmann or on30. I am not sure what i am doing counts as Classic. Can someone enlighten me? Or perhaps direct me to a site that would be a better fit?
https://uniim1.shutterfly.com/ng/services/mediarender/THISLIFE/022039477468/media/53890111505/small/enhance
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