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The World of Model Railroading

© Barbara Nicholson Bell

Recently my husband and I visited a public exhibit presented by a local model railroading club. We just happened upon it while doing something else, and both of us were surprised at how much we enjoyed the exhibit. I guess all guys are little boys at heart, and he loved the mechanics of the set-ups and the authenticity of each piece of rolling stock and accessories. For myself, I was reminded of the hours I spent with dollhouses as a little girl, and, later, the hours I put into building miniature furniture as a home-based business. Even now, I collect miniature villages as discussed in one of my recent articles.

Of course I had to do a little searching on the Web, to find out more! So, for all of you MRR's out there (you know who you are!) and any other would-be collectors of toy trains and railroads here are a few of the dozens of outstanding links I came across.

Trainworld and Trainland - absolutely awesome commercial web site that is so chock-full of fun and information that I can't begin to describe it all. You just HAVE to visit!

Toy Train Operating Society The Toy Train Operating Society was founded in 1966 to further the toy train hobby and to promote fellowship among its members. National headquarters are in Pasadena, CA but there are regional clubs as well.

National Model Railroaders Association "The National Model Railroad Association is the largest organization devoted to the development, promotion,and enjoyment of the hobby of model railroading. The NMRA was founded in 1935 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, making this our 64th year in service to the hobby of model railroading!" One very special feature is a Beginner's Page Project, which will help novices get their start with the basics of layout and building.

Sam, the Toy Train Man "Hi, I'm Sam the Toy Train Man. I am a private party, who has been collecting toy trains for over 25 years and I am the immediate past president of the Toy Train Operating Society - Southwestern Division, California's largest toy train club. Additionally, I am listed as a "reference to help you determine the monetary value of collectibles" by the Smithsonian Institution Conservation Analytical Laboratory. " A great site, interesting and well-presented.

Hatton Model Train Company in Liverpool, England. Hatton enthusiasts will love this resource for its extensive information and links, for other manufacturers as well.