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Model Trains & Railroads - General

The first model trains were made in Germany in the 1830s. These models were manufactured similarly to toy soldiers, made by pouring molten brass or tin into a mold. The trains had rolling wheels and could be pushed along a toy track. French toymakers joined the Germans in making model trains, developing very elaborate models. Musical instrument manufacturers made self-propelled model trains that were powered by clockworks.

In America, the first model train was made by Mathias Baldwin of the Baltimore Locomotive Works in the 1830s. Other toymakers followed suit. In 1856, George Brown and Co. of Connecticut made the first American self-propelled model train, which used clockworks. Model trains grew in popularity in America after the Civil War. These trains were more durable, realistic, and affordable than European model trains.

In the 1890s, the first electric train set was invented by German toy maker Theodore Marklin. He also created the first sectional track and figure eight layout. These improvements to model trains caught on quickly in America. Model trains were widely popular until the late '50s, when public interest switched from trains to cars. In the '90s, however, model trains enjoyed a resurgence in popularity as the television show "Thomas the Tank Engine" helped to renew interest among both children and adults.

Recommended Items at Auction

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Gorgeous and incredible IVES articulated locomotive, black, app. 32" long, Karl Rammling
Apr 06, 10:00 AM EDT
Gorgeous and incredible IVES articulated locomotive, black, app. 32" long, Karl Rammling
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $20- $3,500
$3,60020 Bids
Row & Company Brass Union Pacific Big Boy #4023 - 5 Of 6 As Delivered Electric Version
Apr 06, 10:00 AM EDT
Row & Company Brass Union Pacific Big Boy #4023 - 5 Of 6 As Delivered Electric Version
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $20- $6,500
$3,20014 Bids
J.E. Harman Mfg. Co. black New York Central 4-6-4 steam Pacific Hudson steam locomotive and a NYC tender - only ONE made
Mar 23, 10:00 AM EDT
J.E. Harman Mfg. Co. black New York Central 4-6-4 steam Pacific Hudson steam locomotive and a NYC tender - only ONE made
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $20- $1,300
$1,35011 Bids
Rich Art The Milwaukee Road 8501 6-6-6-6-6 Cascade electric locomotive
Apr 06, 10:00 AM EDT
Rich Art The Milwaukee Road 8501 6-6-6-6-6 Cascade electric locomotive
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $20- $4,000
$1,35010 Bids
Incredible! 5" gauge Stephenson Rocket built by O.S. Japan
Apr 06, 10:00 AM EDT
Incredible! 5" gauge Stephenson Rocket built by O.S. Japan
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $20- $3,000
$3508 Bids
Assorted Vintage Train Cars, Town Accessories
Mar 25, 10:00 AM MST
Assorted Vintage Train Cars, Town Accessories
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$1808 Bids
Group of twenty-seven various 6454 boxcars
Mar 23, 10:00 AM EDT
Group of twenty-seven various 6454 boxcars
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $20- $300
$1608 Bids
Two Prides Lines Jerusalem Transit Lines Trolleys
Apr 06, 10:00 AM EDT
Two Prides Lines Jerusalem Transit Lines Trolleys
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $20- $300
$1307 Bids
Gauge 1 live steam stork leg passenger train set
Apr 06, 10:00 AM EDT
Gauge 1 live steam stork leg passenger train set
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $20- $250
$4256 Bids
Carlisle and Finch mining train set with dump cars
Apr 06, 10:00 AM EDT
Carlisle and Finch mining train set with dump cars
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $20- $750
$3256 Bids
Boucher 4-6-0 steam locomotive No. 2222 with Pennsylvania tender
Apr 06, 10:00 AM EDT
Boucher 4-6-0 steam locomotive No. 2222 with Pennsylvania tender
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $20- $1,800
$9506 Bids
Large group of twenty-eight 6464-50 Minneapolis & St. Louis boxcars
Mar 23, 10:00 AM EDT
Large group of twenty-eight 6464-50 Minneapolis & St. Louis boxcars
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $20- $300
$1406 Bids
Gauge 1 live steam 2-2-0 locomotive
Apr 06, 10:00 AM EDT
Gauge 1 live steam 2-2-0 locomotive
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $20- $150
$2505 Bids
Bing prewar 9956/483 small roller coaster with one car containing one figure
Apr 06, 10:00 AM EDT
Bing prewar 9956/483 small roller coaster with one car containing one figure
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $20- $2,000
$5255 Bids
Standard Gauge Double Track Operating Bascule Bridge
Mar 29, 11:00 AM EDT
Standard Gauge Double Track Operating Bascule Bridge
by Bodnar's Auction Sales
Est: $150- $300
$1105 Bids
Dewitt Clinton Model Passenger Locomotive
Apr 06, 10:00 AM EDT
Dewitt Clinton Model Passenger Locomotive
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $20- $300
$605 Bids
Ives Prewar O Ga. 1118 Black Cast Iron Electric Loco with 11T Tender
Apr 01, 10:00 AM EDT
Ives Prewar O Ga. 1118 Black Cast Iron Electric Loco with 11T Tender
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $10- $250
$605 Bids
Ives Prewar O Ga. 1100 Black Cast Iron Electric Steam Loco w F.E. No. 1 Tender
Apr 01, 10:00 AM EDT
Ives Prewar O Ga. 1100 Black Cast Iron Electric Steam Loco w F.E. No. 1 Tender
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $10- $450
$1105 Bids
Ives Prewar O Ga. 1100 Cast Iron Steam Loco w Side Rods and 11T Tender
Apr 01, 10:00 AM EDT
Ives Prewar O Ga. 1100 Cast Iron Steam Loco w Side Rods and 11T Tender
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $10- $350
$1005 Bids
VINTAGE ENGLISH TRAIN WHISTLE - GREAT SOUND
Mar 25, 10:00 AM EDT
VINTAGE ENGLISH TRAIN WHISTLE - GREAT SOUND
by Simonetta Auction Service
Est: $0- $0
$185 Bids
Issmayer Pacific Express Line 5 piece train set, 0 gauge
Apr 06, 10:00 AM EDT
Issmayer Pacific Express Line 5 piece train set, 0 gauge
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $20- $800
$2255 Bids
Limited Edition Train Set by TCA
Mar 29, 11:00 AM EDT
Limited Edition Train Set by TCA
by Bodnar's Auction Sales
Est: $75- $150
$605 Bids
Group of ten 6464-525 M&StL boxcars
Mar 23, 10:00 AM EDT
Group of ten 6464-525 M&StL boxcars
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $20- $160
$905 Bids
Two 81 controlling rheostats in original boxes
Mar 23, 10:00 AM EDT
Two 81 controlling rheostats in original boxes
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: $20- $80
$504 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Model Trains & Railroads - General


Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists

Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists

Milestone Auctions

Milestone Auctions

Railroad Super Galaxy

Railroad Super Galaxy

Auction Team Breker

Auction Team Breker