The interest in model trains has increased hugely over the last few years, and particularly over the last few months. This increase in popularity, particularly in the UK, has been attributed to the recent credit crisis which has led to people getting involved in more home based and family oriented activities, rather than days or evenings out.

The build quality of model trains has also improved tremendously in recent years. Having gone from crude tin plate, through basic plastic injection moulding, some of today’s models are highly intricate works of model engineering, with impressive amounts of detailing. This level of detail really captivates the character and feel of the original locomotive locomotive, coach item of rolling stock being reproduced.

Recent offerings of Hornby Trains are particularly fine model trains with exceptional detailing. They are no longer just simple plastic mouldings, with all the detail cast into the main moulding. These recent models are now put together using many different parts. As an example, the model released recently of the Hornby Schools Class depicts a completely new and reworked. The firebox, boiler and dome are all cast in metal, whilst the smokebox, running plate, cab, chimney and smoke deflectors are plastic.

There is an abundance of accurate rivet detail and there are plenty of separately fitted items, such as brass safety valves, clack valves, nameplate, chimney and wire handrails.

However, perhaps the most visually attractive area of the model is the one that will most likely be hidden from view. That is the cab interior and boiler backhead. The quality of the cab instruments, control levers and wheels is amazing. With a keen eye or by using a magnifying glass, you can even read the gauges, and the water gauge glasses, regulator, reverser and atomiser are miniature works of art.

So the question is will models of this quality be run on layouts by young children, or are these models now intended for collectors to display proudly? It is true that these new, highly detailed models do look absolutely fabulous on display but also look magnificent on a well built layout. That is not to say that they look out of place on a simple layout either.

Hornby have obviously thought of this as they often produce Limited Edition models, clearly aimed at the collector. In 2008 they produced a 70th Anniversary Edition of the World Famous Class A4 Mallard, complete with gold plated exterior metal parts. This specially commissioned pack was limited to 5000 and each one comes complete with a certificate of Authenticity.

With the advent of Digital Control, (DCC) locos now feature lights that work and stay lit all the time something not possible with a normal analogue layout unless using a separate power source in each loco and also sound. These new features add a whole new dimension to the hobby. These DCC locomotives are obviously meant to be worked on layouts to add extra dimensions to the operation of the layout, and also to add extra realism to the observer.

However, at the other end of the spectrum, Hornby also have a range of models targeted at the younger enthusiast. Known as the RailRoad range, these models are devoid of the easily damaged detail parts that adorn the new super detailed models. The Hornby RailRoad Range also offers a simple and cost effective way of getting into the hobby.

So, summing up. Are model trains toys, models or miniature works of art? The superb quality of some of the recent models could well be thought ofas works of art. A large contingency of enthusiasts still believe to this day that steam locomotives were works of art and these new models faithfully reproduce the character and charm of the originals. However, how many children still get delight from operating their first train set? These are the ones that will become future enthusiasts and collectors as they grow older.

I suppose the answer is ‘Yes!’ to all three!