The first model railroads appeared in the mid-19th century. Within a few years, a model train set was the must-have toy for thousands of hobbyists across Great Britain, Europe, and North America. And this singular pastime is still steaming ahead, with devotees and creatives busily opening up the hobby to a new customer group. In fact, far from hitting the buffers, the model railway is keeping well on track.
Jump aboard this gallery and click through the history of this aged but cherished hobby.