Model trains

At the start of the nineteenth century, the invention of the steam locomotive signalled the start of a revolution in the area of transportation. Trains so captured the imagination of the public that people quickly began recreating all kinds of railway stock in miniature form.

In 1835, for instance, the first toy trains were introduced for sale and over time, an entire toy industry emerged. But professional locomotive manufacturers and engineers also built miniature trains, such as for the purpose of testing the shape and colour of new types.

The models built by hobbyists – those enthusiasts who sacrificed all their free time to recreating their favourite locomotive or coach as realistically as possible – are completely unique objects. All the different kinds of railway models remain beloved collector’s items to this very day.