Copyright 2002 T. Sheil & A. Sheil All Rights Reserved
The idea of toy trains being scale models is old hat to model railroaders. Within the hobby, scale models have to meet certain expectations insofar as detail, paint work, construction, etc. With the collectible toy diecast trains, it is a very different situation. Those sold as "scale" can have surprises for model railroaders. For instance, "scale" as seen in Maisto International's "On Track" 1/131 trains is more like the "scale" of Lionel's Postwar O27 trains. What with 1/131 being close to TT 1/120 scale, many TT scale model railroaders have taken an interest in them.
Model Railroading or not, the diecast toy trains are loads of fun. They are sturdy, attractive and have a good degree of detail and realism. Here is where we find ourselves in a very different hobby. Scale model railroading is focused on realism, while toy train collecting revolves around acquiring certain vintage and modern items. With diecast toys ,we touch the world of diecast collectibles. The diecast trains are sought by diecast collectors simply because they are....diecast! Most diecast collectors are not model railroaders or toy train collectors.
The natural route to take with diecast toy trains is that of toys. They have great potential as playthings and for toylike tasks, such as display layouts. I think you will find them interesting. We do!
Maisto Diecast "On Track" 1/131 Trains
1/131 Scale "On Track" Diecast toy trains (Maisto)
1/131 Scale Trains - a Technical Look
1/131 Scale Trains - Comparisons with TT Scale and Scale Model Railroading
1/131 Scale Trains - Test Runs
1/131 Scale Trains - Track plans and Layouts for the "On Track" track system
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