The first model locomotive systems worked using parts from wind-up clocks, then by tiny steam engines. Typically, the material used in the locomotives and train-cars were cheap tin plate or light-weight wood that overall, did not hold up very well.
A dream of many enthusiasts at the time was to control the system remotely. Single switches, even if they were incorporated at all, were manually controlled anyway, just like real-life. Times have certainly changed.
Today's electronic model railroad systems can digitally control several engines, independently, and on the same track. In some cases, these digital controllers do this while also controlling older analog systems at the same time. Electronically controlled lights, various motor-driven items as well as train sounds and even smoke are common enhancements today, but how exactly did this evolution take place?
Since small steam engines were introduced and up until around 1925, a buzz was happening in the model railroad business. Creation of train accessories, advertising and marketing were bringing the general public's attention to the hobby to a level not yet seen.
Products such as a wind-up locomotive toy made in Germany, called Toonerville Trolley, had state-of-the-art features like interactions with the driver, began to peak the interest in the creation of what is now pretty commonplace.
An early innovator at the time was Lionel. They introduced a new coupler system which increased realisticness in models. Smoke was intoduced by Lionel in 1946. The realistic smoke was so popular that within a few years of it's debut, all of the models had it. Another addition at the time was the use of figures that would operate doors and so on.
The mid 1900's changed the model train industy with the advent of digital controllers. Every engine is equiped with a receiver or decoder which accepts and responds to signals only sent to that specific engine. This development allows ony the voltage need to be placed via the track and used as needed. The digital signal is also sent across that same track.
Since each of the engines will only respond to commands sent to it, operators are now able to control several trains running on the same track just as like real-life counterparts. Speed and direction all both controllabe invidually.
Times sure are changing! |
