Model railroads, always stylish, are experiencing a resurgence today. They’ve expanded beyond their roles as playthings for inquisitive children and collectors’ items for train buffs to become interactive props for home decorating.
Model railroads come in a variety of sizes, from 1/220th actual size (the smallest, called Z-scale) to 1/22.5 actual size (one of the largest, called G-Scale). Because they can be used outdoors and indoors – if you have enough room – G-Scale trains are rolling past the smaller ones to make a cozy niche for themselves (cozy being the operative word here, decorating wise).
Train collector David Abell of Rochester has had his G-Scale train for 10 years. He “graduated” to the bigger size when the smaller HO-scale trains (1/87 of original size) became hard for his arthritic fingers to work with.
His train and its 180-foot track is located outside his home in the corner of the patio. Like David, new G-Scale aficionados use their models to dress up their backyards. Some have combined it with their gardens to offset buds and shrubbery in the spring and summer. Yes, they can also be used in snow in the winter. David Abell uses his Christmas G-Scale inside, around the holiday tree.
“I think G-Scale model trains are so special,” he said. “They’re a grand size so people of all ages feel comfortable using them – they don’t feel as delicate as some of the smaller models.
“If you’re thinking about enjoying model trains, G-Scales are the perfect learning tool,” he added.
Abell purchases many of his G-Scale train products from Ridge Road Station, which is located in Holly. The 30,000 square-foot store is the largest independent toy and Christmas store in the state. They sell a variety of toys, gifts and Christmas items throughout the year. In fact, the special Christmas section of the store is a customer favorite. To find out more about G-Scale trains, or trains of all kinds, call 585-638-6000 or visit them online at www.ridgeroadstation.com.
by Deirdre Byrne
