History of Toy Electric Trains

Toy Eletric Trains

Toy trains have been an important part of Americana for a hundred years. For most of us toy trains have been an important part of growing up. Children and adults alike are fascinated by the lights, sounds, and motions of a neat toy train layout. But what about the history of the toy train? By the late 1820's, trains were introduced to this nation. The nation needed to transport people, agricultural products, minerals, and manufactured goods. The steam locomotive was the perfect solution to the nation's transportation problem. The train rapidly became the primary transportation system in the country. Trains hauled freight, livestock, people, and mail. Trains helped settle the nation. Toy trains had their roots in the real trains which had become so important to the country.

The first toy trains were simple wooden carved trains designed to be pulled along the floor with a rope. Many of these were homemade, as local craftsman capitalized on the desire for toy trains. Manufacturers soon began making these trains out of metal. Because metals can show greater detail than wood, these little trains were more realistic than their wood counterparts. These types of trains are still popular for very young children.

The first toy trains to run around the track under their own power, just like the real thing, were wind-up trains built by these German craftsmen. Wind-up trains can still be purchased, and are still fun to run.

The first electric toy trains appeared around 1899/1900 and were also probably German in origin. Because few homes had electricity at this time, these trains were battery powered. Joshua Lionel Cowen - a name most people will recall- was the first documented American to build an electric toy train. It was a simple train - a motorized gondola car. Toy trains have formed an important part of this world. The magic of toy trains as they wind through miniature villages and countryside’s act as a time machine, transporting us back to a simpler time. The fun of building a layout and running the trains is a timeless pleasure, fun for young and old alike.