Across the globe there’s an army of enthusiastic train collectors who not only enjoy their hobby but also use it to make money. Collecting model trains is one of the few hobbies around which can see you add pennies to your savings rather than merely burning a hole in your pocket.
Simply put, model trains do not lose their value; in fact you’ll find that over the years they grow in value and become much more of a collector’s item. Many model train collectors are used to making wise decisions, snapping up desirable models that will gain value over the years. Things to look out for when buying model trains for investment purposes is the condition of the train, whether it still runs and whether the all important original box is included. To be of much value, the box itself must be in good condition and it’s even better if original documentation including manuals and inserts are included. If you can buy a rare model train in good condition in its original packaging you’re on to a winner!
Of course, there is a large proportion of collectors who simply enjoy collecting model trains and have no desire to cash in from their hobby. Locating and buying a model that will complete a collection is a great feeling and better still if it’s a collection you’ve been working on finishing for quite some time.
For collectors worldwide one of the major deciding factors on which type of model train to buy is their scale. To laymen, the scale simply means what size they are in relation to a real train. The scale that collectors are after is largely determined on how much space they have to build their model railways. Z scale model trains are 1/220th of the size of a real train; a very small option for collectors pushed for space. S scale trains are the largest with a scale ratio of 1 to 64. HO scale trains are the second largest and also the most popular size globally.
To get started with model train collecting visit hobbiesandmodeltrains.co.za. Based in South Kensington, Johannesburg, this family run business will be able to guide you through the world of model railways, whether you’re collecting with investment in mind or simply interested in developing a new hobby to enjoy for many years to come.
Model Trains by hobbiesandmodeltrains.co.za. Visit their website today if you’re looking for Model Railways.