International Model Railway Day in December
Around 125 years ago, the Märklin company presented a locomotive with carriages at the Leipzig Trade Fair, which made its rounds on a circle of rails in front of an astonished audience. It was the first system railroad and the starting signal for series production. For more than a century, model railroads have had a firm place under the Christmas tree and in the hobby room.
A classic in competition
Model railroads are as lively as ever. Of course, it has had competition from Playstations and computers in the children's rooms and has to assert itself again and again with new technology. But the fascination with miniature railroads remains undiminished for young and old alike. This is demonstrated by the number of visitors to model train fairs, where the crowds can't get enough of the layouts.
The abundance of model train magazines in the newsagents also speaks volumes. What's more, a model railroad and the associated model railway layout construction playfully introduce children to technical relationships, encourage their imagination, creative thinking and fine motor skills and, above all, are fun.
Creative expression
In our digital world, which has long since dominated children's rooms, it is high time that model railroads were given the recognition they have long deserved - as a creative, realistic and educational toy and as an artistically valuable and technically sophisticated hobby.
International Model Railway Day
The International Model Railway Day on December 2 will help to bring the small trains back into people's focus. On this date and the following weekend, miniature railroads will go into operation worldwide, model railway layouts will open their doors and exhibitions will be organized.