Why trains go under Christmas trees, and how their spirit endures.
You see it in movies, in mid-century illustrations, in storefront windows: a merry little train circling the base of a Christmas tree, though a wintery village scene. It’s been an American tradition for over a century, but why?
It all goes back to a time when our country ran on rails. In the early 20th century, the U.S. had more than 254,000 miles of track from coast to coast – plus another 44,000 miles of inter-city and regional rail lines. Everyone knew the main railroad companies in their area, and most people rode trains regularly: to work, to visit family, to explore nearby towns.
Trains were a big deal! And just as kids today play with toy cars, trucks, and planes, children a century ago played with toy trains. One of the best presents Santa could bring was a train set. Of course, as soon as the wrapping paper came off, kids couldn’t wait to set it up immediately in the safe spot under the tree.
These trains weren’t cheap, either. A model locomotive was an investment, and having one running around your tree became a symbol of middle-class pride. Soon they were everywhere in seasonal advertising, firmly linking toy trains to warmth, family, and nostalgia.
While model train sets are less common these days, the hobby is far from extinct. The Philadelphia region has a surprisingly vibrant model-railroading scene, with legacy shops, clubs, and even a museum. There’s no better time to enjoy the magic of miniature railroading!
LOCAL FUN WITH MODEL TRAINS
The Rockledge Model Railroad Museum
A sprawling, immersive HO-scale model railroad layout showcases the iconic Pennsylvania and Reading rail lines of the 1950s with exquisite detail. Only open one Saturday per month, except this December they’re hosting three Open Houses where the public can explore 900+ feet of active track through varied, vibrant local landscapes.
323 Montgomery Ave, Rockledge (Glenside/Elkins Park area)
Jan – Nov: Second Saturday of Every Month | 12 PM – 3 PM
🎄 December Dates: Saturday 12/13, Sunday 12/14, Saturday 12/20
Rockledgemrm.org
FACEBOOK
Local Shops:
Nicholas Smith Trains
The country’s oldest model train store, since 1901. Offering an incredible variety of cars, engines, parts, tools, sets, and accessories sold with love and a true rail fan’s attention to detail.
2343 West Chester Pike (Rt 3), Broomall.
HOURS: Mon thru Thurs and Sat: 12 pm to 5pm, Friday 12 pm to 7pm (Closed Sunday)
nicholassmithtrains.com | ebay shop
@NicholasSmithTrains on youtube
Bussinger Trains
Model train retail and service, plus classic toys and vintage robots in a charming Main Street shop. A 40+ year institution.
57 N Main St, Ambler
Sunday 12 pm to 6pm, Mon – Sat 10am to 7pm
bussingertrains.com | FACEBOOK
Joe’s Train Station
Large, family-owned retail store selling all scales and major manufacturers. Trains from the turn of the 20th century to modern high-tech models; repairs and restorations too. Since 1981.
283 East County Line Road, Hatboro
Mon – Fri: 10-6, Sat & Sun 10-4
Tel: 215-322-5182
joestrainstation.com
Trains Toys and Hobbies
Just over the state line, this adorable model train emporium also sells model cars, aircraft, and rockets plus supplies, accessories, and specialty books.
2505 B Philadelphia Pike, Claymont DE 19703
Monday 12 – 6, Tues – Sat 10 – 6, Sun 12 – 4
trainstoysandhobbies.com
Local Clubs:
National Model Railroad Association
Local model railroad hobbyists have been meeting in Philadelphia since the 1960’s, when they had their own “Council of Model Railroad Clubs” that coordinated groups across the Delaware Valley. They became an official division of the National Model Railroad Association in 1969, and today celebrate more than 50 years of membership. They meet five times a year, and welcome guests to learn more about this uniquely captivating pastime. Pro Tip: check out their newsletter, The Dispatcher, published in full color on their website. phillynmra.org | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | @NMRAonline on youtube
Pennsylvania Live Steamers
Ever wish you could ride a model train? “Live Steamer” fans run their large-scale, steam-powered replicas on massive outdoor landscapes through tunnels, signals, yards, and stations that are nearly full-size. It’s a serious hobby requiring real skills in engineering and craftsmanship, but also a joyful, cooperative activity that’s fun for all ages. New members welcome, you don’t need to own a train to help build and operate real steam (and diesel) locomotives. palivesteamers.org | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
🚂 FUN FACTS 🚃
- The first model trains were German “tinplates” made of stamped metal and powered by finely-crafted wind-up or clockwork mechanisms
- The first electric model train appeared in 1901 when Joshua Lionel Cowen, a New Yorker and son of German immigrants, built a shop-window display so compelling that people wanted to take it home. Today, Lionel Trains is still one of the most recognizable names in the hobby.
- Bachmann Trains, headquartered in Philly, is one of the largest manufacturers in the world today, producing models for the “discerning hobbyist” since 1969 (also the US distributor for Thomas & Friends™).
- The model train hobby brings in $300–$500 million annually in U.S. retail sales.
- After the US, the top global markets for model toy trains are Germany, Japan, the UK, and France.
- There are estimated to be 350,000–500,000 active model railroaders in the U.S. (depending on how you count scales and club participation).
- Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the top states for model rail enthusiasts and clubs — thanks to our dense historic rail network and railfan culture.
- The longest model train was 925.5 feet long with 31 locomotives and 1,563 carriages built by Wilmington, NC’s Railroad Museum in 2011.
- The fastest model train speed ever recorded was 27.84 mph, set by Japanese enthusiast Yoshiaki Egawa in 2018.
- The smallest functioning model railroad layout (by scale) is T-Gauge — so small a single locomotive can sit on a business card.
- The world’s largest model train layout is Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany with 1,200+ trains, 10+ miles of track, and more than 100k feet of floorspace divided into twelve sections, including replicas of major global cityscapes and lighting that cycles from day to night.
- Famous model railroad hobbyists include Michael Jordan, Rod Stewart, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Hanks, and Ringo Star. Frank Sinatra had a million-dollar train set that recreated Hoboken, NJ from his childhood.
- The model trolley in every episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was custom-built for the show, and operated by Mister Rogers himself, via hidden buttons.
- The Polar Express reignited American interest in model trains, and Lionel released a bestselling O-gauge Polar Express set that became one of its all-time biggest sellers.
- In Home Alone, Kevin lures the burglars using a model train with a cardboard cutout on it, proving that toy trains are eternal agents of chaos.
What do you think? Click the links (and watch the videos) for more information. Drop your thoughts in the comments below, or email us at editor@nwlocalpaper.com.
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