model Railroad

Railroad, model, hobby in which a miniature railroad system is developed. The model railroader, who often uses kits with to-scale (size proportionate to the original) parts, assembles and then operates the cars, tracks, signals, bridges, and other railroad equipment. Miniature towns accompanied by scenery are also developed. Carpentry, electrical skills, and imagination are involved in building and operating a model railroad. Demand for manufactured model railroad products in the United States arose after model railroads were exhibited at the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago (1933–34). The National Model Railroad Association was formed (1935) to create standards for model railroad materials.