Model railways

Model railways are models of railways at a reduced scale, including both engines, carriages or rolling stock, tracks and associated buildings and scenery.

Model railway engines generally operated by low voltage DC electricity supplied via the tracks. Model railways in the early twentieth century ran using wind-up clockwork or minature steam engines instead; and steam or clockwork driven engines are still sought by collectors.

The size of the engines depends on the scale being used. The four major scales used in the English-speaking world are: G, O, HO, and N. Somewhat different scales are used in Continental Europe. Engine sizes can vary from around 20 cm tall for the largest scales, down to slightly bigger than a matchbox for the smallest ones.

Model railways are a popular hobby, and involvement in it can range from the simple possession of a train set (especially by children), to spending many hours and large sums of money on custom layouts and scenery.

Model railway clubs exist for serious model railway enthusiasts to meet. Clubs sometimes put on displays of models for the general public.

One particularly famous model railway club is the Tech Model Railway Club (TMRC) at MIT.