train: Santa Fe Northern Steam Engine

The introduction of railroading in the 19th century demonstrated the effects of advanced American infrastructure. Locomotives represented the latest industrial technology, propelled the economy, provided convenience of speed, and offered freedom for Americans seeking to travel beyond their hometown. Toy manufacturers quickly caught on to the excitement and novelty of train excursions. Play with trains has been a rite of passage for generations of Americans. Toy trains have also become a hands-on hobby for adults. Many train collectors not only obtain the trains they had as a child, but the trains they wanted as a child. M.T.H.'s RailKing trains are smaller models that run on O gauge track. These shorter trains negotiate tighter curves, which model enthusiasts with small layouts consider an advantage.