| If you're a model train enthusiast then knowing | | | | of model engineers. You've got to be technically skilled |
| something about its history is a must. Building these | | | | because assembling this train set requires very precise |
| models is a hobby for lots of folks throughout North | | | | ability. |
| America. Many people started their hobby with a Lionel | | | | History of Atlas Model Trains |
| or Atlas model. | | | | The Atlas model history began with Stephan Schaffan |
| History of Lionel Model Trains | | | | Jr, an inventive young man who grew tired of working |
| The Lionel brand has been associated with it for over | | | | in his father's company and started building these |
| 100 years. Making railroad models and trains were truly | | | | models as a hobby. He first made model airplanes then |
| defined by Lionel. They helped to create the scales | | | | switched to trains when the owner of the model |
| which are still used today. Most people buy the O | | | | airplane store he frequented gave him some discarded |
| scale for smaller children and the HO scale for serious | | | | train sets. He invented a method for these models to |
| enthusiasts. The size of the latter trains is one and a | | | | slow down on the railroad track by altering the voltage |
| half times larger than the O scale. | | | | of the electricity to the brass tracks with a switch. He |
| You can get Lionel models in one of three categories. | | | | started the Atlas Model Railroad company and the |
| The Ready-to-Run variety is already assembled when | | | | switch set became a staple of the company. |
| you buy it and you just have to do some limited | | | | Schaffan invented many other devices that have |
| installation for your purchase to start running. The | | | | helped model train making become an interesting and |
| Shake-the-Box category needs you to assemble the | | | | rewarding hobby for enthusiasts. His company came |
| parts but you don't have to be particularly skillful at it. | | | | to be known as the Atlas Model Trains. He invented |
| And finally, the Craftsman type is suitable for scale | | | | pre-assembled tracks which have made the assembly |
| model enthusiasts who have progressed to the level | | | | of railroad tracks that much easier. |