Anne McDermott on model trains: Christmas gifts that never derail

Anne McDermott

CNN National Correspondent Anne McDermott reports on the model train, a Christmastime classic that has mesmerized children and adults alike for decades.

Q: Are model trains still popular in this era of Pokemon?

McDERMOTT: From what I've seen, yes. You look around at these elaborate setups at malls or department stores -- it is a child magnet. Everybody wants to watch the train go round and round on the track. And, of course, there are plenty of adults who crowd around too.

The craft of model railroading seems to be the domain of adults -- mostly men, but there are some women who are actively involved as well.

The fascination of watching the model trains seems to know no age boundaries. I don't particularly have any kind of affection for trains and yet I find myself fascinated when I watch them.

Q: Have model trains been affected by the digital revolution?

McDERMOTT: I am told it is a $4 billion a year industry, according to the president of the Los Angeles Model Railroad Society. A lot of the money comes in with the new high-tech innovations.

There's a new computerized infrared system that helps power up the trains. A lot of trains are now using digitally recorded sounds of actual trains for greater realism. Chip technology, wireless control panels and other technology is all becoming part of this hobby.

Kids don't seem to care as much about any of these details. They just seem mesmerized watching these trains go around and around and around. They also enjoy the little details, like peering into these little house and seeing people sitting in living rooms as trains go by.

That's fun for kids and adults.

Q: How popular are the toy trains among adults?

McDERMOTT: You do not call them toy trains. They call themselves model train enthusiasts.

The train sets can be very spectacular. Some people have devoted entire rooms in their homes to their model railroads, which traverse created mountains and towns and lakes and villages. It's half art and half technique.

The art comes in as you see the beautiful detail the enthusiasts lovingly give to this craft: How they construct, often by hand from scratch, entire communities down to little tiny people, trees and shrubs.

People have also been known to construct entire trains by themselves from scratch. Many are beautifully done pieces that could be in a museum.

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