| The model train scale was not always an industry | | | | presented problems for the typical enthusiast. If a |
| standard. When model train productions first | | | | manufacturer offered a larger variety of |
| began, the size of the model train was | | | | accessories, but was not the manufacturer of the |
| determined by the designer and manufacturer. | | | | railway system one was using, the model |
| With little variety and only a few manufacturers | | | | railroader was limited by inconsistencies on the |
| providing model trains in specialized areas, the | | | | scale of the trains. |
| need for a standard scale was minimal. However, | | | | Each manufacturer would determine the model |
| with the growth of manufacturers and the | | | | train scale and trains, rails and accessories would |
| available variety of accessories, the need for a | | | | not be interchangeable. In turn, this would not only |
| standardized industrial wide scale became evident. | | | | require that a model railroader become brand |
| For early manufacturers such as Lionel, | | | | specific or create more than one railway system |
| Bauchmann, Hornby and Lima, a variety in model | | | | using different scales, it also meant that each |
| train scale size was not a concern. Lionel is an | | | | manufacturer would have to market to individual |
| American manufacturer and the engine replicas | | | | railroaders instead of a group. By not having a |
| would be of American trains. The scenery | | | | standardized industrial wide scale for size, all |
| accessories would be American influenced and | | | | manufacturers were limiting the target market of |
| produced in that manner. Bauchmann and Hornby | | | | these enthusiasts. |
| are manufacturers originating in the United | | | | With the growing popularity of constructing model |
| Kingdom. As such, the company products would | | | | railway systems and the frustration expressed by |
| resemble those of the British rail system and | | | | model railroader's, manufacturers' views on these |
| settings. Lima is an Italian manufacturer and the | | | | scales began to change. Eventually, an industry |
| company's production and design was geared | | | | standard model train scale was created and |
| towards an Italian market. | | | | manufacturers' began producing trains and |
| The terms "model railroader" for American culture | | | | accessories according to the industry standard. |
| and "railroad modeler" for most European | | | | With the introduction of the this scale, every |
| countries, as well as, Australia are used to | | | | manufacturer's customer base increased and sales |
| describe a person who constructs or collects | | | | for all manufacturers increased. |
| model railroads or systems as a hobby. Early | | | | A need for a standard scale was not immediately |
| enthusiasts would typically be introduced to the | | | | evidenced. Yet, as this market group increased, |
| product produced and supplied within their | | | | the industry formulated a standardized model train |
| perspective countries. Since global marketing was | | | | scale in order to satisfy the needs of the |
| not widespread and most countries obtained | | | | consumer and increase profitability by widening |
| goods solely from the countries in which they | | | | the available market. Today, the same |
| resided, model railroading was simplified and the | | | | standardized scale is used. Model railroaders no |
| scale was irrelevant. | | | | longer have to become brand loyal to a specific |
| However, as the hobby and industry grew, more | | | | company and can access the wide variety of |
| manufacturers offering a variety of trains and | | | | products offered by all manufacturers. |
| accessories became easily available. This | | | | |