Wood is both a common and historical building material, even in model trains. Through the use of wooden parts, from the base to even the smallest details, hobbyists create stunning imitations of trains. No surprise, as wood bestows a lot of unique advantages to modelers over the many decades that it has been used in railway modeling. Here, discover the benefits of a wooden model train and why you should consider it for your next project.
Wooden model trains bring challenges.
Plastic models have been popular since their invention. However, it means that its part comes ready to be assembled, requiring less effort. One advantage of opting for wooden models is that unlike plastic ones, it requires you to use different tools, from glue to sanding paper, scalpel, saw, and handheld planers, and devote extra work in cutting and putting together the pieces. Wooden model trains bring challenge, which many hobbyists yearn for, and what makes it more rewarding or fulfilling to finish projects.
Wooden model trains improve your organization skills.
Building wooden model trains involve pieces of varying sizes and shapes, with others involving up to hundreds of parts. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, you need to use your organization skills and hone them to complete the model and end up with a beautiful piece. The process also entails following sets of instructions or a flow, which you should devote extra caution to. Any step skipped or parts misplaced may affect the final look of your model.
Wooden model trains require extra creativity.
Most wooden kits have parts that are usually unpainted. Though it again needs extra work, what’s great is that it provides the modeler to unleash their creativity. You can decorate it based on your preference. Unlike plastic models that are normally painted or designed like their base model, wooden model locomotives allow you to display your artistic side.
Wooden model trains are lasting.
It’s undeniable that wood tends to have better durability and longevity than plastic. Wood can withstand rough handling and can last through many generations. Meanwhile, plastic appears to be more brittle or prone to breakage.
Wooden model trains are environmentally sound.
Unlike plastic models, wooden model trains whose parts are made from sustainable sources are more environmentally friendly. Wood is renewable via natural processes, and the proper selection of harvested trees allows the continued growth of newer trees. As forests grow, they continue to clear carbon dioxide and provide oxygen to the environment.
Moreover, if no paint has been used on wooden model trains or toxic-free paint was applied, they are biodegradable and recyclable compared to plastics filled with chemicals and have fewer opportunities for renewability.
Wooden model trains help relieve stress.
Building model trains is a good respite from the daily stresses of life. As you spend a few hours finishing a model, you devote your full attention, time, effort to the tasks at hand. You get to concentrate on the steps, on the assembly, or ways to design your model. Thus, clearing your mind and allowing you to take a break from stress and anxiety-triggering issues.
Takeaway
If you’re into railway modeling, we hope the listed benefits of wooden model trains enticed you to try building one. You’ll be surprised with how challenging yet satisfying they are to make. Of course, you need some creative juices and skills, but what you’ll get in the end is a relaxed mood and a beautiful, environmentally friendly model train that you can proudly showcase and adore for the years to come.