Toy or Collectors Item – Are Model Trains Still Toys?

The interest in railway modelling has increased hugely over the last few years, and particularly in recent months. The recent increase in popularity, especially in the UK, has been put down to the recent economic slump which has led to people getting involved in more home based and family oriented activities, rather than days or evenings out.

The quality of model trains has also improved tremendously over the last few years. Having started out as crude tin plate, through basic plastic injection moulding, some of today’s models are highly intricate feats of model engineering, with impressive amounts of detailing. This level of detail really captures the character and feel of the original locomotive locomotive, coach item of rolling stock being modelled.

Some of the more recent Hornby Trains are particularly fine model trains with superb levels of detailing. Gone are the days where these are just simple plastic mouldings, with all the detail cast into the main moulding. These newer models are now intricately made up of many different parts. For example, the model released recently of the Hornby Schools Class shows an entirely reworked model. The firebox, boiler and dome are all cast in metal, whilst the smokebox, running plate, cab, chimney and smoke deflectors are plastic.

The engine features plenty of accurate rivet detail and there are plenty of separately fitted items, such as brass safety valves, clack valves, nameplate, chimney and wire handrails.

It is almost a shame that perhaps the most stunning area of detailing will be almost lost from view. That is the cab interior and boiler backhead. The detailing quality of the cab instruments, control levers and wheels is amazing. With a keen eye or by using a magnifying glass, you can even read the gauges, and the water gauge glasses, regulator, reverser and atomiser are miniature works of art.

So will models of this quality end up being run on layouts by young children, or are these models now intended for collectors to proudly put on display? It is true that these new, highly detailed models do look absolutely fabulous on display but also look magnificent on a well built layout. That is not to say that they look out of place on a simple layout either.

Hornby have obviously thought of this as they often produce Limited Edition models, clearly aimed at the collector. In 2008 they produced a 70th Anniversary Edition of the World Famous Class A4 Mallard, complete with gold plated exterior metal parts. This specially commissioned pack was limited to 5000 and each one comes complete with a certificate of Authenticity.

With the advent of Digital Control, (DCC) locomotives now have features such as working lights that stay on something not feasible with a conventional layout unless using a separate power source in each loco and also sound. These new features bring a whole new level of realism to the hobby. These DCC locomotives are obviously intended to be used on layouts to add extra dimensions to the operation of the layout, and also as an added experience for the observers.

In contrast to this, Hornby additionally offer a range of models aimed at the younger enthusiast. Known as the RailRoad range, these models are devoid of the easily damaged detail parts that adorn the new super detailed models. The Hornby RailRoad Range also offers the younger enthusiast a cheaper entry into the hobby.

So, summing up. Are model trains toys, models or miniature works of art? The superb quality of some of the recent models could well be thought ofas works of art. Many people still believe to this day that steam locomotives were works of art and these new models faithfully reproduce the character and charm of the originals. However, how many children still get a great amount of pleasure from operating their first train set? These are the ones that will go on to become enthusiasts and collectors as they grow older.

I suppose the answer is ‘Yes!’ to all three!

Skin roller – effective scar treatment

The skin needling roller is a amazing new device which has the fantastic ability to naturally encourages collagen production in the skin without damaging it. It has a lot of beneficial effects:

* Hair loss reduction (and possibly reversal)
* Anti Ageing
* Anti Wrinkle
* Cellulite Reduction
* Acne Scar Treatment

* Stretch Mark Reduction
* Hyper Pigmentation Treatment

Needles on a skin roller are generally one millimeter long so all you feel is a tickling sensation when the Skin Roller is used.

Not many people realize it, but many of the active ingredients within your chosen skin care products stays on the surface of your skin and are only partially absorbed. The skin roller has approximately one hundred and ninety two surgical steel micro-needles which can part the pores of the top layer of the skin without damaging it. The pores close again around an hour later, however during that time, the skin is a lot better able to benefit from skin creams and lotions.

The skin reacts to any injury by initiating the healing process, but it generally only heals enough to keep you healthy. By persistently initiating the healing process, you encourage your body to heal until the job is finished.

Skin Cancer and Vitamin A

The skin and mucosal cells (cells that line the airways, digestive tract, and urinary tract) function as a barrier and form the body’s first line of defense against infection. Retinol (vitamin A) and its metabolites (e.g. beta carotene which is converted to vitamin A) are required to maintain the integrity and function of these cells. (Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 1999).

n 1999 Researchers from the University of Michigan reported that ultraviolet irradiation from the sun causes a major loss of retinoic acid receptors in skin cells. They concluded that ultraviolet irradiation causes a vitamin A deficiency that may have harmful effects on skin function, contributing to premature aging of the skin and the creation of skin cancer. (Nature Medicine 1999; 5(4): 418-422).

n 2001 researchers from The University of Texas, Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Arizona looked at the effects of sun exposure and retinoic acid (vitamin A) receptors in skin cells.

The study examined these effects in relation to squamous skin carcinogenesis (SCC) (the process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells).

They observed a progressive decrease in retinoic acid (vitamin A) receptors from normal skin to precancerous skin progressing to invasive skin SCC (squamous cell carcinogenesis).

Their results indicate that the suppression of retinoid (vitamin A) receptors occurs early in the precancerous stage and is associated with progression of squamous skin carcinogenesis (the creation of cancer). (Cancer Res, 61: 4306-10, 2001).

Swedish researchers, reporting in the journal Experimental Dermatology in 2003, used cultured normal human keratinocytes and melanocytes (skin cells) to examine the effects of UV irradiation on the main retinoid receptors in the human skin.

The keratinocyte is the major cell type of the epidermis (outer layer of skin), making up about 90% of epidermal cells. Melanocytes are cells located in the bottom layer of the skin’s epidermis.

The authors concluded that a depletion of vitamin A and retinoid receptors, together with other factors, by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation might seriously interfere with retinoid (vitamin A) signalling and therefore promote future tumour development, especially in keratinocytes (see above). (Exp Dermatol. 2003 Oct;12(5):563-71).

In 1993 Edes and a colleague at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Affairs Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, reported in a review that exposure to benzopyrene, a carcinogen (cancer causing substance) causes vitamin A depletion in exposed tissues.

They noted that the effect is apparent while on a vitamin A sufficient diet but significantly, without a decline in serum (blood) Vitamin A. In other words, benzopyrene depleted vitamin A even when the diet was adequate in the vitamin, and this depletion is not apparent in blood tests.

Benzopyrene also known as benzo(a)pyrene is found in coal tar, in automobile exhaust fumes (especially from diesel engines), tobacco smoke, and in charbroiled food. Recent studies have revealed that levels of benzopyrene in burnt toast are significantly higher than once thought, although it is unproven whether burnt toast is itself carcinogenic. (Wikipedia).

Reviewing the studies to date they observed that although these studies involved dietary intake of benzopyrene, it would be realistic to surmise cigarette smoke exposure would have a similar effect. (Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1993 May 28;686:203-11; discussion 211-2. Review).

Kevin has been writing articles online for in excess of 4 years. Not only does this author specialize in health and weight loss, you can also check out his latest website Cartier Ladies Watches with information regarding Cartier Ladies Watches.

Disclaimer: The information and opinions on this website is for information purposes only and is believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the author. Readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. Readers who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

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