American Mensa, the U.S. organizaton for really smart people, is conducting its annual Bracket Challenge. This year, the Bracket is about the greatest toy of all time. Toy Trains were seeded number 1 in the “Pre-1950 Region,” as defined by Mensa, and are still in the running.
As of November 5, 2012, the bracket (narrowed down from 64 items) is down to 8. Since the public is being invited to weigh in, I am asking Model Railroaders to vote for the World’s Greatest Hobby by picking Toy Trains as the best toy of all time. The link is http://www.us.mensa.org/bracketchallenge. Voting for the Finals begins on November 19, so get your votes in now to move Trains to the next round!
I hope “Toy Trains” becomes the winner. thanks to your help.
I don’t know where “toy trains” stands now as priority of most popular toys, but I’ll say this…As a child…{decades, upon decades ago}, they sure stand out as the “best” in my remembering them back then.
Seeing Christmas displays in department stores in fair size cities, are still sharp in my mind. Of course I’m referring to the model train displays…Some very elaborate. One perticularly stands out in my mind…In Johnstown, Pa., at a Penn Traffic {first class department store} display window witnessed from the side walk.
That has to stand out as the best remembered “toy” in that era to me…which would refer to back in the 30s.
Oh, absolutely toy trains are the best toys ever! Although, I DO have a soft spot for my Remco “Johnny Reb Cannon.” I’ve had it since 1962 and it still works!
Toy and model trains are great. But so are books about trains and railroading. With Christmas coming I think not only of the great Lionel, Marx, and Maerklin sets we had but also of the books about stations and train that my Aunt gave me that kindled a greater interest in trains than just those that ran on the floor or around the tree.
My three year old grandson is captivated by Thomas the Tank Engine and Thomas and Friends, Henry. I have mixed emotions. Thomas is a train but to my mind not a very realistic representation.
I’m trying to broaden his vision with picture books of real trains and I’m having some success. Also, I’ve been showing him internet diagrams of how steam engines actually work. By the time he is five he’ll actually understand a Carnot cycle.
John, any port in a storm. My oldest (6) grandson got hooked on Thomas which has led to his fascination with steam and trains. Loves to ride the Maine two footers of the WW&F out of Elna and has brought his 3 year old brother into trains, too. Got him a cab ride in a diesel a couple of years ago and he loved it and has even had his father (who hated trains when I was bringing him up…I did wrong there, but my grandson is finally bringing my son up I guess) to do a couple of Downeaster trips out of Portland…
The more exposure is good, but to get them to see what they can do with that exposure and to want more, is the key.