One of the most interesting developments in the toy market has been the【21】in that most traditional of toys: train sets. Models

One of the most interesting developments in the toy market has been the revival of interest in that most traditional of toys : train sets. Models of all sorts, but especially railways, were unfashionable in the 1980s and 1990s, but they have become big business in the last few years. In Britain there has always been a strong interest in railways, as can be seen from the number of people who go "train spotting"--collecting information about locomotives and train movements. This also explains why Britain is the largest model railway market in Europe.
    Modern train sets are introducing children, who may never have traveled on a real train, to the joys of railway modeling. For parents, model railways are a healthier indoor alternative to computers and video games. Model trains are more lasting than other toys, and their quality is superb. This has added to their popularity with both parents and children. Interestingly, the majority of purchasers of model railways today are adults, not children. By that I do not mean that parents buy model railways for their children, although obviously this happens a great deal. I mean adults who are willing to spend a lot of money on miniature locomotives and relive part of their childhood. Purchasers of model trains are often wealthy middle-aged men, such as bankers and business executives.