Timeless Hobby Bringing Purpose and Creativity to Retirement

Engaging in a hobby is more than just fun and games: it can keep your brain and body healthy for longer. A large-scale study conducted by University College London in 2023 found that participating in a hobby is linked to fewer depressive symptoms and higher levels of happiness, as well as self-reported health and life satisfaction among people age 65 and older. According to the National Institute on Aging, hobbies may lower your risk for dementia, heart disease and stroke, and some types of cancer. They can even help increase lifespan. Model train building, a classic pastime that has captivated generations of hobbyists, provides countless health benefits.

The Past and Future of Model Trains

Model trains first started appearing in the late 1800s; they were usually hand-built, expensive toys reserved for the children of wealthier families. The hobby became more accessible in the early 1900s with mass-produced models from brands like Lionel and Hornby. From the 1960s to 1980s, interest in train building shifted to more of an adult hobby.

Some may perceive model trains to be “old-fashioned,” but there has been a recent rise in popularity, possibly because retired baby boomers finally have more time to dedicate to a hobby they loved as children. Interest is also growing among younger generations. The global model train market was estimated at $1.2 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to about $1.9 billion by 2032.

The team at Brady’s Train Outlet in Greensburg has seen this interest firsthand. The shop has been in business for over fifty years and has become a destination for model train enthusiasts. They hold the title of Western PA’s largest train store and carry everything from collectible pre-owned vintage trains and parts to brand-new models with the latest technology.

Brady’s Train Outlet was started by John A. Brady, a model train enthusiast who had been selling trains since the 1970s. He began his business in his basement before expanding as demand grew. He traveled across the eastern United States, making connections through the shared love of the hobby. As his business expanded, he opened a brick-and-mortar store in the 1990s.

A Connection to the Past

Brady’s customer base spans several generations, but they particularly notice the benefits of the hobby in their older visitors. For many, model trains offer a connection to the past. With the huge popularity of model train toys for children in the 1950s and 60s, many of today’s retirees played with trains growing up and have strong feelings of nostalgia tied to them. Brady’s even has a section on their website dedicated to “Postwar Trains,” featuring Lionel electric trains produced from 1945–1969.

Of course, model railroads aren’t just about the trains. The process of designing and building the scene gives the builder creative license to recreate meaningful moments in their life.“Sometimes it helps older people reminisce about important moments or people in their life, such as their childhood hometown or their father or grandfather who worked on the railroads,” says Steph Zemba, Brady’s Marketing and Customer Service Manager.

Physical Benefits

Maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial to good health. Being active doesn’t require spending hours at the gym. Even light activity has major health benefits. Building model trains involves natural movement, sitting and standing, light lifting, adjusting parts, all without the high risk of injury or falling.

Mental Health Benefits

Model train building is not dependent on the weather, which is ideal for a region with long stretches of cloudy, rainy, or snowy days. Older people are at risk for seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression linked to shorter daylight hours. Model trains can be a welcome distraction during winter months when outdoor activities are limited.

It’s common for recently retired adults to face a period of adjustment after leaving decades-long careers. Delving into a new hobby can restore a sense of purpose and provide new goals.“One customer shared with us that after he retired from his job, he didn’t know what else to do. He found model trains and it brought him a sense of purpose, improving his mood and giving him something to look forward to every day,” says Zemba.

Hobbies can trigger a “flow state”, that feeling of being completely absorbed in an activity where time seems to disappear. Flow activities reduce stress, increase happiness, improve self-esteem, and enhance creativity.

Cognitive Benefits

Model train building is an active hobby and a great way to keep fine motor skills sharp. Handling tiny figures, configuring electric components, and adding details to scenery all require focus and precision. Tools like magnifying glasses and tweezers can help.

Many hobbyists enjoy the historical aspect of model trains and spend time learning about specific trains, eras, or railroad history. Research and reading help maintain cognitive health.

Building a model railroad requires planning, whether detailed track layouts designed with software or simple sketches. And, like many hobbies, there is always more to learn, like new techniques, technologies, electrical skills, and artistic approaches to scenery design.

Social Benefits

The model train community is thriving. There are clubs, meetups, and shows in almost every city. Joining a club provides routine social interaction, which can reduce cognitive decline, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being.

“We have a lot of customers who are friends with each other and come into the store regularly. Model railroading also encourages older adults to step outside their comfort zone and access online communities where they can find people with similar interests,” says Zemba.

Local clubs include Pittsburgh Independent Hi-Railers, McKeesport Model Railroad Club, Laurel Highlands Model Railroad Club, and Fort Pitt Hi-Railers. The Train Collectors Association (TCA) Fort Pitt Division offers events, sales, meetings, and shows. The Greensberg’s Great Train and Toy Show, which is the northeast’s largest and longest-running train show, will be at the Monroeville Convention Center January 3–4.

Local train stores like Brady’s help people connect with the model train community. The team doesn’t just sell merchandise; they offer education, troubleshooting, and repair services.“We offer a welcoming community for all ages, skills, and experience levels,” says Zemba.

If in-person participation isn’t possible, the online community is vast. Facebook groups and forums allow hobbyists to connect with enthusiasts around the world.

Family Connection

One of the greatest joys of model railroading is sharing the hobby with loved ones. Zemba and the team often see customers building layouts with grandchildren, siblings, or spouses.“Recently, a retiree purchased a train set to make a train layout with his newly adopted grandchildren. This is something they will be able to spend hours working on together,” says Zemba. “He brought them to the store and let them pick out items for the layout.”

Model train building is also a hobby spouses can share, providing a point of connection and creativity.

Getting Started

Whether model trains are new to you or a hobby you set aside decades ago, it’s easy to jump back in. Brady’s can recommend starter sets that include a track and transformer at a reasonable price.

“The financial element of the hobby is a broad spectrum. You can start off with a used set for less than $100,” says Zemba. “Our summertime tent sales are a great way to add to any collection or get started at a low price point. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a good time!”

Today, there are endless YouTube tutorials covering everything from beginner basics to advanced technology. And, of course, the team at Brady’s is always ready to help.

Model railroading is more than a pastime; it’s a way to connect, foster creativity, and support well-being. Whether it reconnects you with your past, introduces you to new friends, or offers a fresh challenge, this timeless hobby gives older adults a meaningful way to stay active and engaged. With local resources like Brady’s Train Outlet, there has never been a better time to start building your own miniature world.