This 3D model was made within a class for our master. It was called “Creating digital Collections”. In pairs, we created these 3D digital scholarly editions of toys from our childhoods. This larger collection of toys builds the collection Toys with Voice.
For our project we chose a model train on tracks. It is part of a set Karla’s dad still had from his childhood. It is from the 1970s, bought by her grandfather for his sons and then passed on by her dad to her and her brothers. Even though this collection was extended by newer models from the early 2000s, she chose this one, because it shows its years: Dust and rust cover the train, the windows of the wagon are partly broken. The wagon on the insight still contains the dust it collected up in the attic. It represents what this toy generally stands for: Something old, but with strong emotional value, that is priceless and full of narratives.
Jagoda chose to work on this project, because of its history, which was apparent at first glance. This model definitely differed by its imperfections from the new toys in the collection. Moreover, the craftsmanship and design of the vintage model train have appealed to her more than the other options in the set. She wanted to explore the toy more and learn what was the history behind it. In addition, nostalgia played a role here and brought back precious childhood memories.
This research allowed us to explore the story behind model trains, from the first little wooden trains to museums filled with miniature tracks. We learned about associations and the wide world surrounding the model trains today, its advantages and disadvantages.