SHELTON -- Stepping into a banquet room at the Courtyard Marriott was like a trip back in time. A time when must haves like iPods, Bakugan Battle Brawlers and Call of Duty: Black Ops didn't exit.

Model trains have captivated kids for more than a century. For collectors, are they worth more than just the memory? Chugging along What’s hot: Rare models of high quality trains from manufacturers ...