While most, if not all the replies refer to old tinplate, I, on the other hand, have only new, reproduction trains. And, I love them! Some years ago, I thought I would buy and run only tinplate. So, I sold all my traditional stuff, and bought only tinplate. It was all new, and most was operating on Proto 2.0. then, I started to have trouble running Proto 2.0. Constant problems with starting and stopping for no apparent reason. So, I got tired of it, and sold off all the tinplate. Now, I again have the tinplate bug, and have two new sets, both running Proto 3.0. Only, I operate strictly conventional, no more DCS.
But, this doesn't answer your question as to why I like it. As others have said, they look like toys, and that's what they are. I love the outrageous colors. And the shine! And the feel. And the heft. Although I have no standard gauge, the tinplate O gauge has a good feel, and substantial-ness to it.
I think, soon, I will find and purchase some old tinplate for nostalgia, even though I never actually had any while growing up, I know I need some in my life.
This is why I like tinplate. Thanks for posting this question.
