Lionel Model Train – Still Steaming After All These Years
Lionel model trains were during their height of popularity considered toy trains, and today they still are. However, the Lionel model train is an exquisitely detailed and crafted train, which to this day, some 50 and 60 years later, is coveted by collectors and adored, by children and adults alike.
Though the original Lionel Company sold its toy train line and the trademark the Lionel name lives on in such classics as the Harry Potter Hogwart’s replica and the Polar Express. These trains capture the imagination of children and provide hours of delight. On the other hand, collectors prize Lionel trains built in the early days and modeled after trains of the day.
One of Lionel’s toy trains was one of the first two electric toys to enter the Toys Hall of Fame. The quality of the Lionel toy trains has risen and fallen according to the ownership of the company. It passed originally from Joshua Cowen to General Mills in 1969, with mediocre success. In 1986, a Lionel model train enthusiast named Richard Kaughn took over, and quality improved drastically and the name changed to Lionel Trains.
This lasted about 9 years and the company was sold to a consortium called Wellsprings Associates LLC. Fortunately, for the Lionel model trains one of the investors was musician and Lionel enthusiast, Neil Young. The change was good because Lionel has always seemed to fare better under the guidance of model train hobbyists and enthusiasts.
True classic Lionel model trains are worth a significant amount of money these days to collectors and each piece is stamped with four numbers to identify them. There are also differences in couplings, which can help date these model trains. Pre- WWII Lionel trains had little hooks for the couplings. Post war models used either a peg coupler or a scout series coupler.
Electric couplers made an appearance post WWII as well. The first efforts in electric couplers were somewhat glitched as the shoe could be snagged at switch points. Later refinements helped solve this problem.
It is worth pointing out that the Lionel name made such an impact on the model train industry that their standard 0 scale was adopted as replica standard. This was not a shabby accomplishment for a maker of mere ‘toys’. What made this toy a standard for model trains? It was the attention to detail, the quality and painstaking artisanship in making replicas for children. Doubtless, many baby boomers’ love of the model railroad trains came from Christmas where a toy train set was necessary for any child. In turn, they nurtured the love of these beautiful replicas in yet another generation.
Though Lionel Toy Trains is now called Lionel LLC, to model enthusiasts the world over the name Lionel Toy Trains will always be what they are called. They are still producing lovingly replicated models of originals or even of flights of fantasy and wonder such as the Hogwart’s express from the Harry Potter movies and books and these gorgeous models still spark the imagination of young and old alike.
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