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Lionel Trains

Trains of Our Youth

Collecting Lionel Trains – What You Should Know

Lionel trains were a part of childhood for many of us.

Lionel Polar Express Train Set

As we age, it is only natural to turn to collectibles that remind us of a more innocent age. Lionel trains have always been well-built and designed to last, making them a wonderful choice for collectors.

If you are interested in starting a Lionel train collection, provided here is a beginner’s guide to help you get started.

Lionel Trains are "O" gauge, which means they have a scale of 1:87, quite a bit larger than the HO scale of 1:48. A Lionel train layout takes a lot more floor space, but also creates a more impressive layout.

Because Lionel trains have been around for a long time, it is not difficult to get accessories, even from the company's goldn age.

However, some of the original steam locomotives and cars can be quite pricey.

The Eras of Lionel

Although all Lionel train series may have value to collectors, there have been so many that it is necessary to categorize them.

These categories can help you decide how to focus your collection. They are also useful for narrowing your search for that elusive perfect Lionel train.

Lionel trains are generally categorized by era.

The pre-war category covers those trains that were manufactured from the company’s beginning in 1901 until production was halted by World War II in 1941.

Lionel Train Set #45

Post-war trains were manufactured from 1945 until the Lionel family sold the company in 1969 - many consider this the company's golden era.

Modern trains were manufactured from 1970 until today.

However, the modern category is generally subdivided into three periods based on the company that manufactured the trains.

The MPC/Fundimension era lasted from 1970 until 1986.

The Lionel Train, Inc. (LTI) era encompasses the years 1987 to 1996.

From 1997 until the present, the trains have been manufactured by the Lionel Limited Liability Corp (LLC).

Of course, the older and rarer the car or locomotive, the more you should expect to pay for it.

How Are Lionel Trains Graded?

Lionel trains, like all collectibles, are graded according to quality. The quality of the train largely determines its value, although the value is tempered by other factors such as rarity and demand.

The grades of Lionel trains include:

Mint – a Mint condition train is fairly rare. This describes an absolutely perfect, unused train. Mint trains are generally found sealed in their original boxes or otherwise painstakingly preserved.
Like New – These trains are only slightly less perfect than Mint. They contain all original pieces, are extremely clean and show no visible signs of wear. They are free of dents, scratches or other imperfections.
Excellent – Excellent condition trains may have extremely small scratches or nicks. They appear nearly perfect and show no dents or rust. They are also very clean.
Very Good – This is generally the best condition that you could expect from a train that was used. The train is very clean but may show a few minor scratches or dents.
Good – Trains in Good condition show some use. They may have scratches or nicks and may be fairly dirty. Trains that were regularly used but well cared for often fall into the Good category.

Lionel Train 1935 Cover Metal Sign

Fair – These trains have been heavily used. They may show significant scratches, dents, warping or rust. However, they are generally usable.
Poor – Trains in Poor condition have been abused. They are extremely beaten up and unusable. However, they may be useful for parts or even rebuilding.

How Can I Get Started Collecting?

If you are interested in starting a Lionel train collection, it is best to learn from experienced collectors.

The Lionel company website is a good place to start. Another valuable resource is the Lionel Collectors Club of America, which maintains an extensive website, newsletter, classified ads and other useful forums.

You can find more Lionel Trains and Accessories here. Lionel trains have been synonymous with childhood since the turn of the 20th century. Collecting these fascinating pieces of history is a rewarding and easy to start hobby with plenty of resources to help you begin.

G Gauge Classic Lionel Holiday Train Set.

This is the classic heirloom-quality animated holiday train set manufactured by Lionel, the foremost name in electric toy trains since 1900.

This meticulously-detailed set includes a locomotive that "chuffs" and whistles, as well as a coal tender, bell car, and caboose, each of which is manned by animated elves that shovel coal, turn a crank and swing a mallet to play bells, and pack presents.

An animated Santa stands at the end of the caboose and waves.

The infrared remote control operates the train and plays Santa's holiday greeting, rings the bells, sounds the whistle, and plays Jingle Bells and Here Comes Santa Claus. Each piece is decorated with holiday garland and bright white lights.

Cars are connected using fi xed-knuckle couplers and the wheels are die-cast metal.

Click here for more information.