Lionel Toy Trains Set The Standards For Model Railway Enthusiasts

From children's toys to intricate collector sets, Lionel toy trains have been setting the standards and dominating the model train industry for over a century.

The inception of the railroad symbolized change. It represented new frontiers and opened up a future that eagerly drew dreamers, prospectors, and entrepreneurs to take to the tracks and embark on an exciting adventure. Trains brought freedom, created opportunity, and impacted history perhaps more than any other invention before or since.

The lumbering of that first steam engine was a breakthrough in technology that fascinated the world and had children begging parents for their own miniature replicas of these beautiful beasts.

Today, model train collecting has been dubbed the 'world's greatest hobby', and although interest in trains has experienced a few lulls over the years, it has recently enjoyed a re-birth due to the popularity of Thomas the Tank Engine, the development of high-speed railways, and the introduction of new technology.

Re-create important historical events, design scenes reminiscent of by-gone days, or capture the nostalgia of an era bursting with anticipation and excitement. Build a scene where the past meets the present and stories come to life by the power of imagination.

Revisit the railroads of yesteryear, replicate a modern station, or help create the vision of tomorrow. Model trains appeal to all ages because they give entrance to a world where the layout, sets, scenery, and accessories are born from creativity and inspiration.

And, Lionels' have helped feed the passions of railway lovers everywhere by providing quality products with authentic detail and life-like features.

Lionel trains was founded in 1900 by Joshua Lionel Cowen. His first invention, known as the 'electric express', was designed as a window display and was not intended for sale. However, so many people expressed interest that it prompted Cowen to begin his first company.

His trains grew in popularity very quickly, and soon he was manufacturing a variety of products including cattle cars, coal cars, passenger cars, stations, tunnels, and other accessories. As the number of homes with electricity grew, the demand for models also increased, leading to the development of a transformer so sets could run from household power rather than costly batteries.

Lionel liked to replicate real trains and changed the models throughout the years so that they always looked accurate and modern. Through two World Wars and The Great Depression the company continued to move forward, incorporating new advancements, adding remote controlled technology, and including realistic features. Today, Lionel has many product lines from themes to collectables, but it is commonly recognized for three of its most popular sets.

Polar Express:

This is probably the first set that comes to mind when you think Lionel Trains, and was popularized because of the movie 'The Polar Express.' It is often credited for rekindling an interest in railroads, especially among children. The attention to detail is remarkable and looks true to the movie with silhouettes of people in the coach car, working headlights, whistle, inside lighting, and a chimney that puffs real smoke.

Pennsylvania:

This is one of Lionel's most popular sets and is a great starter kit for beginners of every age. Its high quality construction and durability, realistic features including working headlight, whistle, and searchlight, and the variety of extras such as telephone poles, billboard, and extension bridge, make this a great place to begin when considering railroading as a hobby.

Pennsylvania is also available as a passenger set or a Flyer set with flat car, boxcar, and traditional little red caboose. The set can be easily expanded and accessories added as your love for the hobby increases.

Thomas and Friends:

Join Thomas, Annie, and Clarabel on an exciting journey to the Isle of Sodor . Make your own stories come to life with this favorite themed set that comes with trains that move both forward and backward, removable faces to reflect the character's adventures, and detachable roofs for easy loading and unloading.

Expansion packs are also available so you can help your child build memories and stimulate their imagination with a gift that will provide hours of entertainment and fun.

Lionel toy trains have changed with the times and evolved over the last eleven decades, but they continue to be one of the most known and recognized companies among collectors and model railway enthusiasts.