Lionel Electric Trains

No model train is better known than Lionel O Scale Trains. Those over 50 still remember Lionel as the top dog of model trains.  If you grew up in the age of Ike and Truman and you saw a model train setup at a store, chances are it was a Lionel model train setup. Around Christmas the local hardware store would put one up and watch as it drew us all in like metal shavings to a magnet. Although its not what it used to be, Lionel still emits a certain aura. This is why:

Lionel Trains are designed in O gauge:  It’s ironic, but O scale is Lionel’s best selling point and its worst flaw. Lionel trains were usually in O gauge, but with the expansion of model training in the 50’s more and more middle class model train hobbyists began to purchase trains for smaller spaces.  O gauge trains are one 48^th the size of real world trains and require an 8’ x 16’ space as a minimum.  This was simply too much of a space requirement, so fans turned to HO scale which only required a 4’ x 8’ space. So the unique O scale that makes it such a draw for hobbyists today is also what almost drove the company under in the 60’s.

Lionel calls up long lost recollections:  Because Lionel has been around for so long and was so popular in yesteryear it is one of the favorites among collectors. The nostalgia that Lionel calls up in a lot of model train enthusiasts cannot be discounted. Long lost memories come chugga-chugging out of dark tunnels of the subconscious when you see one of these classic trains. Lionel’s durability also makes a claim to the hobbyist’s heart.

Lionel has a long literature:  Unlike a lot of toy train manufacturers, you can find several books focused specifically to Lionel. Lionel books come in two flavors.  First, there are books that are specifically focused on to getting you started with model training using Lionel O gauge trains. Second, a ton of books trace Lionel’s exemplary history.

Finally, Lionel is popular because they just made good trains:  The value of these trains can simply not be understated!  Larger than most other trains, they are great for detailing and decaling and weathering. The easy to work with scale of Lionel trains make it a favorite among people who love to paint and detail model trains. The scale is also a big aesthetic draw for hobbyist’s who value beauty. Lionel trains really stand out.

For the reasons that I have mentioned above, it is unlikely that Lionel O gauge trains will become unpopular any time soon. It’s hard to visualize the model train world without Lionel.  You can’t really go wrong with Lionel.

Here is more information on Toy Model Trains. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Model Trains.