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Lionel O Gauge Trains

Ahh Lionel Trains…who hasn’t heard of them? Baby boomers still remember Lionel as the crème-de-la-crème of model trains.  If you grew up in the postwar period and you saw a model train setup at a store, without fail it was a Lionel model train setup.  In New York City, for example, almost every major department store put up a Lionel train display on or near their toy department. Although its not what it used to be, Lionel still gives off a certain aura. Here’s the story why:

It’s the O gauge:  Part of the reason why Lionel fell from power in the post World War II era can be explained by the size of its locomotive. Lionel trains were usually in O gauge, but with the growth of model training in the 50’s more and more middle class model train hobbyists began to purchase trains for smaller spaces.  Real world trains are just 48 times the size of O gauge model trains. The smaller 4’ x 8’ space required by HO models lured would be Lionel customers away.  Lionel’s failure to stay in tune with changing times is what cost it and what makes its odd scale a real draw for enthusiasts these days.

Lionel’s long history makes it a model train lover’s favorite:  Because Lionel has been around for so long and was so popular in yesteryear it is one of the favorites of collectors. We cannot down play the nostalgia that Lionel inspires. These are, after all, the toy trains they grew up on or would like to have grown up on. Lionel’s durability also has helped it with fans.

You’ll find no lack of manuals and news items on Lionel:  Unlike a lot of toy train manufacturers, you can find several books focused specifically to Lionel. Lionel books come in two variations.  First, there are books that are specifically devoted to getting you going with model training using Lionel O gauge trains.  Second, there are several books that focus on the many incarnations of Lionel trains from the early days to the present.

Finally, Lionel is popular because they just made good trains:  Ahh, the quality of Lionel trains! No train is better for detailing and weathering. The size 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 looks.  You simply can’t look over a Lionel train.

Regardless of the company’s finances, Lionel O gauge should be a mainstay for the foreseeable future. It’s hard to visualize the model train world without Lionel. Lionel on very few occasions disappoints.

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

American Model Trains

Pop quiz:  what are the three most widely recognized American toy trains manufacturers? I bet you’ll remember them when I remind you.  Here they are: “Lionel, American Flyer and Bachmann Trains”.  You probably didn’t known that Bachmann was American, but it is. And American Flyer was a maker not just a line of trains.  Here’s the skinny:

Lionel Trains:  

Lionel was perhaps the gold standard of model train makers back in the day.  Thanks to perfect marketing Lionel out maneuvered its enemies.  One tactic it used was to embed model trains to Christmas traditions, making the circular train tracks around the Christmas tree a staple of the Christmas iconography.  Their O gauge trains which were one 48^th the size of real world trains ruled the roast up until the 1950’s when HO scale trains started to take over the market.  Lionel began to have problems in the 1960’s and went through several rebirths before coming back in it current incarnation.  Now Lionel is making a comeback, again offering its O scale and some G scale models to a new audience of model train hobbyists. Their great trains are well loved by all.

American Flyer:  

We mostly recognize American Flyer trains as a line of trains now, but they were their own manufacturer until 1966 when they were bought out by Lionel. American Flyer had its humble beginning in turn of the century Chicago.  They were bought out by A C Gilbert who also popularized the famous “erector sets” of the early 20^thcentury. American Flyer was the most robust national competitor to Lionel and its trains are perhaps the most popular collectible trains to this day. After World War II the company slowly failed as its trains switched to S scale.  When Lionel bought American Flyer in 1966, they kept and refurbished much of the equipment.  In the last ten years Lionel has started reproducing the most famous and popular of the American Flyer trains using the original manufacturing devices but updating the trains with new sound systems and 21^st century quality controls.

Bachmann Industries:  

Although this was the tardiest of the three toy train makers to enter the model train market, it is the the oldest of the three–having been founded way back in 1833. Despite its move from Philidelphia to Beijing, the Carlisle’s and Bachmann’s ancestors still hold positions on the company’s board.  Bachmann had its rise after World War II when it created less expensive starter kits in HO scale meant to appeal to a larger audience than the Lionel and American Flyer brands.  Their success continues to this day and they remain one the leading HO producers in the world.

We have never had more choices in model training. The Internet has created whole new choices for model train hobbyists.  You can choose from almost any gauge and from any era of train at just the touch of button. The three American classics I have been discussing are really American treasures.

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

Your Ultimate Guide to Toy Model Railroads

Does it feel as if your life has been dull recently? Almost certainly you want to try to find a hobby that you can fill your boring times with. If this looks like a good idea to you, why do not you look into the hobby of constructing toy model railways? There are many aspects in which this hobby is greatly rewarding.

To start with, toy model railways can be enjoyed by people and enthusiasts of all ages. Because of this, fashioning your own toy model railroads means that you’ll be spending some valuable, quality times with your family and other people you are close to.

From your husband or wife, your kids, and even your friends can get pleasure from sharing the hobby of making toy model railroads. Constructing toy model trains with the people you love will grow beautiful, lifelong memories and will also be incredibly fun for everyone involved.

Conversely, if you find that your life is unusually busy and stressful, making toy model railways is an excellent way to find some time alone, quiet and peace away from the working world. It can be very therapeutic to put together a toy model train piece by piece as you permit your thoughts to loosen up for a while.

The crazy pace of your own life will mellow out as you find a hobby that grants you calmness and relaxation, as well as a place for you to express your creativity, ultimately making this a great escape from everything!

If you feel that you’re not typically an especially creative person, putting together toy model railways is a grand way for you to find that part of yourself and express it. Don’t keep it hidden within you!

There’s a lot of enjoyment to be had while assembling toy model railroads. Ultimately, the experience of building model railroads is rewarding in countless ways. It is an amazing art and craft to begin with so many different, jumbled pieces and turn them into a functional, beautiful object that you and your friends can enjoy watching.

Toy model trains can provide enjoyment for your complete family, friends and you for countless years. Why are you holding out on this hobby? You can explore some of the model train kits that you can purchase!

I guarantee that you will be enchanted and excited once you start making your toy model railroad, and it will be a hobby that you’ll always remember.

Want to find out more about model trains? Then visit Clint Spille’s site for the best tips on toy model trains, model train sets and much more.