| Many American children started out with model | | | | were made using stamped steel, and then plated |
| trains with a Lionel train set. A train looping around | | | | with tin for rust prevention, and these older toys |
| the base of the Christmas tree is a common | | | | are referred to as "tin plate" trains. Lionel has |
| occurrence over the years. This ritual has been | | | | manufactured modern replicas of those tin-plate |
| passed down over many generations over the | | | | trains. Lionel has named these "Lionel Classics", and |
| years. Are you one of the lucky ones? The Lionel | | | | have minor changes from the originals, making |
| Train company was established before Ford | | | | them easier to identify as reproductions. |
| Motors! | | | | Lionel O-Gauge Track |
| Lionel makes trains in multiple scales, but they are | | | | A characteristic of all Lionel train track is that it |
| best known for their 'O' scale trains. O scale is | | | | has three rails. The middle rail carries power for |
| 1:48, which is twice as large as the other popular | | | | the train. Some modelers have objected to this 3 |
| scale 'HO' (half of 'O'). Lionel O scale model railroad | | | | rail design, claiming it is in-accurate for modeling |
| equipment has been produced with multiple levels | | | | prototype railroads. |
| of quality, from toy trains to special edition | | | | Lionel makes track curves in various radii ranging |
| collectible. All Lionel O scale trains, modern to | | | | from 36" to 72." Be careful with your layout |
| classic, will operate on any track with any power | | | | curves to avoid using too small a radii, longer |
| supplies and controllers. | | | | locomotives and rolling stock requires larger radii. |
| The size of Lionel O gauge trains is well suited for | | | | Having said that, an interesting layout with Lionel |
| the casual weekend layout where it's set up on | | | | O gauge trains can be set up in a space as small |
| the floor, perhaps on a carpet (which can give a | | | | as four by six feet. |
| rough time to smaller trains which are more | | | | O Gauge Accessories |
| sensitive to variations in track height). The bulk of | | | | Lionel produces a full range of accessories, from |
| these trains allows for handling by the kids with | | | | bridges to turntables, buildings, figures, vehicles, |
| little concern for damage from an occasional | | | | trees, etc., etc... Electrical, remote control of track |
| bump. For the older modeler, these are easy to | | | | signals, couplers and more complete the layout. |
| work with. | | | | Lionel truly makes everything you need to have a |
| Stamped Steel Lionel Trains | | | | great O gauge model train railroad! |
| Before World War 2, most replica model trains | | | | |