An unbending mission of developing, producing, and marketing the finest toy trains and train accessories not just in the US but all throughout the world – that’s Lionel Model Trains.

It was in the year 1900, when Joshua Lionel Cowen established Lionel Model Trains. In a confined and cramped office in New York City, he started something that no one imagined to be the most popular toy train maker in the world. It was even noted that Lionel Model trains sold over 50 million trains worldwide, more than the added number of their competitors merged. This was not materialized without their commitment of directing the toy train industry with the latest innovative engineering, perfect manufacturing, highly qualified employee and top-of-the-scale customer service.

When Joshua’s family landed in NYC, the railroads were the major transportation for the American people.  He found inspiration from this and founded Lionel Model Trains. And with this, was the start of American technology and product sophistication. Joshua was already an established inventor when he first made the first toy train. But subliminally, he wanted to promote a strong bond to America’s father and son. He told little boys that his toys would prepare them for adulthood while telling Dads another. Soon both were encouraged and built enthusiasm over these trains. Lionel Model Trains was then right on track, gaining more sales, and providing a so-called father-son time. His trains were very popular at that time.

Unfortunately, in 1960’s after the introduction of aviation and cars, Americans started flying across destinations and just driving their way home. They grew fondness on this new technology thus scrapping down sales for toy trains.  And for the father-son bond, well that was the end of it and was the start of generation gap. That was a very catastrophic decade for Lionel Model Trains.

But now, people have increased acceptance and Lionel is back and better than before. America, as well as other countries, is renovating its concept of trains and railroads. They are building a new and improved high-speed bullet trains and even restoring landmarks. Lionel’s legacy of has endured for over a century now. They have surpassed all trials and proved to still be on top.

Today, Lionel Model Trains are incorporating old traditions to new technologies to provide the perfect train models in the industry. From the turn of the previous century to the dawn of this new one, they certainly continue to keep the tradition alive!

Here are some other links we recommend:

Standard Catalog of Lionel 1945-1969

A perfect book for the Lionel fan! 

This book breaks it all down into easy-to-find sections.
www.amazon.com