Lionel Train model railways had a vision, a vision to develop the finest train toys which can last until a century. It was then called a vision because it was just a proposition of what the ideal goal would be. But they never anticipated that this so-called vision would turn into reality.

Joshua Lionel Cowen and his family were just immigrants to the US. When he arrived in New York, trains were the most famous means of public transportation. He found this invention interesting and began to grow obsession. After several years, he decided to establish a small enterprise with the sole purpose of replicating these massive trains into toys. Lionel Train Model Railways started operation in 1900 in a small and cramped 3^rd floor office in NYC. They started with few employees but they never thought that the advantage was on their side because they hired skillful workers. At the first release of Lionel model train railways, people were amazed by how detailed it was even it its miniature form, thus beginning the business for Lionel.

Lionel model train railways began expansion and soon grew into a million-dollar business widely known even in our generation. But it was never all heavenly for them. Just like ordinary businesses, they also had their fair share of ups and downs. In early 60’s, in the boom of airplanes and cars, Lionel model train railways slowly decreased in popularity. Unfortunately, as a natural human instinct, we get easily hooked up with newer and better technology. Americans started flying across destinations or just driving their way home. As a result of this act, train toys were scratch from their children’s wish list because they look forward to toy planes and cars instead. This was literally a catastrophic decade for Lionel toys.

But in this era, trains are given more significance as well as its growth and development. Recently, Japan built bullet trains that are moving at a hyper speed. They recreated the primitive forms of trains into this modern-day device. Also, people have grown out of their ignorance and started to be more open to all possibilities. Thus, Lionel model train railways were relived.

At the present time, Lionel already stopped mass production. Their toys are have been reproduced or recreated in a more contemporary look. People of today have mastered incorporating old traditions with new technologies. From just a vision, they have proved that a good product will never be put down.

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