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Lionel Model Train Sets

April 18th, 2011

dwalton

Why Lionel Trains Continue to Grow

Author: Greg Howard

Despite Joshua Lion Cowen’s belief in the value of his Lionel toy trains and the success that it will eventually enjoy, he most certainly would not have imagined that the popularity of his products continue to be strong today, especially given the revival in model train collecting in recent years. Lionel model trains were a pioneer in the model train and railroad business, and gained a strong foothold in the industry due to its impeccable attention to detail and quality, partly because of the large group of skilled toy train craftsmen that Cowen employed for his business. This attention to detail spawned countless Lionel trains set which were incredibly realistic and provided fans with endless hours of fun and pure joy. The popularity at its height resulted in a high percentage of Americans that owned at least one set of these toys. They were also a top choice for gifts for every occasion, from Christmas to the New Year.

An amazing fact that is not commonly known about the creator of Lionel trains is that Joshua Lionel Cowen was not originally an American. He moved to the country and settled down with his family, before falling in love with trains as well. These large locomotives were growing in popularity as a mode of transport at that time, and Cowen decided to translate his love for them into model toys which could be enjoyed by people all over the world. He also wanted Lionel trains to be a source of inspiration and learning for locomotive fans worldwide, and knew that they would become popular and sell like hot cakes due to their importance in many countries as a source of transport and a strong economic factor. Within a few years of starting his toy train business, Lionel trains quickly became successful, evidently through his move to bigger offices and the growing number of employees to cope with rising demand and popularity.

The durability of toy trains and model railways has proven itself over the last few decades. When Lionel trains first came out, they were a huge hit and many were fascinated by the detail and quality afforded to each train set. Building and setting up a railroad set with live trains were also a sight to behold, and they still are today. Despite the advent of cars and subsequently, planes, trains were also a necessary mode of transport in many countries, especially in those where financially it was more affordable to use these to transport various products within the country or across neighboring countries. Till today, trains can sometimes be more cost effective than using airborne transport, even if the cost of fuel for locomotives has risen considerably due to its increasing scarcity. With trains having an enduring presence even in the modern world, it is hard to imagine a dwindling interest in model Lionel trains.

While it is more difficult to get hold of a Lionel train model set nowadays due to decreasing production and the fact that other toy train producers are coming out with cheaper alternatives, there are still plenty of options for model train set collectors and aficionados. The Internet is definitely an option, with many fans and collectors going online to trade in their favorite sets and models, especially with Lionel prewar trains. If you look hard enough, there are bound to be bargains and a few gems to be found, with collectors all over the world. In fact, with a more specialized production of the train sets, Lionel trains have increased in value, especially for older vintage models which have become increasingly difficult to locate. There are many individuals who have grown rich as a result of their hobby and love for collecting toy trains, and Lionel trains are often a major factor in their success.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/why-lionel-trains-continue-to-grow-387161.html

About the Author

Greg Howard is a collector of Lionel trains set and often provides insights on making your Lionel trains purchase. For more info on Lionel model train sets, please visit Greg's site.

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Lionel Model Train

March 9th, 2011

dwalton

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Tags: lionel, lionel model train, model train

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Lionel G Scale Train Sets

January 28th, 2011

dwalton

America's Favorite Model Trains - Lionel

Author: Scott Watkins

Many American children started out with model trains with a Lionel train set. A train looping around the base of the Christmas tree is a common occurrence over the years. This ritual has been passed down over many generations over the years. Are you one of the lucky ones? The Lionel Train company was established before Ford Motors!

Lionel makes trains in multiple scales, but they are best known for their 'O' scale trains. O scale is 1:48, which is twice as large as the other popular scale 'HO' (half of 'O'). Lionel O scale model railroad equipment has been produced with multiple levels of quality, from toy trains to special edition collectible. All Lionel O scale trains, modern to classic, will operate on any track with any power supplies and controllers.

The size of Lionel O gauge trains is well suited for the casual weekend layout where it's set up on the floor, perhaps on a carpet (which can give a rough time to smaller trains which are more sensitive to variations in track height). The bulk of these trains allows for handling by the kids with little concern for damage from an occasional bump. For the older modeler, these are easy to work with.

Stamped Steel Lionel Trains

Before World War 2, most replica model trains were made using stamped steel, and then plated with tin for rust prevention, and these older toys are referred to as "tin plate" trains. Lionel has manufactured modern replicas of those tin-plate trains. Lionel has named these "Lionel Classics", and have minor changes from the originals, making them easier to identify as reproductions.

Lionel O-Gauge Track

A characteristic of all Lionel train track is that it has three rails. The middle rail carries power for the train. Some modelers have objected to this 3 rail design, claiming it is in-accurate for modeling prototype railroads.

Lionel makes track curves in various radii ranging from 36" to 72." Be careful with your layout curves to avoid using too small a radii, longer locomotives and rolling stock requires larger radii. Having said that, an interesting layout with Lionel O gauge trains can be set up in a space as small as four by six feet.

O Gauge Accessories

Lionel produces a full range of accessories, from bridges to turntables, buildings, figures, vehicles, trees, etc., etc... Electrical, remote control of track signals, couplers and more complete the layout. Lionel truly makes everything you need to have a great O gauge model train railroad!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/americas-favorite-model-trains-lionel-2784536.html

About the Author

Scott Watkins is a model train enthusiast, and he can help you to get started. Read more about Lionel O gauge trains, and subscribe to his free email series on how to get started quickly in this great hobby at his website: Model-Train-Info.com.

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Tags: lionel, lionel g scale train sets, lionel o gauge, lionel o guage, lionel o scale, lionel train, Lionel trains, model trains, o gauge, scale train

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N Gauge Model Railway Layouts For Sale

January 11th, 2011

dwalton

The American Flyer Model Train

Author: John Vanse

Although The American Flyer model trains were at their peak of popularity between the 1940s and the 1960s, they actually had a long history before that, and their popularity seems to be on the increase again today. William Hafner, working as a toymaker in Chicago, developed a clockwork motor for use in toy cars in the very early part of the 19th Century and by 1905 was making toy trains using that clockwork motor.

With a friend, William Coleman, and using a small hardware manufacturing business known as the Edmonds-Metzel Hardware Company, Hafner began producing toy clockwork trains during 1906-7. These Edmond-Metzel trains were sold so successfully through some major retailers that the brand name The American Flyer was adopted for marketing purposes and by 1910, the name of the hardware company had been changed to American Flyer Manufacturing Company.

The American Flyer trains proved very popular, in part because they were lower priced than other makes popular at that time, and also because their detailing made them more realistic than other low budget model trains.

Hafner left the partnership in 1913 to start up his own company and Coleman's American Flyer trains did extremely well during the First World War as they had no competition in the US from the German companies. By 1918, the first of the American Flyer electric trains were in production and business boomed during the 1920s but declined sharply during the Great Depression.

In 1938, William Coleman Jr, son of the company's founder, who had taken over the business following his father's death in 1918, sold the American Flyer to the A C Gilbert Company. Gilbert had been manufacturing and selling an extensive range of toys but not toy trains. He moved the company from Chicago to New Haven, Connecticut and immediately began to re-design the trains. He re-developed the American Flyer as S-scale in 1939 , a scale which was a modification of the very popular O gauge model trains then on the market. The S scale, which scales trains to the 1:64 ratio and made them smaller than the O scale trains, had a number of major advantages in terms of the track and track layouts.

In 1946 Gilbert made another major change to the American Flyer. Until that stage model electric trains had run on three rails, with the centre rail carrying the current. Gilbert developed a two rail system for running the American Flyer. This two-rail track, which had seven-eighths inches between the rails, made the track layout, and hence train operation, more realistic as the track now looked like 'real train track'.

With the advent of television - to distract both younger people and older people from their regular hobbies - together with the rise of the discount chain stores which undercut prices and demanded lower wholesale prices, A C Gilbert Company ran into trouble and in 1962 was sold to Wrather Group. The new owners produced lines of toys, including model trains, which were of very poor quality and sales dropped sharply until in 1966 production of the American Flyer ceased. By 1967 the Company was bankrupt.

At this time, Lionel Corporation, which was itself in financial trouble although it had been the leading model train manufacturer for many decades, bought the rights to the American Flyer. However, by 1969 Lionel Corporation itself was bankrupt and sold the rights to the manufacture of its model trains, including the American Flyer, to General Mills.

General Mills began selling some of the original Gilbert designed American Flyer trains by 1979 but in 1984 sold its Lionel Company section to a toy manufacturer, Kenner who on-sold the company to Richard Kughn in 1985.

Kughn was very successful for over 10 years with the Lionel and American Flyer trains but sold in 1996 to Wellspring Partners who set up the company Lionel LLC, which operates today selling a range of model trains, including the S-scale American Flyer. Initially Lionel LLC concentrated on promoting the O and O27 scale model trains of its original lines but since 2002 has been releasing more and more American Flyer models.

The American Flyer then, is now more that 100 years old, and has gone though a number of ownerships and fluctuations in popularity. Dedicated S-scale enthusiasts now believe that this renowned model train is once again making a resurgence.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/the-american-flyer-model-train-471683.html

About the Author
John Vanse, a model train enthusiast, has a number of websites concerned with model trains. All these sites can be accessed through the hub site: The Model Train Guide For more specific information about American Flyers see: American Flyer Model Trains

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Tags: american flyer, gauge model, Gilbert, lionel, model railway layouts, model train, model trains, n gauge, n gauge model railway layouts for sale, s gauge, s scale, track Layout

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Lionel Christmas Train Sets

December 29th, 2010

dwalton

Monograms: Examples of Monograms

Author: Nicholas Tan

Monograms have been used for centuries as identifying marks and embellishments. Wedding invitations are some of the best examples of monograms and the most widely used example. What a great way to start a new life together with a special and imaginative design to share with your family and friends.

The basic three-letter styling of monograms has not been changed much since the late 19th century to the early 20th century. These monograms are designed with the first initial to the left, the middle initial to the right, and the last initial in the middle. Examples of monograms used in this manner are, stationary, towels, pillow cases, and of course wedding invitations, just to name a few. These styles are the most classic examples of monograms and the most widely known.

While monograms are not readily used as true identifying marks so much anymore, they are still used as more of a decorative keepsake, the most popular being wedding invitations. These can be done very elaborately or in a simple sleek design. The monogram should go hand in hand with the theme of the wedding and the direction the couple would like to go.

When looking for the perfect monogram for wedding invitations you should look for examples of monograms. The best way to do this is to get on the computer and open your basic text editor, such as Word. In this program you will find many fonts and can make different arrangements with the initials. This is actually really fun to do and the possibilities are almost endless.

Many online software programs also offer ad on packs with even more font choices. The next step would be to find a friend with some artistic ability and have him or her draw some simple designs, or go to the stationary store and research ideas there. Go to a reputable store which features an in house designer that can give you some examples of monograms.

Examples of monograms are also readily available on the internet. A simple search brings up many site results and examples offering a bounty of information and ideas. You may even be able to find the perfect online retailer to purchase your items from. Many businesses, especially wedding oriented ones, operator mainly by the internet and offer deep discounts compared to a brick and mortar store. The designs, however, may not be very unique or original.

Another great idea to find examples of monograms is to ask to see someone such as a grandmother or older aunt's jewelry collection. In the not so distant past and even today monogrammed jewelry was very popular. If the special person has some jewelry of this sort, see if you like the examples of monograms engraved. If you find something you like, have the stationary store or person creating your wedding invitations recreate this design. What a unique and special tribute to your family, and future together.

Creating your wedding invitations can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With a little creativity and a helpful hand you are sure to send out something truly special and unique to your guests.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/monograms-examples-of-monograms-682712.html

About the Author

Nicholas Tan has been involved in Article Writing, providing Free Articles, Internet Marketing, SEO, Adwords, & Adsense for more than 5 years and designs and develops websites. Submit your free articles and get your articles noticed! Get your Free Articles here! Submit Articles! We provide free articles and information. Check us out at Free Articles!

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Tags: christmas, christmas train, lionel, lionel christmas train sets, monogram

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Lionel Ho Train Sets

December 14th, 2010

dwalton

All about Lionel Model Trains

Author: Avery Kane

During their nadir, Lionel model trains were legendary internationally for their focus on detail and the standard of manufacture. They continue to are : from Hogwart's Express for Harry Potter fans to the Polar Express or merely the straightforward Pennsylvania steam freight train, Lionel offers a large range of trains that are true to the originals, real or hypothetical.
In reality, a Lionel electrical train was one of the first two electric toys to be inducted into the national Toy Hall-Of-Fame ( the other was the straightforward Bake Oven ). It was his marketing expertise that gave rise to the phenomenon of model train collecting at the start of the 20th century.
His idea commenced when he devised moving promoting gondolas employing a tiny electric motor he had developed, and when he revealed that folk were more inquisitive about the gondolas than in the products they were lugging around he got the idea of using his electric motor in toy trains. By means of fantastic dept displays at xmas time Cowen gave rise to a public interest in toy trains, and shortly they were among the state's most well liked toys.

Cowen's arrival of the two 1/8' gauge 3 rail track became the standard, and signaled his dominance of the toy train market. A curious innovation of the O-scale track was the O27. The standard O makes a circle 31 inches in diameter when the curved rails are put together, while the O27 was only 27'. The O27 could run OK on O gauge track, but not vice versa, as the 27' curve was too sharp for standard O scale trains. After Lionel's golden decade covering 1946 - 56, the company dropped as a rising number of folks switched to the smaller HO scale ( that Lionel ultimately sticked to ) and kids's interests went from toy trains to toy vehicles. This was only to be expected since the age of the car had arrived, and although vehicles had been in existence for many decades, it was only now that the number of models had expanded to the limit that toy manufacturers considered it worth manufacturing them. Toy cars were less costly to folks than trains that required rolling stock and tracks to go with them. The company was at last sold to a business known as General Mills who ran it from 1969, even though it never hit the heights of earlier years. Then in 1986 it passed on to Lionel collector Richard Kughn, and became known as Lionel Trains. Quality quickly rose again but in 1995 the company was sold to a consortium known as Wellspring Associates LLC. The company now trades using the nom-de-plume Lionel LLC, but will always be known to fans as Lionel Toy Trains.

Real vintage Lionel model trains can be identified from the couplings. Prior to the Second World War, Lionel couplings looked like hooks, while after the war there were two types of coupling : the Scout series couplers and the more modern peg couplers. The Scout series were the entry-level series with G shaped couplings that don't open. The more complicated couplings have pegs that may be pulled on the bottom to open them.

Post-war also saw the arrival of electrical couplers. This was better than the 1st version as there were no contact shoes to get snagged with switch points.
The Lionel model trains are normally stamped with four numbers, identifying each item. These can be found either underneath or on the side of each vehicle and locomotive.

The company now operates from Ohio, and the new 2009 catalog offers many new items including the New York Transit tube set, and the Dewitt Clinton Heritage Steam Passenger set, and there is also a large number of new rolling stock. Lionel model trains are still live and kicking, and the new catalog proves that it has not lost its gusto for innovation.

Click here for more information on Lionel Model Trains
.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/all-about-lionel-model-trains-1377525.html

About the Author

Avery Kane writes on varies subjects however loves to write on the subject of Lionel Model Trains.

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Tags: lionel, lionel ho train sets, lionel model train, lionel model trains, Lionel trains, train, vintage lionel model trains

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Lionel Train Sets For Kids

December 10th, 2010

dwalton

Lionel Model Train Sets; A Guide For Set Up

Author: Ashley Taylor

Following are some tips and guidelines for the maintenance and cleaning of your model trains. Whether your trains are Lionel or another manufacturer, any set benefits from regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.

Lionel locomotives are designed in such a way that checks can be done by removing the cover. Remove the screw that is located under the smoke stack in order to remove the cover. Spread the diesel engine's body at the sides until the pins release and pull upward gently. Then turn the engine upside down to access the wheels. Pare off any layers of dirt and grime with an X-acto knife. Finish by applying an eraser to the model's wheels which will remove the rest of the debris.

Locomotives also require regular oiling of the moving parts to keep them working smoothly. Your owner's manual will have instructions for applying the oil as well as the best oil to use. Take care that the oil does not drip onto the rails because oil can interfere with the electrical conductivity of the set and keep your train from functioning properly. A thin oil, such as a 3-in-1, is recommended.

Cleaning and maintenance should also be done on the commutator ad the brushes. Dirt can build up on these parts which will prevent the motor from getting electrical power. If left unattended, the locomotive will fail to work. Cleaning need be performed only about once a year, however. One technique for keeping the commutators clean is to run the locomotive slowly without the body. Apply Rail-Zip cleaner to a clean rag and apply the rag to the commutator while it spins. You will also need to clean the brushes. You can purchase television tuner cleaner from most electronics stores and use it to spray the brushes. Let the cleaning solution drip off and then dry the area by wiping with a clean rag. Put the body back on after you have cleaned it.

You should also perform maintenance on the wheels of the freight cars. Clean wheels are necessary for any Lionel model train set to run smoothly. One way to clean the wheels is to mount a straight section of track on an 18-inch 2x4 board. Then, cover the heads of the rails with a rag or paper towel and slowly drip rubbing alcohol onto it. Place a few small drops of Goo-Gone on the rails prior to running the cars. Run the locomotive over the rails, back and forth until the wheels appear clean and glossy.

It is said that Lionel trains are built to last. Customers report some of the highest satisfaction ratings in the industry. However, regular maintenance is important for any set to keep it functioning smoothly. Some regular maintenance can keep your train set running properly for years!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/lionel-model-train-sets-a-guide-for-set-up-1821259.html

About the Author

Model railways are my passion. The skill and precision need to make model trains is so challenging. I love the old model trains. I also love making model railways.

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Tags: lionel, lionel model trains, lionel train sets, lionel train sets for kids, Lionel trains

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Electric Train Sets Lionel

December 1st, 2010

dwalton

Lionel model trains G-scale

Author: Cody

Lionel has been a brand name in model trains for a long time. They have numerous various sizes and types for everybody. With all the organization dating back to the early 1900's, they are still a common option for numerous. They've had their share of issues, but they are nonetheless here and here to stay.

You could find many forms of Lionel electric trains. They've units that are already to operate. You just take them out of your box, assemble the observe, and off you go. These are wonderful starter sets for kids. The units use battery-powered transformers and are easy to operate. The Lionel prepare sets use the FasTrack, which is basic to snap together. Sizes of model trains are generally referred to as gauge and Lionel makes some of the most well-known O and HO gauge trains.

Lionel bases its trains to the designs of actual railroad lines. You will find styles from railroad businesses from the past as well as designs determined by current railroad trains. The attention to detail from colors to numbering are realistic. You can obtain steam, diesel, and electric forms of locomotives. You are able to obtain Lionel teach sets using the engine and rail automobiles. There may be the ability to buy further cars and trucks at the same time as a lot more track and accessories. Their engines have realistic features such as lights, smoke, whistles, along with other railroad sounds.

Some common practice units from Lionel are the Conrail diesel freight prepare or the Pennsylvania Super Steam Freight train collection. There are work trains based mostly for the Southern Pacific line, frequently having working cranes. These sets include monitor, transformer, engine, and numerous vehicles, depending about the set and price.

Lionel trains also makes many sets determined by movies and television, as well as other theme varieties. 1 of their preferred sets could be the Lionel Polar Express practice placed. This set in place is primarily based around the film and will make your Christmas display complete. It can be an O gauge set and has a Berkshire steam engine. Two passenger vehicles light up and show actual scenes from the movie. It has a rounded observation car as well as the placed comes with four of the movie characters. The prepare has smoke attributes and a battery operated transformer. The teach station and monitor come with the collection. You will discover equipment primarily based about the motion picture it is possible to buy like additional characters and rail cars and trucks.

Also offered by this business are the extremely preferred Lionel Christmas trains. You'll be able to purchase the Holiday Tradition Express. This placed includes the engine and many autos. There's animation including a waving Santa, Christmas lights, and bells. The North Pole Christmas Central practice has five automobiles as well as the engine. It really plays Christmas carols while it rolls along the track. It really is decorated in red and green. It is possible to add additional rail automobiles and monitor for extra fun with your Lionel trains.

Lionel provides trains and units for all ages. They have models for the collector and those that just love to play with trains. There are numerous accessories to add on to your teach and your display. You can find buildings, landscape materials, lighting, along with other related items. You can find many products around the world wide web or at your local toy or hobby store.

To learn much more about the incredible Lionel trains visit our web site below. Be certain not to miss our Lionel trains buyers guide for additional assistance when considering if you want to invest in a vintage prepare or even develop your really first model train!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/lionel-model-trains-g-scale-3239299.html

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Visit our Lionel model train store

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Tags: electric train, electric train sets lionel, g scale, lionel, lionel g scale, lionel hobby, Lionel trains, model trains, train hobby

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Model Trains Made In Usa

May 30th, 2010