| Lionel miniature trains have a lot of history behind | | | | The enduring popularity of the brand has several |
| them. Different eras have left their mark on the | | | | reasons: |
| designs and features of the rolling stock. When | | | | Lionel miniature trains are manufactured with |
| making a purchase, it is important to know which | | | | high quality and feature intricate detailing. |
| era it is from and what condition it is in. These | | | | The trademark name is well known because |
| factors can have a strong bearing on the resale | | | | it has withstood the test of time. |
| value of the model. | | | | The company offers many railroading |
| Lionel miniature trains were developed by Joshua | | | | solutions - there is a model for every taste. |
| Lionel Cohen. He was born in 1877 and founded | | | | When dealing with the company, customers |
| Lionel in 1900. This was a time when railroads | | | | know they are talking to experts with a huge |
| played a major part in America's history: trains | | | | wealth of knowledge about the history of |
| were used constantly for transportation, were at | | | | locomotives. |
| the heart of commerce and were a cultural icon. | | | | Lionel miniature trains are passed down from |
| The first model Lionel released was called the | | | | generation to generation as prized possessions. |
| Electric Express. Mr. Cohen's inspiration was the | | | | The models are well built and, when given proper |
| technological wonder that the locomotives | | | | care, will last a long time. |
| represented. However, it is the models that were | | | | Lionel miniature trains are excellent toys for |
| manufactured between the years 1940 and 1959 | | | | children. Special models have been designed with |
| that are the most valuable. Those were the glory | | | | young children in mind. They can be handled |
| years at Lionel, when the company became a | | | | roughly, survive collisions, and still keep on running. |
| major player in the business of manufacturing | | | | Lionel miniature trains are often given as gifts |
| American toys. | | | | on holidays when the whole extended family is |
| Lionel miniature trains created after 1969 are | | | | gathered. Happy associations are formed around |
| called "modern." They are far less valuable than | | | | the set-up and operation of the model railroad. |
| those manufactured just after World War II. | | | | Lionel is a company that offers a quality product |
| During the modern era, railroad lines were | | | | for the money spent. Knowing that the models |
| dismantled in favor of individual cars, and America | | | | may become collector's items, owners tend to |
| lost interest in rail transport. The country was | | | | keep them in very good shape. Once a Lionel |
| much more interested in the newest, latest craze, | | | | miniature train has become part of the family, it is |
| and locomotives seemed quaint relics of a bygone | | | | there to stay because it is virtually unbreakable, |
| era. However, there has been resurgent interest | | | | easy to assemble and a gift that all ages can |
| nationwide. | | | | enjoy. |