Lionel O Gauge Trains
No hobby train is better known than Lionel Trains. Lionel model trains ruled the model train world in this country until the 1950’s. Oh those gargantuan department store display trains that took hold of us as little guys and gals. Around Christmas the local hardware store would put one up and watch as it drew us all in as bear cubs to honey. Challengers like Bachmann and financial woes have long since undone Lionel’s supremacy, but the brand still carries a lot of its former cachet. Here’s the story why:
Lionel Trains are in O gauge: It’s ironic, but O scale is Lionel’s strongest quality and its mortal weak point. Lionel trains were usually in O gauge, but with the boom of model training in the 50’s more and more middle class model train hobbyists began to purchase trains for smaller spaces. O gauge trains are one 48th the size of regular trains and require an 8’ x 16’ space as a minimum. The smaller 4’ x 8’ space required by HO models pulled would be Lionel customers away. Lionel’s failure to stay in tune with changing times is what cost it and what makes its odd scale a real draw for enthusiasts these days.
Lionel’s long history makes it a collector’s favorite: Because Lionel has survived for so long and was so popular in yesteryear it is one of the favorites among collectors. The nostalgia that Lionel inspires in a lot of model train enthusiasts cannot be discounted. These are, after all, the hobby trains they were raised on or would like to have grown up on. Lionel’s durability also makes a claim to the hobbyist’s heart.
Lionel has a long written trail: Unlike a lot of toy train manufacturers, you can find several books focused specifically to Lionel. Lionel books come in two variations. First, there are books that are specifically focused on to getting you started with model training using Lionel O gauge trains. Second, a ton of books trace Lionel’s exemplary history.
Finally, Lionel is popular because they just made good trains: Ahh, the engineering of Lionel trains! Larger than most other trains, they are ideal for detailing and decaling and weathering. The size of Lionel trains make it a favorite among people who love to paint and detail model trains. The scale is also a big aesthetic draw for hobbyist’s who value beauty. Lionel trains really stand out.
Regardless of the company’s finances, Lionel O gauge should be a model train stand out for the foreseeable future. It’s hard to contemplate the model train world without Lionel. You can’t really miss with Lionel.
Here is more information on Toy Model Trains. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Model Trains.
Tagged with: american model trains • Lionel • Lionel electric trains • Lionel O guage Trains • model trains • toy model trains • toy trains
Filed under: Other Hobbies
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The market might be soft for model trains, but the products themselves are top notch. The Lionel model train is a true contender for the best in models and controllers.