Lionel TrainsIn 1903, Joshua Lionel Cowen created the Number 5 Electric Express train set to be a window display for a toy store, not knowing that this humble setup would one day make his a name synonymous with quality train sets. In the decades that followed, Lionel trains remained the gold standard of model train sets, leading the industry in new designs and innovations each year. The beauty of Lionel train sets is that they are infinitely expandable to allow beginning collectors to start off with a small setup that they can grow into a miniature railroad empire if they so desire. They are also durable, with some sets from the 1900s that have been regularly maintained still running in top condition today. Lionel also prides themselves on producing detailed trains that are tough enough for exuberant youngsters without being easily broken or heavy enough to cause injury. Lionel train sets were originally designed for children to enjoy, therefore they are almost exclusively made in O and O-27 gauge, which are large enough for children to enjoy without being too fragile or having too many small parts. Lionel also makes trains in G scale, which is larger than O, and S scale, which is about half the size of an O train. Lionel trains have been around for more than 100 years, with enough models and pieces to keep collectors busy for quite some time. Many collectors' fascination with the sets date back to a beloved set they had as a child, or one that belonged to a favorite aunt or uncle. Collecting vintage and antique models can be a sort of stroll down memory lane as well as a profitable pastime if you know your history. It's true that some Lionel trains are quite valuable, but just as with any collectible there are instances in which some models, despite remaining in good condition, do not see much of an increase in their resale value. Sentimental value is another story, however. Just because you might not be able to sell the train you found in an old toy box for hundreds of dollars doesn't mean that it's worthless. The memories associated with it may be priceless to the right person. How do you tell the difference between a valuable train and a piece of junk? The majority of collectors care less about how a train runs than what condition it is in. While a few bumps, bruises and scratches may lend authenticity to your Lionel train parts, they adversely effect the grade of the train. Grading is based on the Train Collectors' Association standard, which is available on their website and in literature. The most common grades given to trains found at garage sales or in attics are Very Good, which means that there are few scratches and the train is mostly clean, and Good, meaning that there are scratches and dents as well as dirt on the train. It's rare to find a truly Mint vintage train, meaning one that has never been used and is still in its original condition, as many Lionel train enthusiasts in the past did not save their original packaging and were more interested in playing with the train than collecting them. For those who need to fix their train sets but don't want to spend time searching for "junked" trains to scavenge, there are many excellent dealers on the Internet and hobby stores that sell Lionel train parts at reasonable prices. If you aren't sure what part you need or how to install it, it's a better idea to take your train to a professional for repair. Otherwise you might end up spending more to repair it than you did when you originally bought it. Lionel trains are so popular and well-known that the Lionel Company has created two different clubs for its enthusiasts. The Century Club, now known as the Century Club II, is a special program where members can purchase exclusive cars and engines for their Lionel train sets that aren't available to the public. Membership also gives you the chance to order special display cases for your exclusives complete with nameplates. The Lionel Railroader Club is more geared toward casual collectors and those with an interest in history. LRRC members are also invited to purchase special edition trains before the general public and are sent magazines and catalogues that are only available to dealers and members. With so many choices and ways to enjoy Lionel trains, it's easy to see why they have been the most popular model train for so many years. Finding out what new innovations and designs they will introduce in the new century is sure to keep collectors, hobbyists and fans interested for another hundred years at least. |