Trains.com Insider Exclusive Interviews | Lionel Trains LLC — Go inside the legendary Lionel Trains LLC headquarters in Concord, North Carolina, with Classic Toy Trains editor Rene Schweitzer, as she explores intriguing places and the key people bringing your favorite products to life. Take a quick look around, and then check out these exclusive, full-length […]
Also in this issue: 90+ must-see destination layouts! A handy location map! And more! […]
The idea of a custom run product — a manufacturer creating a special item for a retailer not sold in its catalog — is nothing new. Custom toy train products have existed for more than 100 years. “Custom run cars filled a gap in the market,” said Contributing Editor Bob Keller. “Manufacturers generally [produced products […]
Join Classic Toy Trains Editor Rene Schweitzer as she visits Lionel Trains, LLC headquarters and speaks with Audio Engineer Tracey Schroeder about the often-overlooked world of model train sound. Tracey reveals the meticulous process of capturing and creating the authentic sounds you hear in Lionel Trains, from steam whistles and bells to diesel prime movers […]
In April 2024, Lionel announced a newly-tooled, ET44AC diesel-electric locomotive in a standalone catalog. This O-scale, 3-rail model was delivered in September 2025 and has received high praise. The ET44AC was produced by General Electric and is part of its Evolution Series. The locomotive is compliant with Tier 4 emissions standards, hence the “T” in […]
If we are fortunate enough to have good genes, avoid fatal accidents, and escape catastrophic illness, it will come to all of us: old age. Model railroaders with huge layouts face a unique set of problems as the years pass by. There are several signs that may tell you it’s time to downsize: Half of […]
Locomotives & rolling stock MTH Electric Trains, 7393 Washington Blvd. Ste. 101, Elkridge, MD 21075, is selling an O scale Offset Steel Caboose as part of the Premier line. The caboose will be available in seven roadnames with two car numbers each, and features O-31 operation (20-91871 shown). Expected delivery in April 2026. Price: $94.95. […]
The Lionel Kid’s Club by Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2026. According to the Kid’s Club Coordinator Patrick Cudzilo, “Our Kid’s Club is focused on keeping today’s youth involved in the model train hobby for years to come. They are the future of the hobby.” Founded in 2011, […]
Lionel Trains is no stranger to modeling preserved steam locomotives we know and love, including those still operating today. The latest offering is Soo Line 2-8-2 No. 1003 (No. 2531120), a local steam star here in southeastern Wisconsin. The locomotive is one of six O-scale, 3-rail United States Railroad Administration (USRA) heavy Mikados that were […]
Join Trains.com Staff Writer Lucas Iverson as he reviews the Lionel Legacy O gauge (1:48) USRA 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado Soo Line No. 1003 , featuring video of the model operating on the Milwaukee Lionel RR Club and the 1:1 scale steam locomotive too! This Legacy model boasts detailed construction, stack and whistle steam, and is easily […]
Join Classic Toy Trains Editor Rene Schweitzer and Service Repair Manager Savathdy My as they discuss the Lionel Trains LLC warranty program. Savathdy relays how contacting Lionel via talktous@lionel.com is the best path for the fastest service, which sets up an RA (Return Authorization) and prepaid label. When shipping, he encourages customers to use bubble […]
Lionel’s No. 520 Lionel Lines Boxcab Electric stands out among other postwar O-27 locomotives because there is so much about it that’s different from what you find on other models from that celebrated era of production. The 520 is far from scarce and so is commonly overlooked by avid collectors and operators of postwar trains. […]
