Lionel’s prewar No. 703/156 4-4-4 electric locomotives

old catalog page with green model locomotive

I found this manuscript from the late John Grams in our manuscript files. There was no date on the envelope but it’s likely from the early 1990s. The article discusses 12 Lionel products that, while great inventions, were fraught with problems or didn’t work exactly as advertised. He included the following disclaimer: “Lionel trains were […]

Read More…

Upgrade a modern Lionel Milk Car with Platform accessory

milk car scene on layout

In 2020, I purchased Lionel’s No. 2028310 Milk Car With Platform. Unfortunately, I was never happy with this car’s operation. It kept shorting circuiting on my layout, especially when going through switches.  I sent it to several repair centers, but the problem was never found. After running the car at a low speed around the […]

Read More…

Lionel’s Paper Train

vintage paper of paper

I found this manuscript from the late John Grams in our manuscript files. There was no date on the envelope but it’s likely from the early 1990s. The article discusses 12 Lionel products that, while great inventions, were fraught with problems or didn’t work exactly as advertised. He included the following disclaimer: “Lionel trains were […]

Read More…

Lionel’s O-27 locomotives on O gauge switches from 1931-47

Classic Toy Trains magazine logo

I found this manuscript from the late John Grams in our manuscript files. There was no date on the envelope but it’s likely from the early 1990s. The article discusses 12 Lionel products that, while great inventions, were fraught with problems or didn’t work exactly as advertised. He included the following disclaimer: “Lionel trains were […]

Read More…

Lionel’s 1945-46 roller pickups

underside of piece of toy train rolling stock

I found this manuscript from the late John Grams in our manuscript files. There was no date on the envelope but it’s likely from the early 1990s. The article discusses 12 Lionel products that, while great inventions, were fraught with problems or didn’t work exactly as advertised. He included the following disclaimer: Lionel trains were […]

Read More…

Lionel’s space-related rolling stock and accessories

black flatcar with model gray submarine

The late 1950s and early 60s were a time of the Cold War, Sputnik, and the Mercury and Gemini space programs. Lionel’s entry into space-related toys was a sign of our nation’s early endeavors with space exploration.  One of the first space train accessories appeared on the cover of the 1958 Lionel catalog. Towering over […]

Read More…

Trains.com Insider Interview | Jack Sommerfeld, Owner of Sommerfeld’s Trains & Hobbies

Listen in, as Trains.com draws knowledge and hobby insights from established retailer Jack Sommerfeld, owner/operator of Sommerfeld’s Trains & Hobbies in Butler, Wisconsin. Join staff writer Lucas Iverson as he chats with one of the top toy train dealers in the U.S., regarding the success and philosophy of his 40-year-old family-run business; his observations about […]

Read More…

Trains.com Insider Exclusive | Mid-2025 Interview with Howard Hitchcock, CEO of Lionel

woman and man sitting at table

Rene Schweitzer: I’m excited to be sitting in Howard Hitchcock’s office at Lionel Trains’ headquarters. Thank you for meeting me today. Howard Hitchcock: Welcome! I’m glad you were able to make it. RS: You’re nearly halfway through your 125th anniversary celebration. How is it going? What have you heard from your customers? HH: It’s going […]

Read More…

Lionel’s postwar No. 97 Coal Elevator

model coal elevator toy

I found this manuscript from the late John Grams in our manuscript files. There was no date on the envelope but it’s likely from the early 1990s. The article discusses 12 Lionel products that, while great inventions, were fraught with problems or didn’t work exactly as advertised. He included the following disclaimer: Lionel trains were […]

Read More…

The history of Model Railroad Heaven in Rochester, New York

black and white photo of kids next to a train layout

We are working on a new special issue! Classic Toy Trains’ next special interest publication features 14 layouts you can visit across the United States, from the The Choo Choo Barn, the Chicagoland Lionel Railroad Club, the Virginia Museum of Transportation, the Illinois Railway Museum, and much more. Plus, find a handy reference map and […]

Read More…

Classic Toy Trains new products for July 2025

green and yellow model hopper car

Locomotives & rolling stock The Train Loft, 4007-B Country Club Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27104, is selling a custom-run MTH Boxcar as part of the RailKing line. The car features holiday Cheerwine graphics and O-27 operation (30-71259). Expected delivery in October 2025. Price: $69.96. Website: trainloft.com Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc., 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ […]

Read More…