What is the most valuable Lionel train?
In 2016 the most valuable Lionel train ever sold is the Lionel Standard Gauge set from 1934, which auctioned off for $250,000 USD!
When was the first toy electric train made?
1896
The first electric toy train was sold in 1896 by the American company, Carlisle & Finch. It was powered by a 2-pole 10 volt electric motor and traveled on a 3 foot circle of track. Though they were not technically first, the company that changed the landscape of toy, or scale model trains was Lionel.
Does Lionel still make standard gauge trains?
Lionel discontinued Standard Gauge trains in 1940. Boucher, the last of the wide gauge manufacturers, folded in 1943. O gauge, was smaller, less expensive to manufacture and it required less space to operate a layout. Thus, it became the most popular scale in the United States almost by default.
Who invented toy trains?
Inductee Joshua Lionel Cowen
NIHF Inductee Joshua Lionel Cowen Invented the Toy Train.
When did toy trains become popular?
Toy trains have fascinated children and adults since the Civil War. That fascination, however, has ebbed and flowed over the decades; and, in many instances, matches the popularity of “real” railroads. As we have seen, in the 1890s and early decades of the 20th century, toy trains were extremely popular.
Why do Lionel trains have 3 rails?
Lionel used the center rail for power and the two outer rails for ground. This made complex track setups very simple using the technology of the day. For example, with a three-rail system, the track can loop back on itself without any issues.
Are Lionel trains plastic or metal?
Lionel’s mainstream for most of their existence has been three-rail O gauge trains. For the first 40 years of their existence from 1900 to 1940, they were mostly stamped out of steel with some diecast parts where it was necessary, like the front of the frames or the wheels.
What size is S scale?
3⁄16 inch to 1 foot
| S scale | |
|---|---|
| Scale | 3⁄16 inch to 1 foot |
| Scale ratio | 1:64 |
| Model gauge | 22.48 (22.5) mm, 0.885 in |
| Prototype gauge | 1,435 mm ( 4 ft 81⁄2 in) standard gauge |