Collectors Guide to Lionel Trains
Hobbyists like collecting Lionel Trains for two reasons. One is that it brings back happy childhood memories and the other is that the investor realizes the value of the trains. Model railroad societies and local collector clubs are the main sources of finding older railroad cars. Seldom are any found at auctions, estate sales or garage sales. Several companies manufactured model trains but Lionel has withstood the test of time and is still collectible today.
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Scarcity and Demand
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Lionel trains made before 1939 when World War II began are the most valued. The older trains are larger than the ones made after the war. This was due to the need for the metal during the war. One important scarce train set is the "States" set. The boxcars of this model train set are marked with the maps and names of the Union states. Any Lionel train with the Walt Disney décor is valuable, especially the Disney Circus Train. In the 1950s Lionel made a train for girls which had a pink locomotive and a blue caboose. It didn't sell well, so not many were made. Some dealers repainted these black to sell them.
Determining Authenticity
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True Lionel treasures are ones purchased in the original box and in mint condition, which are very rarely found today. Many of the trains now have replaced and repainted parts, decreasing their value to almost nothing. The older original trains used decal letters and numbers. Finding one that has painted-on lettering is a sure indicator of a repaired train or boxcar. Original trains were not brush or spray painted, they were dipped in the paint, giving them the smooth, even finish.
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Values
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After the reduction in size in the early 1940s, American Flyer and Ives merged with Lionel. Very few of the early pieces are available. In 1956 a model train sold for $49.95 and by 1970 after Lionel had redesigned the model train it sold for $320. The 1920s to 1950s were the most popular years for trains because of the debut of electric powered train sets. During these years if there was a child in the house you would probably find a train set. Good Lionel pieces now sell for hundreds or even thousands if they are proved to be authentic.
Specializing
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Many collectors and investors attempt to collect any and all Lionel trains. Others prefer to collect every locomotive of a certain number, or every boxcar of a particular kind. Trains were made according to a model scale or gauge size. H.O., N, O and Standard were the usual sizes. The "N" designation indicated "narrow," which was an attempt to make a miniature model train set. Interest in the miniaturized trains has decreased during recent years.
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