Posts Tagged ‘lionel’
A Look Into The History Of The Lionel Model Train
A look into the history of the Lionel Model Train is fascinating. Lionel trains got their start in 1900 when Joshua Lionel Cowen created his first toy train, the Electric Express. Joshua was already a successful inventor at the time. He created the toy train as a nod to his childhood growing up around the rise of Union Pacific and Central Pacific lines, which made America into a world power.
Once Cowen invented the Electric Express, it and the next train he invented after it became his main passion for the remainder of his lifetime. Cowen told people boys who had a Lionel Model Train would be better prepared for adulthood. Word of this led fathers to join their sons in becoming model train enthusiast. Soon after Lionel train layouts were in several American homes. This was especially true during the Christmas season when it became a tradition to put a Lionel train layout around the Christmas tree.
Later in the century when American’s began their love affair with automobiles and cross-country flying became the norm, people quit buying the Lionel Model Train. This is because when Lionel trains first hit the market; trains had become a symbol of American technology and travelling in sophistication. Later in the 1960’s the freight lines were starting to be shut down, as were some of major train stations. Around this time Joshua Lionel Cowen passed away.
Slowly Lionel trains were rediscovered by those who were looking for a piece of American nostalgia. Others had their imaginations captured by the possibilities of being a model train collector. Recently, America has begun renewing its own relationship with trains as a viable form of transportation. As more high-speed passenger lines are being created and historical landmarks such as Penn Station are being restored, American’s are rediscovering their passion for model trains such as the Lionel Model Train.
Evidence of the renewed relationship American’s have with the Lionel Model Train can be seen in the Lionel Store located in New York at the famous 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Rockefeller Center. Every day, the store is filled with tourists from around the world trying to get a piece of this bit of true Americana. The store’s offering of Lionel Model Trains is just as symbolic of Christmas in America as the ice rink located outside the store in Rockefeller Center at Christmas time.
Another chapter of Lionel Model Train history is being written as the company has increased its online efforts to serve the model train community. Now people looking for sound advice when starting to collect model trains can go on line to the Lionel website. Model train enthusiasts can also find the information they are looking for. They can find everything from different models for purchase, answers to questions, and current model train news. There is even an online club offered on the website called the Lionel Railroader Club. Here train enthusiasts can get subscriptions to “Inside Track” the official Lionel Train news magazine and get special offers on Lionel trains and accessories.
David Blackburn has had a passion for Model Trains for over 20 years. His enthusiasm and knowledge on the subject of model trains can be found in his writing and his new book. For more great information on a lionel model train visit his site at: http://www.modeltrainsadvice.com. While you are there make sure you sign up for his FREE “Secrets To Successful Model Railroading” Mini Course.
Lionel 11102 G Gauge Holiday Set
- 52 inch circle of track, 4 sections of straight track (enough to expand the circle to a 52 inch by 6
- locomotive and tender
- a musical pipe organ car
- Christmas caboose
- feature illuminated garland
Product Description
Ships in 2-3 Weeks. Not available for expedited shipping.
This is a Lionel 11102 G Gauge Holiday Set. The Lionel Holiday Tradition Express includes a 52 inch circle of track, 4 sections of straight track (enough to expand the circle to a 52 inch by 69 inch oval) a multifunction remote control, a brightly colored and festively decorated locomotive and tender, a musical pipe organ car, and a Christmas caboose. All cars are constructed of durable plastic… More >>
Lionel 11102 G Gauge Holiday Set
Lionel Model Train Sets; A Guide For Set Up
Following are some tips and guidelines for the maintenance and cleaning of your model trains. Whether your trains are Lionel or another manufacturer, any set benefits from regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
Lionel locomotives are designed in such a way that checks can be done by removing the cover. Remove the screw that is located under the smoke stack in order to remove the cover. Spread the diesel engine’s body at the sides until the pins release and pull upward gently. Then turn the engine upside down to access the wheels. Pare off any layers of dirt and grime with an X-acto knife. Finish by applying an eraser to the model’s wheels which will remove the rest of the debris.
Locomotives also require regular oiling of the moving parts to keep them working smoothly. Your owner’s manual will have instructions for applying the oil as well as the best oil to use. Take care that the oil does not drip onto the rails because oil can interfere with the electrical conductivity of the set and keep your train from functioning properly. A thin oil, such as a 3-in-1, is recommended.
Cleaning and maintenance should also be done on the commutator ad the brushes. Dirt can build up on these parts which will prevent the motor from getting electrical power. If left unattended, the locomotive will fail to work. Cleaning need be performed only about once a year, however. One technique for keeping the commutators clean is to run the locomotive slowly without the body. Apply Rail-Zip cleaner to a clean rag and apply the rag to the commutator while it spins. You will also need to clean the brushes. You can purchase television tuner cleaner from most electronics stores and use it to spray the brushes. Let the cleaning solution drip off and then dry the area by wiping with a clean rag. Put the body back on after you have cleaned it.
You should also perform maintenance on the wheels of the freight cars. Clean wheels are necessary for any Lionel model train set to run smoothly. One way to clean the wheels is to mount a straight section of track on an 18-inch 2×4 board. Then, cover the heads of the rails with a rag or paper towel and slowly drip rubbing alcohol onto it. Place a few small drops of Goo-Gone on the rails prior to running the cars. Run the locomotive over the rails, back and forth until the wheels appear clean and glossy.
It is said that Lionel trains are built to last. Customers report some of the highest satisfaction ratings in the industry. However, regular maintenance is important for any set to keep it functioning smoothly. Some regular maintenance can keep your train set running properly for years!
Model Railways are my passion. The skill and precision need to make model trains is so challenging. I love the old model trains. I also love making model railways.
Lionel and MTH Electric Trains. Rock Island Union Pacific Rio Grande
Here is a video of some Lionel and MTH electric trains. You will see a Lionel Rock Island GP7, a Lionel Union Pacific 4-12-2 steam locomotive, and a MTH Electric Trains Rio Grande SD9. The “camera car”, which is a K-Line O27 depressed center flat car, is being pushed by a Lionel Chessie System GP30. The Rock Island GP7, Union Pacific 4-12-2, and the Chessie System GP30 are controled by Lionel Legacy, while the MTH Rio Grande SD9 is being run in conventional.
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