Lionel Trains

Ranked #7,097 in Hobbies, Games & Toys, #90,634 overall

Lionel Trains: Traditional Model Railroading at its Best

Lionel is a name that has probably crossed the lips of more model train enthusiasts than any other name in the industry. The O-Scale and O-27 Scale trains produced by Lionel have probably run around Christmas trees in more homes worldwide than any other company's. Considering the simple wiring (especially since the introduction of their "FasTrack" system), the diversity of locomotives, cars, and equipment, and the ease of assembly and operation, Lionel Trains has been instrumental in giving "realistic" model trains a place in the hearts of several generations of American boys and girls.

O versus 0-27 What's the Difference?

If you've done even a little bit of reading about Lionel Trains you have undoubtedly encountered the terms O-Scale and O-27. What do these terms mean? What is the difference.

These terms refer to the minimum turning diameter of the tracks which the locomotive or car can negotiate. An O-27 locomotive can handle a curve with a diameter of 27 inches or more. O-Gauge indicates a minimum curve diameter of 31 inches. The new Lionel Fastrack is commonly a 36-inch diamater curve, with 72 inches being readily available.

Speaking of FasTrack

eBay can be Fabulous source for FasTrack at a Great Price!


I started running Lionel trains with O-27 track way back in the 1960's. I was slow to join the FasTrack community, but now I have, and I love it. Lionel promotes FasTrack as simpler, more reliable, and able to be used on multiple surfaces, and that's my experience so far. I'm glad I made the switch! I've found FasTrack much cheaper on eBay than in any of my local retailers! I still love my local guys for locomotives, cars and the like. But the basic staples, like track, usually come from eBay!

Let's see what eBay has in the way of FasTrack right now!

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Lionel Produces More Than 300 Miles of Track Each Year!

Let Folks Know You Have Model Railroad Fever!

It's Getting to be That Time of the Year. Have You Checked Your Locomotives and Transformer yet?

Joshua Cowen founded Lionel Trains.

Where did the name Lionel come from?

eBay is a Great Place to Find Lionel Locomotives

Let's face it. Locomotives are the very heart of any model railroad. Whether you are fascinated by the pistons and tie rods of a steam locomotive, the sleak streamlined diesels from the 40's and 50's, switch engines in the yard, snow plows for the Winter months, or the electric commuter lines on the East Coast, Lionel has something for you. And you'll frequently find just what you are looking for being auctioned on eBay.

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Lionelville! Bring you Lionel Layout to Life!

Since my youth I have been fascinated with the intricate layouts produced by some model train enthusiasts. We were fortunate enough to live on Long Island, my father being a police officer in the town of Lynbrook, the home of Trainland.. I looked forward to their Christmas display every year. My Uncle Bob worked for the Wabash Railroad. He had a large layout of trains in his basement which contained everything from O-Gauge to HO, for perspective. These wonderful layouts didn't consist of simply trains, but were entire dioramas.
Lionel's answer to creating a "lifelike" layout is Lionelville! Buildings, people, aircraft, animals and more. Some are simply still figures, some featured lights, action, and even smoke!
I've placed several of Lionel's accessories here. Do you have a favorite among them? Or you can add a link to an accessory you like!

Lionel 6-14220 Lionelville Water Tower

Lionel 6-14220 Lionelville Water Tower

In Stock and Ready to Ship!Here is a Lionel 14220 Lionelville more...0 points

Lionel Freight Platform

Lionel Freight Platform

No railroad empire is complete without the buildin more...0 points

Lionel O-27 Auto Crossing Gate - 612714

Lionel O-27 Auto Crossing Gate - 612714

This is a Lionel 12714 Automatic Crossing Gate from more...0 points

Lionel Helicopter Pylon

Lionel Helicopter Pylon

Ships in 2-3 Days. Not available for expedited shipping. more...0 points

Lionel Operating Passenger Platform

Lionel Operating Passenger Platform

In Stock and Ready to Ship!This Operating Passenger more...0 points

Lionel 6-14229 Illuminated Crossing Shanty

Lionel 6-14229 Illuminated Crossing Shanty

In Stock and Ready to Ship!This is a Lionel 14229 Illuminated more...0 points

Lionel Operating Wind Turbine 3-Pack

Lionel Operating Wind Turbine 3-Pack

Bring your layout right up to date with a wind far more...0 points

Lionel 50,000 Gallon Water Tank

Lionel 50,000 Gallon Water Tank

This is a gorgeous addition to almost any layout!0 points

Lionel Mountain View Creamery Loading Depot

Lionel Mountain View Creamery Loading Depot

Ships in 2-3 Weeks. Not available for expedited shipping. more...0 points

Joshua Lionel Cowen
used his middle name as the name of his company!

Lionelville on eBay

One of the best places to find Lionelville accessories is on eBay. This is especially true for classic items which you won't find in stores or current catelogs. Sometimes you'll even find these accessories at tremendous discounts. Let's take a look at some of the Lionelville accessories available at the world's biggest online auction right now!

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Is There a Street Car on Your Layout?

I love urban layouts from the early and middle Twentieth Century. One thing that you can do to your layout if you are trying to grab my attention is place a street car on it. I especially like it if it is a winter scene (think Christmas layout). eBay is a good place to look at street cars, because the models have changed over the years. Using an online auction can make sure that the street car you find is the street car you want!

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Learn About Lionel Trains

Part of the fun of any hobby is learning about it. If I am not going to learn from someone in person (model railroad club or train show), the next best way for me to learn is by reading books. A book will allow you to learn in an organized fashion, at your own convenience. And a good book will address your subject of interest in sufficient depth to let you apply what they present to your train layout!

Here are some interesting books on Lionel trains! Take a look!

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Model Railroading Magazines are Wonderful Gifts

Magazines are a great way to learn about a hobby. There are two reasons that I subscribe to magazines rather than simply gain knowledge from books. First, the arrival of a magazine is an infusion of enthusiasm once a month. A few days before I expect my magazines to arrive I begin to wonder what the articles will be about. When the magazine arrives it is read immediately! And it will be read two or three more times (at least) before my new infusion of enthusiasm arrives the next month.

The second reason that I like magazines is that I often get ideas from a magazine that I would NEVER find in a book. Originality is important to me, and magazines are tremendous inspiration.

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Lionel on DVD

Still pictures are super, but moving pictures are simply marvelous. (And even when your trains are not running, you can still enjoy watching trains. Train videos always make me smile.)

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Show The World Your Love of Trains!

Shirts are wonderful gifts. A train shirt will show the world that you enjoy the hobby and will almost always generate interesting conversation!

TRAINIAC Dark T-Shirt

Price: $25.99 Buy Now

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Are Lionel Trains the Right Size for Your Layout?

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Lionel Trains for Christmas

CBS Sunday Morning 12/17/2000

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My Favorite Christmas Train Lens

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This Has GOT To Be One Of The GREAT Layouts!

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How Often Do You Put Up Your Trains?

Some folks have the room and the desire to keep their trains running all year round. Some layouts only come to light during the Holidays. Some layouts come and go -- especially with the appearance of Grandkids! What happens in Your Home?

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Trainwreck?

Not Quite, But Train Accident Would Be Somewhat Accurate.

This is the reason that God made rulers. Actually, I could easily see myself doing this! Click the video and take a look!

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The Camera for That Cab's Eye View

Flip UltraHD Video Camera - Black, 8 GB, 2 Hours (2nd Generation)

Amazon Price: $239.00 (as of 06/02/2012)Buy Now

Good pictures...and we've already proven it's tough. Great Christmas Gift for any Model Railroader!

Never Put a Coke Machine on Your Lionel Layout!

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Or Has This Train Come Off The Tracks?

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Please Sign Our Guest Book.

We Appreciate Your Visit, and We'd Love to Read Your Comments!

We'd love to learn about your experience in model railroading. Are you a member of Lionel's Legion? Or Are You a Part of the HO Hoarde? When did you get started in model trains? Do you have a permanent layout, or does the train just come out at Christmas?
And if you'll leave us a note about your reaction to this page we'll be very grateful!

  • bandit28 Oct 10, 2011 @ 9:12 am | delete
    Ive heard that Lionel Trains are big in the USA but not really known too well here in the UK.
    There is always room for more competition for British Outline models!! :)
  • ArtByLinda Nov 19, 2010 @ 4:32 pm | delete
    I always loved our Christmas train that ran around the bottom of the tree, such fun!

Bring Your Layout to Life With Figurines

Christmas is Over!

What's Happening to Your Christmas Layout?

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ViolinStudent

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