Prewar Lionel
Prewar Lionel
Why Lionel Trains Continue to Grow
Despite Joshua Lion Cowen’s belief in the value of his Lionel Toy Trains and the success that it will eventually enjoy, he most certainly would not have imagined that the popularity of his products continue to be strong today, especially given the revival in Model Train collecting in recent years. Lionel Model Trains were a pioneer in the model train and railroad business, and gained a strong foothold in the industry due to its impeccable attention to detail and quality, partly because of the large group of skilled Toy Train craftsmen that Cowen employed for his business. This attention to detail spawned countless Lionel trains set which were incredibly realistic and provided fans with endless hours of fun and pure joy. The popularity at its height resulted in a high percentage of Americans that owned at least one set of these toys. They were also a top choice for gifts for every occasion, from Christmas to the New Year.
An amazing fact that is not commonly known about the creator of Lionel trains is that Joshua Lionel Cowen was not originally an American. He moved to the country and settled down with his family, before falling in love with trains as well. These large locomotives were growing in popularity as a mode of transport at that time, and Cowen decided to translate his love for them into model toys which could be enjoyed by people all over the world. He also wanted Lionel trains to be a source of inspiration and learning for locomotive fans worldwide, and knew that they would become popular and sell like hot cakes due to their importance in many countries as a source of transport and a strong economic factor. Within a few years of starting his toy train business, Lionel trains quickly became successful, evidently through his move to bigger offices and the growing number of employees to cope with rising demand and popularity.
The durability of toy trains and model railways has proven itself over the last few decades. When Lionel trains first came out, they were a huge hit and many were fascinated by the detail and quality afforded to each Train Set. Building and setting up a railroad set with live trains were also a sight to behold, and they still are today. Despite the advent of cars and subsequently, planes, trains were also a necessary mode of transport in many countries, especially in those where financially it was more affordable to use these to transport various products within the country or across neighboring countries. Till today, trains can sometimes be more cost effective than using airborne transport, even if the cost of fuel for locomotives has risen considerably due to its increasing scarcity. With trains having an enduring presence even in the modern world, it is hard to imagine a dwindling interest in model Lionel trains.
While it is more difficult to get hold of a Lionel Train model set nowadays due to decreasing production and the fact that other toy train producers are coming out with cheaper alternatives, there are still plenty of options for model train set collectors and aficionados. The Internet is definitely an option, with many fans and collectors going online to trade in their favorite sets and models, especially with Lionel Prewar trains. If you look hard enough, there are bound to be bargains and a few gems to be found, with collectors all over the world. In fact, with a more specialized production of the train sets, Lionel trains have increased in value, especially for older vintage models which have become increasingly difficult to locate. There are many individuals who have grown rich as a result of their hobby and love for collecting toy trains, and Lionel trains are often a major factor in their success.
About the Author
Greg Howard is a collector of Lionel trains set and often provides insights on making your Lionel trains purchase. For more info on Lionel Model train sets, please visit Greg's site.
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LIONEL TRAINS REPAIR MANUAL CATALOG 1902 1986 DVD |  |
0 Bid | US $6.50 | 55m |
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1924 PREWAR LIONEL OBSERVATION CAR 630 4 WHEEL RED | |
7 Bids | US $9.59 | 10h 1m |
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Shinohara HO HOn3 Code 70 RT LT 6 turnouts | |
12 Bids | US $49.99 | 10h 25m |
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Marx New York Central NYC Caboose 20102 Red Gray 3 16 Scale S Gauge Vintage Rare | |
2 Bids | US $12.99 | 11h 18m |
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2 PAIR AMERICAN FLYER O GAUGE MANUAL SWITCHES | |
0 Bid | US $4.99 | 11h 22m |
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Marx New York Central NYC Boxcar 174580 Red Gray 3 16 Scale S Gauge Vintage Rare | |
2 Bids | US $13.99 | 11h 25m |
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Lionel 763E PreWar HUDSON 4 6 4 2263W TENDER | |
12 Bids | US $657.00 | 11h 40m |
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LIONEL PRE WAR 0 GAGUE 270 BRIDGE | |
0 Bid | US $49.95 | 11h 44m |
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TWO LIONEL 58 GREEN GOOSE NECK LAMPOSTS CIRCA 1922 1942 | |
1 Bid | US $12.00 | 12h 45m |
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LIONEL Train Service and Repair Parts Manual 3 CD Set Newr 2011 2012 Season | |
0 Bid | US $17.99 | 13h 1m |
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Lionel 2640 Illuminated Pullman Automatic Couplers Ex C 7 | |
1 Bid | US $69.99 | 13h 4m |
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Lionel Locomotive Engine Pre War 224E O Gauge 2 6 2 | |
1 Bid | US $74.99 | 13h 29m |
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Lionel cast frame 261 262 pre war steamer | |
4 Bids | US $49.48 | 13h 36m |
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Lionel front rear red spoke trucks 262 | |
1 Bid | US $9.99 | 13h 46m |
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LIONEL O SCALE PREWAR BRUSH PLATE 289 E 23 NEW CONDITION | |
0 Bid | US $4.75 | 14h 19m |
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LIONEL AM FLYER PREWAR O SCALE LARGE SMALL WHEELS SEE PICT | |
0 Bid | US $7.77 | 14h 23m |
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LIONEL TRAINS PREWAR 1938 INSTRUCTIONS FOR ASSEMBLING OPR LIONEL TRAINS | |
0 Bid | US $18.77 | 14h 25m |
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Lionel 224e steam engine very nice pre war o scale | |
11 Bids | US $39.00 | 14h 28m |
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LIONEL O SCALE PREWAR INSTRUCTIONS TO OPR MULTIVOLT TYPE B TRANSFORMER | |
1 Bid | US $4.77 | 14h 28m |
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VINTAGE LIONEL STEAM TRAIN WITH TINPLATE FREIGHT CARS1662 0 4 0 SWITCHER CARS | |
0 Bid | US $244.00 | 14h 36m |
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LIONEL BOSCO BOX CARPENNSYLVANIA CABOOSESUNOCO TANKERTWO GONDOLAS FLAT CAR | |
0 Bid | US $39.99 | 14h 51m |
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LIONEL PREWAR TIN LITHO BOX CAR 655 CREAM WITH MAROON ROOF O GAUGE VERY NICE | |
2 Bids | US $17.50 | 15h 23m |
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LIONEL PREWAR O GAUGE 817 CABOOSE RESTORED | |
0 Bid | US $49.99 | 15h 27m |
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LIONEL LINES PREWAR TIN LITHO CABOOSE 2657 RED WITH MAROON O GAUGE VERY NICE | |
2 Bids | US $10.50 | 15h 32m |
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Lionel 0 Gauge 248 252 Prewar Solid Red Loco Wheels | |
9 Bids | US $31.00 | 15h 33m |
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LIONEL PREWAR PASSENGER CARS QTY 2 629 630 ORIGINAL | |
4 Bids | US $20.50 | 15h 41m |
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lionel prewar 1045 gateman | |
0 Bid | US $15.00 | 16h 3m |
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LIONEL 106 BRIDGE 2 RAMPS WITH BOX FLAP TORN OFFREAD BEFORE BIDDING | |
0 Bid | US $39.99 | 16h 9m |
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Lionel 2226W tender for 226E or 763E | |
4 Bids | US $112.50 | 16h 15m |
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Lionel 1662 PREWAR steam switcher loco 2203T tender RARE MUST SEE | |
2 Bids | US $102.50 | 16h 28m |
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Vintage Lionel 224 Prairie 2 6 2 Loco w 1666T Whistle Tender TLC | |
1 Bid | US $49.99 | 16h 35m |
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Marx 35461 PFE Reefer Boxcar Southern Pacific SP 3 16 Scale S Gauge Vintage Rare | |
3 Bids | US $20.50 | 16h 42m |
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Lionel Pre War 1679 Baby Ruth Metal Box Train Car 0 027 Scale 1930s | |
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US $34.00 | 16h 59m |
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Lionel Prewar 1682 Lionel Lines Caboose | |
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US $28.00 | 17h 1m |
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Lionel prewar 2672 brown metal caboose | |
0 Bid | US $21.00 | 17h 8m |
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LIONEL PREWAR NO1680 SUNOCO SILVER TANKER tank CAR METAL | |
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US $25.00 | 17h 8m |
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Lionel Prewar 655 Box Car | |
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US $34.00 | 17h 13m |
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LIONEL PRE WAR 011 SWITCHES | |
0 Bid | US $5.00 | 17h 15m |
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Lionel Prewar 3651 auto dumping flat car | |
1 Bid | US $9.99 | 17h 17m |
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Lionel prewar 2812 gondula | |
0 Bid | US $20.00 | 17h 20m |
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Lionel 3 pre war train cars to restore | |
3 Bids | US $12.50 | 17h 22m |
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O GALIONEL PASSENGER CAR SET 264022641 GREEN | |
1 Bid | US $99.99 | 17h 22m |
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1934 PREWAR LIONEL 1691 OBVERVATION CAR 027 GAUGE | |
2 Bids | US $2.25 | 18h |
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LIONEL O SCALE PREWAR LAMP POST 59 8 3 4 IN HIGH | |
0 Bid | US $34.77 | 18h 20m |
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Lionel Pre War O ScaleTrain Lot 6 259E Loco Tender2651265426573659 | |
6 Bids | US $107.50 | 18h 25m |
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PREWAR STANDARD GAUGE 514 REFRIGERATOR CAR BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED | |
0 Bid | US $99.99 | 18h 26m |
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Lionel 5 Empty Boxes 6464 900 525 3376 Giraffe Car Two UCS Original NR | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 18h 26m |
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ORIGINAL LIONEL PREWAR STANDARD GAUGE DUMP CAR 218 TYPE l FOR RESTORATION | |
0 Bid | US $99.99 | 18h 30m |
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ORIGINAL LIONEL PRE WAR STANDARD GAUGE BALLAST CAR 116 TYPE lll NEW HAVEN RR | |
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US $99.00 | 18h 30m |
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Lionel 1877 Flat Car With Original Horses Boxed Unused NR | |
2 Bids | US $45.30 | 18h 32m |
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Lionel Prewar X2458 PRR Automobile Double Door BOXCAR | |
2 Bids | US $30.00 | 18h 35m |
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Lionel 3535 Security Car with Original Box Unused NR | |
4 Bids | US $46.50 | 18h 39m |
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O Gauge PREWAR Lionel SIX PIECE Steam Passenger SET | |
6 Bids | US $137.49 | 18h 39m |
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Lionel track Pre War Restore | |
0 Bid | US $15.00 | 18h 40m |
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Pre War The Lionel Lines Pullman Car 607 Gauge O Rolling Stock Original | |
0 Bid | US $49.99 | 18h 41m |
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LIONEL PARTS RIVET ASSORTMENT 90 PIECES | |
0 Bid | US $14.99 | 18h 42m |
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LIONEL PARTS 57 BAYONET BASE BULBS 12 16 VOLTS | |
0 Bid | US $7.99 | 18h 42m |
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LIONEL PARTS 10 PICKUP ROLLERS PRE WAR AND POST WAR | |
0 Bid | US $8.99 | 18h 43m |
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LIONEL PARTS 1447 18 VOLT SCREW BASE BULB | |
0 Bid | US $7.99 | 18h 43m |
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LIONEL PARTS 1449 14 VOLT SCREW BASE BULB | |
0 Bid | US $7.99 | 18h 43m |
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LIONEL PARTS 156 FENCE FOUR SECTIONS | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 18h 43m |
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LIONEL PARTS 1661 33 10 SLIDE SHOES FOR ENGINES | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 18h 43m |
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LIONEL PARTS 2226 2426 TENDER HAND RAILS SET | |
3 Bids | US $11.06 | 18h 43m |
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LIONEL PARTS 226E BRUSH HOLDERS | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 18h 43m |
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LIONEL PARTS 249 LANTERN FOR PREWAR AND NEW LIONEL | |
1 Bid | US $8.99 | 18h 43m |
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Prewar Lionel O Gauge No811 Lumber Car | |
3 Bids | US $15.50 | 18h 44m |
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