No toy train is better known than Lionel O Scale Trains. The me generations still recall Lionel as the crème-de-la-crème of model trains. If you grew up in the age of Ike and Truman and you saw a model train setup at a store, without fail it was a Lionel O guage setup. Around Christmas the local hardware store would put one up and watch as it drew us all in as bear cubs to honey. Usurpers like Bachmann and financial troubles have long since undone Lionel’s supremacy, but the brand still carries a lot of its former cachet. Here’s the story why:
Lionel Trains are designed in O gauge: It’s ironic, but O gauge is Lionel’s best attribute and its mortal Achille’s heel. Lionel trains were usually in O gauge, but with the growth of model training in the 50’s more and more middle class model train hobbyists began to purchase trains for smaller spaces. O gauge trains are one 48th the size of regular trains and require an 8’ x 16’ space as a minimum. The smaller 4’ x 8’ space required by HO models lured would be Lionel customers away. Lionel’s failure to adapt is what cost it and what makes its odd scale a real draw for enthusiasts these days.
Lionel brings back the memories: Lionel’s many decades makes it a popular choice for model train historians. The nostalgia that Lionel conjures in a lot of model train enthusiasts cannot be discounted. Long lost memories come steaming out of dark tunnels of the subconscious when you see one of these classic trains. Lionel’s durability also makes a claim to the hobbyist’s heart.
Lionel has a long literature: Unlike a lot of toy train manufacturers, you can find several books focused specifically to Lionel. There are two types of books on Lionel. First, there are books that are specifically targeted to getting you started with model training using Lionel O gauge trains. Second, a ton of books trace Lionel’s exemplary history.
Finally, Lionel is popular because they just made good trains: The workmanship of these trains can simply not be understated! Larger than most other trains, they are great for detailing and decaling and weathering. People who love the painting and detailing of model training love how easy it is to work with Lionel substantial trains. They also love that the trains are so large and so eye catching. You simply can’t ignore a Lionel train.
Regardless of the company’s finances, Lionel O gauge should be a hobbyist favorite for the foreseeable future. It’s hard to contemplate the model train world without Lionel. Lionel never disappoints.
Here is more information on Toy Model Trains. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Model Trains.
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