Railroads Around New York Article

Antique Model Lionel Trains

Lionel trains are sure to strike a chord of recognition amongst railroading hobbyists everywhere. Not one other model railroad has been as popular as Lionel trains in the entire history of railroading.

During the 1940’s and the 1950’s Lionel trains were so hugely popular that almost every kid was sure to have possessed at least one Lionel train. Anyone lucky enough to still have one in their possession could easily make a small fortune with their antique model Lionel trains. However, the story of this famous locomotive began sometime in the 1920’s.

When Lionel trains were first introduced in the market, the toy industry manufactured toy trains in hundreds and they were all meant especially for kids. But today the very same trains have become the latest fad among model-train collectors and hobbyists of all ages. Those who were fortunate enough to own an antique Lionel train, especially the State set are sure to rake in a fortune if they ever decide to auction the train. The State set was a Lionel train antique model that was nine feet long and had twelve wheels.

Liberty Lines 600E is one of the more popular antique models of the Lionel trains. This locomotive is about three feet long. The Train Collectors Association, a group of Lionel-train lovers, claim that the Liberty Lines 600E 2-6-4 is in fact an extension of it’s equally famous predecessor which was introduced sometime in the 1030’s - the Lionel 400E.

The Liberty Lines 600E locomotive is today considered a truly unique and one-of-a-kind model of antique Lionel trains. This very same model train has in fact been considered the main competitor of yet another invaluable locomotive – the Lionel Super 381 E, which is presently on display in the Historical Society Museum located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Only a limited one hundred pieces of this model of Lionel trains were manufactured, which means that there are probably only a handful of proud collectors and hobbyists who own these oldest and most excellently crafted models.

Some of the old models of Lionel trains would fetch their lucky owners a cool fortune if they happened to be maintained in excellent mint condition. Just like most other stuff that is considered antique and rare, the older it is the more money it will fetch you, especially if it is in exceptional condition. Also the more rare the locomotive model, the more expensive it is likely to be.

Lionel trains has been through its own share of good times and bad and the company may not have as high as reputation as it once did. However, the locomotives continue to be as popular as ever or maybe even more popular than before. The main reason for this is the recognition that Lionel trains manufactured in the days of yore were truly beyond compare. Even though the later models of Lionel trains are not as prominent as their predecessors, hobbyists continue to be attracted to the name.