Posts Tagged ‘Lionel’
All about Lionel Model Trains
During their nadir, Lionel model trains were legendary internationally for their focus on detail and the standard of manufacture. They continue to are : from Hogwart’s Express for Harry Potter fans to the Polar Express or merely the straightforward Pennsylvania steam freight train, Lionel offers a large range of trains that are true to the originals, real or hypothetical.
In reality, a Lionel electrical train was one of the first two electric toys to be inducted into the national Toy Hall-Of-Fame ( the other was the straightforward Bake Oven ). It was his marketing expertise that gave rise to the phenomenon of model train collecting at the start of the 20th century.
His idea commenced when he devised moving promoting gondolas employing a tiny electric motor he had developed, and when he revealed that folk were more inquisitive about the gondolas than in the products they were lugging around he got the idea of using his electric motor in toy trains. By means of fantastic dept displays at xmas time Cowen gave rise to a public interest in toy trains, and shortly they were among the state’s most well liked toys.
Cowen’s arrival of the two 1/8′ gauge 3 rail track became the standard, and signaled his dominance of the toy train market. A curious innovation of the O-scale track was the O27. The standard O makes a circle 31 inches in diameter when the curved rails are put together, while the O27 was only 27′. The O27 could run OK on O gauge track, but not vice versa, as the 27′ curve was too sharp for standard O scale trains. After Lionel’s golden decade covering 1946 – 56, the company dropped as a rising number of folks switched to the smaller HO scale ( that Lionel ultimately sticked to ) and kids’s interests went from toy trains to toy vehicles. This was only to be expected since the age of the car had arrived, and although vehicles had been in existence for many decades, it was only now that the number of models had expanded to the limit that toy manufacturers considered it worth manufacturing them. Toy cars were less costly to folks than trains that required rolling stock and tracks to go with them. The company was at last sold to a business known as General Mills who ran it from 1969, even though it never hit the heights of earlier years. Then in 1986 it passed on to Lionel collector Richard Kughn, and became known as Lionel Trains. Quality quickly rose again but in 1995 the company was sold to a consortium known as Wellspring Associates LLC. The company now trades using the nom-de-plume Lionel LLC, but will always be known to fans as Lionel Toy Trains.
Real vintage Lionel model trains can be identified from the couplings. Prior to the Second World War, Lionel couplings looked like hooks, while after the war there were two types of coupling : the Scout series couplers and the more modern peg couplers. The Scout series were the entry-level series with G shaped couplings that don’t open. The more complicated couplings have pegs that may be pulled on the bottom to open them.
Post-war also saw the arrival of electrical couplers. This was better than the 1st version as there were no contact shoes to get snagged with switch points.
The Lionel model trains are normally stamped with four numbers, identifying each item. These can be found either underneath or on the side of each vehicle and locomotive.
The company now operates from Ohio, and the new 2009 catalog offers many new items including the New York Transit tube set, and the Dewitt Clinton Heritage Steam Passenger set, and there is also a large number of new rolling stock. Lionel model trains are still live and kicking, and the new catalog proves that it has not lost its gusto for innovation.
Click here for more information on Lionel Model Trains
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Avery Kane writes on varies subjects however loves to write on the subject of Lionel Model Trains.
Lionel Train House
Incredible model train set up at a friend’s house, which Danny refers to as the “Lionel Train House”
Lionel “O” Gauge Train Set
Music: “Rock Island Line” by Big Jim Adam. … model train set rock island line lionel gauge
Guide to Painting Lionel HO and O Scale Model Trains
Painting HO and O scale model trains is a great way to personalize your collection or simply to update it. Before beginning, though, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to prepare. You don’t want to stop in the middle of the project because you’re lacking the right tools or because you haven’t thought it through.
All metal and wood surfaces on model trains should be gently sanded until the surface is smooth. Your best bet is to use fine 400 grit sandpaper. It serves its purpose and its texture won’t damage your model trains. If you’re painting plastic, most often, you’ll only need to ensure it’s clean and dry. Since oils from our fingers will transfer onto plastic, you run the risk of the paint not applying properly if it’s not free of oil or other particles. Usually, primer isn’t necessary for model trains made of plastic.
Although higher quality paint brushes will cost a bit more, the investment is worth it in the long run. Brush streaks will be easily seen and the potential for loose fibers to stick to your paint is higher with less expensive paintbrushes. The same applies to your paint. Enamel paint is most versatile and appropriate for HO and O scale model trains. It’s also recommended you consider an airbrush technique for larger areas. This ensures more even coverage and isn’t nearly as time consuming.
If your model trains require more than one color, as most usually do, consider using the newer “painter’s” tape versus traditional masking tape. It’s easier to remove and you’re less likely to be left with the sticky residuals common with masking tape. Another product on the market that’s excellent for model trains is a liquid painting mask. Application is a breeze and once it’s dried, you can continue with your painting project. Once the project is completed, you can easily peel the mask off. You’re left with clean lines where your two paints seamlessly meet.
A few other tips to keep in mind:
• Add a few bb’s to your jars of acrylic paint. It makes mixing easy.
• Remember to thoroughly clean your brushes after each use so that they’re ready for the next project.
• If you apply decals to your recently painted HO and O scale model trains, be sure to allow at least 24 hours for the paint to properly dry and set.
• Use warm water to wet the decals with – it easily prepares the glue for setting.
• As a final step, a coat of Dull-Cote seals the decal in place and prevents edging.
By incorporating these tips and preparing in advance, your painting projects for your model trains are far more likely to be successful.
Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about o scale model trains. Click here to download a free model trains guidebook filled with hobby tips, ideas and information.
