A new year means a new set of product announcements by Lionel. Technically, it started in late 2024 with the VisionLine O scale J1e Hudson to serve as a headliner for the 125th year. It’s now 2025, and the annual Volume 1 “Big Book” catalog arrived on January 15 to officially kick off the Quasquicentennial. What does the company have up their sleeves with this first go around, and what would my own, fun little wish list from Lionel’s 2025 Volume 1 Catalog resemble if money wasn’t a factor?
A Quasquicentennial Year
Right in the first few pages are products celebrating Lionel’s 125th anniversary — scale and semi scale. While certain items are offered in speciality schemes to commemorate the milestone, most serve as callbacks to the company’s historic lineups of years past. They range from the VisionLine Commodore Vanderbilt Hudsons and 18” heavyweights wearing the “Lionel Lines” red or blue color scheme from their tinplate predecessors, to the Lackawanna Trainmaster set, which will roll out with a postwar look but with modern Legacy features, just to name a few.
This retro style has been an eye-opener for me, starting with the postwar-inspired 2124W set from the 2024 Volume II catalog. Despite my preference toward prototypical scale, I really like this approach by Lionel as part of the commemoration. The VisionLine Hudson Prewar set is a favorite from this section of the catalog due to my soft spot for standard gauge, prewar trains.
On a Scale…
Headliners for the O scale locomotives (VisionLine and Legacy) and rolling stock in the catalog are the VisionLine Hudsons and autoracks.
While the J1es of the former will feature whistle steam and swinging bell (New York Central Nos. 5401 and 5330 also include a Pacific Type [PT] tender with water swoop effect), the shrouded Commodore Vanderbilt versions currently come with just the whistle steam. Meanwhile, the autoracks follow suit from the previous VisionLine refer and stock cars with sounds replicating rail movements, loading and unloading sequences, and car alarm sounds — plus 64 LEDs inside to replicate flashing headlights and taillights. All these items under the VisionLine brand can be found either separately or part of a set with additional add-ons.
The Legacy lineup will see an extension from the anniversary with classic S2 Turbine and Fairbanks Morse Trainmaster locomotives returning in 1:48 scale. Additional steam locomotives will be the Heislers and 4-4-2 Atlantic-type A6s. I love that my home away-from-hometown Ann Arbor Railroad is geting some love from the latter. Meanwhile, the diesel side showcases ES44s, GP35s, SD40-2s (plus a Southern Pacific Donner Pass freight set), and streamlined FA-2 and FB-2s with the Chicago & North Western scheme tickling my interest.
The passenger car section of scaled rolling stock will place a heavy emphasis on Pullman heavyweights, primarily to go along with the Hudsons. I find the new StationSound sleepers fascinating as the replication of passenger service through these sound effects continue to expand from diners and dome cars. On the additional freight side, non-VisionLine autoracks will be available to those who may not want all of those lights and sounds. Other equipment includes gondolas, PS-1 boxcars with FreightSounds, bay window cabooses, various disconnect equipment, AFC 50’ boxcars, four-bay hoppers, ACFX 40’ tank cars, and 40’ doubledoor boxcars. I will say that I could use another one of the latter, but this time in the Santa Fe lettering.
Gauging Traditional and Battery-O
Despite my previously mentioned preference toward O scale, the traditional O gauge section of the catalog has some eye-opening products.
First and foremost, Lionel has been expanding its battery-powered remote-controlled sets that not only come with plastic track, but the locomotives and rolling stock are proportionally gauged to operate on O gauge track — without relying on track power. Seeing this in action from the Thomas and Friends set makes me think of the effects this technology can have for both O and smaller scales in the industry and hobby going forward. In the meantime, I would still recommend these sets to kids looking to get into the hobby with flexible operating opportunities while on a tighter budget.
Meanwhile on the traditional electric side, you’ll be getting a vast lineup of products with some highlights. I’m happy that the 15” aluminum passenger cars are back to follow behind the planned LionChief 2.0 F3s. I wouldn’t mind having that Florida East Coast passenger set. However, the force is strong with me when it comes to the new line of Star Wars-themed sets and cars, being a fan of the franchise. My attention is definitely on the Lightsaber illuminated boxcars with the classic duel of Obi Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader from A New Hope.
The Wishlist and Looking Ahead
With the Volume 1 catalog covered – cover to cover – here’s what the wish list looks like for this staff writer:
- VisionLine Hudson Prewar Set
- Ann Arbor Legacy A6 Atlantic No. 1611
- Chicago & North Western FA-2 and FB-2 sets
- Santa Fe 40’ Double Door Boxcar No. 4625
- LionChief 2.0 Florida East Coast F3 diesels and 15’ aluminum passenger cars
- Star Wars Lightsaber Illuminated Boxcar – Darth Vader vs Obi Wan Kenobi
While browsing through the catalog and putting together this list, I’ve also been following the feedback from others within the O gauge hobby. “Underwhelmed” with not enough bang for your buck is becoming a common reaction so far with fair criticism. One key point I find understandable is that the Scale section seems to be a bit slimmer than in years’ past.
However, it’s important to remember that this is still the first volume with the second expected to be released this summer. There were also recent talks from company representatives regarding additional announcements planned to fill in the gaps throughout the year. Right now, I’m going to wait and see how the rest of 2025 plays out for Lionel, and see if they can finish its 125th year strong after what’s looking to be a stumble at the starting line for dedicated O gauge/scale hobbyists.
Let us know your thoughts are on the announced products, and if you’ve put together your own wish list.
