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ANYONE WHO HAS READ MY REVIEWS OVER TIME knows I have one simple mantra about reproductions of vintage trains. Simply put: “New is better.” So starts Bob Keller’s review of Lionel’s no. 2219W Lackawanna “Thunderbird” set, one of the new “Lionel Postwar Authentics – Conventional Classics.” Older trains (postwar or even prewar) are simple, rugged, […]
It was an April evening when I returned home to find this message on my answering machine: “I have a train set that was purchased in 1941. Can you tell me what it’s worth?” I recognized the voice as belonging to an acquaintance that knew I collected Lionel trains. “Nice of the guy to call,” […]
After reading the following review, be sure to watch streaming video of this set in action. YOU CAN STILL SEE THE TRACES HERE AND THERE. A section of back road with the unmistakable appearance of a tree line and a long-gone grade crossing; perhaps a concrete overpass converted into a bike trail years ago; or […]
The O gauge North Shore two-car interurban set by K-Line by Lionel retails for $229.99 (no. 22287-1). It features two can-style motors, interior decoration and illumination, directional lighting, and passenger sound effects. […]
The O gauge North Shore two-car interurban set by K-Line by Lionel retails for $229.99 (no. 22287-1). It features two can-style motors, interior decoration and illumination, directional lighting, and passenger sound effects. […]
In the March 2009 issue of CLASSIC TOY TRAINS, Bob Keller reviewed this O gauge boxcab electric, by K-Line by Lionel. […]
In the March 2009 issue of CLASSIC TOY TRAINS, Bob Keller reviewed this O gauge boxcab electric, by K-Line by Lionel. […]
Q: I’m having problems with my postwar Lionel diesel horns. One is in a no. 2343 Santa Fe F3 and the other is in a no. 2331 Virginian Train Master. Both locomotives are in like-new condition, and though I know I can buy a replacement horn, I’d like to keep them original and get the […]
INEXPENSIVE IS NOT BAD. Cheap is bad, but not inexpensive. Cheap means flimsy material and poor reliability. Inexpensive means “I’ll take two, instead.” Lionel seems to be steering the K-Line product line in a specific direction – and that direction appears to be smart, economical trains, rather than the high-dollar super-spectacular locomotives we came to […]
I’M VERY PLEASED TO NOTE that if I was mildly disappointed in Lionel’s scale-detailed GP7 (see November 2008 reviews), the firm’s O gauge rendering of a pinnacle of modern locomotion, the EMD SD70ACe, has more than made up for it in the Department of Wow. The prototype has plenty of detail points to model, and […]
LET’S CUT RIGHT TO THE CHASE. This is the finest steam locomotive that Lionel has ever made. Period. End of discussion. Insert photo of me puckering up to give this steamer a big old smooch. Whew. OK, I’ve taken a deep breath. I’ve cooled down. Now, on with the rest of the review. This Lionel […]
OKAY, SO THE BRASS IN LIONELVILLE was trying to come up with a new engine for starter sets. Or, better said, they were trying to develop a new value-priced locomotive that could be sold separately or in starter sets. Of the gazillions of prototypes out there, Lionel settled on the USRA 0-8-0 steam locomotive. That […]
