Celebrating 100 Years of Lionel Standard Gauge Trains Standard Gauge: Term introduced by the Lionel Manufacturing Company in 1906 to represent a new three rail track gauge which measured 2 1/8 inches between the rails. The middle rail was used to electrify toy engines with alternating current, that were not at all unlike their real counterparts, which indeed did use the third rail to get in and out of large cities using electric engines in lieu of steam. Introduced: Production began in 1906, and was the only gauge available until 1915 in which 0- Gauge trains were introduced due to the fact that homes were becoming smaller, and the larger toys were quite expensive for most families. Standard Gauge trains appeared in the Lionel catalogs through 1939, but no new items were developed after 1934. Limited Standard Gauge trains are still being produced today by several manufactures, but for the most part, these large trains are relegated to history. Development Styles: There are two generally accepted classifications of Standard Gauge Trains. The Early Period (from 1906 to 1926), and the Classic Period (from 1923 to 1939). The Classic period is known for bright paint colors with wonderful number plates, trim, and detailed interiors not usually found on Early Period Trains. Prices: Lionel s catalogs always had a wide range of trains and prices from just a few dollars all the way up to one hundred (for Prewar trains, these were expensive). Even the lowest cost trains were built to withstand the abuse of children that is why it is possible to see, and find, good to excellent trains even today. With little exception, all of these Standard Gauge Trains, on display today, have their original paint and motors. NOTE: There are excellent reproduction and restored Standard Gauge Trains on the market, so become knowledgeable of what you may want prior to any purchase. Trains on Display are from the Ken Kelley collection, who has been collecting trains since 1965.
Lionel s Flashiest Electric #381E (1928-1938) Modeled after Milwaukee Road s Famous Bi-Polar Electric which ran over the mountains from Tacoma to Othello Washington 381E, Engine alone sold for $42.50 in 1928 The Engine and four State Cars sold for $110 in 1929 (single motored, it could barely pull all four State Cars) Lionel s Blue Comet Set (1930-1938) Largest steam engine #400 with three Comet Cars Jersey Central special that ran from New York to Atlantic City so that New Yorkers could get away for the weekend Passenger cars: Faye, Westphal, and Temple All named after real Comets Set as displayed sold for $70 in 1931
Lionel s Coal Train (1929-1930) The 390 Engine on the coal train is the mid-sized steamer, and pulled either the smaller 500 series cars, or when equipped with large wheeled tender could pull the larger 200 series freight cars Set as displayed sold for $50 in 1930 Early period #5 Steamer with 4 wheel Tender (1908-1923) Would take 5 dry cell batters to operate, or could be run by house current Engine alone was a Number 5, and with a tender, it was called a 5 Special, or 51 Engine cost $10.00, ($11.50 with tender) in 1912
Lionel s #6 Early Steamer (1906-1923) A great looking toy engine. It pulled the larger 10 Series Freight Cars, or large Passenger cars New York Central and Hudson River Railroad (NYC & HRRR) markings on the engine and tender Boiler made of Russian Iron which has been Blued (like a rifle barrel) to prevent rusting Sold in 1909 for $11.25 Rare, Nickel/Brass, Lionel #7 (1908-1923) This engine was sold to the wealthy toy buyer as It was made with special materials (nickel & Polished brass with re-enforced bronze bearings) making it an outfit that will last indefinitely The price of an #6 Engine was $11.25 in 1908 While the #7 sold for $22.50 that same year Engine (circa 1913) does have some replacement parts
Lionel s #121 Early Station (1917-1920) Station manufactured by the Schoenhut firm of Philadelphia for Lionel. Material was Composition Board, not steel. After 1920, Lionel produced their own station made out of metal, which reused #121. Station sold for $3.50 in 1917 Lionel #42 Twin-Motor Electric (1913-1923) Early electric style engines started in 1910, and ran through 1923. In 1921 the #42 was the first twin motored engine produced by Lionel and was capable of pulling a large number of freight or passenger cars. Black was the most common color for this engine Engine sold for $24 in 1913, and $30 in 1921
Lionel #390 Work Train with 200 Series Cars (1930) This is a one year only set as Lionel in the following years used the bigger 400E to head up the 200 Series Freight Cars. Unique to this set is the larger 200 Series trucks on the engines tender Set sold for $55 in 1930 Set came with four cars only, but extra cars such as the Search Light Car could be purchased separately Open Item (1913-1923) Early electric style engines started in 1910, and ran through 1923. In 1921 the #42 was the first twin motored engine produced by Lionel and was capable of pulling a large number of freight or passenger cars. Black was the most common color for this engine Engine sold for $24 in 1913, and $30 in 1921