Frequently Asked Questions
Train Values
Q: What are my trains worth?
A: Lionel has been making trains since 1900 and has a well deserved reputation for quality products. Many of the trains made in the early years right up through the present have kept their value and some are highly valued by collectors, while other more common ones, while worthy of running may not have a high collector value. The value of a particular set or piece is dependent on several factors such as condition, rarity, and the presence of the original box in good condition. Several companies have published price guides which list a value for most of Lionel's production. Two companies that publish respected guides include Kalmbach - www.kalmbach.com and TM Books and Videos - www.tmbv.com. Keep in mind that values listed in these guides are just that - a guide. Often when selling trains, they must by offered at a price below the listed value to sell quickly.
Members of the LCCA can list trains for sale and purchase trains from other members in The Interchange Track. This magazine is issued four times a year and there is no charge to members to list items. In addition to the magazine, members also have access to an online listing service, eTrack - again at no charge. These listings also serves as a guide to exactly what items are selling for. Items are conveniently listed in numerical order, making it easy to find a particular item.
Q: How should I classify the condition or grade of my trains?
A: The LCCA has established grading standards that can be used for both your trains and the boxes they came in. A seasoned train collector should be consulted to assist in grading your trains. Typically the average person over grades their items unless they are knowledgeable of these grading standards.
Getting Part and Service for My Trains
Q: I'd like to run my old Lionel Trains. Are parts and repair services still available?
A: Yes! Many parts for trains made throughout Lionel's history are still available. Reproductions of difficult to find parts are also available. Lionel still maintains Authorized Service Stations with trained specialists who can not only repair current production, but also older Lionel products. You can check for a local Service Station at Lionel's website - www.Lionel.com under the customer service tab. You might also check local hobby shops. Lionel's postwar service manual which details much of Lionel's post 1945 product is now available in digital form from www.hslinc.com. The service manual can help you identify parts which can then be purchased. For more current production, Lionel offers instruction manuals and exploded parts diagrams which are viewable on their website www.lionel.com.
Members of the LCCA receive The Lion Roars, five times a year. This magazine features layout photos, reviews of current products, and tips on running and repairing Lionel trains. Back issues of the magazine are also available to members online.
Operating My Trains
Q: What kind of track is best for my Lionel trains?
A: Lionel trains run on 3-rail O gauge track. In recent years Lionel has introduced a new line of track called FasTrack. This new track system has proved to be quite popular and offers a wide range of track sections. The sections snap together and due to its unique construction, the mating pins at each end of the track never need to be removed, regardless of the track configuration. Other track options include Lionel's traditional tubular track, and track offered by such companies as Atlas and Gargraves.
Q: What Radius do I need?
A: Three rail track is available in a variety of radii. Both O and O27 track are the same gauge - meaning that the spacing of the three rails is the same. They differ however in height and radius. The smallest radius available with Lionel's O27 gauge tubular track provides a 27 inch diameter. Lionel's O gauge tubular track has a larger diameter of 31 inches. FasTrack sections begin at a 36 inch diameter. Today Lionel makes many scale locomotives which will not run on a diameter that small and therefore wider radius curved track is also available. FasTrack for example, is available in diameters of 36, 48, 60, 72, and 84 inches. It is best to choose the largest radius your space will allow.