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| FAQs About Collectibility |
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Are all old Lionel toy trains collectible and valuable?
No. Condition is everything with old toy trains. Trains that are well used, scratched, dented, and/or rusted are generally not considered collectible although they may have parts or salvage value. Older toy trains that have been well cared for and not abused may well be collectible. Condition, rarity, and unpredictable market factors bear on the value of all collectibles, including toy trains. "Speculating" in this market may be hazardous to your wallet.
Were original Lionel trains made exclusively in the USA?
Yes. "Original" Lionel trains are generally considered to be those trains made by the Lionel Corporation from 1900-1969. The Lionel Corporation manufactured trains in New York and New Jersey until 1969. After 1970 ownership of the Lionel name and trademarks changed several times and trains continued to be manufactured in Mexico, the United States, and most recently, in the Pacific rim. The last made-in-the USA Lionel train was manufactured at the Michigan factory in August, 2001. That manufacturing facility has now been closed and Lionel trains are now produced in the Pacific rim according to the precise high quality standards of Lionel LLC.
Did the closing of the U.S. factory increase the value of "Made in USA" Lionel trains?
Not necessarily. As noted above, the value of toy trains (and their collectibility) is determined by several factors including desirability, rarity, age, condition, and other varying market factors including the overall economy as well. Today's Lionel trains are excellent values and many include the latest technological advances to enhance both their realism and play value.
Are new Lionel trains readily available?
Yes. Check out the current Lionel catalog on this website. It is jam packed with all of the latest exciting offerings from the greatest toy train company in the world. Many local hobby shops are also Lionel dealers; check the Yellow Pages in your city. To locate a Lionel dealer or Lionel repair Service Station nearest you, click on the company's Web site: www.lionel.com.
Will Lionel trains continue to be collectible?
Only time will tell. Trains are toys and the reason so many early trains are now sought after and considered highly collectible is that most were purchased and played with when we were kids. Very few survived in pristine or new condition. They were not considered or sold as "collectible". Today's trains may well become tomorrow's "must have" collectibles but that will be determined by the factors and conditions noted above.
How can I purchase vintage Lionel trains?
A great place to start is our own Interchange Track, an outstanding buy-sell-trade newsletter published six times each year. This publication lists thousands of toy train items from the past 100 years under "For Sale", "Wanted", and "Trade" headings. The club has also implemented a dynamic, real-time version of Interchange Track to this website. One of the highlights of our LCCA Annual Convention is the Trading Hall with hundreds of tables filled with fun and exciting offerings from all eras. There are many local and regional toy train meets held around the country throughout the year (including LCCA local meets which are open to all LCCA members free of charge), and these events provide additional opportunities to purchase Lionel trains.
I've heard of different types of Lionel trains. What does this mean?
Lionel trains are usually divided into the era in which they were produced. This production covers over 100 years by different owners of the company. The table below describes the different eras of train production.
| Period |
Production
Dates |
Description |
| Pre-War |
1901-1941 |
The production era of Lionel trains from their first appearance until World War II halted production |
| Post-War |
1945-1969 |
The production era of Lionel trains after World War II until the company was sold outside the Lionel family |
| Modern |
1970-1986 |
The MPC/Fundimensions production era of Lionel trains |
| 1987-1996 |
The Lionel Trains, Inc (LTI) production era of Lionel trains |
| 1997-Present |
The Lionel Limited Liability Corp (LLC) production era of Lionel trains |
Can you assist me in determining the value of my trains?
The value of toy trains is dependent on any number of variables including:
- Condition - the closer to new or factory fresh, the better
- Heavy play wear - after all, they were toys
- Pieces - are they all there?
- Rarity - were many of these items produced or relatively few?
- Original Boxes - are they included and in what condition?
- Current state of the market
- Items that are in demand.
Offering an opinion on the value of your trains might be next to impossible. Many of our members engage in buying and selling trains as their hobby (a few, even as their business) and have done so for years. They find it enjoyable, but they know the market is constantly changing.
Two suggestions:
There are price guides available at hobby shops, train shows, etc. They can give you an idea of value, although what someone is willing to pay for an item is the reality.
Or, you could join the LCCA - there's information on this website. It's a good way to learn more about toy trains and meet a great group of people who can help with your "toy train education."
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Copyright 2010 Lionel® Collectors Club of America
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Page last updated: 9/3/2009 7:44:40 AM
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