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It, however, came with upgrades, so look out for magnetic assemblies and remote dissembles.
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Having already set the record as the most sought-after antique Lionel trains model, the company reinstated the O gauge first. Lionel Trains from The Post-War Era (1946 – 1968) Complete 1950’s Lionel antique train set accessories transformers switches track (Source: Ebay ) The famous O gauge antique Lionel trains emerged in 1915 and phased out the bigger standard gauge model by 1939.īecause of the antique Lionel Standard gauge’s rarity, it’s more expensive than the O gauge model. This transformer needed to manage the short circuit problem, so the company added a standard three-rail track to the design. So, Lionel improved the design by fitting a 110 V transformer as a replacement. It goes without saying that owning these models was risky because of their power source. antique Lionel Trains were wet-cell battery-controlled electric models. Lionel Trains from the Pre-War Era (1900 – 1942) Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered with these simple identification tips.Įvery antique Lionel Train fit into three broad groups from 1900 – 1995 – Pre-War Era, Post-War Era, and General Mills & Richard Kughn Lionel Trains. Once a product gains recognition amongst collectors, fraudulent people on the prowl produce counterfeits to infiltrate the market.
#LIONEL OF FUNDIMENSIONS HOW TO#
How to Identify Antique Lionel Trains like a Pro They are often sentimental owners, railway transport enthusiasts/workers, and regular fans who appreciate the detail. They then sold it to General Mill’s Model Products Corporation (MPC) in 1969.Īfter a few years, the Lionel trains traveled to Richard Kughn’s Fundimensions in 1973 before landing in Martin Davis Investment Group in 1995.īecause antique Lionel trains don’t thrill typical modern-day children, Pace & Hong auctions note that its audience is unique. Grant, in 1900 under the Lionel Corporation LLC name. The original owners of the Lionel Trains were the duo – Joshua Lionel Cowen and Harry C.
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Like many classic American pioneer antique products, Lionel trains have passed through several companies over the years. The first most valuable Lionel train ever sold is a Lionel Standard Gauge Set from 1934, the complete set with 400E Locomotive and State passenger cars sold for … drums, drums $250,000! The auction happened in 2016 and to date it is the most expensive Lionel train ever sold.
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