O Scale Lionel Model Trains
Lionel is one of the most recognized brands for model scale trains. The company was established in 1900 by Joshua Lionel Cowen. The company immediately became a success because of their electric powered model trains, which was very rare during those days. Their success continued until the 60s when they face very stiff competition from different model train companies during that time. They were eventually sold to General Mills in the early 80s. Lionel is currently known as Lionel, LLC owned by different investors known for their background in toy manufacturing and dedication to the hobby.
Because of the changes in management of Lionel after 1980, the original Lionel is now a collector’s item. The most popular is the pre-war Lionel O scale model trains which were very popular during the 30s but very rare today. The model trains that were built before 1980 are also well known since they were US built. Lionel’s popularity during the 30s could be easily identified with the O scale model since they were the most popular model scale during that time. Today’s O scale model trains are produced in China but they still have the same quality but current O scale model trains for Lionel are usually sold as toys instead for model scale hobbyists.