Model railroading and toy train enthusiasts and collectors have a reason to celebrate this season as Shop.Trains.com unveils an impressive new selection of Lionel® Trains products.
Lionel has long been known for creating train sets that appeal to enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels. Our new collection continues this tradition with options for both casual and longtime collectors.
If you don’t know where to start, here’s a quick guide for picking out your Lionel trains.
Choosing a set
One of the highlights of the Lionel lineup is the themed collections. Do you have a Harry Potter® fan in your family, or someone who watches The Polar Express™ every Christmas? Our new selection includes themed sets from popular media, from Thomas the Train to National Lampoon.
Of course, if you’re just looking for traditional models, we also carry the vintage-style Lionel Lines trains, designed as a tribute to the original Lionel models.
Track types
If you’re new to model trains, understanding track specifications is crucial when selecting or expanding a Lionel train set. The term “gauge” refers to the distance between the outside rails of the track, which for Lionel O gauge track systems (including O, O-27, and FasTrack) measures 1 1⁄4 inches between the outer rails.
Most Lionel O-Gauge trains follow approximately a 1:48 scale ratio. This scale is fairly consistent across the Lionel Traditional line of cars and locomotives, which typically can navigate layouts with tight curves (like O-27 or O-31). The Lionel Standard O freight cars and engines, designed for maximum scale accuracy, often require wider minimum curves, such as O-36 or greater.
The curve measurement is particularly important when purchasing components that need to work together. For instance, if you assemble O-72 curved track into a circle, you’ll create a layout with a 72-inch diameter. Similarly, O-36 curved track forms a 36-inch diameter layout. A locomotive requiring a minimum curve of O-36 will operate smoothly on an O-72 curve layout, but a locomotive designed for O-72 curves won’t function properly on an O-36 curve layout.
Lionel thoroughly tests their locomotives and rolling stock to determine minimum curve requirements. In some cases, a product may navigate most (but not all) possible track configurations for a given minimum curve. For these situations, Lionel also provides a recommended minimum curve, which ensures compatibility with all combinations of Lionel track and switches.
Ready to play vs. modular sets
Our new lineup includes several “ready to play” sets that offer convenience for new model railroaders, which makes these the perfect gifts. These comprehensive packages include everything needed to get started: a locomotive, various cars, track, and a remote control. For locomotives equipped with Bluetooth technology, users also have the option to operate their trains using the LionChief app on their smart devices.
LionChief represents Lionel’s user-friendly O gauge model train technology designed specifically for remote control operation. Many LionChief engines feature realistic sound effects, including whistles and bells, enhancing the immersive experience. These engines are versatile, capable of running on both Lionel’s proprietary FasTrack and compatible tracks from other manufacturers.
FasTrack has become Lionel’s most popular track system, featuring a three-rail design with an integrated roadbed. The sections connect easily with a simple snap-together mechanism, making them suitable for both temporary setups and permanent displays on tabletops.
For budget-conscious beginners, the “Battery O” sets offer an affordable entry point to the hobby. These sets operate entirely on batteries using a remote control and come with plastic track instead of the metal FasTrack. While most “Battery O” components can function on FasTrack, it’s worth noting that coupling these items with conventional O gauge components may present challenges.
Expanding your collection
One of the advantages of Lionel’s O gauge system is its compatibility across different sets. In most cases, you can add any piece of O gauge rolling stock to any set, allowing for endless customization and expansion of your railroad empire. However, “Battery O” components may not stay properly coupled to conventional O gauge counterparts, so try to use these items separately.
When planning expansions to your layout, it’s essential to consider the minimum curve requirements of new acquisitions to ensure they’ll operate smoothly with your existing track configuration. This information is typically provided in the product specifications, making it easier to make informed purchasing decisions.
Beyond the trains and tracks, Shop.Trains.com’s new Lionel collection includes a variety of railroad-themed merchandise, including puzzles, posters, vintage-style metal signs, and other gifts.
Visit our Lionel catalog today to explore the full range of locomotives, rolling stock, track systems, and railroad-themed merchandise that make up this impressive new collection.
- Written by Matt Herr