Greenberg's Guide to Lionel Trains O Gauge, Volume 3: 1937-1942 (Presale-Available 12/6/24)

Delve into the golden age of Lionel trains with Greenberg's Guide to Lionel Trains O Gauge, Volume 3: 1937-1942. This comprehensive volume offers an in-depth look at one of the most pivotal periods in Lionel's history, showcasing the stunning array of locomotives, freight cars, and innovations that helped define the company’s legacy.

This guide features detailed descriptions and vivid photographs of 24 new Lionel locomotives, including rare models like the No. 289E, No. 204, and No. 258 (late) — not shown in the catalogs. These models, powered by Lionel's newly designed, reliable motors, represent the cutting edge of model train technology from 1937 to 1942. Highlights include the No. 700E Scale Model Hudson and the No. 701 Pennsylvania RR B-6 Switcher, as well as a fascinating look at the semi-scale B-6 switchers (Nos. 227, 228, 230, 231, 232, 233).

Lionel's shift from toy trains to more realistic models is explored in detail, with insights into why the company embraced this new direction. Inspired by the grandeur of O scale displays at the world’s fairs and the rise of new small manufacturers, Lionel's leadership recognized the growing demand for more detailed, realistic trains. Advances in high-pressure metal diecasting and plastics not only made the production of these realistic trains possible but also affordable, shaping the future of model railroading.

This volume dedicates entire chapters to the innovative use of plastic and high-pressure metal technology, which revolutionized the manufacturing process. These advances allowed Lionel to create models with incredible detail, quality, and durability — key characteristics that would define Lionel trains for decades.

In addition to locomotives, the guide offers extensive reports on Lionel outfits from the 1937 to 1942 consumer catalogs, alongside detailed descriptions of hundreds of promotional outfits not included in those catalogs. These items provide a glimpse into the breadth of Lionel’s offerings during this era and are invaluable for collectors and historians alike.

The guide also covers Lionel’s remote uncouplers and the introduction of remotely operated freight cars, including the coal dump car, log dump car, merchandise delivery car, and operating barrel car. These groundbreaking features gave operators unprecedented control over their trains and set the stage for Lionel's postwar innovations, which would play a key role in the company’s success.

With over 1,500 photographs, this guide is an invaluable resource for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts. The 344 pages are packed with detailed images, descriptions, and insights, making it an essential addition to any Lionel or model train collection.

344 pages, hardback, with over 1,500 photographs.

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