1954-2004: What a difference 50 years makes

[FJ and G]

In 1954, Lionel trains were a big hit with kids, who sometimes debated the merits of American Flyer or Lionel, and looked forward to seeing the displays in stores

In 2004, Lionel trains are a big hit with adults, who sometimes debate toy train litigations.

In 1954, Tubular track symbolized toy trains.

In 2004, Gargraves, Atlas, RealTrax and about a dozen others dominate, each trying unsuccessfully to camouflage the center rail. Lionel has deemphasized tubular.

In 1954, layouts were primarily a Christmas phenomenon.

In 2004, layouts are custom built by professionals.

In 1954, a Scout was the thing to have.

In 2004, a Beep is the thing to have.

In 1954, toy trains were often a family activity

In 2004, toy trains are often a single parent activity

In 1954, toy trains were made in America

In 2004, toy trains are made in China and Korea

Dave Vergun

[Anonymous]

One thing to add to that... Trains used to be about family, now its about money [V][V].

Though so much has changed I think one thing stayed the same, we are all still kids at heart.
angelo

[eZAK]

In 1954 an average engine went for $8.50

In 2004 an average goes for $850.00

In 1954 a whistle and smoke were all the rage.

In 2004 a micro computer is standard

[GPJ68]

In 1954, railroads were paying Lionel to display their logos on toy trains

In 2004, a railroad is sueing Lionel for trademark infringement by displaying their logos on toy trains

In 1954, the big rage was to control 4 trains from one transformer

In 2004, the big rage is to control umpteen trains from one handheld remote

[3railguy]

In 1954, if you saw a train you liked in a train magazine, you went to the hardware store and bought it.

In 2004, if you see a train you like in a train magazine, you search eBay for it and hope to find one and hope it works.

[Anonymous]

I'm certainly much taller, heavier and balder. However, I think that I enjoy my trains even more today than I did 50 years ago. Bob

[passengerfan]

How about looking back an additional ten years and remember that if it wasn't for the thousands of brave men who landed at Normandy on June 6, 1944, you would not even be discussing the differences in your toy trains in the last fifty years. Enough said!

[Anonymous]

If you think the changes in the past 50 years are dramatic, then consider how things were 50 years previous. How much of a hobby was there in 1904? What did people do for hobbies in those days? Maybe there was neither time time nor money for hobbies. Do we have things TOO good today? There is altogether too much free time on our hands now. Some people (us) are able to put the time to use in a pleasant and constructive manner by engaging in model railroading, but too many others engage in illicit drugs, petty crime, adultery, child porn etc. Odd-d

[daan]

50 years ago I wasn't born yet, now I am already a long time running around. So far is my comparison.
What about the last 20 years?
Internet, mobile phones forums like this one... It's not all bad to have evoluation..

[Anonymous]

In 50 years, Lionel still has Red Roofs and Green Bases on many accessories.....