Lionel Trains, The Golden Years

[Carl Swanson]

We've gotten a few questions about the contents of our "Lionel's Golden Years: 1950-54" special publication, on sale this August. For clarification, I asked the publication's editor, Roger Carp, to give us the inside scoop:

"Absolutely nothing in this 100-page special interest publication has been taken from past issues of Classic Toy Trains and reprinted as it was. I've rewritten and updated every article that appeared previously, ranging from the mid-1990s through the mid-2000s. So you may see articles that look familiar, but they have been changed and improved. This is especially true with the design of those articles and the photographs used. We took many new and improved pictures.

"In addition, some of the material did not appear in CTT. Instead, it comes from two earlier special-interest publications "All-Star Electric Trains of the 1950s" and "More All-Star Electric Trains" as well as from the exclusive articles written for subscribers for www.classictoytrains.com. Still other material comes from my book "101 Classic Toy Trains: Best of the Postwar Years."

"And still other articles are brand new – researched and written exclusively for "Lionel’s Golden Years: 1950-54." I would estimate that 25 percent of the material falls in this category – brand new and never read before.

"All in all, I believe "Lionel’s Golden Years: 1950-54" is a special publication that everyone who enjoys and cares about Lionel trains in the postwar era will want to get. You'll find it entertaining and informative and be delighted by the new pictures of sets and other items. You'll learn more about the great trains of that era."

[rack776]

I'm new to 3 rail O after switching from N and good information is tough to come by.I'd be interested in this book but Where Can I find Classic Toy Trains Magazine to buy locally?

 I have looked at many hobby shops (even the franchise chain Hobby Town usa) and several book stores (including Barns&Noble) in the Allentown PA area (18104 zip) and have not seen it, I'd like to see if it is something I find usefull before I commit to a paid subscription. 

I had been getting Model Railroader but it has nothing for a fan of old vintage toy trains.

Its hard to belive an area with so much railroad history & local train clubs there are not too many Toy Train guys or clubs arround...at least not ones that are easy to find.  Most of this area is interested in realistic scale HO & N trains it seams. Closest thing I have seen is "highrail" layout clubs with all modern equipment with all the bells & whistles.

-Jason 

[John Holtmann]

Roger,

I am looking forward to your latest effort!

[balidas]

If that's truly the case then go with a subscription. Not every article or feature may be to your liking but you will find a lot of nevertheless. Plus you can always cancel.

[overall]

Jason,

The hobbytown in my area does carry CTT. Sorry your having trouble. I suggest you go on the TCA,LOTS,LCCA or like minded website and get information on train meets where you can contact other O gauge hobbyists They can give you first hand information.Hope everything works out.

George

[Bob Keller]

Jason,

I checked with our trade sales section and they say that Valley Rails, 1901 S 12th St in Allentown carries CTT. You could also ask the local Barnes & Noble to start carrying it.

Regards,

 

 

[rack776]

Thanks for the replys everyone.....I'll try valley rail If I rember they have some pre & postwar lionel stuff, I can ask about clubs there....thanks for reminding me!, I forgot that shop has magazines :)

-Jason