Recurring Dreams (Lionel and Sears) Christmas Train Sets from the late 1990s to early 2000s (REALLY BOTHERING ME) Help me put this to rest

[wrmcclellan]

Did a bit more research on this...

It appears Lionel introduced their first Christmas themed Loco - an RS3 - and SP caboose in 1993.

Note: Lionel has produced a Christmas car(s) (typ a boxcar) every year since 1986.

Interesting side note, in 1992, the Christmas boxcar in the catalog was a design from an employee and that employee's grandchild. Apparently there was some pushback as Lionel sent a one page flyer that showed more traditionally designed graphics in line with previous Chritmas car styles.

The RS3 and caboose continued until 1995.

In 1996 Lionel introduced a somewhat holiday themed trolley and a Mickey & Minnie Mouse handcar with Mickey & Minnie in Red 'Santa suits'. These were duplicated in 1997.

1998 saw the introduction of the first 'set'. A G gauge (0-6-0) loco, gondola with trees, and a caboose. An add on 'Happy Holidays' boxcar was also available. For O gauge there were a new design trolley (Merry Christmas on the side) and several cars; gondola with presents, the traditional boxcar, bay window caboose (w/music), and a special 'aquarium' operating car.

I am missing my 1999 V2 catalog so I cannot confirm what was offered in 1999. I moved my home office across the house a couple of years ago and have misplaced/lost a few things in my older catalog collection. A page view of the Vol  2 index on line indicates large scale, O gauge, and AF Flyer Christmas items.

2000 is where I saw an O gauge 'set' (the first was likely in 1999) pulled by a 4-4-2 steam loco. The G gauge set was also still present. 2000 was also the start of an 'explosion' of Christmas themed rolling stock that continued into 2001, 2002, & 2003, including AF.

2004 vol 1 is where the Polar Express was introduced and this is where I will end this fun review.

Anyone is welcome to add/correct any omissions/errors.

[wrmcclellan]

SV - I only did a quick check in my catalogs - I found various Christmas themed sets, locos, caboose,etc., as far back as 1996. There were even G gauge sets.

A 2000/2001example:

http://www.lionel.com/products/celebrate-a-lionel-christmas-set-4-4-2-steam-loco-3766-6-21944/

 

[Safety Valve]

Hello, I've been having recuring dreams. in these "Dreams" I have been revisting sears, time - unkown, But I assume late 1990s early 2000s, it appears to be on one of the Top Floors of the building. Why am I having these dreams, did Lionel produce cheaper scout sets that were painted in Holiday Colors back then? I'm just baffled, maybe "A Lionel Christmas Part 1" has rekindled these old wants that were lingering in the back of my head for YEARS! regardless, if any of you could help me out with an Off Season question... that would be brilliant!!!  I've got a Lionel Scout in N gauge Rebuilt from a Lionel Hallmark ornament that is with a client that I could have fixed up in the color. The cars, I could use something a bit more special. That could hook up to the Lionel engine.