#LIONEL HO FUNDIMENSIONS PARTS HOW TO#

It’s, however, not a foolproof method as similar products have varied costs based on condition. You can do a summary appraisal by comparing your trains to other existing products on the internet or hiring a professional. There are two central price guides that collectors use regarding antique Lionel trains – Kalmbach and Greenberg’s Guide. That led to a decline in the value as demand drives supply, which influences worth.Īn average antique Lionel Train costs about $300 – $13,000. Unfortunately, technological development hasn’t been kind to antique Lionel train collectors as many defer it for video games and other advanced toys. You can, however, learn the art through research and practice. Certain factors contribute to the bottom line when appraising antique Lionel trains, such as materials, models, and age. Lionel trains don’t have a uniform price, so it’s hard for amateur collectors to determine the value. In 1989, the new company created RailSounds, RailSounds II in 1992, and Train Master Control in 1994. So, don’t get confused when you notice the era discrepancy in some features. Some of the MPC era Lionel trains had the 1940s – 1950s parts because of tight budgeting from the superiors in the new company. While Lionel trains used the highest quality materials to create realistic models, modern designs from 1973 are plastic-made. Running trains with Richard Kughn (Source: O Gauge Forum ) However, if you see Fundimensions, you hold a 1973 – 1988 model.Ī significant difference between the recent products and the antique designs is material.

MPC, so look out for the company name on the package. Models designed after 1968 were under the Model Products Corporation, a.k.a. General Mills & Richards Kughn Lionel Trains (1969 – 1995) 9090 MINI-MAX BOXCAR LN RARE WHITE OB (Source: Worthpoint) The designs are realistic, so look out for well-detailed ones and avoid those with missing intricate details. It, however, came with upgrades, so look out for magnetic assemblies and remote dissembles. Having already set the record as the most sought-after antique Lionel trains model, the company reinstated the O gauge first. Lionel Trains from The Post-War Era (1946 – 1968) Complete 1950’s Lionel antique train set accessories transformers switches track (Source: Ebay ) The famous O gauge antique Lionel trains emerged in 1915 and phased out the bigger standard gauge model by 1939.īecause of the antique Lionel Standard gauge’s rarity, it’s more expensive than the O gauge model. This transformer needed to manage the short circuit problem, so the company added a standard three-rail track to the design. So, Lionel improved the design by fitting a 110 V transformer as a replacement. It goes without saying that owning these models was risky because of their power source. antique Lionel Trains were wet-cell battery-controlled electric models. Lionel Trains from the Pre-War Era (1900 – 1942) Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered with these simple identification tips.Įvery antique Lionel Train fit into three broad groups from 1900 – 1995 – Pre-War Era, Post-War Era, and General Mills & Richard Kughn Lionel Trains. Once a product gains recognition amongst collectors, fraudulent people on the prowl produce counterfeits to infiltrate the market.

#LIONEL HO FUNDIMENSIONS PARTS HOW TO#

How to Identify Antique Lionel Trains like a Pro They are often sentimental owners, railway transport enthusiasts/workers, and regular fans who appreciate the detail. They then sold it to General Mill’s Model Products Corporation (MPC) in 1969.Īfter a few years, the Lionel trains traveled to Richard Kughn’s Fundimensions in 1973 before landing in Martin Davis Investment Group in 1995.īecause antique Lionel trains don’t thrill typical modern-day children, Pace & Hong auctions note that its audience is unique. Grant, in 1900 under the Lionel Corporation LLC name. The original owners of the Lionel Trains were the duo – Joshua Lionel Cowen and Harry C.

Like many classic American pioneer antique products, Lionel trains have passed through several companies over the years. The first most valuable Lionel train ever sold is a Lionel Standard Gauge Set from 1934, the complete set with 400E Locomotive and State passenger cars sold for … drums, drums $250,000! The auction happened in 2016 and to date it is the most expensive Lionel train ever sold.

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