Note the differences in the Amtrak FA-1 from the mid-1970s and the C&O model from the 1960s on the left.
Back in 1974, Lionel returned to HO with a GP9 and (again) an Alco FA-1. The blue-and-yellow Chesapeake & Ohio FA-1 is from Lionel’s early 1960s catalog. Lionel purchased this diesel model and other English-made trains around 1960. The plastic shell’s tooling started with John English’s HObbyline in the 1950s.
Perhaps the longest survivor in Lionel’s line to date is this Alco FA-1. The line saw additions during the early 1960s and remained part of Lionel’s catalog through 1966. Lionel purchased tooling from John English’s HObbyline and used those models as the basis for its HO products during the 1960s. The agreement would see only a year of cooperation between the two companies, and Athearn started producing HO for Lionel in 1958. The company selected to import its first collection of HO for 1957 from Rivarossi in Italy. According to Greenberg’s Guide to Lionel HO Volume I 1957–1966 (Greenberg Publishing, 1993), Lionel had been considering an HO line for a number of years. The closest Lionel came prior to 1957 to marketing to the more serious or hobby end of HO was a pre-World War II line of OO-scale (1/76) model trains.Īs many know, the O-scale market’s dominance in the hobby diminished in the 1950s, and HO became the scale with the most sales by the decade’s close. Introduced in 1957 and dropped following its appearance in Lionel’s 1966 catalog, the 1950s/1960s Lionel releases mark the company’s first run at HO model trains. In-depth features on Lionel and its history is planned for future editions of MRN’s sister publication, HO Collector. There is far too much history to cover in “From the Archive,” but here’s a brief journey through Lionel’s history with HO model trains. The upcoming holiday season, along with Model Railroad News’ examination of the latest group of Lionel releases for the HO market, presents an excellent opportunity to take a look back. Much has been written about Lionel and its place in history.
Over the years reviewing these products and providing values.From the Archive: A Brief History of Lionel HO For more detailed information on Lionel set offerings, I would recommend picking up one of the many guides produced Lionel also provided a number of set offerings exclusive to large retailers, Sears and JCPenney, that are not presented on On occasion these sets shown were early examples and did not always match exactly with production items. On this site, please be aware that the information is based upon images and information presented by Lionel in its annual That will satisfy curiousity for a portion of Lionel history. This site's purpose is to entertain and provide the visitor with an experience Into oddities and non-cataloged Lionel items. This site will also not necessarily delve ThereĪre numerous Lionel price guides for those seeking worth and rarity information. This change in ownership in 1986 marks the conclusion of the review period for this website.Īn online reference for what Lionel produced and cataloged between 19. The Kenner-Parker holds of General Mills go independent of the cereal company and Lionel is purchased by Richard Kughn in By the mid 1980s, Lionel was then part of General Mills' Kenner-Parker division. This is the first time O27 toy trains were produced outside the United States. Towards the end of this website's survey periodġ982, Lionel production moves to Mexico. Lionel develops their adult collector category in the late '70s and officiallyīegins dividing the product line into Collector and Traditional in 1980. Lionel introduced American Flyer S-scale offers in 1979, General Mills having purchased the brand and toolings after A.C. The HO-scale (1/87th actual size) line was short-lived lasting to 1977. Lionel would also return to HO-scale model trains in 1974, having beenĪbsent in this segment of the hobby since 1966. TheseĬars were formerly in the AHM O-scale product line. The 1970s saw changes for Lionel that included the addition of scale or Standard O offerings. A reorganization within General Mills in 1973 put Lionel in General Mills operated Lionel in their MPC division. General Mills took over Lionel in 1969, after the toy maker went into bankruptcy in the lateġ960s. This period in Lionel's history is the time when the company was owned by General Mills. This resource presents trains produced by Lionelĭuring the 1970s and into the '80s. Welcome to the Lionel O27 1970-1986 Resource.