Electric trains were first made in the 1890s, but many people associate the beginnings with the formation of Lionel in late 1900. The longest of the four train eras, the Prewar Era was brought to a halt by the Second World War, as all manufacturers suspended train production for the duration of the war. During the Prewar Era the essential innovations for electric trains were developed, including electric transformers to power the trains (replacing the dangerous wet-cell batteries), three-rail track, reverse units for the locomotives, electric couplers, and whistles. Early Prewar trains featured bright colors and a more toylike appearance, personified by Lionel’s classic Standard Gauge trains of the 1920s and early 1930s. However, by the late 1930s a more sober, realistic appearance became predominate. Trainz actively searches for Prewar collections and we often have many engines, cars, and accessories in stock. At Trainz we also repair and service most Prewar trains we sell.
Lionel, LLC is a designer and importer of toy trains and model railroads, based in Chesterfield Township, Michigan. Its roots lie in the 1969 purchase of the Lionel product line by cereal conglomerate General Mills. Lionel has been the most recognizable name in model trains for over 100 years. Founded in 1900, Lionel produces a full line of O Gauge electric trains, as well as some G Scale and Standard Gauge items. Lionel is the standard of the hobby; all other O Gauge train manufacturers make their pieces Lionel-compatible. Lionel trains have a reputation for durability and quality—many Lionels made 50 or 100 years ago are still running today. At Trainz we carry a full line of Lionel train sets, Lionel locomotives, Lionel freight cars, Lionel track, and Lionel accessories. Trainz also actively searches for Lionel collections, and many hundreds of vintage Lionel pieces are on sale on the site at any time.
The most popular scale in model railroading, HO Scale is the primary modeler’s Scale. HO Scale trains are almost exactly half the size of O Scale trains [hence the name—Half-O], and most run on 2-rail track and use DC current for power. HO scale is the scale most often used by scale modelers, and many of the highly-detailed layouts are made in HO scale. HO allows for a lot of action in a small space, but is still large enough for modelers to be able to appreciate the detail of the pieces. At Trainz, we carry the full line of Marklin HO Scale trains, which are primarily European-prototype trains that run on 3-rail track and use AC power. We are looking forward to carrying additional HO lines in the near future.
American Flyer has a long and storied history. Started in 1909, AF made O and Standard Gauge trains [AF called their Standard Gauge trains ‘Wide Gauge’]. In 1938 AF was purchased by the A.C. Gilbert company, and in 1946 Flyer switched from O Gauge to the slightly smaller S Gauge. American Flyer was Lionel’s top competitor in the 1930s, ‘40s, and ‘50s. In 1966, American Flyer stopped making trains and the company was sold to Lionel. In 1979 Lionel reintroduced the American Flyer S Gauge line, and it remains in production to this day. Trainz carries the full Lionel/AF line, including all sets, locomotives, cars, track, and accessories. Trainz actively searches for AF collections, and many vintage American Flyer pieces are on sale on the site at any time.
We are always looking for great trains for our large base of customers and would appreciate the opportunity to provide you with a price quote. Our process typically begins with receiving an inventory list from you. We specialize in O, and G Gauges, but we deal in all scales and eras, with the exception of low-end HO and N Scale trains. If your collections includes items from many different scales and eras, we can buy it all. We do travel extensively or will pay the shipping to get your trains to us.
What we need from you: For modern era trains in boxes all we typically need is the manufacturer and model number and the overall condition of your collection. For older trains we also need the condition and whether or not you have the original box. For less expensive trains, like HO all we need is a count of freight cars, passenger cars, and an itemized list of your locomotives. If you have Microsoft Excel, we have provided an inventory form to help you with this, click here to download it. Using this form will produce the fastest response. We are of course happy to receive your handwritten or typed lists as well, whatever is easiest for you. Email your list to us at Scott@trainz.com, fax it to 770-271-1295, send it by US mail to Trainz.com, 2740 Faith Industrial Dr. Suite 200, Buford, GA 30518. You can also contact us through our support portal, or by phone at 866-285-5840. If you have any questions or need clarifications on anything, please do not hesitate to call. We will get back to you with an offer as soon as possible, sometimes as quickly as the next day, but typically within a week - if you have an urgent need, please just let us know.
We Buy it All! Modern Era, Postwar, Prewar, Standard Gauge, MPC, Parts, AF, MTH, G Scale, Brass, HO, N, and Z! We are always on the lookout for collections or parts of collections to add to our rapidly growing and changing inventory. If you're interested in selling your collection quickly, conveniently, and at a fair price, here is a brief explanation of our policies and pricing guidelines, and why Trainz.com is a great place to sell your collection. We buy personal train collections, service station parts inventories, and complete retail train store inventories.
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About The Author:
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This article was written by J. Mark Soveign who writes for Wertheim Communications LLC as well as Mooker.Com Did you like this story? If so, vote for it on your favorite social bookmark site: |
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