Lionel Trains

Founded in 1900 by Joshua Lionel Cowen, Lionel became one of the most recognizable names in American model trains and toy train collecting. Its long history includes train sets, locomotives, rolling stock, track, transformers, accessories, control systems, replacement parts, and railroad-themed collectibles.

Trainz carries new, pre-owned, vintage, and collectible Lionel trains for operators, restorers, and collectors. Inventory may include complete Lionel Train sets, individual locomotives and cars, boxed equipment, accessories, electronics, track, parts, and hard-to-find releases from different periods of Lionel production.

Lionel is most closely associated with O Gauge. Use these featured categories to move from the broader Lionel brand into everything Lionel O Gauge.

Lionel has produced trains in several scales throughout its history, giving collectors and operators options ranging from compact layouts to large, feature-rich displays. While Lionel is best known for O Gauge, Trainz carries Lionel trains across multiple scales, with inventory changing as new collections are acquired.

Lionel O Gauge Trains

Lionel O Gauge is the company's flagship scale and the one most closely associated with the Lionel name. Explore locomotives, rolling stock, train sets, accessories, track, and replacement parts across vintage, modern, and collectible O Gauge equipment.

Lionel Standard Gauge Trains

Produced during Lionel's early tinplate years, Standard Gauge trains are among the brand's most iconic and collectible models. Many collectors seek these historic trains for their craftsmanship, colorful lithography, and significance in Lionel's history.

Lionel HO Scale Trains

Lionel HO Scale trains offer detailed two-rail models in a smaller size, making them a popular choice for hobbyists with limited layout space while still providing realistic operation and a wide variety of railroad themes.

Lionel G Scale Trains

Lionel G Scale trains feature large, durable models that are well suited for both indoor displays and outdoor garden railroads. Browse locomotives, rolling stock, and train sets from Lionel's large-scale offerings.

Lionel's history is commonly divided into four major collecting eras, which span both its famous Standard Gauge tinplate trains and the O Gauge products that later became the company's signature. While these periods include multiple Lionel train scales, the links below take you to our dedicated Lionel O Gauge shopping pages for each era.

• O Gauge Prewar Lionel trains (1900–1942)
• O Gauge Postwar Lionel trains (1945–1969)
• O Gauge Lionel MPC trains (1970–1986)
• O Gauge Modern Lionel trains (1987–Present)

Looking for more information about specific Lionel releases? Explore The Guide to Lionel's MPC-Era Large Steam Engines , Lionel's Famous American Railroad Series , and The Guide to Lionel's Fallen Flags Sets .

Lionel trains for sale may range from current-production items to decades-old collectible models. New equipment can be a good choice for operators seeking current features, while pre-owned trains provide access to discontinued road names, catalog releases, classic designs, and hard-to-find pieces.

When comparing vintage and collectible Lionel trains, review available photographs and descriptions for cosmetic wear, missing parts, repairs, reproduction components, original boxes, paperwork, and testing information.

Trainz inventory changes as collections and individual items are acquired. Checking back regularly can uncover unusual locomotives, matching cars, boxed sets, accessories, parts, and estate finds.

Lionel train sets are a convenient way to begin because they typically group compatible equipment into one package. Depending on the release, a set may include a locomotive, freight or passenger cars, track, a power supply, and operating controls.

Trainz inventory may include starter sets, holiday sets, themed sets, collector releases, and discontinued sets. Beginners should consider available layout space, minimum track curves, power requirements, and whether they prefer conventional or remote operation.

For help planning a first layout, visit track plans and ideas . Operators who already own a set can also read Expanding Your Lionel Starter Set for guidance on adding track, cars, accessories, and power.

Lionel trains have used many types of power and control equipment, ranging from traditional transformers to remote and command-control systems. The correct equipment depends on the locomotive, layout, electrical requirements, and whether the train uses conventional, TMCC, Legacy, LionChief, or another operating format.

For an overview of modern command systems, read The Basics of Lionel Legacy, TMCC and MTH DCS and Lionel Legacy and Beyond .

Always confirm the model number and operating requirements before connecting vintage trains, modern electronics, transformers, command equipment, or powered accessories.

Lionel collectors often identify trains by locomotive type, catalog number, road name, set number, or production period. These guides explore some of Lionel's most recognizable locomotives, train sets, and collector favorites while providing additional historical background and collecting tips.

Locomotive Guides

• Guide to Lionel GG-1 Electric Locomotives
• Guide to Lionel General-Type Steam Locomotives and 1800s-Themed Sets
• Lionel NW-2 Restoration and Upgrade

Featured Collector Guides

• Guide to Lionel's Fallen Flags Sets (1986–93)

Looking for guides focused on the Lionel MPC era? Visit our Lionel MPC Trains page for additional collector resources covering MPC-era locomotives, freight cars, and train sets.

Trainz purchases complete Lionel train collections from collectors, estates, and families.

To learn how the process works, what types of collections we buy, and how to request an evaluation, visit Sell Your Lionel Train Collection .

What scale are Lionel trains?

Lionel is best known for three-rail O Gauge trains, but the company has also produced Standard Gauge and HO Scale equipment.

Does Lionel make more than complete train sets?

Yes. Lionel products include individual locomotives, rolling stock, track, transformers, accessories, buildings, control systems, electronics, replacement parts, and collectibles.

What are the main Lionel O Gauge collecting eras?

The four commonly used periods are Prewar, Postwar, MPC, and Modern. These eras help collectors place Lionel trains within their general production period.

Does Lionel make HO Scale trains?

Yes. Lionel has produced HO Scale trains during different periods, although the brand is much more strongly associated with O Gauge.

What is the difference between Lionel O Gauge and Standard Gauge?

They are separate track gauges and are not interchangeable. Standard Gauge is associated mainly with early Lionel tinplate trains, while O Gauge became the company’s dominant format.

Can vintage and modern Lionel trains run on the same layout?

Sometimes, but compatibility depends on track curves, locomotive size, electrical requirements, couplers, control systems, and equipment condition.

How can I expand a Lionel starter set?

A starter set can often be expanded with compatible track, switches, rolling stock, accessories, and power equipment. See Expanding Your Lionel Starter Set for practical guidance.

Where can I find Lionel track-planning help?

Visit track plans and ideas for layout inspiration and beginner guidance.

Does Trainz sell Lionel train parts?

Yes. Trainz carries rotating inventory of Lionel parts for repair, restoration, maintenance, and upgrades across different production periods.

Where can I sell a Lionel train collection?

Trainz purchases Lionel trains and model train collections. Visit Sell My Trains to learn how the process works.