Standard Gauge model trains were first introduced in 1906 by Lionel using three-rail track, creating a new era of large-scale trains. Competing brands like Ives, Boucher, Dorfan, and American Flyer developed their own "wide gauge" trains until the Great Depression temporarily halted production. Standard Gauge trains reemerged in the 1940s, and today collectors and hobbyists can find high-quality models from Lionel, MTH, American Flyer, and other specialty manufacturers.
Featured manufacturers include American Flyer and Lionel, offering locomotives, rolling stock, and accessories for vintage and modern Standard Gauge model train layouts.
Shop discounted items and find deals on vintage and modern Standard Gauge trains in our Standard Gauge clearance collection.
Lionel introduced Standard Gauge in 1906. Lionel proclaimed it "Standard of the World". This was 3-rail track with a width between the rails of 2.125 inches. The third rail in the center was insulated from the two outside rails and locomotives and other powered cars, like lighted passenger cars all had center rollers that picked up electricity from the center rail and the outside rails.
Other manufacturers also adopted Standard gauge: Ives in 1921, Boucher in 1922, Dorfan in 1924, and American Flyer in 1925 and they called their trains Wide Gauge. Lionel discontinued Standard Gauge in 1940. McCoy Manufacturing was the first to reintroduce Standard Gauge in the 1950's and then was followed by Williams, MTH, and even Lionel itself.
