The Most Watched Model RR & Train Auctions
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The Most Watched Other Scale Train Auctions

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OUR kEYWORDS The Most Watched Model RR & Train Auctions Picture Product Price Bids Time Left LIVE STEAM PADDLE BOAT ENGINE EXCEPTIONAL NO RESERVE!! $760.00 14 5d 23h 10m HO Rivarossi Milwaukee Rd Hiawatha 4-6-4 F7 Hudson $249.50 20 1d 01h 55m BRASS NWSL Toby 2-6-6-2T Weyerhauser 108 AS NEW NR fsm $444.90 15 2d 19h 02m Antique Vintage Brass Toy Hit & Miss or Steam Engine NR $152.50 14 4d 22h 30m BACHMANN TRAINS WOOD BURNING STEAM ENGINE LED LIGHTS + $200.50 10 3d 23h 35m "MASSIVE" TURN OF THE CENTURY RAILROAD & TRAIN ARCHIVE! $9.95 24d 03h 56m Key Imports Brass HO SP Daylight GS-4 Loco&Tender $455.00 19 19h 35m HOGE TOY TRAIN OPERATING LAYOUT $1,845.00 13 2d 11h 01m AWESOME LIONEL TRAINS 18149 UNION PACIFIC VERANDA MINT $810.00 9 1d 23h 48m LGB canvas hot air balloon with wicker basket $82.81 11 1d 18h 42m Lionel Train Set #2217WS 682 4 Car Freight & Boxes $409.04 9 2d 17h 05m CPR CANADIAN PACIFIC D-10 LOCO BRASS HO UNITED 4-6-0 $189.40 13 2d 19h 38m HO BRASS CPR 4-6-0 D4g CANADIAN PACIFIC DCC STEAM LOCO $355.00 10 3d 18h 36m VERY RARE 1956 LIONEL TRAINS 2378 MILWAUKEE F3 DIESELS $605.00 21 2d 00h 10m American Flyer TOP SET 1957 Santa Fe Chief Set w/ Boxes $255.00 7 2d 23h 56m NYC, J-3A, 4-6-4 O Scale Brass Loco, Westside Model Co. $900.00 13 1d 00h 40m The Most Watched HO Scale Train Auctions Picture Product Price Bids Time Left HO Rivarossi Milwaukee Rd Hiawatha 4-6-4 F7 Hudson $249.50 20 1d 01h 55m BRASS NWSL Toby 2-6-6-2T Weyerhauser 108 AS NEW NR fsm $444.90 15 2d 19h 02m "MASSIVE" TURN OF THE CENTURY RAILROAD & TRAIN ARCHIVE! $9.95 24d 03h 56m Key Imports Brass HO SP Daylight GS-4 Loco&Tender $455.00 19 19h 35m CPR CANADIAN PACIFIC D-10 LOCO BRASS HO UNITED 4-6-0 $189.40 13 2d 19h 38m HO BRASS CPR 4-6-0 D4g CANADIAN PACIFIC DCC STEAM LOCO $355.00 10 3d 18h 36m Overland Brass OMI Union Pac. M-10000 "City of Salina" $560.00 9 8d 18h 10m BRASS NWSL HOn3 13 TON VERTICAL BOILER SHAY $306.99 11 2d 17h 02m Spectrum Set 6 PRR Lighted Passenger Train Cars HO MIBs $72.51 15 56m "RARE"D&RGW PROSPECTOR 5-CAR SET HO BRASS FP MINT L@@K $495.00 4 3d 02h 40m HOn3 Brass Steam Locomotive: Balboa DSP&P Mason Bogie $182.50 11 2d 20h 00m "MASSIVE" TURN OF THE CENTURY RAILROAD & TRAIN ARCHIVE! $9.95 24d 06h 44m HO gauge Brass Northern Pacific Raiway engine $330.05 7 1d 21h 58m Tenshodo Ho Brass Union Pacific Big Boy 4-8-8-4 w/ Box $334.76 9 22h 14m WHITCOMB SWITCHER BRASS HO OVERLAND MODELS OMI $152.50 17 2d 20h 07m BRASS BALBOA Union Pacific MK-6 2-8-2 AS NEW NR fsm $121.00 5 2d 19h 10m Alco Ho Brass New Haven EP-5 #370 Engine KMT Japan wBOX $157.50 12 1d 16h 46m Vintage Varney~GM AEROTRAIN~HO Scale~RR Train~Org Box $31.00 5 3d 23h 40m BACHMANN HO SCALE TRADE TOWER BLDG #88007 BUILT-UP $39.00 4 3d 15h 27m The Most Watched O Scale Train Auctions Picture Product Price Bids Time Left HOGE TOY TRAIN OPERATING LAYOUT $1,845.00 13 2d 11h 01m AWESOME LIONEL TRAINS 18149 UNION PACIFIC VERANDA MINT $810.00 9 1d 23h 48m Lionel Train Set #2217WS 682 4 Car Freight & Boxes $409.04 9 2d 17h 05m VERY RARE 1956 LIONEL TRAINS 2378 MILWAUKEE F3 DIESELS $605.00 21 2d 00h 10m NYC, J-3A, 4-6-4 O Scale Brass Loco, Westside Model Co. $900.00 13 1d 00h 40m RARE LIONEL TRAINS 14552 NEW YORK CENTRAL EMD F3 A-A $201.50 25 1d 23h 04m VERY RARE LIONEL 2341 JERSEY CENTRAL FM MINT BOXED $1,913.88 15 3d 00h 10m VERY RARE 1957 LIONEL TRAINS 2379 RIO GRANDE F3 DIESELS $510.00 20 1d 23h 55m LIONEL TRAIN SET NORFOLK & WESTERN STEAM ENGINE TENDER $300.00 17 2d 22h 10m BRASS 2 RAIL O SCALE USRA 0-8-0 STEAM BY US HOBBIES $418.88 9 3d 12h 37m LIONEL TRAINS RARE BERKSHIRE ENGINE SMOKE MINT+BOX 726 $255.99 9 2d 23h 40m RARE 1955 LIONEL TRAINS 2363 ILLINOIS CENTRAL F DIESELS $280.99 10 1d 22h 10m Lionel Prewar 262 Steam Engine w/ 262T Tender $188.00 13 22h 40m 2 Vintage Lionel Trains 9041 Burlington Gondola Cars $9.95 1 18h 10m THE VERY RARE 1956 LIONEL TRAINS 2368 B&O F3 DIESELS $304.99 8 1d 21h 55m O Scale Brass Steam Locomotive Train Body Shell 4-8-4 ? $30.99 3 3d 01h 07m LIONEL 6-18005 1990 NYC SCALE 700E 4-6-4 HUDSON LOCO $330.00 11 2d 21h 58m The Most Watched N Scale Train Auctions Picture Product Price Bids Time Left Con-Cor N Scale UP, Union Pacific Portland Rose Set yqz $182.50 8 4d 00h 18m N SCALE LOT - 6 CON-COR VIA SMOOTH SIDE PASSENGER CARS $85.00 12 6m Kato California Zephyr 11 Car N Set 106-055 $104.50 4 3d 01h 31m Con-Cor 'N' scale American Freedom Train - MINT $67.00 7 2d 14h 05m N SCALE KATO 176-3201 CN CANADIAN NATIONAL C44-9W #2502 $99.01 12 <01m N Scale Arnold/Rivarossi GG1 PRR # 4917 $26.00 5 2d 14h 43m Con-Cor Rivarossi 4-8-8-4 Big Boy mint with box unused $67.00 5 3d 22h 46m Con-Cor N Scale PRR,Pennsylvania Railroad Train Set yqz $130.00 12 4d 00h 20m N Scale Gauge Kato Southern Pacific Tiger Stripe NW2 $16.41 5 3d 00h 29m N SCALE ATLAS CN CANADIAN NATIONAL GP40 GP-40 #4006 $37.00 9 16m N Sunset brass N&W J 4-8-4 steam engine $152.49 11 1d 01h 46m New Kato N D&RGW F3 A&B Locomotives $54.00 7 2d 00h 15m n scale Southern Pacific GP-40-2 engine DCC equipped $51.00 9 15h 14m N Scale CON-COR UP SET Limited Edition $40.00 4 1d 20h 35m N Scale Arnold/Rivarossi GG1 PRR # 4829 $33.00 11 2d 14h 42m N SCALE LOT - 15 ASSORTED FREIGHT CARS - CN ATSF GATX + $28.60 6 34m The Most Watched S Scale Train Auctions Picture Product Price Bids Time Left American Flyer TOP SET 1957 Santa Fe Chief Set w/ Boxes $255.00 7 2d 23h 56m AMERICAN FLYER RAILROAD HUMP SET $97.00 7 1d 10h 22m 1927 American Flyer 20th Anniversary Clock and Mold $3,500.00 1 1d 16h 33m AMERICAN FLYER #20767 "THE EAGLE" COMPLETE SET $1,900.00 18 4d 00h 48m River Raisin(?) Brass Berkshire Locomotive and tender $365.00 4 1d 22h 47m American Flyer No. 5114 Boxed K5 Passenger Set $280.99 12 1h 16m "(LOOK)" Rare Bakers Chocolate Tank Car Type III 24323 $212.75 7 12h 22m AMERICAN FLYER # 989 NORTHWESTERN REEFER, A BEAUTY,LOOK $142.50 11 1d 23h 17m S Scale Brass South Wind Loco unpainted 4-4-2 $102.50 4 2d 21h 10m American Flyer No. 353 Circus Engine and Tender! $100.00 8 4d 22h 39m Rare American Flyer 24422 Great Northern BOX CAR N Mint $17.00 4 13h 18m American Flyer No. 785 Coal Loader with Button $138.49 16 36m S Scale Brass Reading I-8 Camelback Loco 2-8-0 & tender $305.00 4 2d 21h 10m American Flyer No. 5114 PRR Passenger Train Set + XTRAS $103.50 7 2d 23h 42m American Flyer 314AW Steam Engine & Tender S Gauge 3/16 $76.00 5 4d 00h 30m AMERICAN MODELS LIMITED SOUTHERN S GAUGE SET 659 $256.00 3 1d 01h 04m AMERICAN FLYER PIG PALACE CAR, #24077, EX.+ NO RESERVE. $112.50 9 2d 23h 23m The Most Watched G Scale Train Auctions Picture Product Price Bids Time Left BACHMANN TRAINS WOOD BURNING STEAM ENGINE LED LIGHTS + $200.50 10 3d 23h 35m LGB canvas hot air balloon with wicker basket $82.81 11 1d 18h 42m BACHMANN ORIGINAL 1:20 SPECTRUM SHAY WITH SIERRA SOUND $202.50 7 2d 18h 40m LGB TRAINS GERMAN MADE STEAM ENGINE DUAL LIGHTS HEAVY ! $78.56 11 4d 23h 40m ROUNDHOUSE 2-6-2 LIVE STEAM R/C PAINTED D&RGW $860.00 11 3d 00h 19m VINTAGE MARKLIN GAUGE 1 MAXI 5440 LOCOMOTIVE G -SCALE $355.00 19 14m ROUNDHOUSE FOWLER 0-6-2 LIVE STEAM $510.00 10 3d 00h 13m LGB SUMPTER VALLEY MALLET $810.77 9 3d 20h 36m L.G.B.~ Sumpter Valley Mallet 2-6-6-2~ With Tender $355.00 4 3d 22h 38m LGB - LAKE GEORGE & BOULDER #2119 LOCOMOTIVE $44.00 3 5d 00h 10m LGB steam Locomotive $409.00 7 5d 17h 05m LGB Steam Locomotive Model 2150 $47.00 5 3d 23h 18m LGB ENGINE AND CABOOSE $227.50 2 2d 01h 33m LMTD LGB ASTER NYC 20542 J-3a Super Hudson Loco 4-6-4 $3,050.00 10 6d 22h 12m BACHMANN SPECTRUM G SCALE K-27 MINT DRGW 463 $535.25 3 3d 02h 16m Bachmann Spectrum G Scale Two-Truck Shay, NIB $199.99 1 21h 59m Aristo Craft Diesel Locomotive FA-1 Napa Valley Wine $106.50 6 55m ASTER PRR K4s Electric - MAGNIFICENT with ORIGINAL BOX $997.65 11 2d 23h 47m The Most Watched Z Scale Train Auctions Picture Product Price Bids Time Left MIB UNUSED Great Vintage Lot of MARKLIN Z-SCALE Trains! $225.00 13 1d 03h 00m Marklin Z Scale 8808 NY Central Engine & Tender w/Box $75.54 5 3d 00h 33m Z scale built Kibri city houses,lot of 9,nice. $31.50 8 1d 19h 50m MARKLIN MINI-CLUB 8907A BOXED SET + EXTRAS + FALLER $50.00 6 2d 18h 57m Marklin Z 8875 Diesel Class 216 Deutsche Bundesbahn $1.25 2 1d 20h 25m Marklin Z 8857 Electric engine class 151 Bundesbahn $10.50 6 1d 20h 15m Marklin Super-Cool 89200 Anhalter Bahnhof Kit $102.50 9 28m Marklin Z scale, 3 long remote uncoupler tracks $26.00 5 1d 19h 13m Marklin Z scale track lot,65 tracks,8 manual switches $51.00 5 1d 20h 19m Marklin Z 8892 Bavarian Steam engine S 3/6 green/yellow $55.00 9 1d 20h 20m Z Scale Micro Trains Santa Fe A unit F-7 Engine $41.01 5 4d 00h 15m Two used Marklin Z scale signals. $5.55 3 1d 19h 25m Z SCALE CUSTOM BUILT E&D BN GREEN 3 BAY COVERED HOPPER $27.50 8 2d 00h 50m Marklin class 0-6-0 steamer + baggage & goods car $26.00 6 1d 20h 10m Marklin Z 8624 Talbot self-unloading ballast car $1.25 2 1d 21h 06m Marklin Z scale,2 remote control short uncoupler tracks $10.50 2 1d 19h 19m The Most Watched OO Scale Train Auctions Picture Product Price Bids Time Left Rare Triang CN Train Set in Box $9.99 1 2d 00h 53m Lionel Prewar Lionel "OO" Scale 002 Hudson Steam Loco $43.00 7 5d 00h 31m HORNBY OO MERCHANT NAVY CLASS " ELLERMAN LINES" R2294. $93.99 5 1d 21h 18m live steam twin cylinder water pump for locomotive ? $60.00 1 5d 10h 26m Triang Transcontinental Baggage Car - Rare Green $9.99 1 2d 00h 58m Set of 2 Hornby Dublo "Talisman" Passenger Cars $14.99 1 1d 17h 56m TWO HORNBY OO SCALE LNER PASSENGER TRAIN CARS $4.99 2 2d 17h 57m Lionel Prewar Lionel "OO" Scale 002T Tender 3-Rail NR $22.50 3 5d 00h 34m Lionel Prewar Lionel "OO" Scale Hopper Train Car 0016 $9.99 1 5d 00h 36m Lionel Prewar Lionel "OO" Scale No. 0015 Shell Tank Car $9.99 1 5d 00h 38m TWO HORNBY OO SCALE INTERCITY 125 LOCOMOTIVES $4.99 1 3d 23h 10m (2) Lionel Prewar Lionel "OO" Scale Red Caboose # 0027 $9.99 1 5d 00h 41m Lionel 0070 OO Scale 90 Degree Crossing/Box $15.50 3 3d 23h 38m Hornby OO R157 B.R. Diesel Power Car & Trailing Car Set $29.95 2 2d 16h 29m 100x Building Train Model 1:75 Scale Painted Figures OO $5.50 2d 14h 37m The Most Watched Standard Scale Train Auctions Picture Product Price Bids Time Left Lionel #8 Trolley Original, RARE from 1910 $3,250.00 2 1d 14h 04m PRIDE LINES STANDARD GAUGE #209 RAPID TRANSIT TROLLEY $166.51 12 4d 00h 39m American Flyer (Mystery) Brass Piper Steam Engine $157.50 8 2d 20h 03m Ives STANDARD Gauge Collection Lot #95 $365.00 3 2d 16h 19m Ives STANDARD Gauge Collection Lot #76 $577.89 4 16h 19m Lionel Prewar Standard Gauge #408E Electric Engine NR $338.33 5 2d 20h 34m Lionel Standard Gauge #840 power station $399.99 1 2d 16h 38m Ives STANDARD Gauge Collection Lot #98 $444.44 2 2d 16h 25m LIONEL 1920's STANDARD SCALE 385E ENGINE & COAL CAR NR $255.00 8 7d 22h 13m Lionel standard gauge #50 electric loco - 1924 only $67.60 9 1d 01h 39m Ives STANDARD Gauge Collection Lot #102 $566.89 2 3d 16h 11m Prewar Lionel Std Baby State Passenger Set 309 310 312 $158.38 9 2d 22h 04m Prewar Lionel Standard 318E Baby State Electric Engine $193.50 8 2d 21h 59m Williams Reproduction of Lionel 381E Electric Loco. $158.50 13 26m Prewar Lionel Standard Gauge No.1835E Steam Engine $427.00 10 2d 21h 54m The Most Watched Live Steam Train Auctions Picture Product Price Bids Time Left HO Rivarossi Milwaukee Rd Hiawatha 4-6-4 F7 Hudson $249.50 20 1d 01h 54m BRASS NWSL Toby 2-6-6-2T Weyerhauser 108 AS NEW NR fsm $444.90 15 2d 19h 02m "MASSIVE" TURN OF THE CENTURY RAILROAD & TRAIN ARCHIVE! $9.95 24d 03h 56m Key Imports Brass HO SP Daylight GS-4 Loco&Tender $455.00 19 19h 35m CPR CANADIAN PACIFIC D-10 LOCO BRASS HO UNITED 4-6-0 $189.40 13 2d 19h 38m HO BRASS CPR 4-6-0 D4g CANADIAN PACIFIC DCC STEAM LOCO $355.00 10 3d 18h 36m Overland Brass OMI Union Pac. M-10000 "City of Salina" $560.00 9 8d 18h 09m BRASS NWSL HOn3 13 TON VERTICAL BOILER SHAY $306.99 11 2d 17h 02m Spectrum Set 6 PRR Lighted Passenger Train Cars HO MIBs $72.51 15 55m "RARE"D&RGW PROSPECTOR 5-CAR SET HO BRASS FP MINT L@@K $495.00 4 3d 02h 40m HOn3 Brass Steam Locomotive: Balboa DSP&P Mason Bogie $182.50 11 2d 20h 00m "MASSIVE" TURN OF THE CENTURY RAILROAD & TRAIN ARCHIVE! $9.95 24d 06h 44m HO gauge Brass Northern Pacific Raiway engine $330.05 7 1d 21h 58m Tenshodo Ho Brass Union Pacific Big Boy 4-8-8-4 w/ Box $334.76 9 22h 14m WHITCOMB SWITCHER BRASS HO OVERLAND MODELS OMI $152.50 17 2d 20h 06m BRASS BALBOA Union Pacific MK-6 2-8-2 AS NEW NR fsm $121.00 5 2d 19h 10m Alco Ho Brass New Haven EP-5 #370 Engine KMT Japan wBOX $157.50 12 1d 16h 46m Vintage Varney~GM AEROTRAIN~HO Scale~RR Train~Org Box $31.00 5 3d 23h 40m BACHMANN HO SCALE TRADE TOWER BLDG #88007 BUILT-UP $39.00 4 3d 15h 27m The Most Watched Mixed Lots, Magazines Train Auctions Picture Product Price Bids Time Left Huge Lot 68 Narrow Gauge & Short Line RAILROAD Gazettes $0.99 1 3d 22h 13m MISC HO and N TRAINS and KITS + DIE-CAST LOT x27 $22.38 2 1d 22h 12m 3 Train Catalogs LIONEL + IVES 1926 + 1923 All ORIGINAL $39.99 2 1d 00h 39m ANDY ROONEY TYPE METAL PORCELAINIZED SANTA FE CHIEF $0.99 1 2d 12h 11m ANDY ROONEY TYPE METAL PORCELAINIZED R.R.XING SIGN $0.99 1 2d 12h 11m Classic Lionel Layouts You Can Build Kalmbach book CTT $20.50 3 2d 16h 13m Narrow Gauge Gazette HOn3 Sn3 On3 Full year 6 issues $12.54 2 4d 00h 12m ANDY ROONEY METAL PORCELAINIZED GREAT NORTHERN SIGN $0.99 1 2d 12h 11m 2 Morning Sun Books NYC Color Guides for Freight Trains $9.99 1 4d 19h 49m PACIFIC COAST SHAY, By Dan Ranger, Jr. $15.00 2 2d 01h 19m TRAIN SHED CYCLOPEDIA #s 6, 20, 22, 41 & 59 $6.61 3 3d 02h 20m HUGE COLLECTION VINTAGE TRAINS TRACKS ACCESSORIES MIXED $9.99 1 4d 21h 37m Model Railroader Layout Tour 1 Furlow Allen Joiner VHS $6.66 2 2d 22h 19m Woodland Scenics Realistic Water 16 fl oz $13.29 14d 18h 52m The Most Watched Other Scale Train Auctions Picture Product Price Bids Time Left HOGE 750 5 PIECE CIRCUS ELECTRIC TRAIN $349.00 5 1d 23h 26m Build a Fairmont Motor Car CD $24.95 8d 16h 46m HOn3 Scale D&RGW C-16 Consolidation Brass Locomotive $143.38 6 16h 55m Thomas The Tank Engine Ultimate 155 Piece Train Set $51.00 5 1d 23h 44m TRAIN TRUCK 7 1/2 to 7 1/4 Gauge from LAWNTRACKS $125.00 11d 23h 00m Walt Disney World Monorail System $26.00 4 2d 22h 27m HOn3 Scale Engine Brass D & R G W K-28 Denver Rio Grand $214.49 4 14h 48m American Flyer Engine and coach set 293 937 930 961 912 $70.99 6 2d 14h 30m American Flyer Silver Streak Engine $11.50 4 2d 22h 09m LIONEL TRAIN SET ALL ORIGINAL PIECES WITH BOXES & TRACK $0.99 1 4d 14h 43m Toy Steam Engine $177.51 6 2d 01h 07m Vintage Lionel Train set from the 1950's $76.00 4 2d 23h 01m NEW Lot 4 packs MTH Gauge 1 (or G ) figures NO RESERVE $31.00 10 50m Germany made rare tin Cable car Rigi Duo set in box $9.75 3 2d 12h 24m WWII Era Wood Rock Island Train Set Model Railroad x7 $0.99 1 4d 00h 54m Vintage Buddy L Railway Express Toy Railroad Train Car $31.00 4 4d 01h 54m Beautifully Built TT Gauge Swift Reefer Car Jewel? $10.50 2 20h Model Trains Buying Guide -Tags: model trains,lionel trains,model trains,electric trains,garden trains, Lionel Trains, American Flyer Trains, Bachmann Trains, L.G.B. Trains, HO Scale Buildings, Brass Trains, Marklin Trains, Athearn Trains Model trains are a rewarding hobby for enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you're looking for collectible trains, garden trains, or HO scale locomotives, you'll find a large selection of model trains and accessories on eBay. Discover Model Trains Manufacturers have the goal of creating accurate and realistic model trains. The first model trains were powered by wind-up clockwork, or steam engines, with the first electric model trains appearing in the late 19th century. The German manufacturer Marklin produced detailed trains as well as signals, stations, houses, and other scenery and destinations. Other German companies made ride-on-top live steam trains. In 1906, Joshua Cowen invented Lionel trains, which soon came to dominate the American toy train market. More recently, LGB popularized garden trains in the United States. Toy trains look less realistic than model trains, but often appeal to collectors. The first toy trains were made of cast iron or were pull toys. In the early 20th century, Lionel started making toy trains for standard gauge and O gauge. Other companies, such as American Flyer, Ives, and Marx made similar trains. The interactive aspect of trains makes toy trains perfect for young children. Some adults’ first memory of a toy was that of a Lionel train. You might want to get your kids a Lionel starter set, which includes everything needed to run a toy train. Children between the ages of 4 and 6 may be introduced to wooden train sets that spark the imagination. Children 8 years of age and older may be introduced to S scale electric trains, HO scale electric trains, or G scale electric trains under the guidance of an adult. Make sure that you carefully read all safety instructions that come with any train set before allowing children of any age to use it. Select Your Model Train Scale Scale refers to the size of the model train compared to the real thing. A locomotive scale of 1:22.5 is 22.5 times smaller than a life-size locomotive. The "right scale" fits your personal preference, space, and budget. For example, if you have a small space, you may want to choose a smaller scale and have a few loops of track instead of a straight line. You may want to create a temporary layout and take measurements to determine what fits best. Some of the different scales used in model railroading include: Z scale (1:220) model railroad trains: Z scale trains make a good choice for anyone with limited space. These trains are not only tiny but highly detailed. N scale (1:160) model railroad trains: N scale is a popular scale and the second smallest after Z scale. N scale trains are perfect for hobbyists who want to run long trains or keep the focus on the scenery. The price of N equipment is slightly higher than HO scale. Micro-Trains, or MTL, is a well-known brand that makes N scale trains. HO scale (1:87) model railroad trains: HO scale trains, one of the most popular scales with modelers, come in countless types of trains and have a large selection of scenery available as well. HO trains are generally highly detailed and a good value. An HO layout requires a moderate amount of space. S scale (1:64) model railroad trains: S scale trains—the scale of American Flyer trains—also have a strong following among narrow-gauge model railroaders. This larger scale makes the train dominate any set. S scale does not have the massive following of HO or N scale. O scale (1:48) model railroad trains: O scale trains are very popular toy trains. Lionel continues to make trains for this scale. O scale trains are easily handled by children. MTH makes tinplate lines of model trains in O and standard gauges. G scale (1:22.5) model railroad trains: G scale trains are for indoor use, but are especially suited for garden trains. L.G.B. made the scale popular in the United States and makes detailed, sturdy trains that stand up to the elements. Other manufacturers in this scale include Bachmann and Aristo-Craft. Gauge refers to the distance between the rails. Models of a certain scale run on standard-gauge track unless otherwise mentioned; for example, gauge 1 track is standard gauge for G scale trains. Put Together a Model Train Set Scale model train buildings can be made from kits or bought preassembled. To construct a model train set, you'll need: A model train engine: Make sure to buy the highest-quality engine that you can. If you buy a diesel engine, make sure it has all-wheel electrical pickup. Low-priced diesels often run better than similarly priced steam engines. Model train cars: Decide whether you want to start with a freight train or passenger train. You may buy preassembled cars or put them together from a kit, as offered by companies like Accurail, Athearn, or Life-like. Model train track: Track with cast plastic roadbed is recommended, linking sections of track more securely and allowing for better electrical connections. Also make sure the rails are made of nickel silver for better conductivity. Look into Atlas track, Bachmann track, and Life-like track. A transformer: These transformers or power packs are needed to provide your train and accessories with electricity. If you have many accessories, get a transformer that will deliver at least 18 volt-amps (VA) of electricity. Scenery: The scenery you use depends on the setting of your railroad. Your railroad might run through an urban setting, the country, the mountains, or a combination of these. Often trees and shrubs are made out of lichen, and rock molds are used to create rocky outcroppings. Ground cover is used to create realistic-looking terrain. Tunnel portals mark the entrance and exit of tunnels. There are also countless model people and vehicles which can bring life to a set. Model train stations, signals, and bridges add more realism.

Lionel Trains Buying Guide Tags: lionel trains | collectible trains | HO trains | electric trains | toys Lionel trains are an American classic that date back to 1901 and remain popular today. Whether you’re starting your first set or looking for rare vintage Lionel trains to collect, you'll find everything from colorful pre-war Lionel trains to the latest innovative offerings on eBay. Discover the History of Lionel Trains Joshua Lionel Cowen, an inventor with an entrepreneurial spirit, first introduced Lionel trains to the world when he set up an electric train in his store window to attract customers. Instead of perusing merchandise, most customers wanted the train itself, and Cowen began to build trains to keep up with demand. You can categorize Lionel trains by time period: Pre-war Lionel trains (1901–1942): In 1906, Lionel released a three-rail track it called standard-gauge. Soon other companies such as Ives and American Flyer began to build trains that ran on standard-gauge, which they called wide gauge. After World War I, Lionel, along with Flyer and Ives, began to manufacture smaller trains, called O gauge, in addition to their standard-gauge lines. Lionel weathered the Great Depression, releasing inexpensive products such as Mickey Mouse sets. You can recognize pre-war trains by their metallic construction, colorful appearance, and hook couplers. Post-war Lionel trains (1945–1969): After World War II, Lionel concentrated on producing O scale trains and General Mills purchased Lionel in the 1960s. During this period, trains were slightly less detailed; plastic parts replaced some metal parts. Post-war Lionel train couplers come in two varieties. The first have a spring-loaded pin under the coupler. The second are long, resemble a “G,” and do not open. Modern Lionel trains (1970–present): After General Mills sold Lionel, the company based its new trains on old designs and focused on realism. In 2004, the Polar Express train enjoyed immense popularity and became an instant collectible. Lionel continues to release new and innovative designs today. The identifier on vintage Lionel trains consists of four numbers; you can find them on the bottom or right side of the train. Once you know the product number, you can look up the train in a guide such as Greenberg’s Pocket Guide to get more information. Other manufacturers, such as American Flyer and Marx, printed numbers on their trains as well. Know that Marx used three-number identifiers since they look similar to O gauge Lionel trains. Choose Your Vintage Lionel Train, Track, & Accessories To put together a vintage Lionel train set, purchase items that appeal to you. Some collectors take interest in trains from a specific era, others look for collectible Mickey Mouse sets, and still others build collections around trains with certain road names, such as Union Pacific, Southern Pacific, or Great Northern. Of course if you don’t want to buy all your pieces separately, you can buy a Lionel starter set and be up and running in no time. Look for Lionel locomotives Some locomotives produce smoke and whistle sounds. Others feature “magnetraction,” or magnetic wheels which allow an engine to pull more cars. When looking at pre-war steam engines to use with pre-war cars remember that pre-war couplers aren’t compatible with post-war couplers. For beginners, modern era (rather than post-war) diesels such as the GP-7 or GP-9 are a good choice. Look for a locomotive with three positions: forward, reverse, and neutral. Choose Lionel train cars Once you have an engine, you can decide which kinds of cars you want to start your collection. The different types of rolling stock available include: Boxcars: Search for old 6454 boxcars for a realistic look. Refrigerator cars: Refrigerator cars include beer cars, candy cars, and more. Gondolas: The post-war 6462 gondola model is inexpensive and available in various colors. Flatcars: Flatcars carried military equipment, logs, and Christmas trees. Cabooses: Cabooses are the little red car at the end of your train. If you are interested in lighted cabooses, look into the 6357 or 6457 models. Pick your Lionel train power source and controls You may be interested in a single-throttle or double-throttle transformer. The 1033 transformer from the 1950s is a good choice for a single-throttle transformer. A powerful transformer (around 190 watts of power) allows for plenty of future expansion. If you want a modern control system, consider TrainMaster, a sophisticated R/C (radio-controlled) system that allows you to control multiple trains on a single track. Select Lionel train accessories Lionel is well-known for its accessories. Beginners may be interested in track-side signals, such as 151 semaphores and 252 or 152 crossing gates. You might want to add a 45 gateman shack to your set. Obtain a structure such as the 125 whistle shack or 445 signal tower. Lighting, in the form of a searchlight or flood towers, is a nice addition to any set. Set up your Lionel train track Lionel train track is recognizable because it has three rails. Gauge refers to the distance between the rails. The common gauge for modern Lionel trains is O gauge, which measures 1¼ inches between the outer rails. Lionel O gauge tracks come in two kinds: O and O27. It takes eight pieces of track to make a circle. An O gauge circle has a 31-inch diameter, and an O27 gauge circle is 27 inches in diameter. Although O27 trains will run easily on an O track, running O trains on O27 track is more problematic. Because O gauge train cars are longer, they can derail or get stuck in the turns of the tighter O27 track. Determine the Value of Vintage Lionel Trains Knowing the value of trains is of interest for beginning enthusiasts as well as seasoned collectors. Demand often determines the value of a train with some vintage Lionel trains selling for close to their original price and others going for much more. The collectors’ market is highest for trains made before 1969. Particular road names (such as Lionel Santa Fe or Lionel Union Pacific) may be in favor, increasing their value. Rare trains are generally more valuable as well. As quality increases, so does value. Broken or missing parts, large scratches, rust, or chipped paint all have a negative impact on value. However, trains in poor condition are often sources for parts. Remember that the grade of a train refers to the condition of the finish–electrical parts are considered inoperable unless a seller says otherwise. If parts have been replaced or restored, this should be clearly noted. Here are the guidelines for condition as established by the TCA (Train Collectors Association): Mint: Mint-condition Lionel trains look completely new, are unused, and have all original parts. Like new: Lionel trains in like-new condition have no scratches or blemishes and are in original condition. Excellent: Lionel trains in excellent condition are clean, not rusted, and have only very small nicks or scratches. Very good: Very good condition Lionel trains have some scratches but no dents or rust. Good: Good condition Lionel trains have some scratches and dents. Fair: Well-worn Lionel trains in fair condition may have dents, rust, or warping. Poor: Lionel trains in poor condition are highly damaged, but good for parts. A Lionel train’s value also increases if it comes in the original packaging. Any train or accessory that comes in a sealed blister pack is highly valued by collectors. Among collectors, the value of a Lionel box can be greater than its contents; boxes have been known to sell for over $1,000, depending on scarcity and condition. Ratings for boxes are New, Like New, Excellent, Very Good, Good, and Fair.