Is there a bible out there that deals with Lionel products IE rolling stock and changes over the years, Like how couplers evolved and when they changed over the years, or what series of cars were made to hook up to which engines, I have the big David Doyle catalogs but need more info, prewar, postwar, std. 0 etc. I have found some pretty good post war web sites but nothing prewar any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Start out with the Greenberg Books, and build your Reference Library if you think you are gonna stick with this. Granted, the "books" contain errors of commission and omission, but it will give you a starting point. Attend local shows, events, auctions, and make some friends with brains to be picked!!! BUT YOU NEED THE BOOKS!!!
Ron hollander's book "All Aboard" provides a good overview of the companies history/development. It's not a "detail" book on specific subjects/topics the way the Greenberg publications are but it is an excellent starting point.
If you can find it, there is a great book by David Doyle called Standard Catalog of Lionel trains 1945 - 1969. It is a great source of pictures and information. It is published by Kruase publishing, I haven't seen it listed for a while, it was realtively inexpensive (about $20 as I recall).
Brad,
Go into Amazon and search "Books" for Lionel Trains. Pages of books will come up, covering many aspects of Lionel trains, accessories, layouts, and repairs.
George
If I recall right the David Doyle book was involved in some copyright controversy and thus it may not still be available from places like Amazon. Plenty out there in the market already.
Doyle's books are on Amazon. I seem to remember something about citations without attribution from older sources on the subject. I believe the matter has been settled, as I have not heard about it lately.
Roland LaVoie wrote the bible on MPC Lionel. I received his 1970-1991 guide for Christmas and have been enjoying it. A wealth of information, and it has color pictures of almost every item discussed.
If you really want to understand Lionel trains, then don't discount the value of the service guide. The Greenberg's repair and operating manual for postwar Lionel reproduces most of the original service manuals and other instructions provided by Lionel to its authorized service stations--and that includes much information about changes to the line over time.
It appears that Doyle's book (Standard Catalog of Lionel trains 1945 - 1969) is very available, in used and even new condition, from a number of sources, but expect to pay for it. The least expensive one I found in a quick search this morning was over $30 plus S and H.
I search for books by using the internet in this order:
Bing
Amazon
ABEbooks
Alibris
Only once in the past 30 years have I been unable to find a book using these sources.
You might also enjoy browsing http://www.tandem-associates.com/index.htm
Hope this helps.
Thanks to all who have replied!
If you live near a used or second-hand bookstore check it out as well. I picked up the second edition of Doyle's book in like-new condition for under $10 at my local used book store (Wonder Book, Gaithersburg, MD) earlier this year, as well as several other discounted goodies.
Lou, if you like Wonder Book (Gaithersburg, Frederick, MD you'll love ABEbooks and Alibris if you have not tried them. Both are book exchanges; that is, online searchable catalogs that list sources for literally millions of books. WonderBook is just one of their many, many participants. I love the convenience of not having to drive from Anne Arundel County to either of those fair cities. (Used to live in G-burg. By the way I know Roy passed away but is his tavern still open?)
Really, check out http://www.abebooks.com/ Once you get familiar with the site you'll be amazed what you can find there. I'm one of those people who once loved to browse brick-and-mortar book stores, especially those specializing in used books, but in my dotage I prefer being able to search on line and save gasoline money.
wolverine
Bookfinder.com is another good source, you can spend as much a or as little as you want on used books.
Hey, $30 is a real bargain -- somebody at Amazon's trying to get $529.96 for a used second edition. Now, if it were new . . .
Martin
(Used to live in G-burg. By the way I know Roy passed away but is his tavern still open?)
After Roy passed away, the restaurant and property was to be auctioned off. Then a new owner came along and kept it open. Now, I think they are closed again. I can't be sure of its current status as I haven't been in that area of town for a long time.
I have all 3 of Doyle's books (prewar, postwar, modern era), and would be willing to sell to anyone interested. My email is in my profile on the right hand side.
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