Postwar Lionel Train Display, Dearborn Heights, Michigan

Very nice David. The display captures the many facets of model railroading.

Great way to promote the hobby David.

Display is great.

Are they promoting railroads this month

at the library ?

That's a very nicely done display. Did you provide any contacts for people who might want more information?

Really nice David.

This is a great idea and very easy to do. Perhaps many of us should look into a similar venue where we live and help expose more of the 'general public' to the world of (especially 3 rail) model trains.

I'm always surprised when we talk to people 'out there' who have heard of Lionel trains but are unaware that they are still in business. AND have major competition!

David, That's fantastic!

I always enjoy your toy train layouts. You have the eye!

David you always seem to frame Lionel's "Golden Years" with perfection!

Great job!

Peter

David, if you could show us the text of that card in the display, it may explain the purpose for having the display there.  A history maybe?

.....

Dennis

OK Dennis,

Here's the text of the card that I came up with that explains the display.

LIONEL TRAINS The Golden Years:  1950 - 1959

The original Lionel Corporation was founded in 1900 by Joshua Lionel Cowen and Harry C. Grant in New York City.  Eager buyers bought Lionel Standard gauge and O gauge trains in the first half of the 20th century.  Lionel ceased toy production in 1942 to produce nautical items for the United States Navy during World War II.  They resumed producing toy trains in 1945, concentrating exclusively on O gauge trains.  During the 1950's with the rapid rise of the middle class and postwar baby boom, toy trains became one of the mainstays in the toy market.  For a brief time in the 1950's, Lionel was the world's largest toy manufacturer.  Because of its dominance and diversity in the toy train market, the years 1950 - 1959 are considered to be Lionel's Golden Years.  By the end of the decade, interests began to change to slot cars, the space race and an increase in military toys brought on by the Cold War.  Lionel's fortunes greatly diminished in the 1960's.  However, here in this display we reminisce about a time over a half century ago when Lionel Trains were king.

Vintage 1950's Lionel O-Gauge Trains courtesy of David Smith, Dearborn

cool idea!

David,

Your display is excellent. The overall arrangement is quite attractive and will certainly draw the attention of anyone who patronizes your local library.

You got talent.

Nice job.

Ed Boyle

Cool...  I work in Dearborn, I will have to go check it out at lunch!

A+ work!  

Too cool, I live right around the block from there will have to check it out

Looks great..

Great job on the display.