My all time favorite TM video is his very first one released initially as a 16mm color/sound film in 1976. I purchased a copy for about $70, and shortly thereafter, did a review for the Lion Roars. This film opens with a current rock song entitled "I'm a Train" as a 1950 model 773 pulls a string of Manhattan cars and later we see a train of almost all of the 6464 series pass by while the song continues. There are many amusing sound effects paired with various accessories, operating cars, and various motorized selections. Almost all the classic Lionel motive power is shown in various sequences. Near the end of the film, the Marine Corp hymn introduces the rocket launching car which proceeds to "blow up" several ammo cars and an ammo dump! The film concludes with the Lionel rocket launcher sequence with actual NASA launch audio. As the Lionel rocket takes off, we see an actual Saturn 5 launching, and then fireworks and America the Beautiful playing! Talk about finishing with a bang!
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It should be noted that both Tom McComas and James Touhy were Marine Corp vets (Semper Fi!), hence the inclusion of part of the moving Marine Corp battle hymn.
This very creative and entertaining film was produced in our Bicentennial Year and it remains my very favorite of all the many other great TM productions!
It was later available as a VHS tape entitled Lionel, the Movie paired with the B&W Lionel Corporation promotional video entitled, Iron Ponies. I have the VHS tape but do not have the DVD version.
Earlier in 1974, Tom and James released their very first spiral bound, hardcover edition of both a photo guide and history of Joshua Cowen and his famed train company. There were no prices included, but rather relative rarity comments. I purchased one for about $20 and it remains a part of my library to this day.
There is no way to fully thank Tom, James and the many other talented production staff members over the nearly five decades of excellent videos and price guides! Their contributions to our hobby have truly been invaluable! A belated THANK YOU to Tom and all the folks at TM!
Ihad my copy of the film signed by Tom and then donated it to the TCA museum library. I also have a signed copy of the spiral bound book. I got these way back in the day!
The TM Productions "Lionel" movie (1976 version) is on YouTube.
When I ordered my copy of their book in the initial offering, I did not know who these chaps were. I fact, when the book was not delivered in a timely manner, I phoned the Wilmette, IL post office and was quickly assured they were nice young men that could be trusted. I received my copy shortly afterwards.
I was a middle school teacher in 1976, and also the sponsor of the train and model train club. This film was always a favorite in both the club and in my regular classes!
Here is the link to their 1976 movie.