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The Lion Roars April, 2002 PUBLISHED BY THE LIONEL ® COLLECTORS CLUB OF AMERICA • BIMONTHLY FEBRUARY, APRIL, JUNE, AUGUST, OCTOBER, DECEMBER Volume 31, No. 5 April 2002 All Aboard the Amtrak LCCA “Broadway Limited”

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Page 1: All Aboard the Amtrak LCCA “Broadway Limited”The Lion Roars April, 2002 The Lion Roars (USPS 0011-994) and (ISSN No. 1079-0993) is published bi-monthly by the Lionel ® Collectors

The Lion Roars April, 2002

PUBLISHED BY THE LIONEL® COLLECTORS CLUB OF AMERICA • BIMONTHLY FEBRUARY, APRIL, JUNE, AUGUST, OCTOBER, DECEMBER

Volume 31, No. 5 April 2002

All Aboardthe Amtrak LCCA

“Broadway Limited”

Page 2: All Aboard the Amtrak LCCA “Broadway Limited”The Lion Roars April, 2002 The Lion Roars (USPS 0011-994) and (ISSN No. 1079-0993) is published bi-monthly by the Lionel ® Collectors

The Lion Roars April, 2002IFC

The OfficialLCCA Website

is getting bigger andbetter everyday.

Check it out at...www.lionelcollectors.org

Page 3: All Aboard the Amtrak LCCA “Broadway Limited”The Lion Roars April, 2002 The Lion Roars (USPS 0011-994) and (ISSN No. 1079-0993) is published bi-monthly by the Lionel ® Collectors

The Lion Roars April, 2002

The Lion Roars (USPS 0011-994) and (ISSN No. 1079-0993) is published bi-monthly by the Lionel® Collectors Club of America, 1622 Fourth St., Peru, IL61354-3527. Subscription rate of $15.00 per year is paid through membershipdues. Periodical postage paid at Peru, IL 61354-9998 and additional mailingoffices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Lion Roars, 1622 FourthSt. Peru, IL 61354-3527. The LCCA is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation.Lionel® is a registered trademark and is used with thepermission of Lionel L.L.C. Copies of Lionel®

copyrighted materials have been used in thispublication with the permission of Lionel L.L.C.

The LCCA is not affiliated with Lionel® or Lionel L.L.C. Opinions andcomments made in by-lined columns in this publication do not necessarilyreflect the official policies of the Officers, Board of Directors and AppointedOfficials nor do they indicate a Club endorsement of any products mentioned.

LCCA Website ......................................................................... IFC

President’s Report .......................................................................... 2

A Few Words from the Editor ...................................................... 3

The Tinplate Cannonball............................................................... 4

Upcoming LCCA Train Meets ..................................................... 6

Standard Gauge ........................................................................... 7

A Holiday Train Garden .............................................................. 8

The Mane Line ............................................................................ 12

Upcoming LCCA Train Meets ................................................... 12

The Mane Line ........................................................................... 13

All aboard the Amtrak LCCA “Broadway Linited”.................... 16

Pittsburgh Convention, 2002 ........................................................ 18

Lionel News & Views ................................................................ 26

Catchy Slogans and answer to last month’ puzzle ...................... 32

Train Talk ................................................................................ IBC

OfficersJohn A. Fisher, President1730 James RoadSt. Paul, MN [email protected]

Eric P. Fogg, President Elect13360 Ashleaf DriveDes Moines, IA [email protected]

Dienzel C. Dennis, Secretary1425 Ruthbern RoadDaytona Beach, FL [email protected]

Richard Johnson, Treasurer8750 E. Kemper RoadCincinnati, OH [email protected]

Albert F. Otten, Imd. Past Pres.54 Overlook DriveLittle Rock, AR [email protected]

LCCA BUSINESS OFFICE P.O. Box 479

LaSalle, IL 61301-0479

Lionel® Collectors Club of America

Contacting the LCCA Business Office:Contact the Business Office at the address below or bye-mail <[email protected]> or by fax: 815-223-0791.

The Lion Roars Contents

DirectorsLarry A. Black224 Farmbrook CircleFrankfort, KY [email protected]

Harry H. Overtoom3409 Fleetwood DriveLexington, KY [email protected]

William F. Button2410 West Miller CircleWestland, MI [email protected]

William J. Schmeelk15 Birchwood LaneHillsdale, NJ [email protected]

Louis J. Caponi610 Andrews RoadSpringfield, PA [email protected]

Editors & AppointeesBarry FindleyConstitutional Comm. Chairman3414 Old Cantrell RoadLittle Rock, AR [email protected]

Hulen Warren, Librarian202 Cedar RoadBogalusa, LA [email protected]

William F. Button Editor, Interchange Track2410 West Miller CircleWestland, MI [email protected]

William J. Schmeelk, Editor, TLR15 Birchwood LaneHillsdale, NJ [email protected]

Dennis L. Clad, Cont. Editor, TLR7707 Patterson AvenueRichmond, VA [email protected]

Susan Ellingson, ConventionRegistration Chair4100 Victoria StreetMinnetonka, MN [email protected]

ON THE COVER:All Aboard the Amtrak

LCCA “Broadway Limited”

Copyright © 2002 the Lionel® Collectors Club of America. All rightsreserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted inany form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy-ing and recording for any purpose without the express written permissionof the Lionel® Collectors Club of America.

LCCA Web Site: www.lionelcollectors.orgPeople to Contact:President - Always available and as a last resort.President Elect - Schedule a meet.Immediate Past President - Complaint against another member.Secretary - Any administrative action not handled by LCCA Business Office.Treasurer - Club finances only.Librarian - Back issues of The Lion Roars.Editor, TLR - “Make good” copy of The Lion Roars.

They will take care of: applications for membership, replace membership cards,reinstatements, change of address, phone number changes, death notice, commemo-rative orders, convention registration and club mementos.

1

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The Lion Roars April, 20022

The President’sReport

by John Fisher RM 6541

Lionelcollectors.orgIf you have not visited your club’s website recently I invite

you to do so. We are continually changing and adding newfeatures to our site based on feedback from you. In addition tocurrent Club updates, you will find the most recent Lionelcatalog, links to other interesting sites which offer specialvalues to LCCA members, a club store with special offeringsfrom our inventory and archives, and more. We areseeking additional links which willprovide added value toyour LCCA

membersh ip .You have told us you would

like to see a daily updated InterchangeTrack on the website members only section and that

is under development. A dynamic roster is also planned alongwith member security features. It is the intent of your board tocontinue to commit the talent and resources to make thisaddress the best toy train website on the internet.

Convention UpdateWe have just concluded our winter board meeting in

Pittsburgh at the Sheraton Station Square hotel and I wouldlike to share some observations with you. This beautifulproperty has just completed a major expansion and renovationand it is spectacular. Sitting adjacent to the very busy CSXmainline, the view across the river to the “Golden Triangle”of downtown Pittsburgh is breathtaking. This year’s annualconvention promises to be one of our best ever with a weekfilled with fun and delightful surprises. Whether you’re anLCCA convention veteran or considering making this yourfirst, please consider this a personal invitation to join in thefun. The Amtrak LCCA “Broadway Limited” is scheduled todepart Pittsburgh’s historic Depot on Tuesday, July 23 forAltoona, PA and the incredible Horseshoe Curve. An earlymorning buffet or breakfast express items will be available atthe hotel prior to departure and snack items will also beavailable on board. Tour busses will whisk our group from thehotel to the depot in a short 10 minute ride. We will board ourspecial train and be joined by a professional on board tourguide. Our 2-hour journey on Amtrak’s finest equipment willtake us through the curve both ways and that is only thebeginning! Once in Altoona we will take fully escorted andprofessionally guided tours of the Allegheny Portage Railroad,the recently expanded Altoona Railroaders Museum and the

Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark. We will alsobe treated to a Railroader’s hearty box lunch in Altoona. OurAmtrak LCCA special will retrace the route of the originalBroadway Limited as it returns us to Pittsburgh by 8:30 pm.This promises to be one of our most memorable tours everand to ensure that, every registrant will receive a specialcommemorative of this trip. Seats are filling fast so make plansnow to join us for this great rail journey through some of thebest scenery in the eastern United States.

Special Convention CarsWe have received many inquiries regarding both the

Pittsburgh registration gift and thecommemorative car which will bepresented to members who sign upfor LCCA Day at the CarnegieScience Center presented byLionel. Here’s the deal: the first

400 members who register for this year’sconvention by completing and mailing the official

registration form to the LCCA Business Office will receive avery special Lionel car in Pittsburgh. Your registration numberwill be on your badge and now also on your confirmation. Ifyou have already registered and received your confirmationand there is no number on it, you are in the first 400 and willreceive a car. This has been done to encourage early registrationand thereby spread out the workload for your volunteerregistration team. Lionel will be recognizing their 60 yearrelationship with the Carnegie Science Center by presentingevery registered member who signs up for this tour with avery special car. Only registered regular members who arephysically present for this tour will receive one of these cars.We will travel to the Science Center on Thursday, July 25 byriverboat (it is a short 12 minute trip from one side of the riverto the other), and the cars will be given out as you board forthe return trip. If you register for the convention and do notcome, the registration car will be sent to you (if you are in thefirst 400); you will only be able to obtain the Science Centercar by taking the tour. Each car will be unique to our conventionand will be a secret until convention week. This year’s onsiteconvention car will be truly special and also a surprise. Thesecars have proven immensely popular since their introductionin 1998 in Philadelphia (the Ben Franklin boxcar) and havebeen a win-win for your club and the purchasers.

Am I the only one?Does anyone else who belongs to TCA and chooses not

to pay the extra amount for First Class mailings receive theirNational Headquarters News AFTER the deadline forsubmitting ads for the next issue? The March issue is theFOURTH straight time this has happened. C’mon TCA —either mail all of them First Class (like your friends at LCCA)or at least stop penalizing those of us who don’t payextra.

www.lionelcollectors.org

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The Lion Roars April, 20023

First, I would like to thank all of you who have supportedthe magazine by submitting an article. The quality of ourmagazine is a reflection of our membership support. As in thepast couple years, we will be thanking and honoring all thosewho wrote articles that appeared in the magazine since August2001. We are planning a special luncheon at our AnnualConvention. We will present several awards and all authorswill receive a special memento as thanks for their support.

Several members have asked how best to submit an article.So here are a few tips.

Written ArticlesIf you have a computer, the most convenient way for us

to receive your text is via email. You can type your article in aword processor such as Microsoft Word and attach it to anemail. If you use a word processor other than Microsoft, saveyour file as a text file and I should be able to load it on mycomputer. For those of you without a computer, we cancertainly accept articles that are typed, or even handwritten ifyou write clearly.

PhotosIf you are including photos with your article, 35-

millimeter prints are still the best. We have received somephotos that have been taken with a digital camera. Most ofthese are too low in resolution. They may look fine on acomputer monitor, but they are not suitable for printing. Ifyou wish to use a digital camera, you must shoot in highresolution — about 300 dpi. These will be files that are usually

A Few Wordsfrom the Editor

by Bill Schmeelk RM 6643

at least 1 megabyte and often 2 or more megabytes in size.This makes these photos too large to send by email. The bestway to submit this type of photo is to burn it on a CD and sendus the disc.

If you have any questions or need some help in submittingan article, please don’t hesitate to call, write, or email. Perhapswe’ll see you at an author’s luncheon in the future!

CorrectionsLast issue we confused

many of you so allow me tostraighten out a few things. Onpage 17, we incorrectly namedthe winner of the LCCAHopper at the Naperville meet.The young man who won theprize was Danny Jones, shownhere with his father DanielJones RM 24579.

There was also some confusion in my revue of RobertHannon’s book, J.L. Cowen’s Postwar Lionel Trains O-GaugeReference Manual I. Many of you thought I was selling thebook. The book is available directly from the author at thefollowing address:

Robert A. Hannon11513 Crows Nest Rd.Clarksville, MD 21029Phone: (410) 531-3110 / (410) 531-3244E-Mail: [email protected]

Thanks again for you continuing support.

Bill Schmeelk — [email protected]

There’s a LCCA membershipform located on the inside front page

of the ghost cover.

Help support your cluband pass it on to a fellow Lionel collector.

You’ll make a friend for life.

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The Lion Roars April, 20024

The TinplateCannonball

by Ken Morgan RM 12231

Lionel’s Stations: First SectionSay, kids, what time is it? If you don’t know, you’re not a

baby boomer! As usual, the answer will follow.

After a digression to look into metal disease, I’d like togo back to some of Lionel’s classic buildings. One of thecharacteristics of 12 inches to the foot railroads is that theyoften had standard designs, or at least common practices usedin the construction and decoration of their buildings. This isespecially noticeable in the architecture of railroad stations.As we shall see, Lionel followed similar practices with theirstations. As before, I’ll use my Dinky Toys Cook’s Man as theO scale reference tour director.

When I introduced him, I described the 442 Diner. As afollow up to that, and before I start with the stations, I’d liketo add a little more information. This comes from Phil Bender#11467. Phil restored a 442 diner several years ago, and heoffers the following info.

The steps and base under the car are made of a materialcalled Celotex, which is a compressed, light brown fibrousmaterial. This was used in the walls of Phil’s grandfather’sranch house in Los Gatos, Calif, which was built in 1930. It is

still available today at Home Depot, now called “sound board”,in 4' x 8' sheets of different thickness. Phil used it on his layout,glued on top of 5/8" plywood.

The sides of the steps on the diner are composed of manylayers of paper glued and compressed together to make a board-like piece. On his old diner, they had begun to delaminate,requiring that he spread the “pages” apart and insert a little bitof glue between each “page” with a toothpick, then compresseverything back together. Phil reports that it worked great, butwas very tedious. Having worked on similar toothpick andglue projects myself, I heartily agree with him!

The board-like base of the diner plot appears to beMasonite. Masonite Corp. has been in business for many years.The material is crushed and powdered bark from redwood trees,mixed with glue, formed and compressed under heat to makethe flat sheets. The shrubs and hedge material is Tufa sponge,and the grass is green-dyed sawdust. Phil bought these itemsfrom Ron Morris.

In a large discount paint store, Phil found a spray can ofpink enamel that exactly matched the original paint of the baseand steps as well as a can of red matching the roof. It was atomato red color and was an exact match based on acomparison with the original red paint on the roof’s underside(unfaded). This method of matching paint often works.Remember though, that Lionel bought paint from severaldifferent manufacturers over many years. An exact match maynot be that critical, unless you’re doing a partial restoration

1

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The Lion Roars April, 20025

and are trying to match a color which will show up on theitem you’re restoring or matching other pieces after you’redone (e.g. restoring one car in a set). Our perception of colorsvaries and especially as we become accustomed to seeing oldtrains whose colors have faded over the years, matching abright original often results in it appearing strange to our eyes.Some colors, notably peacock, suffer badly from this effect.So I’ll leave your perception of color matching up to you, butas usual, I strongly encourage you to clearly mark restoredpieces to identify them as restored.

My thanks go to Phil for the added info on the diner. Nowlet’s move on to some other architectural landmarks in theworld of Lionel.

What would a layout be without stations? Unless you runa freight only operation, and few of us do if we run Lioneltrains, a passenger station or two is needed to justify thoselong strings of varnish. Or even the typical tinplate sets withonly 2 to 3 cars!

Lionel offered many stations during the heyday of pre-war tinplate trains. They fit many budgets, and were oftenvariations of a common structure. For example, the additionof lights or a train stopping mechanism to a basic stationprovided differing price points and more options for theconsumer without significantly affecting Lionel’s costs. Asan example, the train stopping mechanism was common toseveral accessories, so putting it into a station did not requireconsiderable additional development time.

Although stations always appeared in Lionel catalogs, theydidn’t begin to manufacture their own until 1920. Prior to 1920there were several tinplate stations of either German (ca 1906)or domestic Ives (ca 1909-1914) manufacture. The latter werequite ornate, and included a glass train shed. Good luck tryingto find one with the glass intact — not to mention paying forit! Lionel also offered two versions of a composition boardstation made by Schoenhut from around 1917 to 1920. But in1920, they started to make their own tinplate stations.

I assign these to six major categories, with variationswithin each one. They are the 121 Lionel City station, the 125Lionelville station, the 127 Lioneltown station, the 112 LionelCity (which I’ll call the small Grand Central version), the 114Lionel City (large Grand Central), and the small 1012lithographed station. All have variations, but there are just thosesix basic stations. Photo 1 shows four of these station types:Clockwise from upper left is a 122 (type 121), a 113 (type112), a 126 (type 125), and a 137 (type 127. That will showyou the relative sizes and set the stage.

Lionel hung names on these stations, which is where Icame up with them. You can clearly see the “Lionel City” signhanging from the 122. It is brass, with black letters and border.The next smaller station is the 125, and if you look closely,you can see the sign saying “Lionelville”, also in brass withblack letters and border. The smallest of these pictured is the137, which has a silver colored plate over the door saying“Lioneltown” in black with no border. I assume Lionel figured

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The Lion Roars April, 20026

a city was bigger than a “ville”, which was bigger than a“town”. The other station shown, as well as the larger versionof it, has “Lionel City” embossed in the metal directly overthe doors. That’s why I added “Grand Central” to the name, todistinguish it from the 121 Lionel City. The 112 does bear aloose resemblance to the NYC edifice in New York City whichis often erroneously called Grand Central Station. It istechnically Grand Central Terminal. It’s the end of the line —there is no through traffic.

Rather than try to cover all of them at once, I’ll start offin this issue with the 121 family, because that’s what Lioneldid. Photo 2 shows my 122. It happens to look exactly thesame as a 121. The difference is that the 121 was not lit, andthe 122 has a single interior light. The 123 also looked thesame, but its internal light was a 110-volt bulb. Guess that onewasn’t wired from the transformer! The fourth member of thistype was the 124, which is a 122 with 2 exterior lights mountedat the corners of the building. They are hung from ornatecastings similar to the fancier lampposts. All of these wereintroduced in 1920. The 123 didn’t last long, being droppedafter 1923. I assume 110 volts was overkill for the interiorlight. And the 121 followed it out of the catalog after 1926. Ifyou were going to spring for a big station, it needed at leastthe interior light. The 122 ran through 1931, and the top of theline 124 ran through 1930, and then came back again from1933-36. It was replaced in 1937 by the last member of thetype 121 family, the 134. This was a 124 (all the lights) withthe train stop mechanism added. We’ll have more on that device

in a later installment. The 134 was catalogued until the end ofthe pre-war era, 1942. At which point, Lionel was engaged inother production!

All of these stations are the same front and back, rightdown to the brass “WAITING ROOM” sign over the doors,but there is only one front, because the “LIONEL CITY” signcan only be hung from one face of the roof trim. There aretwo small holes into which the “S” hooks holding the sign areinserted. Also, if you look very closely directly under the roofon the right hand side of photo 2, you can see a white ceramicinsulator. I assume this is common to all versions, but it wasthere for the 110 volt line for the 123 station. And, yes, thedoors do open.

Notice that this is a large building. Clearly bigger thanrequired for the O scale Cook’s Man. But likely not big enoughfor Willie the Watchman on the 1045 operating accessorycovered a couple of issues back! So it looks very good withlarge O gauge or standard gauge trains. I don’t think Lionelcared. They were all in the same catalog!

And now the answer to the question is, of course, “It’sHowdy Doody Time” compliments of Buffalo Bob Smith.Watch out for Clarabelle and the seltzer water!

Until next time, on a different station, but the same greatmagazine, happy collecting along the tracks of the TinplateCannonball!

Photographs by Ken Morgan

Chattanooga, TennesseeSaturday, July 6, 2002

Don’t miss this red-white-and-blue train meet! Join Bill Stitt, George Baltz and RonHerman on Saturday, July 6 at the Olph Church Parish Life Center, 501 South MooreRoad in Chattanooga. To reach the Life Center take I-24 to Exit 184 and Moore Road.Setup and Early Registration is from 9:00-10:00 a.m., with LCCA member trading from10:00-11:00 a.m. Public and guest trading from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Guests are$5.00; Children under 18 admitted free. 6-foot tables are $9 each and need to be reservedin advance. For more information on this LCCA-sponsored meet, contact host, BillStitt, 9727 Shadow Valley Circle, Chattanooga, TN 37421, (423) 894-1284; GeorgeBaltz (423) 842-6094 or Ron Herman (423) 344-5799.

Upcoming LCCA Train Meets

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The Lion Roars April, 20027

Standard Gauge

by Grandpa Nelson G. Williams RM 14062

A Poem About My TrainsThis year, the International League of Poetry will publish

the third poem I ever wrote in a book and an audio-tape/CDformat. Give a Toot for Grandpa’s Trains was included in theirbook as a semi-finalist in national competition, and is one ofonly 33 poems to be read for their new audio-tapes. It retellshow my Dad got an Ives locomotive from his Grandpa Nelsona century ago, and later gave me and my brothers our firstLionel train when we were kids. Now I am the third GrandpaNelson in our family, and have a large collection of standardgauge freight trains built by more than a dozen manufacturers.In this issue of The Lion Roars, you can read my poem withoutbuying the book or audio-tapes yourself.

On the advice of my friends in the Inverness WritersGroup, I rewrote my second poem as a short story and thisappeared in prose as How Billy Goat Climbed the Hill (TLR,Feb. 2002). While both of those poems are about my toy trains,my first poem two years ago was on a different subject. Canyou tell what inspired it?

Swan Song from a Green WhirlpoolHail cubes within thee, icy spirit!Truly a bird thou never wert.Yet we did seek thy mournful squeakOverhead, indoors and out, nearly a weekEre five C-notes brought us a frigid white aire

My apologies to Percy Bysshe Shelley’s, Ode to a Skylark.Well, what do you think my little poem is about? One poetryeditor thought it was about a Whippoorwill. That guess wasfor the birds. It really is about something made of steel, withan electric motor. But it is not a tinplate locomotive. Two minoreditors, a friend and a relative, published it and Alice sent hercousin Jim Bill this note for the Lamb Family Newsletter:

This poem was written in January 2000 when the motorsof our old Whirlpool fridge squeaked day and night as it gaveup the ghost. It sounded so much like a bird, that we looked inthe attic, inspected the stove vent on the roof and removedcovers from the heat and air vents in the ceiling. No birdswere found anywhere. Finally a repairman said 1984 was thelast year of the avocado green refrigerators and it was timefor a new one. So we bought a white Frigidaire at Sears for$500.

Is there any moral to this story? Maybe a couple.Obviously, electric trains can inspire a writer more than akitchen appliance could. Furthermore, even if you have never

written much more than a letter, you could send at least onestory about your trains to the editor of this magazine. I wouldbe happy to copy read any articles about standard gaugepassenger trains, trolleys, or accessories if you would like myadvice.

I was trained as a Journalist in college and worked onthree newspapers in the 1940’s. As a graduate student andprofessor of history, I was supposed to stick to the facts. Iearned four degrees, but I never took any course in Englishliterature. If an old dog like me could learn to write poetryand fiction in my middle seventies, surely younger collectorscan write articles about the trains they know and love. Whydon’t you try it? Any editor of a hobby magazine wouldwelcome the opportunity to select the best of your stories forpublication.

Give a Toot for Grandpa’s TrainsOur antique Grandpa Nelson can still playwith his first Lionel train from Christmas Day.He got it in Nineteen Thirty Sevenwhen he was a boy of only Eleven.

His Dad Nelson was just a lad about Nineteen Hundred,and recalled his first toy train when he spokeof his own Grandpa Nelson, a doctor whose cigarwas put in the engine’s stack to make it smoke.

That first steam engine must have been from Ives,an old toy company before Lionel made any trains.But companies, like people, have finite lives;by the late Twenties, Lionel owned Ives Trains.

A decade later, our Grandpa Nelson was one of three boyswith several Lionels before he got his own Ives toys.Now Grandpa has a big train for his grandkids to ride;it is a Buddy “L” meant to be played with outside.

Thanks to all three Grandpa Nelsons, we keep alivethis family tradition of wide gauge toy trains.This hobby may wear out our old bodies and toys,yet it still has the magic to challenge our brains.

—Grandpa Nelson Williams, III

Grandpa Nelson still has his first standard gauge Lionelfreight train, a Christmas gift in 1937. This photo of it wastaken by his daughter, now Dr. Elizabeth G. Williams, whoplayed with the train as a child 25 years later

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The Lion Roars April, 2002

A HolidayTrain Garden

8

by R.J.Stepan RM 24313The association of toy trains with the Holiday season in

the United States has long been a tradition. In my family thistradition started with my grandfather who gave my father aLionel train set in December of 1918. This past holiday season,I tried to capture some of the old magic of the holidays bycreating a train garden, a term that was used in the oldneighborhood for a train layout.

My whole family joined in. My two sons assembled thebench work. The bench consisted of a 4 foot by 8 foot framewith two center supports. These center supports are located 6inches on either side of center on the 8 foot long side. Thelegs were made by jointing two 2x4s together to make 4x4s.They are attached using dry wall screws through diagonal legsupports to the bench frame. The top portion of each leg isattached with dry wall screws to the inside of the bench frame

work as seen in photo 1. Casters were installed on the bottomof the four legs so that the bench frame could be moved around,allowing access to all areas of the train garden.

The tradition of keeping the train garden up only for theholiday season is still enforced by both “She who must beobeyed,” (my wife) and the limited space in our living room.

Photo 2 shows the placement of the 5/8 inch thick chipboard used for the decking material. There are two deckingboards that each measure 6 feet long by 4 feet wide and onemeasuring 6 feet long and 1 foot wide. This gave us a totalsurface of 9 feet by 6 feet on which to build the train garden.The decking was secured to the frame with 1-1/4 inch dry

wall screws. A drill with a #2 Philips drive bit worked best forinstalling these screws. The screws were spaced about every12 inches or so around the entire perimeter of the bench frameand across the center supports as well.

Photo 2 also shows the start of the placement of theground cover material. The material is artificial grass that wasobtained from the local hardware store. The material came inwidths wide enough that only two pieces were required to coverthe 9 x 6 area.

Photo 3 shows the brick/stone pattern center piece beingfinished by my daughter. This center section is cut from a 4 x8 piece of door skin material. The configuration of this pieceis controlled by the size and shape of the area bordered by theinner loop of standard gauge track. Once cut to size, a base

A HolidayTrain Garden

1

2

3

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The Lion Roars April, 20029

coat of gray paint was applied. A stamp was made from ahouse hold cleaning sponge to create the brick/stone pattern.We took a new sponge and cut it into one inch squares thenusing a small wood screw, attached the center of this spongesquare to a piece of 5/8” diameter wood dowel, about six incheslong.

Next semi-gloss black paint was poured into an old pietin. The sponge stamp is then dipped into the paint, and theexcess scraped off. Using scrap wood we tested the stamp andfound a pattern we liked. The shape of the pattern can bechanged some what by how far the wood screw is driven intothe dowel. You can also glue the sponge to the wood dowel toget a different pattern. After discovering a pattern you are happywith, you repeatedly stamp across the gray painted door skinmaterial until the entire surface has been covered. This is agood job if you have young children — just make sure thatthere is a lot of newspaper around to protect the table or the

carpet work space. Photo 4 illustrates the position of the twoloops of standard gauge track with the paving stone centerboard in place. A switch track was installed on the inner loopallowing for a spur siding.

As seen in photo 5, the outer loop of standard gauge trackpasses through Lionel’s Hell Gate Bridge. A set of high tensionpower poles gives some depth to the unfinished layout. In thebackground can be seen the No. 437 tower and some Lionelhouses from the 1930’s. Lionel’s No. 155 Freight Platformwas placed on the inside of the inner loop of standard gaugetrack, and just about even with the Hell Gate Bridge.

“In my family this traditionstarted with my grandfatherwho gave my father a Lionel

train set in December of 1918.”

Also shown in photo 5, the positioning of the periodcorrect transformers took a little thought. They were placed tomake use of the space available. In the near corner of photo 5,you will see a Lionel “K” type transformer and the relatedelectrical wiring. As you can see we also used two No. 81rheostats to fine tune the speed of the two standard gauge trainsoperated this year. Just out of the photo on the rear corner ofthe layout is another “K” type transformer that provided powerto the outer loop of track. The two transformers in the centerof the layout are a “T” type on the right, and an “A” type onthe left. These transformers were used to provide power to thevarious accessories and were later hidden by a Lionel PowerStation.

While the power to operate the trains and the variousaccessories was amply provided by the vintage transformers,the wiring was another story entirely. The job of wiring thelayout fell to my sons, and it was decided to use terminal strips.Each transformer had one wire from each of its positive andnegative terminals, run to a pair of terminal strips. Then onewire from each terminal strip was run to the track terminalpost or one of the accessory terminal posts. This system madeit easy for the boys to do the wiring. All one had to do was runone wire at a time. The other benefit is that no electricalsoldering was required. The inner loop of track had powerdelivered to four locations using Lock-ons. The Lock-ons wereplaced 90 degrees apart, allowing the track voltage to bedelivered equally to all areas of the inner-loop of track. Theouter-loop of track was wired in the same manner using a

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The Lion Roars April, 200210

different transformer and a different pair of terminal strips.Six Lock-ons were employed on the larger outer loop. All theaccessories were wired in the same manner, using separateterminal strips and transformers as required. The terminal stripswere centrally located to allow for easy installation.

In photo 6 you can see the placement of the accessories.

Two No. 436 power stations cover the “K” transformers. ANo. 840 power station houses the two remaining transformers.

Photo 7 shows the Christmas Garden coming to life withthe addition of cast iron automobiles made in the late 1920’sand early 1930’s. You now can get a better look and feel forthe effect of the brick/stone paving that extends out from under

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The Lion Roars April, 200211

the building structures positioned within the inner-loop ofstandard gauge track. The introduction of cast pewter, handpainted people enhances the garden and gives it a feeling ofcompleteness and purpose.

Photo 8 shows the skirting of red brick paper positionedaround the edge of the garden. This skirting has two functions,one of which is to hide the many boxes which were storedunder the layout and the other is to give a finished appearanceto the Christmas Garden. The next finishing detail to be addedis the white molding with a red colored top edge. This moldingis 2-1/2 inches tall and is secured to the edge of the deckingwith dry wall screws. As with the skirting, the white moldinggives the edge of the garden a finished look. In addition, thismolding is intended to act as a fence or barrier to keep thetrain, from leaving the safety of the garden and landing on thefloor in the event that the train should leave the track at a highrate of speed. The molding is also a good place to mount someof the reproduction tin lithograph Lionel signs of that period.

Photo 9 shows the outer-loop of track with Lionel’sstandard gauge coal train that was produced in 1928 and whichwas headed by Lionel’s No. 318E electric profile engine. Alsoshown in this photo is the 1931 Macys Special 2. The MacysSpecial 2 is headed by a Lionel No. 10E electric profile engine.This set operated on the inner-loop of track to make use of thetrain station on one side of the layout and the #155 freightplatform on the opposite side of the layout.

This Christmas Garden was started on the Friday afterThanksgiving and was completed sometime around the 12th

of December, 2001. The “Red Route,” as the garden wasdubbed, was in full operation for approximately 40 days, afterwhich it was taken down and the components were re-boxeduntil another holiday season comes around. Each year, for over50 years, my family has put up a Christmas Garden, (trainlayout). Every year, both the design of the layout and the trainsoperated on it has been different.

What is next year’s Christmas Garden going to be? Prewar,Postwar, MPC, LTI; I am not really sure. So if you are in theLas Vegas, NV area during the Holiday Season, give us a calland take a look. That way we can both be surprised.

Keep on SteamingPhotographs by R.J. Stepan

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The Lion Roars April, 200212

The Mane Line

by Dennis Leon Clad RM 10430

Editor’s note: Our contributing editor Dennis Clad is awonderfully enthusiastic Lionel collector and he is a valuedmember of our Lion Roars team. The opinions,recommendations and commercial endorsements contained inthe Mane Line are those of the writer and do not constitute anendorsement or approval of those items by LCCA, its officersor directors. This information is provided to our members inorder to educate, inform and yes, entertain. Any decision tomake any purchase based on this information should only bedone after careful consideration and with full knowledge ofmarket conditions.

In my almost twenty years of collecting post 1970 Lionelthe thing that I have enjoyed most about our great hobby,besides the wonderful people that I’ve met, is the almostendless areas of collecting that can only be found in Lionel’smodern era. With this month’s The Mane Line I would like toshare with you some really hot Lionel collectibles from just afew of the different areas of Lionel collecting that I’ve foundmost enjoyable.

We’ll cover three of those areas including uncatalogedsets plus the Lionel Dealer items that tie into a set. Then we’lllook at the Lionel licensed products category. Lastly, we’lllook at an area that’s long been forgotten by Lionel Traincollectors — those oh so collectable items issued by Lionel intheir Side Tracks series of catalogs.

Lionel Sponsors Little League BaseballSo let’s get started with an uncataloged Lionel promotional

set from 1997 and all the items that pertain to the set that youcan collect, all of which have become collectable in their ownright. It would be the summer of 1996 when our hobby firstlearned via The Lionel Rail Roader Club in issue number 74on page 8 of The Inside Track that Lionel had become anofficial sponsor of Little League Baseball. In thisannouncement my collector appetite was wetted when I readthat a special train set would be created to celebrate the teaming

up of these two American institutions. But I would have towait till the summer of 1997 and issue number 78 of The InsideTrack to learn what an exciting train set 6-11936, The LionelLittle League Baseball set, would be. If you’re looking for aLionel train set that’s loaded to the max with 1950’s kid funand excitement with the added bonus of quality appointments,

then look no further thenthis little gem fromLionel’s recent past.

Heading up apowerful consist ofcollectable rolling stockis that war-horse of thethree rail track, a mightydie-cast 4-4-2 steamernumbered X-1110. TheLittle League steamer isequipped with puffingsmoke, a steam whistleand a magnetic coupler atthe tender’s rear. To topoff our locomotive, theLittle League logo isdisplayed on the tender’slower right side. Prepare

to have yourbreath takenaway when youopen the set boxand see thehighly colorfulconsist of rollingstock that makesup the set. Insidethe nicelyappointed setbox you’ll findt h r e ew o n d e r f u l l ydecorated 9700series boxcars.The first is

Note the Little League logo and year 1997 on this attractive tender.

Even a feed water water heaterwas added to our 4-4-2 to dress itup.

These three 9700 series boxcars are amust for three collector groups.

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The Lion Roars April, 200213

outfitted for Rawlings, the second boxcar taking the field isfor Wisk and rounding third base and heading for home plateis the MacGreggor boxcar.

Now I know what you’re thinking, “Dennis, this consistof three out of sight boxcars is really great but I still want

more.” Well, I feel thesame as you and wow, didLionel deliver with thismust own set! Are youready for a beautifullydecorated Gatorade singledome tanker that hasowners of the Quaker Oatspromotional set hopingsomeone is daring enoughto break up this future in-demand train set so they

can add this must have piece to their Quaker Oats set.

Also included in our train is a Lionel first, the MuscoLighting flat car. The very clever folks at Lionel even fastened

a stadiuml i g h t i n ggrid to theflat as aload. Sadlyh o w e v e r ,this griddoes notlight. Tohouse the

train’s crew, Lionel has ended our freight train with a lighted

caboose. What I love most about thecars in our set is the fact that all ofthem are decorated to honor 1997’sLittle League Baseball sponsors.Also included in this complete readyto run set is a Lionel paper collector’sdream, offered no where else. ALittle League Baseball billboard anda USA flag and pole with both abanner for Lionel and one for the

Little League are unique to this set.

Now here’s where collecting really becomes fun as wetry to collect all the Lionel dealer items that connect to ourhistory making train set. At the time of this writing, I’ve only

been able to uncover two dealer letters and a set order form.All three pieces of dealer paper carry the Lionel OfficialSponsor and Little League Baseball logo. In a letter to theirdealers dated June 17,1996, Lionel announced that they werean official Little League sponsor. The letter informs the dealerthat the sponsorship is for three years and I quote, “Lionelwill be producing limited edition Little League Baseballbranded products, including ready to run train sets, rollingstock and accessories.”

So it would seem that Lionel had big plans for their three-year sponsorship certainly more then just one high quality set.The letter also states that two Little League pieces of dealerpaper would be included in the Lionel dealer promo kit number

This tanker is a “got to have” to complete your Quaker Oatstrain.

Note the Little League logo andthe year on the tanker’s end cap.

This clever car will stand out in any collection.

To add even more collector value tothis set, are these two verycollectable accessories.

This Lionel dealer door decal told the world that Lionel wasan official Little League sponsor.

Lionel caboose collectors get ready to add thislitle red cabin car to your want list.

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The Lion Roars April, 200214

906-5954-000. Those two very desirable pieces of dealer paperare the A portion of every Lionel purchase helps support LittleLeague Baseball signs. This dealer sign also carries the Little

League logo and is inLionel colors. Thesecond piece in thedealer promo kit is acounter tent card thattells the customer thatLionel is an officialsponsor of LittleLeague baseball. Likethe sign, it too is inLionel colors. Both ofthese Lionel Dealeritems will really dressup your Lionel train

room and this is one of the many reasons you should supportyour Lionel dealer because who knows he might give you hisused signs or sell you a never used complete Lionel Dealerpromo kit. Finally, this letter tells the dealer to check his futuremail for the Little League Baseball and Lionel Proud Sponsorwindow decal.

Our second letter is dated August 1,1996 and againannounces that Lionel is a Little League Sponsor and thatLionel has plans in the works to do a complete line of LionelLittle League trains and sets. So the optimism of Lionel wasstill very high. My final piece of Lionel Dealer paper is theorder form for 6-11936 the Little League Baseball set. Thisorder form is dated February 1997 and tells the dealer that theset would retail for $334.95 and that he could expect his setsto arrive in April of 1997.

As if the two items in the dealer promo kit plus the windowdecal were pardon the pun, not enough bases to cover, there isan almost impossible to find box that contained a contestcountertop display sign and roll of raffle tickets. This kit wasintended for Little League teams to use as a fundraiser.Apparently, Lionel’s train of thought here was that a LittleLeague team could buy a train set and then raffle it off as afund raiser. The countertop sign stated that you could supportLittle League Baseball by purchasing a raffle ticket to win theLittle League Baseball set. The roll of raffle tickets that

accompanied this hard to find sign were the standard raffletickets one can buy in an office products store. My collectorinstincts tell me that there are more then just the two LittleLeague Lionel Dealer letters and the order form that I’veunearthed. I suspect a letter must have accompanied the signand the sponsor window decal.

I’ve saved for last my personal favorite of all the LionelLittle League Baseball sponsorship items and I’m sure it willbe a hit with you too. This last gem is the 1997 Lionel & LittleLeague Baseball enameled pin. This wonderfully crafted andoh so beautiful work of art is a must own even if you’re not aLionel memorabilia collector. What makes this pin so desirablein addition to its beauty and craftsmanship is that it waspresented to the participants in the 1997 Little League WorldSeries. It’s the lucky collector indeed that has one of thesemagnificent works of art that hasn’t seen the dust and grimeof a baseball field. Sadly 1997 and our grand slam train setwould be both the beginning and the end of the line for Lionel’sinvolvement with Little League Baseball.

Even More GoodiesNow, lets look at an officially licensed Lionel item that

has been put on the top of the must have list of many Lionelcollectors who live inand around New YorkCity. Due in large partto the tragic events ofSept 11, 2001, theLionel New York Citywater globe hasdeveloped a cultfollowing and it’s easyto see why as thisglobe captures all themagic and strengththat is New York Cityand Lionel. Fromwhat I’ve been able tolearn the initialresponse to the entireseries of Lionel waterglobes from Lionelcollectors was weak atbest and very few

globes were produced before the maker’s license to create themexpired. The Lionel New York City water globe is very ornateand heavy but our globe is also extremely delicate and caremust be taken when handling it.

When Lionel moved off shore to manufacture their trainsin China, one group of Lionel collectibles got a big boost incollector interest. The series gained a second big boost incollector desire once again due in no small part to the tragedyof 9-11. Yes, I could only be speaking of the Lionel UncleSam collection. Thanks to the Ace Products folks and their

Both the Dealer sigh on the left and the official sponsorcounter tent card were included in the promo kit#906-5954-000

This little Gem will be the hardestpiece of Lionel Little Leaguememorabilia to find.

This Lionel NYC globe has becomea hot collectable since 9/11.

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The Lion Roars April, 200215

license agreement with Lionel, we have this wonderful seriesof patriotic Lionel keepsakes. Four of the Lionel Uncle Samitems were offered to Lionel dealers in 1997 via the LionelExpress Apparel and Accessories catalog from Ace ProductManagement Group. They were the following: LC-98-20024-

077 T-shirt, the LC-98-60015-275 coffee mug, and the LC-98-60016-036 3-d magnet. Two more items in the Uncle Samseries might be the hardest for you to find to complete yourcollection. These are the LC-98-50019-071 Uncle Sam deckof playing card and an awesome LC-98-50014-276 LionelUncle Sam metal sign. Both of these Uncle Sam items werealso produced by Ace under the Lionel license.

Built in 1976 by Lionel at Michigan, the 6-7700 UncleSam wood sided boxcars will make your chest swell with goodold USA pride as will the rest of the Lionel Uncle Samcollection when the complete series is displayed in your train

room. I would really like to see more Lionel Uncle Sam itemsproduced in the future but I think I’m in for a very long anddisappointing wait as the pieces made by Ace products didnot generate much collector interest until the tragedy ofSeptember 11th occurred.

Lionel’s Side Tracks SeriesIt was during Lionel’s classy LTI era that Lionel would

issue five Side Tracks catalogs. The covers of each catalog inthis short run series of Lionel keepsakes proudly boasted eitherKeepsakes produced exclusively for Lionel Trains or Keepsakesproduced for Lionel Trains. The catalogs were dated as follows,1987, 1989&1990, 1991,1992 and finally 1993. Each catalogcontained three pages of Lionel mementos that were not onlyvery unique and interesting but also useful around the layoutand for decorating your train room to the envy of your friends.

Today, not only has the Side Tracks line of Lionelkeepsakes become hot collectibles but the Side Tracks catalogsthemselves are quite collectable and have become very hardto find in new condition. But what’s most surprising aboutthis line of Lionel mementos is the fact that a whole group ofcollectors have sprung up whose only interest in our hobby isLionel memorabilia. Ok, I know what you’re thinking, Dennis,you’ve got to be kidding, believe me, I said the same thing,too!

The first of two keepsakes we’ll look at, number 6-5858appeared in the 1989-1990 catalog and was the director’s chair.The chair was made in the USA by a firm that, as far as I’vebeen able to learn, is no longer in business. What I like aboutthe chair is the use of the red, white and blue circle “L” logomade famous during the LTI era on the back rest. Now here’sa very important point for you to remember if you too feelthat your train room is empty without a Lionel chair. The chair’sbox states that thecanvas seat and backare sold separately.This is not the casewith the Lionel chair,as your box will comewith both the seat andLionel back. To knowyou have a Lionelmodel in a sealed boxlook for the Lionelsticker that’s appliedto the chair’s box orbetter yet ask toinspect the contents,as I did. The Lionelchair would make asecond appearance inthe 1991 Side Trackscatalog.

Here’s a view from the other side ot this attractive waterglobe.

Just one look at the complete Uncle Sam collection and youcan see why the series has become so collectable.

“Happy” the Lionel Lion knows thebest set in the house.

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The Lion Roars April, 200216

My Personal FavoriteI’ve been asked many times during my seven years of

writing for our great magazine, what in my collection is myfavorite piece of Lionel.Since I collecteverything pertaining tomodern era Lionel onemight think I would bestuck for a moment orthat I would take a longtime to ponder theanswer to this veryimportant question. As Iready myself for all thegood natured kiddingI’ll receive, here is myfavorite piece of Lioneland yes it’s a Side Tracksitem. When the 6-5875Lionel Stuffed Animalas it was titled firstappeared in the 1991Side Tracks catalog asan artist’s rendering, Iknew that if LionelTrains Inc. made thisdoll of a high qualityHappy — The LionelLion would become ahot collectable. Well theLTI folks did just thatand collectors haveproven me correct! Nota week goes by here atThe Mane Line that Idon’t receive a requestfor help in locating oneof these eleven inch tallballs of fur that’s sure tobring smiles to the facesof all who see thischeerful little guy.

It would be in thedescription of our dollthat Lionel fans thatgrew up with Happy in

the 1950s would learn of his name change to Lenny. As hardas it is to believe “Happy” would also appear in the 1992 and1993 catalogs, only this time an actual photo of the doll would

be used. In the 1993catalog the number ofthe doll would changefrom 6-5875 to 9-65875.Along with the numberchange so too the title ofthe doll at the start of thedescription wouldchange to Lenny theLion. At our 2000 LCCAconvention one of theselittle charmers was araffle prize. During thetwo days we manned theLCCA raffle tables fullof Lionel trains, I wasfloored by the number ofladies and kids whobought LCCA raffletickets from my wife andI just in the hopes ofwinning the one Happydoll. Long time Lionelcollectors know this butits worth repeating —what catches the eye ofthe ladies and kids in ourhobby always becomescollectable.

In the June issue I’llhave some really greatgenuine uncatalogedLionel items to tell youabout plus I’ll also sharewith you my thoughts onthe extravaganza that isApril York, till thenHappy Tracks!

Photographs byGordon WongJust one look and it’s easy to see why so many Lionel collectors have

fallen in love with this little guy.

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The Lion Roars April, 200217

Lou Caponi RM 8735LCCA’s very own special Speedliner, the Amtrak

Broadway Limited is set to depart Pittsburgh on Tuesday, July23 and your reserved seat awaits you. Join with your trainriding LCCA friends as we head forhistoric Penn Station in downtownPittsburgh. We will gather under themagnificent original Rotunda whichleads into this wonderfully restoredpiece of American railroadinghistory. This great depot has nowbeen designated a National HistoricLandmark and is a tourist attractionin its own right.

Once aboard we will glidethrough the spectacularly beautifulwestern Pennsylvania Alleghenymountain range on our 2-1/2 hourtrip to Altoona and the breathtakingHorseshoe Curve. Our LCCABroadway Limited will actuallytravel through the Curve in bothdirections — as we arrive and depart. This rail excursion willbe professionally guided from start to finish. Many extras notincluded in our 1998 excursion are part of the package at noadditional cost. The all-inclusive price for this day long tour

All Aboardthe Amtrak LCCA

“Broadway Limited”includes all transfers and admissions to the Allegheny PortageRailroad, a visit to the newly expanded Railroaders’ MemorialMuseum and yards, a visit to Horseshoe Curve including aride on the incline to the midpoint of this incredibly busy site

and a hearty Railroader’s box lunchat one of these sites. Ample time willbe allowed at each site to fully absorball there is to see. Be sure to bringyour camera to capture the manyspectacular photo opportunities.

At the end of the afternoon wewill re-board our chartered Speedlinerfor a relaxing return to Pittsburgh by8-8:30 pm. A great deal of effort hasgone into the planning of this tour tomake it a truly unique experience. Theentire day has been planned by yourconvention team with one goal inmind — a fun-filled day ofexploration and discovery for you andyour family. Just as with our lasthugely successful rail excursion,

space is limited and we will do our best to accommodateeveryone. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity.

Make plans now to “Come Aboard”!

Patch for the 32nd Annual LCCA Convention

Check out what’snew on the LCCA websitewww.lionelcollectors.org

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The Lion Roars April, 200218

Set at theconfluence of threegreat American rivers,Pittsburgh is the city ofthe Steelers and muchmore. One of thecountry’s greatdestination cities, itholds many train-related activities in thecity and the region. Thetour programs of theupcoming 32nd LCCAAnnual Conventionwill include an Amtrakexcursion on July 23 tothe famous HorseshoeCurve of thePennsylvania Railroad,the Allegheny PortageRailroad NationalHistoric Site, and theRailroad Museum atAltoona as an all-dayadventure.

On July 25 we’llspend a full day at thefabulous CarnegieScience Center with a huge (2400 square feet) O-gauge train layout sponsored by our favoritenamesake toy train company. This layout showssome of the best landscaping you’ll ever see —with areas depicting the four seasons, a workingriver, and a large steel mill.

Pittsburgh WelcomesLCCA and You in 2002

And we’ll enjoy the traditional features of theConvention — a welcoming party, the Lionelseminar, a sumptuous banquet (this time aboarda riverboat), and Trading Hall activities.

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The Lion Roars April, 200219

Form may bephotocopied

Lionel® Collectors Club of America32nd ANNUAL CONVENTION - REGISTRATION FORMPre-Registration Fee of $39 must be received on or before June 1, 2002.If received after June 1st or at the door, the Registration Fee will be $54.

No refunds after July 15, 2002 — Please print or type.

Name:_______________________________________________________________ LCCA#: ________________________ (First) (Middle Initial) (Last)

Badge Name: _________________ e-mail Address: __________________________________________________________

Address:______________________________________________ Phone:__________________________________________

City:_______________________________ State:________ Zip Code:_________ Are you a dealer? Yes No

Spouse’s name (if attending*):____________________________________________________________________________* = If spouse is a Regular Member and wants the Convention registration gift, a separate, full registration fee must be paid.

Children’s names and ages (if attending):___________________________________________________________________

Member Pre-Registration (includes non-member spouse & children; by 6-1-02) _________ @ $39 = $_______________ (After 6-1-02) __________ @ $54 = $_______________

Tables — Each with one chair __________ @ $25 = $_______________If you want your table next to a specific member, Please send your form and theother member’s form (with separate checks/money orders) in the same envelope.Member’s name:_____________________________ LCCA#:_______________

Electrical Hook-up — per registrant __________ @ $30 = $_______________

Get Acquainted Party ____ @ $14 (Adults) ____ @ $20 (Adults) ____ @ $8 (Children) = $_______________ (Sheraton Guests) (non-Sheraton Guests)

YOU MUST INDICA TE A MEAL SELECTION BELO WRiverboat Banquet — Make your entree choice (includes salad, vegetable, coffee/tea/milk & dessert)

Adult: _____ Filet Mignon -or- _____ Poached Salmon __________ @ $59 = $_______________

Children: A menu specially designed for our younger guests ___________@ $39 = $_______________

Tours Selections — Enter here the sub-total cost of the tour(s) selected on the work sheet: $_______________Check the tours by number and write-in the number of person(s) (e.g., Tour #1, 2 seats, etc.) below:

Tour #1 ___________ Tour #4 ___________ Tour #6 ___________

Tour #2 ___________ Tour #5 ___________ Tour #7 ___________

Tour #3 ___________ GRAND TOTAL $________________

Make check/money order (in U.S. funds) payable to: 2002 LCCA Convention.To charge it to your credit or debit card, fill out the information below.

CARD # _________________________________________________ VISA MASTERCARD DISCOVER

TYPE OF CARD: CREDIT DEBIT

SIGNATURE ________________________________________________________ EXP. DATE ______________________Send this form or a photocopy with DO NOT send hotel reservations to the LCCA.check/money order or credit card info to: Use the separate form to make your reservations at the2002 LCCA Convention Sheraton Hotel at Station Square and mail your requestP.O. Box 479 directly to their address listed on the form.LaSalle, IL 61301-0479

Please provide this information:Arrival Date: _________ Departure Date:_________

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The Lion Roars April, 200220

Convention RegistrationThe special early registration fee is only $39 if received on

or before June 1, 2002. Registrations received after this date or atthe door will be $54. All pre-registrants will receive confirmationby mail.

Questions about Convention registration may be directed toSusan Ellingson, Convention Registrar, at 952-931-0853 or e-mailher at <[email protected]>.

Each registrant will receive a special registration gift. Pre-registered members may pick it at the registration desk by showingtheir current membership card. Those who register but do notattend will receive their gift by mail after the Convention.

Under club convention rules, guests are not allowed — onlyyour immediate family (spouse and children under the age of 21)are admitted with your registration. Tickets will be provided atthe registration desk and are required for all tours and other events.Register early to get the tours, events, and tables you want.

NOTE: All Convention activities and events (with theexception of the public display and trading during the generalpublic admission time frame) are open only to properly registered,badge-wearing attendees, their spouses, and minor children.Extended family members are not included in this definition.

Accommodations Use the separate Hotel Registration Form to submit your

hotel reservation request. Mention the LCCA when requestingreservations by phone or fax.

ParkingValet parking and self-parking are available at the host hotel

for hotel guests. Parking is not available at the hotel for RVs andmotor homes.

Trading Hall and TablesThe Trading Hall space will accommodate 400 tables. Tables

are available at $25 each with no limit on number. If you wantyour table next to another member, please so indicate on theRegistration Form and send both forms, with separate checks, inthe same envelope. Tables with an electrical outlet are availablefor an additional fee of $30. No flashing lights, sirens, blowinghorns, etc.

Unloading and set-up will be on Friday, July 26th from 10a.m. until 5:45 p.m. and on Saturday, July 27th from 7:30 a.m.until 8:45 a.m. Trading is not permitted during set-up times.Violators will be told to leave and disallowed from selling at theConvention. Security will be provided. If all tables are sold, yourname will be placed on a waiting list. All train and related itemsmust be clearly marked and priced.

The Trading Hall will be open for trading starting on Fridaynight at 6 p.m. for registered convention attendees only. Thisregistered-only trading will continue until 9 p.m. and resume onSaturday from 9 a.m. until noon. At noon, we will open the TradingHall to the general public and LCCA members not registered forthe Convention until closing at 5 p.m. NO teardown will beallowed prior to 5 p.m. The Trading Hall will close at 5 p.m. until6:45 p.m. for teardown and again on Sunday from 8 until 10 a.m.NO trading on Sunday.

Get Acquainted PartyAt 6 p.m. on Thursday evening, July 25th, we will enjoy our

party within the Sheraton Hotel at Station Square. An open cashbar will also be available. For adults staying at the Sheraton, thecosts will be $14; adults not staying at the Sheraton, $20; andchildren (under the age of 12), $8. The Get Acquainted Partyrequires a proper convention badge for admittance NO food orbeverages will be permitted to be taken from this event.

Special entertainment will be presented for your enjoymentduring the evening.

Reception and BanquetOur cocktail reception will be Saturday July 27th, from 6 to

7 p.m. The banquet will start at 7 p.m. and will run to about 10p.m aboard the riverboat “Majestic.” Tables may be selected andreserved by signing up at the registration desk in advance startingon Wednesday, July 24th. Members will sit in their pre-reservedseats only. This computer sign-up list will be available at thebanquet to resolve any questions on the spot. Anyone not seatedin their correct seat will be told to vacate it. Those wishing toreserve an entire table must fill-in all names and conventionregistration numbers at least 24 hours in advance of the banquet.

The banquet offers plenty of prizes and give-aways. Therewill also be a silent auction during the evening, and auction itemsmay be redeemed immediately after the banquet. In addition, raffletickets will be sold throughout the Convention and winning ticketswill be drawn and posted immediately after the banquet.

LCCA Annual Membership MeetingThe official business meeting of the club will be held on

Friday, July 26th, at 3 p.m. in the Sheraton Hotel.

Lionel SeminarThe special presentation about Lionel products by company

executives is always a highlight of the Convention. Attendees willget “inside track” information from designers, product engineers,and marketing specialists. The seminar will be held in the SheratonHotel on Friday afternoon, July 26th, at 4 p.m. until ??????????.

General InformationREGISTRATION, HOTEL RESERVATIONS, TRADING HALL, AND BANQUET

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The Lion Roars April, 200221

Form may bephotocopied

CONVENTION TOURS WORKSHEETLimited seating — First come, first served. YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE!

IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL TOUR TIMES ARE EASTERN DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

Name:___________________________________________________________ MEMBER#: _______________________ (First) (Middle Initial) (Last)

Instructions: Circle the tour(s) of your choice. If you select multiple tours on the same day, thesecond tour will be held for your boarding. Fill in the number of persons and dollaramounts across from each tour you want to attend. If the tour(s) selected are filled,you will be placed on the waiting list.Note that all tr avel to/from tour sites is by motorcoach only. No personal vehicles.

Tuesday, July 23thTour #1 — Westsylvania Excursion on Amtrak Person(s) Rate _ Amount___

6:00 a.m. — 10 p.m. LCCA members and immediate family __________@$159 = _______________

Non-LCCA members __________@$199 = _______________

Wednesday, July 24thTour #2 — Sightseeing Tour of Pittsburgh __________@$38 = ________________

8:00 a.m. — 1:15 p.m. (includes lunch)

Tour #3 — Trolley Museum & History Center __________@$36 = ________________

1:30 p.m. — 5:00 p.m. (no lunch)

Thursday, July 25thTour #4 — LCCA Day at Carnegie Science Center __________@$36 = ________________ Presented by Lionel (includes lunch)

9:00 a.m. — 5:30 p.m.Friday, July 26th

Tour #5 — Trolley Museum & History Center __________@$51 = _______________

8:00 a.m. — 1:15 p.m. (includes lunch)

Tour #6 — Sightseeing Tour of Pittsburgh __________@$23 = _______________

1:30 p.m. — 5:00 p.m. (no lunch)

Saturday, July 27thTour #7 — Kennywood Amusement Park __________@$42 = _______________

9:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. (lunch on your own)

Alternate Tour — If inclement weather prohibits Tour #7, (To Be Announced) another tour will be offered

Total: $ _______________

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The Lion Roars April, 200222

Convention ToursTour #1 - Westsylvania Amtrak ExcursionTuesday, July 23, 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

This custom LCCA Amtrak tour will include some funsurprises during this daylong event. Space will be limited, soif you select this tour send in your registration early to assure

seating. These “real scale” train adventures are immenselypopular. The club will provide special pricing for non-LCCAmembers who may want to join us for this excursion.

The tour price includes a ticket aboard Amtrak, bustransportation, Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, arailroader’s lunch, Allegheny Portage Railroad, HorseshoeCurve National Historic Landmark, and all applicable taxes.

Note: The non-LCCA participants will receive the benefitsof this excursion, but will not be entitled to purchase otherConvention activities.

The scheduled Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday toursduring Convention week will be conducted by PittsburghPanorama, Inc., a locally owned and operated professionaldestination management company. Professionals withknowledge of local lore will guide each tour. All tour bussesare clean, current models.

Tour #2 - Sightseeing Tour ofPittsburghWednesday, July 24, 8 a.m. — 1:15p.m.8 — 11 a.m. - The North Shore

This driving tour of the North Shore area ofthe city includes the new, just-completed stadiumsfor the Pirates and Steelers. Also in this area arethe Andy Warhol Museum, National Avery,Mexican War Street, and Millionaires Row. Wewill continue on to Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangleand see beautiful architecture, the bustlingcommerce center, and hear the story ofPittsburgh’s past two renaissances — plus the

exciting changes within the third (current) renaissance. Wewill stop at PPG Place, Pittsburgh’s gothic glass masterpiece.We will experience the magnificent skyline view andconvergence of the three rivers from the top of MountWashington (bring your camera — it’s a great spot for picturetaking).

11 a.m. - Noon — The Strip DistrictThis mile-long stretch along the Allegheny River was once

the site of the city’s earliest iron foundries, manufacturingplants, and factories; as well as the switch yards of thePennsylvania Railroad. The Strip’s industrial architecture hasbeen reclaimed and now houses a bustling marketplace andprovides a perfect architectural setting for some of the city’shottest bars and clubs. Produce and flower markets spill acolorful array of fruit, vegetables, and blooms onto crowdedsidewalks while the aromas of roasting coffees, fresh cheeses,and homemade pasta mix in the air.

Noon - 1:15 p.m. — Lunch at the Spaghetti Warehouse

Enjoy Italian cuisine at this famous Pittsburgh restaurant.

Tour #3 - Trolley Museum & History Ctr.Wednesday, July 24, 1:30 - 5 p.m.1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

We will depart from the host hotel, travel back in time,and visit the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum for a tour of thisfascinating museum. This museum is an operating facilitywhere visitors can see, learn about, and actually ridePennsylvania’s historic electric rail vehicles dating back tothe turn of the century.

3:30 - 5 p.m.Next stop — the Senator John Heinz Regional History

Center. Take a journey through time from the arrival of thefirst settlers to the present in this 15,000 square-foot museum.You’ll see exhibits covering 250 years of the history of thePittsburgh region. Interactive exhibits will feature thousandsof artifacts that demonstrate home and family life, industrial

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The Lion Roars April, 200223

development, transportation and geography, education andreligion, civic and political organizations, and immigrationand ethnicity. At the conclusion of this “time warp” visit,we’ll board motor coaches that will take us back to our hosthotel — and to the 21st century.

Tour #4 - LCCA Day at Carnegie Science Center, Presented by Lionel

Thursday, July 25, 9 a.m. — 5:30 p.m.This daylong adventure of discovery includes a short boat

trip across the river to the acclaimed Carnegie Science Center.Each registered Conventioneer will depart from and return tothe river dock adjacent to the hotel, have access to all attractions(including the Omni Theater), enjoy a catered lunch, andreceive a very special commemorative train car.

Tour #5 - Trolley Museum & History Ctr.Friday, July 26, 8 a.m. - 1:15 p.m

Same as Tour #3 with the addition of lunch at the SpaghettiWarehouse, a favorite Pittsburgh landmark restaurant withwonderful Italian cuisine.

Tour #6 - Sightseeing Tour of PittsburghFriday, July 26, 1:30 - 5 p.m.

Same as Tour #2 but without a lunch.

Tour #7 - Kennywood Amusement ParkSaturday, July 27, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Enjoy a fun-filled day at this renowned entertainmentcomplex. Kennywood Amusement Park has many rides — theold-style “Racer” roller coaster, the new “Phanthom’sRevenge” steel tubular track roller coaster, water chutes, flyingchair ride — even a carousel! There are activities appropriateto all age levels and suited to the “thrill level” you can enjoyor endure.

Lunch on your own. Alternate tour will be conducted onlyif inclement weather prohibits the Kennywood tour.

Convention ActivitiesGet Acquainted PartyThursday, July 25, 6 - 9 p.m.

The Get Acquainted Party will be held at the SheratonStation Square Hotel and will include a full buffet meal withchoice of beverage. A great LCCA tradition, the Get AquaintedParty provides an opportunity to renew friendships and makenew ones in a casual setting. The party will include family funentertainment

BanquetSaturday, July 26, 6 - 10 p.m.

Our traditional Saturday evening white-linen banquet willbe held aboard the flagship of the Gateway Clipper Fleet, theincredible riverboat “Majestic.” Members will choose from a

Filet Mignon or Poached Salmon entrée, parsley red-skinnedpotatoes, asparagus with roasted red peppers, Caesar salad,sinfully delicious triple-chocolate mousse cake, and a beverage.Cash bars will be available, and there are multiple decks forenjoying a libation while viewing Pittsburgh’s incredibleskyline at sunset and cruising along the famous three rivers.

This memorable evening will include all the traditionalLCCA banquet “goodies” — gifts for everyone, a silent auctionwith items for every budget, children’s menu, crowd-pleasingentertainment, and a few special surprises. Best of all, wewill again offer seat selection in advance so you will be ableto dine with friends.

Your banquet ticket includes admission aboard the“Majestic,” a seating assignment and dinner. We will boardthe riverboat at 6 p.m. and cruise until 10 p.m. The StationSquare river dock is just a short walk from our host hotel.

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The Lion Roars April, 200224

PLEASE NOTERESERVE ROOM(S) WITH A CREDIT CARD.

CONTACT SHERATON HOTEL BY PHONE, FAX, OR MAIL.

DO NOT SEND CURRENCY.

ORGANIZATION: LCCA_______

FUNCTION: 2002 Convention_____ DATES July 22 to 28, 2002_____

ALL REQUESTS FOR THE ABOVE GROUP MUST BE RECEIVED BY July 1, 2002______

Please reserve accommodations for: Please print or type

NAME ____________________________________ COMPANY LCCA____ PRICE___$107_______

ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________________________

CITY ___________________________________ STATE _________ ZIP CODE ____________________

SHARING ROOM WITH ______________________________________ NO. OF PERSONS _________

SIGNATURE ___________________________________ PHONE NUMBER _____________________

CHECK IN TIME: AFTER 3 P.M.

CHECK OUT TIME: NOON

ARRIVAL DATE DEPARTURE DATE

ACCOMMODATIONS WILL NOT BE CONFIRMED WITHOUT YOUR CREDIT CARD NUMBER. YOU WILL BECHARGED FOR THE FIRST NIGHT IF RESERVATIONS ARE NOT CANCELED 72 HOURS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL. TOMAKE RESERVATIONS, FILL OUT AND MAIL THIS CARD TO THE HOTEL OR CALL 800-255-7488.

MONTH DAY ARRIVAL TIME MONTH DAY

PLEASE CHECK PREFERRED ACCOMMODATIONS OR CALL 1-800-233-1234 FOR RESERVATIONS.

PLEASE RESERVE _____ NO. OF: SINGLE TRIPLE LOCAL RATES ARE: $107 FOR SINGLE, DOUBLE, TRIPLE OR QUAD,

SMOKING ROOM DOUBLE QUAD PLUS APPLICABLE TAXES.

NON-SMOKING ROOM

ROLL-AWAY CHARGE $15.00; AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CURRENT TAXES. NO CHARGE FOR CHILDREN 17 ANDUNDER OCCUPYING THE SAME ROOM AS PARENTS.

Fill out all necessary information and mail or fax directly to:

SHERATON HOTEL AT STATION SQUAREAttn: Reservations Department, 7 Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Phone: 412-261-2000 or 800-255-7488 Fax: 412-261-2932

CREDIT CARD # ________________________________________ AMEX DINER’S CLUB VISA MASTERCARD DISCOVER

EXP. DATE ___________________________ SIGNATURE _____________________________________________________________________

SheratonHotel atStation Square

Form may be photocopied

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The Lion Roars April, 200225

Monday July 22, 2002Noon to 7:00 p.m. Registration Desk open for early registration

Tuesday July 23, 20026:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Westsylvania Excursion on Amtrak, Tour #17:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Registration Desk open

Wednesday July 24, 20027:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Registration Desk open8:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Sightseeing Tour of Pittsburgh (includes lunch), Tour #28:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. LCCA Old/New Board of Directors Meetings1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Trolley Museum & History Center (no lunch), Tour #3

Thursday, July 25, 20027:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Registration Desk open9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. LCCA Day at Carnegie Science Center Presented by Lionel (includes lunch). Tour #46:00 p.m. to ???????? Get Acquainted Party — Sheraton Hotel

Friday, July 26, 20027:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Registration Desk open8:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Trolley Museum & History Center (includes lunch), Tour #51:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sightseeing Tour of Pittsburgh (no lunch), Tour #610:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Trading Hall available for unloading/set-up3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. LCCA Annual Membership Business Meeting — Sheraton Hotel4:00 p.m. to ???????? Lionel Factory Seminar — Sheraton Hotel6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Trading Hall open to registered Convention attendees only*

Saturday, July 27, 20027:00 a.m. to Noon Registration Desk open7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Trading Hall Available for Unloading/Set-up9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Kennywood Amusement Park (lunch on your own), tour #79:00 a.m. to Noon Trading Hall open to registered Convention attendees onlyNoon to 5:00 p.m. Trading Hall also open to the public and non-registered LCCA members5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Tear-down in Trading Hall6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception — Cash Bar aboard the “Majestic”7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Banquet at the “Majestic”

(Convention officially closes after banquet)

Sunday, July 28, 20028:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Tear-down in Trading Hall

* Non-registered LCCA members will be admitted free of charge after Noon Saturday by showing their current membership card.

See you at next year’s Convention!

YEAR 2002 CONVENTION TIMETABLEIMPORTANT NOTE: ALL TIMES EASTERN DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

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The Lion Roars April, 200226

Lionel News& Views

by Bill Schmeelk RM 6643

Toy Fair 2002This year there was a notable decline in the attendance at

Toy Fair. There were certainly lots of people there, but clearlythe numbers were down. I spoke with a friend who is a toyinventor and he explained that Toy Fair simply isn’t what itused to be. All of the large companies such as Toys R Us,Wal-Mart, Kmart, etc. have made their deals with toycompanies months before Toy Fair. Those big deals arebecoming a larger part of the toy business and the smallershops, which Toy Fair caters to, have increasingly become asmaller portion of the toy market. It will be interesting to seein the years to come if this trend continues. If it does, will thelarge displays put up at great expense by toy companies becontinued at Toy Fair? Time will tell.

My annual visit to Toy Fair is always fun and Lionel’sbooth, photo 1, was very similar in style to the display theyhad last year. They were again in a prime location right at thebottom of the escalator as you entered the lower level ofdisplays. John Brady’s presence brought back fond memoriesof times past. Lionel’s product manager, Todd Wagner, showedme the many features of the new line. There is a lot of productin a variety of styles and there’s certainly something for alltastes. My guess is that moving production to China has madeit possible for Lionel to make smaller numbers of a largervariety of product. I say smaller numbers because the days ofa collector buying one of everything in the catalog are clearlypast for most of us.

Lionel Classic Trains Volume 1 2002Lionel’s new 110 page catalog was available well before

Toy Fair and I’m assuming that by now most Lionel fans andcertainly our readers, have seen and studied the catalog. So inthis article I’m going to concentrate on information that wasnot in the catalog. We’ll also highlight some of the new featuresthat were in the catalog.

Many of the new sets will have each of the carsindividually boxed. Only the three Intro to O Gauge Sets, theNew York Central Flyer set and the Christmas Train set willnot have individual boxes for each O gauge car and loco. Theseare also the only sets that use plastic trucks. All other sets usedie-cast trucks. One change from the catalog is that the UnionPacific RS-3 diesel that comes in the UP Freight Express setwill have gray trucks rather than the incorrect black ones shownin the catalog.

The three Adventure Sets have apparently been wellreceived. The Great Train Robbery set is the first to includetwo separate powered units — the General locomotive andthe special cowboy handcar. The special mint car also adds to

the value of this set. The Area 51 AlienRecovery set features three operating carsincluding a new rotating searchlight caboose.Incidentally, although not shown in the catalog,the operating radar car will have the man figureat its controls.

The next step up is sets that includeRailSounds. A brand new Berkshire and tenderhead the Santa Fe Super Freight set. The tenderhas a die-cast body, frame and trucks. ThisBerkshire is produced from all new tooling. Theset is also provided with O gauge rather thanO-27 track.

The Christmas Train includes a newanimated gondola with Santa and Mrs. Clause.A special Christmas sound system is locatedin the box car. The Christmas sound system islocated in the caboose of the Large LcaleChristmas set.

If you’re very observant and perhaps if you have an earlierversion of Lionel’s Large Scale Thomas the Tank Engine set,you may have noticed that the latest version has moredecoration, adding additional colors.

One of my personal favorites in the new line is the MissileLaunch set. This set duplicates a postwar set that first appearedin the 1959 catalog. This set is in every respect considerablyhigher quality than the postwar version. By 1959, Lionel hadcheapened several of the features on their cars and locos. Eventhe original No. 44 Army loco had a retail price of only $17.95when it was introduced. The motor was the type that is integralwith the truck and all of the cars had plastic trucks. This latest

1

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The Lion Roars April, 200227

version corrects these inadequacies andadds several new features. The motor usedin the new version will still be the integraltype, but will be a much-improved version.This will be the same Pullmor motor usedin the Dash-8 diesels. This new version willincorporate TrainMaster CommandControl. The loco also features anElectroCoupler at the rear andMagneTraction. The bank of four rocketscan be fired in any of three ways — manually, with a remotecontrol track, or remotely anywhere on you layout using theTMCC CAB-1 remote controller. Each of the cars are favoriteswith postwar collectors and all of them have die-cast trucks.The stretcher caboose is the first time since the postwar periodthat this car has been made with the metal flatcar. This is justas it came in the original set.

There are a few changes from what is shown in the catalog.The helicopter will be a NAVY one as the original was andnot the USMC shown in the catalog. The original set camewith a four bladed helicopter, but Lionel soon improved itsoperation with a smaller two bladed propeller. Thankfully,Lionel used the later version in this set. The front of the locowill have white LED headlights. The original merely hadbumps molded into the shell. The motor truck will have a blackfinish rather than the unfinished silver of the original. Thisadds greatly to the look of the engine. My only disappointmentwith this loco is that Lionel did not paint the black and whitestrips on the bumper at each end. The original was also notpainted with these stripes. The stripes were however shown inpostwar catalog and that is the only place they appeared. Thebumpers do have the stripes molded in, but they have neverbeen painted. It would be a nice touch if Lionel would usesomething like this that postwar Lionel had planned on, shownin the catalog, but never followed through on. Completing theset will be the return of the Exploding Ammo Dump — theperfect target for the loco’s missiles. Thisis the set I can’t wait to see. I was nineyears old when the original came out.

Another postwar set is the Boy’s Trainset. The colors of the cars have been revisedsince the catalog photo was taken. Thecaboose for instance will be mint greenrather than the medium green shown in thecatalog. The original postwar set nevermade it to production and only theprototype sets were ever made.

The limited production Blue Comet setwas announced in the last catalog, but this year we got to seethe new heavyweight passenger cars with all of their interiordecoration. Photo 2 shows a cutaway view of the interior. Anew premium set is the 50th Anniversary set. In 1950 Lionel’sanniversary set saw the return of the scale Hudson, introduced

in a less detailed version as the 773. The designers at Lionelasked the question, “How would Joshua Lionel Cowen havemade this train fifty years later?” This set answers the question.The loco is different in some prototypical ways from othersthat Lionel has produced. Some features unique to this versionare the new Boxpok drivers, the absence of marker lights, andthe silver cylinder caps. All of these changes are prototypical.The loco also has MagneTraction. The Internet continues tobe source of unreliable information. In spite of persistentrumors on the Internet, the tender will be as it is shown in thecatalog with New York Central markings, and not Lionel Lines.This is as it was in 1950.

A new Standard Gauge set is the Tinplate CommodoreVanderbilt. This is another Standard Gauge first for Lionel.The loco body, frame and trucks are all die-cast. Todd told methat this was the largest die casting Lionel has ever made. Thepassenger cars are tinplate and although missing in the catalogphoto, they will have windows in the doors at each end of thecars.

The B & O Hudson loco, although not new in this catalog,has been upgraded to include RailSounds at no additional cost.Judging by the response to last year’s LionMaster locos, firstintroduced last year, this series is a popular one, allowing thosewith layouts using O-31 curves to run the large, well detailedlocos. The latest in the series is the Pennsylvania T-1 Duplex.Photo 3 shows the rough casting for this new loco. This loco

will feature two motors and articulated drivers to allow it tonegotiate an O-31 radius. Raymond Loewy, known more toLionel fans as the man who designed the GG-1 electric,designed the prototype of this loco.

The Conrail U36B is Lionel’s first in fifteen years. Check

2

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The Lion Roars April, 200228

out the catalog photo and notice the screw head that securesthe body shell to the chassis. These have been eliminated andwill not appear on the production model. The Santa Fe RS-3will have silver lettering and not the white shown in the catalog.

Lionel’s newTrack Cleaner caris still indevelopment, butwe can tell yousome interestingfeatures. The car isbeing designed todo a better job ofactually cleaningyour track, butdon’t expect anytrack cleaning carto restore old and severely dirty track. The original postwarversion functioned poorly in that regard. The new version willfeature a die cast frame to give it the needed weight and willbe mechanically geared. There will be no motor and it willhave two revolving cleaning heads. The original had a motorthat only rotated a single cleaning pad. The car still needed tobe pulled by a loco to get it around the track. The new modelwill also need to be pulled or pushed, but will not need anyelectric power to rotate the two cleaning pads.

The U.S. Army Transportation Corps GP-9 will not beproduced. Although this loco is prototypical in its decorations,there just wasn’t enough interest in it to put it into production.The Rock Island GP-7 will have a lower price of $299.95 andalthough not mentioned in the catalog will also feature a strobelight on top of the cab.

The GP-30 diesel locos are new from theground up and have all of the top featuresincluding the Odyssey system for speedcontrol. The Dash 8 locomotives feature a newchassis and this series is the B type indicatingfour-wheel trucks.

On page 42 of the catalog are three newGeneral Electric U30C’s. The first of these,the Delaware & Hudson is actually this year’sService Station Special. This particular loco is available onlythrough Lionel Service Stations. If you look carefully at thecatalog illustrations, you’ll notice that each of the three U30Cdiesels has been detailed differently to make them prototypicalto each individual road name. Notice the differences in theSanta Fe model.

Photo 4 shows Lionel’s special Union Pacific loco. Thisloco did not serve in operation Desert Storm, but the prototypewas especially painted by the Union Pacific Railroademployees to honor the American troops serving in the PersianGulf War. The masking that Lionel used to make this loco was

one of its most complicated. The illustration in the catalog isa computer drawing, but photo 4 shows Lionel’s prototype. Iwas particularly impressed with the way this loco looked andfelt it looked much more desirable in person than it did in the

catalog.

On page 47of the catalogLionel offersfive new 2-packs ofa l u m i n u mpassenger carsto complimentsets which havebeen previouslyoffered. Threeof these sets

feature the new baggage car with the full size doors. Thesedoors are each individually milled, rather than being stamped.Todd explained that even the original postwar large doorversion was milled. There simply isn’t enough room to punchthe large hole, since the female portion of the die must bepositioned inside the car. Lionel soon abandoned this timeconsuming process and made the opening smaller to allow itto be punched. There’s no doubt that the new larger size doorcorrects a long-standing visual defect with these cars. Thelarger door really adds to the prototypical look of these cars.The Union Pacific cars will also feature interior detailing asshown in photo 5.

Three sets of Superliner aluminum passenger cars are alsobeing offered. These cars really have some special details

which ad significantly to their realistic appearance. Many ofthe details have been applied as separate pieces. Even thewindow frames are separately applied. One new prototypicalfeature that is a first for Lionel is rotating axle bearing caps.This means you see the ends of the axles rotating as the carrolls along — just like the real thing. These cars also featureinterior details as shown in the cutaway model in photo 6.This detailing is amazing and can be looked at from everyangle. Even the ceilings have been done. These cars also featureLionel’s first working metal and vinyl diaphragms. If theseinterest you at all, be sure to read about all the features in the

4

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The Lion Roars April, 200229

catalog.

Now here’s a test to see how well you read the catalog.What is the most significant feature of the new PS-5 Gondolas?You don’t usually think of gondolas as being exciting, but thesecars have some special features. In my opinion, the mostsignificant of these are the trucks. This new Lionel truckappears to be the ultimate truck we have been waiting for yearsto see. This new die-cast sprung truck features a return toLionel’s plate release coupler. This is similar to postwarcaboose trucks, except that these have real springs and a feature

Lionel never hadon their caboosetrucks. Photo 7shows a bottomview of the newtruck. If you lookcarefully you cansee that they have

added a tab that allows you to open the coupler while the carremains on the track. This newly designed truck no longerrides on the wheel axels. To me this is BIG NEWS and shouldhave been touted in the catalog with a detail photo. This year,the new truck will be used on the PS-5 Gondolas, the PS-1Boxcars, the PS-2CD Hoppers, the General American Milkcars and the ACF 40 Ton Stock cars.

The gondolas themselves sport some new features. The

ends can be folded in and as seen in photo 8, the interiors ofthe gondolas have been detailed. This is an industry first andrequired the use of special collapsible core molds that allowthe molded car to be removed from the die. The new 40-tonStock cars will each have 4 cattle figures inside. The newGeneral American Milk cars ride on high-speed passenger

trucks. Todd mentioned thatmilk cars of this type oftenran in passenger trains. Thesecars also have the springbumpers on them and theroofs are removable to revealthe tanks inside.

A new set of 6464archive cars is being offered.Todd advised us that the

numbers assigned these cars are numbers that Lionel hadskipped in the 6464 series, probably because certain cars afterbeing assigned a number were never produced. The UnionPacific tank car on page 64 of the catalog will be plated, ratherthan painted. The Pacific Fruit Flat Car and Trailers will includethe wheel rests normally seen on this car but not in the catalogphoto.

In the Postwar Celebration series, the 3376 Giraffe Carwill be supplied with the stamped metal telltales rather thanthe later and inferior plastic version. The 6816 Flatcar withBulldozer will have the original wire windshield, often missingon the original versions. This is being made with the originaltool. The 6407 Flatcar with Rocket does not use the originalSterling tooling. Sterling had been the supplier of these rocketsto Lionel in the 1960’s. The rocket was also sold in stores as aseparate item, from Sterling, and the capsule had a pencilsharpener inside. Sterling actually designed it as a space agepencil holder for kids. Todd informed me that the originalLionel version of this car DID NOT have the pencil sharpener.Todd has seen Lionel’s original orders for this rocket fromSterling. The order specifically states — Do not include pencilsharpener.

The 6520 Searchlight car returns this year in all of itspostwar glory and then some. The tool used to make the die-cast car is all new. The original had been altered by postwarLionel to be used with plastic. One of the cars they did that

with was the originalTurbo Missile Firingcar that fired at theAriel TargetLaunching Car. Thisnew searchlight carhas a programmablefeature to control thebrightness and speedof rotation. Youprogram it easily

using your remote control or uncoupling track. This can bedone on both traditional of Command Control layouts.

Also coming back is the 470 Missile Launching Platform.The photo in the catalog shows it missing the ends of theQuonset hut, but these will be in place on the production model.

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The Lion Roars April, 200230

Postwar Lionel sold this with either the exploding boxcar orthe exploding Ammo Dump. This model will be sold as aseparate unit.

The Small Lift Bridge shown on page 83 of the catalogwill be made in metal. The infamous 213 bridge finally comesinto production, some 52 years after it was initially announced.Although original drawings were used to size the bridge, themechanics have been re-engineered and several details havebeen added. The size won’t be as large as the plastic versionput out some years ago and should be usable by those withoutgiant layouts.

The 840 Industrial Power Station will have the skylightsthat the original had. These are missing from the catalogphotos. The station now also features interior lighting, inserted

window coverings and real smoke from all three stacks.

Lionel promised a few surprises at Toy Fair and theseincluded two new locos — the 2-8-8-2 Steam locos in SantaFe and Virginian road names. These are the first in a series of

five special introductions. We got no clues on the remainingfour. These two new locos are shown in photo 9. Each ofthese 2-8-8-2 locos is detailed specifically for its road name.Both have all the top-of-the-line features. They even havespoked pilot wheels. A high torque Pittman motor withmomentum flywheel drives each of the locos. They requireO-72 radius and the price on each one is $1499.95

Finally, the Union Pacific Veranda will arrive this year!First announced in 1998, this has been an item fraught withproblems. Photo 10 shows the model displayed at Toy Fair.This has again been completely retooled. Two Pittman motorswill power this latest version. There are also two independentsmoke units. In operation, only one of these operates as youstart the engine. After the sixth speed step, you hear the turbinekick in and the main smoke generator begins to function. This

is exactly how the real thing operated. There are eight lightson the loco, including 2 super white LED’s, 2 greenclassification lights, 2 number board lights, 1 red trainemergency light and an operating Mars light. The die-casttender, shown in photo 11, has its own electronics so that the

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The Lion Roars April, 200231

loco can run without the tender. They are operated together asa lash-up. It looks like Lionel is finally getting the best of thisproject and we should see it completed around June of thisyear.

Many of the faults we found with the last catalog havebeen corrected in this one. I still think the name LIONEL oughtto be much more prominent on the cover. There are now featureicons that help you quickly identify the features of each item.I’d also like to see detail photos of some of the features - thecouplers for example. I’m sure there are many who never readall of the text in a catalog and these photos would tout the newfeatures in a way that would be hard for the page-turner tomiss. Photo 12 shows this year’s Toy Fair car.

Lionel alsoannounced ana d v e r t i s i n gpromotion withWendy’s that willinclude Lionel.Watch for it at yourlocal Wendy’s inthe fourth quarterof the year.

Our thanks toall the folks atLionel for theirhospitality andespecially to ToddWagner who tookthe time on his dayoff to go over thecatalog with me

page by page. Our best wishes go to all the folks at Lionel fora banner year in 2002!

There’s one other very special car Lionel is making thisyear and it is only available to those who attend our annualconvention and sign up for the Lionel Day at the CarnegieScience Center tour. That’s all we can say right now, but it’s acar that’s sure to please. Hope to see you there.

Bill Schmeelk15 Birchwood LaneHillsdale, NJ 07642(201) 358-1955

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The Lion Roars April, 200232

Catchy Slogans

by Gene H. Russell, Ed.D. RM 24608Advertising slogans are those brief, catchy phrases used

to promote a product, company, or industry. This month’spuzzle contains ten phrases, sometimes found within quotationmarks, that appeared on postwar Lionel box and refrigeratorcars. Your task is to recall the road name associated with thesecatchwords. Good luck Lionel collectors!

Clues Road Name

1. “Follow the Flag” ________________________________________________

2. “Rides like a Feather” ________________________________________________

3. “Ship it on the _______!” ________________________________________________

4. “The Route of the Chief” ________________________________________________

5. “Route of the Rockets” ________________________________________________

6. “Serves the Southwest” ________________________________________________

7. “Green Mt. Gateway ________________________________________________

8. “The Right Way” ________________________________________________

9. “The Peoria Gateway” ________________________________________________

10. “at your service” ________________________________________________

Answers to last month’s puzzle1. coupler 8. ballast

2. layouts 9. savings

3. trestle 10. caboose

4. station 11. scenery

5. catwalk 12. General

6. catalog 13. trolley

7. barrels

Answers will be published in the June issue

WANTEDTrain articles with photos of a layout in progress

from beginning to end; although we all knowa layout is never “finished.”

Bill Schmeelk, Editor, [email protected]

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The Lion Roars April, 2002

Let LCCA know so the club can send publicationsand extend services to you. Send updated infoby fax, e-mail, or by a post card to:

LCCA BUSINESS OFFICEP.O. Box 479, LaSalle, IL 61301-0479FAX: 815-223-0791, EMAIL: [email protected]

New Area Code?New Zip Code?

We just moved intoour home some tenminutes from theLionel office inMichigan. One of thefirst things Christineand I unpacked was thegold CentennialHudson nowdominating the livingroom from its place ofhonor on the fireplacemantel. It’s an excitingstatement to me — bothcelebrating the legacy

and hundred-year heritage of the past and holding the promiseof the future as I contemplate hundred year anniversary carsslipping in between the engine and caboose.

Planning has already started on my personal layout in thebasement, to include various track gauges and trains and

accessories that have special significance for me. I’m alreadyfantasizing over the upcoming coal tipple as a centerpiece in acomplex environment that includes conveyors, bulldozers, apower station and an “underground” coal mine.

Last week several of us spent a couple of hours operatinga pre-production Veranda, both on the test layouts upstairs aswell as the museum showcase layout near the entrance to ourbuilding. Truly a magnificent sight as it hauled over fiftypounds of weighted flat cars up inclines and around variouscurves. Downstairs it effortlessly pulled and pushed some thirtypieces of rolling stock at crawl speed up to open throttle. Myname is now on the open order list to buy one of these for myhome. I can only imagine the excitement among those of youwho have awaited this launch for such a long time.

I’m delighted to have this opportunity to introduce myselfto you as a group in The Lion Roars. I look forward to meetingyou personally at upcoming meets and other events. Clearlyto all of us here at Lionel you and the thousands of otherenthusiasts in all the clubs and associations are why we cometo work every day. We value your suggestions and critiques.We want to do our part to make your association with Lionelnot only a satisfying experience for you personally, but foryour extended families and friends. Naturally I won’tpersonally experience the next centennial car added to mymantel display, but I get a kick thinking about it.

Train Talk

by Bill Bracy CEO, Lionel LLC

IBC

Bill Bracy

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