Product Description

In 1900, Joshua Lionel Cowen invented his first toy electric train, and within a few short years Lionel layouts became a part of American living rooms at Christmastime. In this officially licensed guide, veteran hobby industry writer Robert Schleicher presents an illustrated treasury of practical advice for the year-round Lionel enthusiast, or for beginners who want their own holiday tradition with a Lionel set under the tree. Contains comprehensive information for prototype railroads, including track plans for the floor and tabletop, advice for scenery and structures, tips for wiring and track how-to, maintenance and restoration techniques, and instructions for operations to best emulate a real train. Also includes information on choosing steam or diesel locomotives, freight vs. passenger trains, and Lionel product development.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #65593 in Books
• Published on: 2004-11-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780760318263
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"If you do not have a book covering basics of a model railroad layout...maintaining...operating trains...consider purchasing this." -- The Villager, official newsletter of Plasticville Collectors Assoc., November 2005

Review

About the Author
Robert Schleicher has been writing best-selling hobby books for nearly 40 years, and is the author of several previous MBI titles, including TheSlot Car Bible, The Big Book of Lionel, and How to Build and Fly Electric Model Aircraft.

Customer Reviews

Big Book of Lionel
The book covers a wide range of subjects on planning, building and operating a Lionel O-guage layout, but does not go into a lot of detail. Both Post-War and Modern Lionel trains and tracks are covered as is the newer TMCC electronic controls. The photos of existing Lionel O-gauge layouts are excellent, but the book did not describe the type of track nor were track layout diagrams provided, which would have been very informative. Nevertheless, the book is interesting and provides a good overview of what to consider when planning and building a Lionel O-gauge layout.

Great for beginner and expert Lionel train fans
This book with its excellent pictures and detailed descriptions will satisfy the model train neophyte as well as the old veterans.
It is geared especially to the famous "O" gauge Lionel trains of yesteryear. It can serve as a reference book for those just starting out or rediscovering the joys of model train collecting and operating layouts.

Great foundation book
This book lays a great foundation for anyone starting out. Practical ideas and methods are shown for wiring track and accessories. Care and maintenance. High quality book with very thick glossy pages and many many color photos along with some B/W photos. This would be helpful for anyone interested in 3 track O-gauge even if they are planning on using non-Lionel trains and accessories.