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How to Identify a Lionel Train Set

From 1901 to 1969, American toy manufacturer Lionel Corporation manufactured its iconic line of model trains, much to the delight of children and collectors across the country. Its trains featured lifelike features such as a whistle system and locomotive smoke. Lionel also produced the first train set that was entirely powered by remote control. If you happen to own a train set and are uncertain whether it was made by Lionel, there are a number of indicators found on the trains or tracks.

Instructions

- 1
  Look for the Lionel name or logo printed along the side of the engine or train cars. Look for the numbers printed on the side of each train, and cross-reference them with an online train collector database or collector book.
- 2
  Examine the tracks that came with your train set. Check the website "I Buy Old Trains" (see resources) for a list of trains and their accompanying set of tracks. You should be able to determine the type of tracks from the distance between rail ties.
- 3
  Find a local hobby shop that deals with model trains. If they have someone with expertise in model trains they may be able to help you identify your set.

Collecting Vintage Toys