In 1900, Lionel Trains were founded by Joshua Lionel Cowan. As a 114 years old legendary toy train manufacturer, Lionel Trains LLC produces ready-to-run train sets, train cars, locomotives, track and power, and accessories. Their high-quality products make the brand the first choice of toy train hobbyists, all around the world. Packed with advanced animation and exciting features, Lionel Train Sets have been capturing the hearts of young and old since forever.
Where to Find Lionel Train Sets
Although the company faced some financial problems in the past, now you can easily find their train sets. Mainly, you can buy Lionel train sets from,
1. Authorized Lionel Set Dealers
There are some individuals or organizations that get their hands on the latest Lionel train sets and then sell them to the public, hence called train sets dealers. Over time, these dealers are increasing in number and more people prefer to buy their toy sets from them. Like most online stores, Authorized Lionel Set Dealers also offer many customers coupon codes. So, to save money when shopping train sets online, look out for the coupon codes of different stores and make use of the one that’s most feasible.
There are many train set dealers, operating in different countries. If you’re having a hard time finding your favorite Lionel train set or the dealer near you, have a look at this list of some of the best authorized Lionel set Dealers.
Authorized Lionel Set Dealers
|
Name of the Dealer |
Address |
Phone Number |
Website |
Authorized Dealer |
Service Station/ Drop-off |
|
Tennent’s Trains (United Kingdom) |
Shop one, #130 Hagley Road. Hayley Green, Halesowen W. Midlands, B63-1DY |
(121) 550-1266 |
Yes |
No/No |
|
|
2B in Trains (Canada) |
6168 WELLINGTON ROAD 29 FERGUS, ON N1M 2W5 |
(519) 787-3280 |
Yes |
Yes/No |
|
|
Dad’s Toys (Canada) |
417 DELAWARE LEAVENWORTH, KS 66048 |
(913) 682-1786 |
Yes |
No/No |
|
|
Eastside Trains (Canada ) |
217 CENTRAL WAY KIRKLAND, WA 98033 |
(425) 828-4098 |
Yes |
Yes/No |
|
|
Trains and Things (United States of America) |
236 Scotch Rd Ewing, NJ 08628 |
(609) 883-8790 |
Yes |
Yes/No |
|
|
Grzyboski’s Train Stord (USA) |
200 Glenmaura National Blvd. Moosic, PA 18507 |
(570) 451-1700 |
Yes |
Yes/No |
2. Mainstream Online Stores
Another method of buying the sets of Lionel trains is by finding them on the famous online stores, including Amazon, eBay, Walmart, etc. Compared to the dealers, this buying method takes some time, before you get your hands on the toy set.
Top 3 Lionel Train Sets Available in Online Stores
There are many Lionel train sets available in online stores. Have a look at our top three picks, that’ll leave your jaw open!
1. Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer Freight Ready-to-Play Set
This ready-to-run train set comes with an exclusive track system that allows you to build a rectangle, circle, or an oval layout. As an exclusive ready-to-play set, this product is not compatible with other G Gauge track systems. It is available on Amazon for $74.99, with the following key features.
Key Features
- The set includes a battery-powered steam locomotive and tender, a center cupola caboose, Gondola with crate load, and user-friendly remote control.
- Authentic train sounds, including whistle and bell, and a working headlight.
- Train Requires six C cell batteries for operation, and three AAA batteries to operate the remote control. Batteries are not included in the train set and must be purchased separately.
2. Lionel North Pole Central Battery Operated Train Set with Remote Control
This toy train is equipped with a holiday-themed locomotive, with beautiful lights, a realistic bell, a whistle, and many train sounds. This remote control train set is available on Walmart for just $67.97.
Key Features
- The set includes a battery-powered General-style locomotive and tender, a center cupola caboose, 24 curved plastic track sections, and 8 straight plastic track sections.
- Its locomotive features include authentic train sounds, a working headlight, a battery-powered general-style locomotive, and 6 C cell batteries that don’t come with the set.
- Rolling stock features include fixed knuckle couplers and removable crate load in a gondola.
- Marked buttons allow the train to move, ring the bell and sound the whistle.
3. Lionel Hogwarts Express
This 37-piece Lionel train set comes with authentic sound clips of several Harry Potter characters, that will entertain the toy set hobbyists of all ages. It is available on eBay, for only in $90.
Key Features
- The set includes battery-powered steam 4-6-0 locomotive and tender, 24 curved and 8 straight plastic track pieces, two passenger coaches, and remote control.
- The train set is also equipped with authentic train sounds, including announcements, a whistle, and bell, a working headlight, movie sound clips, a user-friendly remote, and easy-to-use coupler hooks.
- This oval ready-to-run track is not compatible with any other G Gauge track systems.
- It requires six C cell batteries for operation, and three AAA batteries to operate the remote control. Additionally, batteries are not provided with the set. They must be bought separately.
How to Find the Perfect Lionel Train Set
Finding a perfect Lionel train set is not less than a task. As a newbie or a hobbyist, you need to complete your research before buying the train set. To find the perfect train set, make sure to act upon these tips mentioned below!
i) Carefully Choose Your Lionel Train, Track, & Accessories
If you want to put together a retro Lionel train set, purchase the relevant items that appeal to you. For example, some collectors are interested in trains from a specific period, while others prefer Mickey Mouse sets. You can also build collections around trains with famous road names, such as Southern Pacific, Union Pacific, or Great Northern. In case you don’t want to buy separate pieces, you can always get your hands on a ready-to-run Lionel train set.
Have a look at some important tools that are needed for building model trains.
ii) Know Your Purchase
Before making your purchase, do your research about which exact model you want to buy, detailed information about the seller, and have a look at their customer reviews. Remember to include the delivery charges in your final price. If you end up spending a lot of money on the set, make sure that the seller ensures you about the product when it’s shipped.
iii) Know Your Seller
Research your seller/dealer, so you feel sure about the purchase, making sure that every transaction is secured. Take a detailed look at the dealer’s feedback rating, the number of completed transactions, and the percentage of positive responses. Many dealers and online stores operate like mainstream retail stores and have return policies. Therefore, make sure if they offer a money-back guarantee, looking into their different terms and conditions.
Have a look at some of the tips for maintaining your model train track.
Lionel Train Sets – A Productive and Fun Hobby
Lionel train sets are a classic in the world of toy trains. They beautifully showcase the National Rail of America. With their versatile gauges, one can perfectly build a railroad empire. Today’s Lionel train sets are more fun and easy to assemble, available in many online stores, and can also be shipped worldwide. Therefore, do your research before buying a train set, and get your hands on the one that’ll keep you and your family hooked for the longest time, thus helping you have fun times together!