The earliest toy trains were made out of iron. This was followed by motor-powered engines running on steam. In order to add a more realistic feel, train sets during this time included small scale tracks. After this, other train set add-ons such as background sceneries, train stops and extra tracks were also incorporated. Then, with the invention of electricity, electric trains were manufactured. The first electric train was produced in 1897. More than a hundred years after, these electric trains evolved into more sophisticated models featuring advanced controls, lighting and sounds. One of the most popular electric trains manufactured are made by Lionel.
Lionel has been producing electric train sets since the early 1900s. Because of their good design and high quality, early versions of the Lionel Electric Train Set were much revered. Given the high market value of these trains, most of them are treated as precious collectors’ items. In the more recent years, Lionel has produced many commercially popular electric train sets including NASCAR-inspired electric train sets, Harry Potter Hogwarts Express-inspired train sets, Polar Express-inspired electric train sets and many more. A common feature of the newer versions of the Lionel Electric Train Set is its unique design and powerful transformer. Aside from these, a typical Lionel Electric Train Set also includes a realistic locomotive and engine topped with sounds and designs.
However, electric trains produced by Lionel also have their share of criticisms, almost all of it directed to the latter versions of the Lionel Electric Train Set. Many say that the newer electric train sets’ design is very far from the original ones. Moreover, the quality and handiwork of the newer ones are not even close to the older versions.
No matter what critics say, Lionel trains will always be in the hearts of Americans both young and old.
US $24.50
