BlogSite_Train Collectors Association of Central Indiana

         Many of the collectors & operators of toy trains whom I know, deal and work with are going through the same problems that many people accross our country do during the recession.  Some will sell or auction their trains as a last resort.    While others will slow their purchases at shows and stores; or not go to these venues — which also impact the folks that provide support for our habit. 

        So if you get a chance, go out to your local train store or shop…it is nice to hear that old bell ring when you enter the store.  Believe me they will appreciate it and you will enjoy going….and maybe in the back they may have a cheap engine, car, gondola or caboose.   Make a purchase and donate it to some of the other train clubs, volunteer group or better yet give money to allow the store or shop to put together a small operating display for the kids that need it the most…the ones at Riley Children’s Hospital.   It will provide a smile and a gleam on a sick child’s face and take them to a place far away from the hospital in their dreams.

           Alright here is the last episode of the story; we hope that you have enjoyed it and if you want to thank the author well that information is below.

                  TURKEY, TINSEL AND TOY TRAINS (3of 3 Blogs)

         The war years of the 40’s left toy manufacturers with a metal shortage.   Lionel stepped up their production of plastic accessories, and once again kept their doors open.   When production resumed in the mid-40’s, Lionel turned out trains and accessories that are considered by many to be the best in their long company history.

         By the mid-1950s, public interest had shifted from trains to airplanes and slot-cars.   Christmas of 1953 saw the first considerable drop in sales and with no resurgence of interest to save it, the Lionel Train Corporation and it closed in 1965.

         In 1995 a group of investors, headed by singer/song writer Neil Young formed what is known as Lionel Limited Liability Corporation or Lionel LLC.   The trains produced by this company, while of fine quality, are of little interest to collectors.

          In 1999 the Lionel electric train was recognized as one of the top ten toys of the twentieth-century.   The little seven year old boy, who had once blown up his mothers kitchen died in 1965, the undisputed “king” of the toy train industry.

{Linda Hamer Kennett is an associate member of the International Society of Appraisers specializing in down-sizing and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-356-8967 or lkennett@indy.rr.com}  Also used by permission by the Eastside Voice, Indianapolis, IN

               Over the next 3 Blogs I will provide for you the writings of Linda Hammer Kennett.  She is a local writer in the Indianapolis area.  I read her article in the local paper and wanted to share it with you.  Many of us who collect and operate toy trains will recognize the story, as it has been told in various forms over the years.  I find it more than interesting as it tells the story of a little boy whose life would be told over and over again.

               It is the day after Thanksgiving and I am now gathering all of the buildings, the track and the various trains that will fill the air in the house with the subtle noise of locomotives singing, the whiff of smoke from the trains and the giggles of the grand children as they run to the basement to play.  So for the next months I will stand back and let the little ones play….that includes my friends who come over for some time on the switch.  So with no further delay here is the posting of Turkey, Tensile and Trains:

TURKEY, TINSEL AND TOY TRAINS

What’s in the Attic?

Linda Hamer Kennett

Even though we may only realize it in retrospect, children often display behavior very early in life that points to their destiny.   In the early 1890’s seven year old Joshua Lionel Cowen whittled a miniature locomotive from a scrap of wood.  It was a remarkable likeness considering his young age.   He then tried to fit it with a tiny engine.  ………..and it exploded.   He was unharmed, but his mother’s kitchen sustained considerable damage.  Many years later, in his early twenties, he would try the experiment again.  This time he met with success. He gave his invention his middle name, and the model train was born.

Cowen sold his first model train to a Manhattan shop owner in 1901, by convincing him the small train running through his Christmas window display would draw attention to his other merchandise.  The shop owner returned the next day to order half a dozen more tracks and trains.  It appeared while the merchandise in his window was getting attention, the customers main question was……… “where can we buy the train?”   Lionel quickly provided the shop with a dozen train sets consisting of one electric flat car and thirty feet of track and dubbed it the “Electric Express”.   With in twelve months Cowen acquired enough capital to start his own company, The Lionel Corporation.