Train Talk

Why are Lionel's Conventional Classic pieces far superior in value, features, and operation to any other on the market?  That's easy.

• Only Lionel's sets come equipped with legendary Pullmor motors, Magne-Traction, and traction tires which altogether provide high torque for maximum pulling power and performance
• Only Lionel's engines have back drive on the drive wheels for smoother acceleration and stops
• Only Lionel's sets boast detailed cab interiors
• Only Lionel's steam sets have synchronized puffing smoke units with an on/off switch
• Only Lionel's sets have a reversing unit on/off switch
• Only Lionel's sets include an on/off switch for sound and enables operators to control the sound volume
• Only Lionel can utilize authentic and original tooling
• Only Lionel's sets replicate the original wheels and trucks
• Only Lionel's sets can duplicate the original packaging from the boxes to the interior wrappings
• In other words, only Lionel's sets can truly be called authentic Conventional Classics

This year, Lionel is proud to introduce 3 new Conventional Classics sets:

This year we've taken our premium sets to a whole new level by adding new features, more track, and spectacular paint schemes. And, all cars in these sets are individually boxed.

One set that we are very excited about is The Texan Ready-to-Run Set (6-30142) on pages 60-61 of the 2010 Signature Edition catalog. Clear the tracks for a new freight boss in the West -- the big Texan Set led by two FT diesels!

This set features:

• Two FT Diesels dressed in the dazzling red scheme of the Texas Special

• TrainSounds sound system

• 5 colorful, star-studded freight cars

• Includes giant "Twice-Around" track layout - the biggest layout we've ever offered in a ready to run set (approx. 50 x 98 inches)

• Separate sale add-on 2-pack is also available

The following question was asked: "Just how is the new Amtrak HHP-8 different than the one issued with the excellent starter set (6-31779)?"

Last year, we received so much positive feedback on our Amtrak HHP-8 Ready-to-Run Passenger Set (6-31779; pages 60-61 of the Lionel 2009 Signature Edition catalog). But one request kept coming to us for an HHP-8 with RailSounds. Well, here it is on pages 38-39 of the 2010 Signature Edition catalog!

Basically this locomotive gives you more -- more realistic sounds with RailSounds, more power with dual motors, and more operator control with ElectroCouplers.

We also want to note that this locomotive is 15 1/2" in length and has a minimum curve of O-36.

We have received a couple of inquiries about passenger car names in our new Strasburg Rail Road Steam Passenger Set (Ready-to-Run catalog, page 28). The car names in the set are Mill Creek, Grasshopper Level, and Cherry Crest. These are related to actual Strasburg cars.

Last year Lionel introduced the VISION Line, the most highly detailed and technically advanced locomotives and rolling stock ever made. This year, we're taking these revolutionary advances and putting them in our most beloved, popular, and iconic pieces.

This Product Spotlight features the VISION 700E #5344. This product utilizes much of the original tooling that built the legendary 700E, but now includes new detailing and state-of-the-art VISION features. Some of the features to take note are:

Swinging bell synchronized to bell sounds

VISION Whistle Steam effects

Best sound features ever offered in a Hudson – TruRail Dialog, TruRail Laboring, and TruRail Chuff

Upgraded lighting features – directional lighting, operating headlight, illuminated classification lights on front, enhanced realistic lighting on the cab interior

Best detailing – opening boiler front with authentic interior detail, opening roof vent, separately applied details including grab irons, piping and valves

LEGACY control

Upgraded high torque motor give this Hudson the finest control at even the lowest speeds

You can read more about this product, as well as our second VISION Scale Hudson available in a 763E-inspired gunmetal grey paint scheme, on pages 6-7 of the Lionel Signature Edition catalog.