Gathering Steam The decade between 1910 and 1919 saw Lionel's sales increase fifteen-fold. This resulted from a bustling economy, the growth of electric power, World War I defense production, and the end of German toy imports. Changing times were reflected by "Racing Automobiles" and a passenger train with internal lighting, the retirement of the quaint "Pay-As-You-Go" trolley, and the introduction of a war train with cannons. Smaller, less expensive O-gauge track debuted (and is used by Lionel to this day). Though the company became a corporation, the family tradition continued, with Cowen's son Lawrence ("The Happy Lionel Boy") gracing catalogs, packaging, and sales materials.