Roaring Ahead Following a brief recession, Lionel entered an era of unprecedented growth. People wanted to forget the war and indulge in life's pleasures — and more of them could afford luxuries like toy trains, thanks to easy credit. Cowen was among the finest practitioners of modern advertising. Lionel ads appeared nationally in newspapers, boys' magazines, and "Grown-up" publications like The Saturday Evening Post. Cowen got endorsements from celebrities, and even started a Lionel radio show. Slogans such as "Lionel: The Father and Son Railroad," and "Real enough for a man to enjoy — simple enough for a boy to operate," were the first of many to pitch family themes. Meanwhile, Lionel's fabulously illustrated catalogs became children's cherished "wish books." The products they portrayed — like the No. 402 electric engine, the Hellgate Bridge, and the No. 840 Power Station — grew ever more elaborate. Working accessories — including crossing gates, highway flashers, and traffic warning bells — became more and more lifelike. This was a golden age for Lionel, but like the Roaring Twenties, it wouldn't last.