Timeless Craftsmanship
Lionel is proud to celebrate its 125th anniversary, a milestone built on a legacy of innovation, imagination, and generations of train lovers. Throughout the year, this site will be your hub for all things anniversary-related, from exclusive product reveals and behind-the-scenes stories to special events and collector highlights. Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and steam ahead into the future of Lionel.



Timeless Craftsmanship
Lionel is proud to celebrate its 125th anniversary, a milestone built on a legacy of innovation, imagination, and generations of train lovers. Throughout the year, this site will be your hub for all things anniversary-related, from exclusive product reveals and behind-the-scenes stories to special events and collector highlights. Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and steam ahead into the future of Lionel.
Timeless Craftsmanship
Lionel is proud to celebrate its 125th anniversary, a milestone built on a legacy of innovation, imagination, and generations of train lovers. Throughout the year, this site will be your hub for all things anniversary-related, from exclusive product reveals and behind-the-scenes stories to special events and collector highlights. Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and steam ahead into the future of Lionel.
Timeless Craftsmanship
Lionel is proud to celebrate its 125th anniversary, a milestone built on a legacy of innovation, imagination, and generations of train lovers. Throughout the year, this site will be your hub for all things anniversary-related, from exclusive product reveals and behind-the-scenes stories to special events and collector highlights. Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and steam ahead into the future of Lionel.
The Legend of Lionel
Joshua Lionel Cowen was an American inventor and entrepreneur best known for founding Lionel Corporation in 1900. He revolutionized the model train industry with innovative electric toy trains, making Lionel a household name in model railroading. His designs captivated generations and cemented Lionel as a leader in the toy train market.
Cowen’s legacy lives on through Lionel Trains, a brand still loved by model train fans today. His early electric train designs changed the hobby forever. Lionel continues to create innovative and detailed trains, keeping Cowen’s spirit alive and inspiring new generations to enjoy model railroading.Â


The Legend of Lionel
Joshua Lionel Cowen was an American inventor and entrepreneur best known for founding Lionel Corporation in 1900. He revolutionized the model train industry with innovative electric toy trains, making Lionel a household name in model railroading. His designs captivated generations and cemented Lionel as a leader in the toy train market.
Cowen’s legacy lives on through Lionel Trains, a brand still loved by model train fans today. His early electric train designs changed the hobby forever. Lionel continues to create innovative and detailed trains, keeping Cowen’s spirit alive and inspiring new generations to enjoy model railroading.Â

The Legend of Lionel
Joshua Lionel Cowen was an American inventor and entrepreneur best known for founding Lionel Corporation in 1900. He revolutionized the model train industry with innovative electric toy trains, making Lionel a household name in model railroading. His designs captivated generations and cemented Lionel as a leader in the toy train market.
Cowen’s legacy lives on through Lionel Trains, a brand still loved by model train fans today. His early electric train designs changed the hobby forever. Lionel continues to create innovative and detailed trains, keeping Cowen’s spirit alive and inspiring new generations to enjoy model railroading.Â

Our Story
OVER THE YEARS
Our Story
OVER THE YEARS
Lionel is Founded
Joshua Lionel Cowen founded Lionel Manufacturing Company near City Hall in NYC
Lionel O-Gauge
O-Gauge trains and track debuted, ultimately replacing Standard Gauge by the 1930's
Mickey Mouse Handcar
The Mickey wind-up handcar, priced at only $1, saves Lionel
Smoke
"Smoke" for Lionel steam locomotives debuts, as do the Pennsylvania S-2 steam turbine locomotive and a realistic water tower
Joe DiMaggio
Joe DiMaggio, star player for the New York Yankees, hosts "The Lionel Clubhouse" on NBC television
1963 Catalog
This cover from the 1963 catalog, which is unintentionally symbolic, shows a racecar outrunning a locomotive
Joshua's 100th Birthday
Joshua Lionel Cowen's life story is featured on the sides of commemorative boxcars
VisionLine
The "Vision Line" of highly detailed scale locomotives with the most advanced features ever offered is introduced
Lionel Moves to NC
Howard Hitchcock is named president of LIONEL LLC
Lionel shuts down its offices in NYC and moves its global headquarters to Concord, NC
Lionel Celebrates 125 Years!
Since 1900, Lionel has brought families together with extraordinary toys that allow adults to feel like kids again. With heart and passion in every creation, Lionel will continue to spark joy and lasting memories
Lionel is Founded
Joshua Lionel Cowen founded Lionel Manufacturing Company near City Hall in NYC
Lionel O-Gauge
O-Gauge trains and track debuted, ultimately replacing Standard Gauge by the 1930's
Mickey Mouse Handcar
The Mickey wind-up handcar, priced at only $1, saves Lionel
Smoke
"Smoke" for Lionel steam locomotives debuts, as do the Pennsylvania S-2 steam turbine locomotive and a realistic water tower
Joe DiMaggio
Joe DiMaggio, star player for the New York Yankees, hosts "The Lionel Clubhouse" on NBC television
1963 Catalog
This cover from the 1963 catalog, which is unintentionally symbolic, shows a racecar outrunning a locomotive
Joshua's 100th Birthday
Joshua Lionel Cowen's life story is featured on the sides of commemorative boxcars
VisionLine
The "Vision Line" of highly detailed scale locomotives with the most advanced features ever offered is introduced
Lionel Moves to NC
Howard Hitchcock is named president of LIONEL LLC
Lionel shuts down its offices in NYC and moves its global headquarters to Concord, NC
Lionel Celebrates 125 Years!
Since 1900, Lionel has brought families together with extraordinary toys that allow adults to feel like kids again. With heart and passion in every creation, Lionel will continue to spark joy and lasting memories
From the Archive
From the Archive






