Lionel Trains Celebrates 125 Years of Fun and Innovation

Next year marks the 125th anniversary of Lionel Trains, and the company founded by Joshua Lionel Cowen is on-track for a big year filled with special events, new products, and interactive experiences.

Since its founding as the Lionel Corp. in 1900, the company has remained a leading name and innovator in model railroading for fans of all ages. The company’s pioneering spirit and constant evolution cemented its legacy as a cross-generational toy company loved by kids and collectors alike.

This 125th anniversary is not only a celebration of our legacy but also a reflection of the enduring passion and loyalty of the Lionel community. We are deeply grateful to our dedicated customers and partners who have supported us throughout this journey. As we look to the future, we remain committed to delivering the highest quality products and experiences that continue to inspire and bring joy to model train enthusiasts worldwide.”

— Mike Phillips, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Lionel Trains

The Lionel Trains 125th Anniversary Celebration begins this month promising a variety of highlights designed to connect with enthusiasts, families, and those new to the world of model railroading.

Select highlights include:

Exclusive Commemorative Models: Lionel will unveil a collection of limited-edition trains and accessories, featuring designs that honor classic models and key innovations from the company’s extensive history.
Virtual Events and Webinars: Train enthusiasts across the globe are invited to join virtual events, including live Q&A sessions with Lionel engineers, virtual tours of the Lionel headquarters, and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the design and production process.
Special Editions and Collaborations: The celebration will feature unique collaborations with renowned brands and artists, introducing fresh designs and creative expressions into Lionel’s extensive product lineup and licensed offerings.

Additional details on 125th anniversary can be found at Lionel125.com with more information set to be revealed in the weeks and months ahead.

Lionel Trains will present a panel at New York Comic Con (NYCC) on October 19 (more details to come) where the company will offer four exclusive models. Additionally, the company — a pioneer in the licensing space through deals with NASCAR, Warner Bros., Disney, Mattel, John Deere, and others — hints that a major partnership announcement may be revealed in New York.

Stay tuned to The Toy Book for more information.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book and Co-President of The International Toy Magazines Association (ITMA). He is also a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC), New York Comic Con, Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.