General Info

Lionel develops, manufactures and markets electric toy trains and accessories. Founded in 1900 by Joshua Lionel Cowen, Lionel started as a producer of electrical novelties. By placing a small electric motor under a wooden cheese box, Cowen created an animated window display in which goods could be featured in a retailer's store window. Consumers were more interested in the window display itself, rather than the goods it featured. Cowen saw the opportunity and began marketing his Electric Express to consumers and the first Lionel trains were born. Product divisions include American Flyer, die-cast, large scale, locomotives, power and control, rolling stock, track and train sets. Lionel is located in Chesterfield, Mich.