Available Now ... 1945 - 1969
    and In Development ... 1970 - 1995

    ... the Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive!!!


Lionel L.L.C. has tapped Hybrid Systems Ltd., Inc. as an "Officially Licensed Partner" to develop and market the Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive!!

No single company defined the toy train industry throughout the entire 20th century better than Lionel. Founded in 1900 by Joshua Lionel Cowen, Lionel grew to dominate the toy train hobby. Although the company experienced peaks and valleys along the way, Lionel represented more than just metal and plastic parts designed to function in harmony with electricity, physics, and human intervention. Lionel became part of the bond between fathers and sons; families and friends. Lionel electric trains circling the Christmas tree became as much a part of the Christmas tradition as Christmas stockings "hung by the chimney with care"!

For many, the trains continued well past the Christmas season on permanent and semi-permanent layouts. Mr. Cowen nurtured the concept of Lionel trains as a family affair. Additions to the layout arrived at birthdays and other special occasions. Older kids (all of us!) fondly recall those first pieces of toy trains that started this life-long passion of train collecting and operating.

While trains circling the Christmas tree and traversing mountain ranges and plains on those pikes epitomized the Lionel experience, it all started with the catalogs!! Mr. Cowen realized that in order to sell dreams (and trains!), youngsters (and oldsters!) would need a roadmap to that dream pike! Filled with fanciful art-work and loaded with information, the Lionel catalogs were the originating station for that fun-filled journey.

The Lionel consumer catalogs occasionally contained items that were never produced. Similarly, items were produced that were never mentioned in the catalog. Never the less, the catalogs document the Lionel journey in a way few other publications can.

Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive

Lionel produced an incredible amount of catalogs and other paper documentation throughout the 20th century. The Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive is focusing on, as the name implies, the "Lionel consumer catalogs". We all know how difficult (and expensive!) it has become to acquire a comprehensive set of Lionel consumer catalogs. Additionally, even when we can acquire these catalogs they are cumbersome to store, file, and preserve. They end up being stowed away because we do not want to ruin the value of our original catalogs!

In the early 1990s Greenberg Publications created the fantastic six volume set of Lionel reproduction catalogs. This new Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive will pick up right in the middle of that treasure trove and continue all the way through 1995 (in two separate CD-Rom releases)! This is an exclusive and authorized project using Lionel's copyrighted catalogs.

When possible, original Lionel catalogs will be used for the archive. They will be meticulously scanned and developed into an easy to use CD-Rom consistent with other HSL digital archive products. The purpose of the archive is to provide a comprehensive collection of catalogs. However, it will NOT include every variation (even though some may be provided). Previous HSL digital archive products have received high acclaim by customers for their ease of use, clarity, cost, and support.


Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive 1945 - 1969

Known as the "post-war" era, 1945 - 1969 witnessed both the peak and subsequent decline of Lionel products. After World War II, Lionel catered to pent-up demand by producing some the company's most memorable products. However, just as quickly as business boomed, a growing shift of hobbyist to HO, race cars, space program toys and other well-documented factors lead to one of Lionel's most difficult periods.

The Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive 1945 - 1969 contains the following catalogs:

  • 1945 Flyer (Original)
  • 1945 Flyer (Original "Suprise" variation)
  • 1946 Consumer Catalog
  • 1947 Consumer Catalog
  • 1948 Consumer Catalog
  • 1949 Consumer Catalog
  • 1950 Consumer Catalog
  • 1950 Consumer Catalog ("Sorry" version)
  • 1951 Consumer Catalog
  • 1952 Consumer Catalog
  • 1953 Consumer Catalog
  • 1953 Consumer Catalog ("Mini" version)
  • 1953 Consumer Accessory Catalog
  • 1954 Consumer Catalog
  • 1954 Consumer Catalog ("Mini" version)
  • 1954 Consumer Accessory Catalog
  • 1955 Consumer Catalog
  • 1955 Consumer Accessory Catalog
  • 1956 Consumer Catalog
  • 1956 Consumer Accessory Catalog
  • 1957 Consumer Catalog
  • 1957 Consumer HO Catalog
  • 1957 Consumer Accessory Catalog
  • 1958 Consumer Catalog
  • 1958 Consumer HO Catalog
  • 1958 Consumer Accessory Catalog
  • 1959 Consumer Catalog
  • 1959 Consumer HO Catalog
  • 1959 Consumer Accessory Catalog
  • 1960 Consumer Catalog
  • 1960 Consumer HO Catalog
  • 1960 Consumer Accessory Catalog
  • 1961 Consumer Lionel-Porter Science Catalog
  • 1961 Consumer Lionel Train Lines / Science Lines Catalog
  • 1962 Consumer Catalog (combination)
  • 1962 Consumer Accessory Catalog
  • 1962 Consumer Science Multi-Fold Catalog
  • 1963 Consumer Catalog
  • 1963 Consumer Science Catalog
  • 1963 Consumer Accessory Catalog
  • 1964 Consumer Catalog
  • 1964 Consumer Raceways Catalog
  • 1964 Consumer Lionel-Spear Catalog
  • 1964 Consumer Lionel-Porter Science Catalog
  • 1965 Consumer Catalog
  • 1965 Consumer Lionel-Porter Science Catalog
  • 1966 Consumer Catalog
  • 1966 Consumer Multi-Fold Catalog
  • 1967 not issued
  • 1968 Consumer Catalog
  • 1969 Consumer Catalog
Don't worry about counting ... that's 50 catalogs!!

Plus, the 1944 Lionel Railroad Planning Book and the 1945 Plans and Blue Prints for Lionel Model Railroaders and the 1950 The Magic of Lionel Magne-Traction booklets are also included! Also, thirteen different catalog mailing envelops are presented in the archive!

Finally, noted Lionel historian, Bill Schmeelk, provides an introduction worthy of its own book entitled "Lionel Catalogs 1945 - 1969 -- A Colorful Reflection of Lionel's History". All of this in one concise, thorough, easy-to-use product!

Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive 1945 - 1969 Price: $50

Shipping and Handling: $5

Order Information: Click HERE to order.
HSL accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards. HSL is now accepting orders for immediate shipping!
Testimonials and User Comments: Click HERE to see what clients are saying about the Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive!


Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive 1970 - 1995

Known as the "MPC/Fundimensions" and "LTI" eras, 1970 - 1995 was a time of major changes at Lionel. Assets traded hands and production was temporarily moved to Mexico. Quality became an issue (although MPC items are now experiencing a resurgence in popularity). Richard Kughn purchased Lionel in 1986 and successfully worked to restore Lionel to its former luster. Mr. Kughn sold Lionel in 1995.

The Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive 1970 - 1995 will contain the following catalogs:

  • 1970 Consumer Catalog
  • 1971 Consumer Catalog
  • 1972 Consumer Catalog
  • 1973 Consumer Catalog
  • 1974 Consumer Catalog
  • 1974 Consumer HO Catalog
  • 1975 Consumer Catalog
  • 1975 Consumer HO Catalog
  • 1976 Consumer Catalog
  • 1976 Consumer HO Catalog
  • 1977 Consumer Catalog
  • 1977 Consumer HO Catalog
  • 1978 Consumer Catalog
  • 1979 Consumer Catalog
  • 1980 Consumer Catalog
  • 1981 Consumer Catalog
  • 1982 Consumer Catalog--Collector
  • 1982 Consumer Catalog--Traditional
  • 1983 Consumer Catalog--Collector
  • 1983 Consumer Catalog--Traditional
  • 1984 Consumer Catalog--Collector
  • 1984 Consumer Catalog--Traditional
  • 1985 Consumer Catalog--Collector
  • 1985 Consumer Catalog--Traditional
  • 1986 Consumer Catalog--Collector
  • 1986 Consumer Catalog--Traditional
  • 1987 Consumer Catalog
  • 1987 Consumer Catalog--Large Scale
  • 1988 Consumer Catalog
  • 1988 Consumer Catalog--Large Scale
  • 1988 Consumer Catalog--"Lionel Classics" (Standard Gauge)
  • 1989 Consumer Catalog--pre-Toy Fair
  • 1989 Consumer Catalog--pre-Toy Fair--"Lionel Classics" (Standard Gauge)
  • 1989 Consumer Catalog--Toy Fair
  • 1989 Consumer Catalog--Toy Fair--Large Scale
  • 1989 Consumer Catalog--Toy Fair--"Lionel Classics" (Standard Gauge)
  • 1989 Consumer Catalog--Large Scale
  • 1989-1990 Consumer Catalog--Side Tracks
  • 1990 Consumer Catalog--Book 1
  • 1990 Consumer Catalog--Book 2
  • 1990 Consumer Catalog--Large Scale
  • 1990 Consumer Catalog--Stocking Stuffers
  • 1991 Consumer Catalog--Book 1
  • 1991 Consumer Catalog--Book 2
  • 1991 Consumer Catalog--Stocking Stuffers
  • 1992 Consumer Catalog--Book 1
  • 1992 Consumer Catalog--Book 2
  • 1992 Consumer Catalog--Stocking Stuffers
  • 1993 Consumer Catalog--Book 1
  • 1993 Consumer Catalog--Book 2
  • 1993 Consumer Catalog--Stocking Stuffers
  • 1993 Consumer Catalog--Side Tracks
  • 1994 Consumer Catalog
  • 1994 Consumer Catalog--Stocking Stuffers
  • 1995 Consumer Catalog
  • 1995 Consumer Catalog--Stocking Stuffers
That's another 56 catalogs!! There may be some additions ... am I missing anything that should be included? You can e-mail your thoughts and comments to John.


Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive 1900 - 1942

Known as the "pre-war" era, both HSL and Lionel would like to see how the first two releases of the Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive are received before embarking on the early years. A pre-war release will most likely require cooperation and support from multiple third parties as the source material for this release is very difficult to procure (even if reproductions are used).

A late "pre-war" digital archive covering the early 1920s to 1942 is a more feasible possibility developed with original Lionel catalogs.


Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive Features:
  • includes every page of every catalog
  • graphical selection of catalogs by cover and year
  • searchable table of contents:
    • engines by name and number
    • sets by name and number
    • excludes accessories and individual cars
  • navigate easily between catalogs and "regular features" -- very easy to use!
  • print any page
  • HTML-based -- works with your web browser
  • compatible with both Mac OS and MS-Windows
    • Please note:

    All HSL digital archive products are non-PDF-based products. PDF-based archives are fine for looking through a few individual documents but fall well short of a "user-friendly" solution. HSL digital archive products offer complete, application-specific software solutions that allow easy browsing of the many documents that are part of the archive. Be sure to check out the user comments of other HSL digital archive products (see below).
Testimonials and User Comments: If you are not familiar with HSL, click HERE for Toy Trains Digital Archive comments or HERE for OGR Digital Archive comments to see what clients are saying about HSL digital archive products!


Dear Fellow Hobbyist,

I hope you are as excited about the Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive as I am to develop it! I know I am biased, but ... I am sold on these "digital archive" products! They are a great way to preserve important pieces of toy train history. This will be the third HSL digital archive product I have developed. If you are not familiar with the Toy Trains Digital Archive and OGR Digital Archive, please check the HSL web-site home page (www.hslinc.com).

I am fortunate to have my friend, Bill Schmeelk, as an advisor on this project. Bill is lending his tremendous Lionel expertise (not to mention many of his catalogs including the "hard-to-get" 1950 "Sorry" catalog) and various other pieces of catalog ephemera to help make this a more complete project. I already owe Bill a great debt of gratitude!

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your support.

John H. Holtmann, Jr.
TCA 06-59745, LCCA 27042
Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive Product Author
Toy Trains Digital Archive Product Author
OGR Digital Archive Product Author
HSL
800-779-2802
www.hslinc.com


Return to HSL Home Page