HSL Digital Archive Products: Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive

Available Since 2008 ... 1945 - 1969
        and Since 2009 ... 1970 - 1995
        and Since 2010 ... 1925 - 1942
                 Now Shipping ... 1900 - 1924

    ... 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!

The Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive now begins in 1900 and continues all the way through 1995 (in four separate CD-Rom releases)! The newly released Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive 1900 - 1924 archive takes us all the way back to the very beginning: 1900! This is an exclusive and authorized project using Lionel's copyrighted catalogs.

When possible, original Lionel catalogs have been used for the archive. They have been 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 1900 - 1924!

The period 1900 - 1924 traces Lionel's roots back to its earliest beginnings! Through the generous contributions of several Lionel enthusiasts, we have been able to assemble a comprehensive collection of early Lionel consumer catalogs. This early prewar release consists of scans of original catalogs, reproductions, and copies of original catalogs. Witness as Lionel started with a simple 16 page catalog promoting Electrical Novelties and Specialties. — "The Kind That Work." with a handful of items (none train-related!) to the colorful, 4-color catalogs loaded with trains that Mr. Cowen proudly proclaimed were "The Standard of the World!". Envision a world just learning about electricity ... and an enterprising young businessman learning how to use it to provide his company with a competetive advantage that would have long-lasting implications in the toy industry. The fascinating origins and early growth of Lionel trains unfold in the pages of these catalogs!

The Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive 1900 - 1924 contains the following catalogs:

1900 Consumer Catalog

1901 Consumer Catalog

1902 Consumer Catalog

1903 Consumer Catalog

1903 Ewing-Merkle Electric Co. Catalog (early Lionel retailer)

1904 Consumer Catalog

1905 Consumer Catalog

1906 Consumer Catalog

1907 Consumer Catalog

1908 Consumer Catalog

1909 Consumer Catalog

1910 Consumer Catalog

1911 Consumer Catalog

1912 Consumer Catalog

1913 Consumer Catalog

1913 Consumer Catalog (small version)

1914-1915 Consumer Catalog

1914 Consumer Catalog (small version)

1915 Consumer Catalog

1916 Consumer Catalog (1915 w/price sheet)

1916 Consumer Catalog

1917 Consumer Catalog

1917 Consumer Folder

1918 Consumer Catalog (1917 w/price sheet)

1918 Consumer Folder

1919 Consumer Folder

1920 Consumer Catalog

1920 Consumer Folder (Apology)

1920 Consumer Folder (All Aboard-Boys!)

1921 Consumer Catalog

1921 Consumer Folder

1922 Consumer Catalog

1923 Consumer Catalog

1924 Consumer Catalog

Don't worry about counting ... that's 35 catalogs!!

Plus, bonus material including a mailing envelope and insert, a 1923 mini catalog (!), color catalog wrappers from the 1910 - 1914 catalogs, and more!

Finally, noted Lionel historian, Bill Schmeelk, provides another wonderful introduction entitled, "Lionel Catalogs 1900 - 1924 — A Flash of Brilliance - On Track and On Course!". All of this in one concise, thorough, easy-to-use product!

Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive 1900 - 1924 Price: $50

Shipping and Handling: $5

Order Information: Sorry ... as of 9/30/2014 this product is no longer available.

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

Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive 1925 - 1942

Actually the third release of this series (following the "postwar" and "modern" eras), this late "prewar" archive chronicles Lionel's magnificent tinplate era and slow, yet steady, shift to more realistic, scale models. Regardless of your train-hobby interests, it is hard to not be drawn to the big, gleaming trains Lionel produced during one of our country's most difficult economic periods (the Great Depression!). How would you like to have printed several hundred thousand copies of the 1929 catalog with a "top of the line" 407E two-train complete railroad set for a mere $325! What boy wouldn't love that railroad! How many families could afford it?! Especially after the crash of October 29th, 1929? Slowly these large trains gave way to smaller, usually less expensive, models. However, the dreams were still as large as ever! A fascinating time in Lionel's history ... once again colorfully reflected through Lionel's catalogs.

The Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive 1925 - 1942 contains the following catalogs:

1925 Consumer Catalog

1925 Consumer Catalog ("Mini" version)

1926 Consumer Catalog

1926 Consumer Catalog ("Mini" version)

1927 Consumer Catalog

1927 Consumer Catalog ("Mini" version)

1928 Consumer Catalog

1928 Consumer Catalog ("Mini" version)

1929 Consumer Catalog

1929 Consumer Catalog ("Mini" version)

1930 Consumer Catalog

1930 Consumer Catalog ("Mini" version)

1931 Consumer Catalog

1931 Consumer Catalog ("Mini" version)

1932 Consumer Catalog

1932 Consumer Catalog ("Mini" version)

1932 Winner Consumer Catalog

1932 Winner Consumer Catalog ("Mini" version)

1933 Consumer Catalog

1934 Consumer Catalog

1935 Consumer Catalog

1936 Consumer Catalog

1937 Consumer Catalog

1937 Consumer Black/White Catalog

1937 Consumer Hudson 5344 J-1E Catalog

1938 Consumer Catalog

1938 Consumer Black/White Catalog

1939 Consumer Catalog

1940 Consumer Catalog

1941 Consumer Catalog

1942 Consumer Catalog

Once again we will do the counting for you ... that's 31 catalogs!

Plus, the 1944 Lionel Railroad Planning Book and the 1945 Plans and Blue Prints for Lionel Model Railroaders booklets are included! Also, thanks to a generous paper collector, eleven different catalog mailing envelops are presented in the archive. Folks, in many cases, collectors pay as much or more for these envelopes as the catalogs themselves! They are presented as though they just came off the printing presses! A couple of Trade Price Sheets round out the bonus section.

Finally, noted Lionel historian, Bill Schmeelk, provides another great introduction entitled "Lionel Trains — On Track and Full Steam Ahead!". All of this in one concise, thorough, easy-to-use product!

Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive 1925 - 1942 Price: $50

Shipping and Handling: $5

Order Information: Sorry ... as of 9/30/2014 this product is no longer available.

HSL accepts checks, money orders, credit cards, and payments through PayPal. 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!

Sample Pages: Click HERE to view a few sample pages taken directly from the Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive 1925 - 1942!

Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive 1945 - 1969

Known as the "postwar" 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: Sorry ... as of 9/30/2014 this product is no longer available.

HSL accepts checks, money orders, credit cards, and payments through PayPal. 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 contains the following catalogs:

1970 Consumer Catalog

1970 Consumer Catalog Poster as full image

1971 Consumer Catalog

1971 Consumer Catalog (Canadian Version)

1971 Consumer Mini Catalog (Canadian Version)

1971 Consumer Accessory Catalog

1972 Consumer Catalog

1972 Consumer Catalog (Canadian Version)

1972 Consumer Accessory Catalog

1972 Lionel electric train sets and accessories for 1972 Folder

1973 Consumer Catalog

1973 Consumer Accessory Catalog

1973 Billboard Reefer Car Series Flyer

1973 Trutrack System Folder

1974 Consumer Catalog

1974 Consumer HO Catalog

1974 Spirit of '76 Folder

1974 Spirit of '76 State Cars Flyer

1974 Billboard Reefer Series Flyer

1975 Consumer Catalog

1975 Consumer HO Catalog

1975 Consumer HO Catalog (Canadian Version)

1975 The Liberty Special Folder

1975 Accessories for Fall Folder

1975 Penn Central GP-7 Flyer

1975 HO U-18-B Flyer

1975 HO Scale Building Kits Flyer

1975 HO Freedom Train and Southern Pacific Flyer

1975 Happy Huff 'n' Puff Flyer

1975 Happy Huff 'n' Puff Flyer (variation)

1975 fundimensions means ... Catalog

1976 Consumer Catalog

1976 Consumer HO Catalog

1976 Consumer Accessory Catalog (How to Build A Railroad Empire)

1976 Power Passers Catalog

1976 GG-1 Catalog

1976 New Engines, Cabooses, ... Catalog

1976 Rico Station Folder

1976 Presidential Campaign Cars Flyer

1976 Grain Elevator Kit Flyer

1976 It's Lionel Train Time! Flyer

1977 Consumer Catalog

1977 Consumer HO Catalog

1977 Service Station Flyer

1977 Power Passers Year 2 Brings Ideas ... Catalog

1977 Lionel announces Dual Motor Engines ... Folder

1977 Fast Moving Engines ... Flyer

1978 Consumer Catalog

1978 Service Station Flyer

1978 Power Passers Catalog

1978 New Power for Your Lionel Line Flyer

1979 Consumer Catalog

1979 Command Performance Spring Catalog

1979 Collector's Accessory Center Folder

1980 Consumer Catalog

1980 Spring Collector Series Catalog

1980 Fall Collectors Center Folder

1981 Consumer Catalog

1981 Fundimensions presents a sneak preview ... Catalog

1981 Fall Collector Center Folder

1982 Consumer Catalog--Collector

1982 Consumer Catalog--Traditional

1982 Traditional Series Train Sets

1982 Spring Collector Center Catalog

1982 Fall Collector Center Folder

1982 The big new SD-40 ... Flyer

1983 Consumer Catalog--Collector

1983 Consumer Catalog--Traditional

1983 Traditional Series Train Sets Flyer

1983 Consumer Accessory Folder

1983 Collector Preview Catalog

1983 Fall Collector Center Folder

1984 Consumer Catalog--Collector

1984 Consumer Catalog--Traditional

1984 Highballs Into 1984 Catalog

1985 Consumer Catalog--Collector

1985 Consumer Catalog--Traditional

1986 Consumer Catalog--Collector

1986 Consumer Catalog--Traditional

1986 Traditional Series Train Sets

1986 Stocking Stuffer Folder

1986 Service Station Flyer

1986 B&A Direct Offer Folder

1987 Consumer Traditional/Collector Catalog

1987 Consumer Catalog--Large Scale

1987 Spring Preview Catalog

1987 Happy LIONEL Holidays Folder

1987 Service Station Flyer

1987 SideTracks Folder

1988 Consumer Spring Catalog

1988 Consumer Traditional/Collector Catalog

1988 Consumer Catalog--"Lionel Classics" (Standard Gauge)

1988 Consumer Catalog--Large Scale

1988 Lionel Sets Flyer Flyer

1988 Season's Greetings from Lionel Flyer

1988 Service Station Flyer

1988 The Hiawatha Folder

1988 The Double Cro$$ing Folder

1988 Rail Scope Folder

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--"Lionel Classics" (Standard Gauge)

1989 Consumer Catalog--Toy Fair--Large Scale

1989 For Those Who Appreciate Classic Lines ... Flyer

1989 Holiday Collection Folder

1989 Service Station Flyer

1989 Revolvers Folder

1989 "Old Glory" Series Flyer

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 Flyer

1990 Service Station Flyer

1990 Revolvers Folder

1991 Consumer Catalog--Book 1

1991 Consumer Catalog--Book 2

1991 Consumer Catalog--Stocking Stuffers

1991 Consumer Catalog--SideTracks

1992 Consumer Catalog--Book 1

1992 Consumer Catalog--Book 2

1992 Consumer Catalog--Stocking Stuffers

1992 Christmas Boxcar Flyer

1992 Thomas is hot. Flyer

1992 Consumer Catalog--SideTracks

1993 Consumer Catalog--Book 1

1993 Consumer Catalog--Book 2

1993 Consumer Catalog--Stocking Stuffers

1993 Discover the World of Lionel Model Railroading

1993 Service Station Flyer

1993 Non-Cataloged Frisco Mikado Flyer

1993 Consumer Catalog--Side Tracks

1994 Consumer Catalog

1994 Consumer Catalog--Stocking Stuffers

1994 Service Station Flyer

1994 TrainMaster Folder

1994 Thomas The Tank Folder

1994 Crayola Folder

1994 Preschool Folder

1994 Gift Collection Folder

1995 Consumer Catalog

1995 Consumer Catalog--Stocking Stuffers

1995 Service Station Flyer (1/2)

1995 Service Station Flyer (2/2)

That's approximately 150 catalogs, folders, and flyers!

Noted Lionel historian, Bill Schmeelk, once again provides an introduction worthy of its own book entitled "Lionel Catalogs 1970 - 1995 — Rising from the Ashes - A Rebirth". All of this in one concise, thorough, easy-to-use product!

Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive 1970 - 1995 Price: $50

Shipping and Handling: $5

Order Information: Sorry ... as of 9/30/2014 this product is no longer available.

HSL accepts checks, money orders, credit cards, and payments through PayPal. 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 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 catalog and magazine 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,

The first three versions of the Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive has been very well received! I believe you will be equally impressed with the newly released "early prewar era" version.

Bill Schmeelk and Bob Osterhoff have generously assisted in these projects. All Lionel fans are enjoying richer products because of their contributions. I appreciate their generosity.

It has been my pleasure to make these digital archive products available to you. They are a great way to preserve important pieces of toy train history. The portfolio of HSL digital archive products is growing! If you are not familiar with the Toy Trains Digital Archive, the OGR Digital Archive, the Lionel Magazine Digital Archive, or the Lionel Postwar Service Manual Digital Archive please check the HSL web-site home page (www.hslinc.com).

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

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