Classic Lionel Trains

From 1900 through the late-1950s, Lionel went from a wooden cheese box on wheels to expensive toy trains that flew off shelves at the height of the Great Depression to one of the worlds most recognizable brand names. In the 1960s, the company found itself in a fight for its life; only a buyout from General Mills would save the name from relegation to the dust heap of time. More than 80 modern color photographs help break Lionels "classic" rags-to-riches-to-rags period into five distinct eras, and a fascinating history examines the design and marketing of the companys most significantand dubiousproducts,placing them in the context of contemporary competition, real-life railroads, and world affairs.Souter, Gerry is the author of 'Classic Lionel Trains' with ISBN 9780760311387 and ISBN 0760311382.