r/lioneltrains

I've been thinking about making a water tender out of an old Lionel scout tender. This would be my first custom, so I have a few questions that Google can't answer (which is why im posting this lmao) would the frame be compatible with newer spring-loaded trucks? Could some tell me how tall one of these cars (preferably a picture with a ruler or something)

Commemorative Lionel themed cars, this is all I have save for one I missed while putting this consist together, with my postwar 2065 doing the honors up front.

I’ve designed and printed this piece to fill the gap between rail cars, allowing efficient offload of the autos, without having to uncouple. Help me create a technical name for this piece of equipment.

I designed a 3D printable add-on ties for O gauge tubular-style track and posted it on MakerWorld.

These were made to fit Menards/Lionel-style O gauge track, with built-in hooks that snap around the rail flanges. I printed and tested a handful of them, and they installed into the track like they were supposed to.

I know not everybody likes to add more ties for that "prototypical" look but if that's what you're after I think this will get you there.

A few notes:

• One-piece print
• No separate clips or hardware
• Designed for O gauge tubular-style track
• Tested on Menards/Lionel-style O gauge track. O-27 was NOT tested with these parts
• The fit may vary a little depending on the stamped metal rails, but mine snapped in and held fine

If you have the ability to print TPU, printing these in TPU could be used for sound dampening/noise reduction

MakerWorld link:

https://makerworld.com/en/models/2791670-lionel-menards-style-o-gauge-track-ties#profileId-3104260

Just wanted to share my Lionel Ads collection. The loose pieces are not from the 1979 Booklet. Also does anyone recall a train car that had a submarine on it?

I’m looking for opinions and authentication insight from serious postwar Lionel collectors regarding what appears to be an early glossy variation Lionel 3462 Automatic Refrigerated Milk Car.
This is strictly for historical/collector information gathering and discussion — not a sales post.
Here are the details:
• Marked “NEW 3-47”
• Creamy eggshell glossy finish across both body and roof
• Noticeably glossier than my standard 3462 comparison example
• Tab-mounted shell construction instead of screw-mounted body attachment
• Original 3462P offset-base unloading platform
• Original box included
• Includes 7 original magnetic milk cans (not 6)
• Original internal milkman mechanism and figure still present
• Natural wear, oxidation, and edge chipping consistent with age
• Rivet and panel details remain sharp with no obvious paint flooding or overspray
• Interior mechanism appears untouched/original
• One brake wheel appears replaced or incomplete
I compared this directly to a standard/common 3462 and the differences are very noticeable in:
gloss level
body coloration
underside construction
shell mounting method
overall presentation
From my research, this seems to align with what collectors refer to as the early 1947 “glossy eggshell” variation, but I would really like input from advanced Lionel collectors who specialize in postwar variations.
Specific questions:
Does this appear to be an authentic original glossy example?
Are the tab-mounted shell and 7-can configuration recognized early-production traits?
Have others seen the same glossy/cream roof variation?
Do the wear patterns and paint characteristics appear factory-original?
Are there known documented sub-variations within the glossy 3462 production?
I’m especially interested in hearing from longtime collectors who have handled multiple glossy examples in person.
I’ll attach detailed comparison photos, underside photos, interior mechanism photos, and closeups of the finish/rivet detail.

Just curious if there is any Collectibility to Napa branded trains, any thoughts on what it might be worth?

I've been thinking about building this little retro Lionel layout, in the same dark and industrial style as The Addams Family. What do you think? It's a simple loop circuit with a passenger blocking station and a small shunting siding. At the opposite end, there's a freight yard with two depot tracks and a box-like space at the front for extra shunting. It's not very dynamic; it's more for practicing technical operations