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The Trains...
North American three rail 'O' gauge electric trains run on approximately 20 volts A.C. They are coarse scale 'O' gauge and differ from modern British 'O' gauge in their use of the inside third rail and of A.C. rather than D.C. However some early Hornby electric trains used this system.
Manufacture of American trains started just after the turn of the century, about 1906. Up to World War II most of them were in tin-plate and die-cast metal. After World War II plastics replaced the tin-plate, while the use of die-cast continued. Less well known is the slightly smaller 2 rail 'S' gauge.
The following is a brief precis of their manufacturers history, with apologies for any omissions: |
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Lionel Trains Inc. is the sole survivor of the major North American Pre- World War II 'O' gauge manufacturers. Ives, and A.C. Gilbert's American Flyer were acquired by Lionel when they hit difficulties in 1930, and 1966 respectively. Today the main competition to Lionel comes from newer manufacturers Atlas O, MTH (Mikes Train House), Weaver, and Williams Electric Trains who have entered the field in the last 20-30 years. |
| Those who went to London just before Christmas in the 1950s and early 1960s will possibly have seen the 'Gamages' Christmas display which included an extensive selection of Lionel's products. |
| Interest in the North American trains was revived with the formation of the 'Lionel Collectors Club UK' in 1979. See 'About Us' for more information. |
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