'45-'49 Lionel Display Layouts

Classic Toy Trains Forum
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I collect Lionel from the early postwar period ('45 through '49) and would love to build a copy of a display layout from this period. The problem is that it seems that most of the published plans are from '52 or later, excepting a basic loop under a stack of shelves type display. I suspect that if Lionel did indeed sell displays layouts to dealers during the late 40’s they were “one off” and perhaps were standardized only later after 1950? Any information, pictures, recollections of dealer type display layouts from this period would be greatly appreciated!

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A great resource is Classic Lionel Display Layouts You Can Build by Roger Carp and published by Kalmbach. It includes several of the classic display layouts with trackplans, etc. I believe it’s currently out of print, but you could probably find it through a used book vendor on the 'net or on Ebay.

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Thanks Dr. John. I do have have that book but if I recall the only layout from the '45-'49 period is a loop with shelves above it. It is a great book in any case!

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[#welcome] 47Berkshire,

You may want to go to a local train show and buy a copy of an older instruction manual for Lionel trains as there are layout suggestions in the back of them. One of the instruction manuals I have mentioned about majic electrol, Lionel’s first attempt at two train control on one track, also these older manuals have the voltage oputputs listed for differant transformers that Lionel made during that time.

Lee F.

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I believe the (Sell when the season’s over for more than you paid) Lionel dealer display layouts that you are thinking about , weren’t produced until the mid 1950’s. There was a book of fairly intricate track plans that dates back to the 1940’s with artist renditions of what the layout would look like. But to my knowledge, there was no mass production of these layouts.

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Rent the movie Holiday Affair with Robert Mitchum. Great 1949 Departmrnt store Lionel layout in it.

I remember them as well but they seemed much bigger at the time.[:)]

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Thanks to all that replied for their suggestions. I plan to check and see if NetFlix has “Holiday Affair” for rental.

I like the idea of copying a dealer display layout since; a) The scenery is pretty basic, b) lots of action packed in a small place, and c) I am seriously lacking in creativity!

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I’m a big fan of the Dealer Display Layouts. Start acruing bags of no. 919 Lionel Grass for an authentic look. The D264 (5’x9’) and D265 (8’x8’) from 1959 are my favorites. These Super O Track plans can easily be converted into O Gauge for a truly unique display layout.

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Why not go all out and create the 1949 showroom display layout?

I have a book from TM I bought years ago called Lionel advertising and art. If you can find it, many layouts in there from the beginning of Lionel to the late 50’s

mark

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The 1949 layout is being reproduced at this web site !

http://www.jlmtrains.com/layout.htm

http://www.jlmtrains.com/ click on showroom layout !!

Thanks, John

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I have been lookin for some good model train books to add to my collection (of literature). These books just might be the ticket.

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This site by Brady Burdge does not focus on the specific area of your interest but it is one of my favorite sites for Display Layouts. Well worth the time to explore:

http://www.lionellines.com/displays.html

Season’s Best,

Mike

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This is the Holy Grail of layouts for me. If I only had the time, space, $$$, and talent to reproduce it! I have thought about making a compressed/partial version but I have yet sketched out a plan that I would be happy with.

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… the “Holy Grail” being the '49 Showroom Layout that is…