Recommended Reading

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Awhile back, I had read a book titled “A Century of Lionel Timeless Toy Trains”, a licensed Lionel publication. (Lionel history and color pictures) Having just started with Lionel, it was interesting to learn about the Company.

This Christmas, I received a book written by Ron Hollander called “All Aboard!” - The story of Joshua Lionel Cowen & his Lionel train company. It says ‘Revised and Updated’ - Special Anniversary Edition, published by Workman Publishing. (It has probably been out for some time but new to me)

Anyway, if you happen to see this book, I highly recommend it. Only about 280 pages but filled with information and photos of Mr. Cowen and traditional Lionel products.

P.S. I don’t review books for a living (or do much of anything else except play with my trains and keep an eye on this forum)

2

I have that book and found it both entertaining and informative. I especially liked the financial information that the author referenced. It was interesting to see how Lionel’s sales revenue/net income climbed, crashed, climbed again before ultimately crashing just prior to JLC’s departure.

I also liked the story of Rockefeller’s kid coming to the Lionel showroom with an entourage of people, but to Cowen’s amazement, the kid did not have enough money to buy anything.

Regards,

John O