Is this a Lionel train or not?

Question

i have about 15 train pieces and I am wondering how do i tell if they are a Lionel or not? Is there somewhere on the bottom where it should say something that would clue me in?

Answer 1

Depending on what era it is from . If it is prewar or postwar it will have Lionel New York on it somewhere.  Prewar being built from 1900 to 1941, post war is 1945 to 1970.  After 1970 Lionel was in Mt ClemensLTI or lionel Traims

Mich.  Oh there was a short time in the late sixtie there as some stuff coming from hillside New Jersey.  After 1970 I is LTI or lionel Trains Inc

Answer 2

Look online for a local train club in your area. It is hard to be able to tell you EXACTLY over the internet, even with pictures. Talk to them and tell them a little about what you have. If they have a train meet, bring what you have to show them and they can help you out that way.

Hope you really do have some Lionels!

Answer 3

The Lionel logo should be on the locomotive and cars. Look on the sides. You can get a Greenburg's guide to help you decipher andy other questions as to when it was made. Most of the cars have in small letters BLT and some numbers that's when they were made. Here's a link:http://www.amazon.com/Greenbergs-Guide-L...

My other compatriot's answers were just as valid.

Answer 4

If it is made to run on three rails, chances are it is Lionel.  If it is for two rails and the gauge is slightly narrower, it may well be American Flyer - particularly if there is a reversing switch under the tender (assuming it is a steam locomotive).