The Making of Lionel Trains – a Model Train Icon
Posted by admin on August 27th, 2009 filed in Steam Engine Kits
The founder of Lionel trains, was born in 1877 to a Jewish immigrant family. His name was Joshua Lionel Cowen. He came to America, landing in New York with his family just after the Civil War. Cowen and his family emigrated to America with the backdrop of great world change, particularly the industrial revolution. Edison had just created the electric light and trains signaled the progress of change. America was finally joined by the Central and Union Pacific lines which meant both the shipping of goods, as well as people, was now a possibility in the exciting exploration of the west. Given the context of his formative years during the westward expansion and the industrial revolution, it’s quite fitting that Cowen would grow up to build and invent. He is credited with inventing the flashlight and just before the turn of the century, this college drop-out received his first patent for an instrument that was used to light the flash of a camera.
Before the age of ten, it was said that Cowen had created his first working model trains. He carved a small train out of wood and fixed a small steam engine to it. His parents however weren’t too pleased when the steam engine exploded, damaging their kitchen. Lionel did not get discouraged despite the loss of his early steam locomotive and in 1900 at the turn of the century, founded the Lionel Corporation. By this time, passenger travel was at a height and many saw it as classy and sophisticated. The then modern technology enchanted adults and children alike.
The first successful Lionel train was the Electric Express. Ironically this train was not designed to be a toy or something for hobbyist. Its intended purpose was that of a store display gimmick. The success of this gondola train displaying items as it went around a circular track in the store window took an unexpected direction. No one paid any attention to the contents of the display train, instead the electric train itself generated all the interest and many request to purchase it. Lionel Cowen made a smart decision after seeing this and brought Lionel Corporation around to focus on model trains that remain popular to this day.
Mail this post
Leave a Comment