Flatcars

On the real railroads, the flatcar is arguably the most versatile freight car available. It is used to carry practically everything imaginable -- and even some unimaginable items!

Lionel carried this philosophy into its own line of trains. In the late 1940s, Lionel began producing prototypical flatcars with realistic loads. At first, the loads consisted of items such as: metal pipes, logs and automobiles. However, as the 1950s ended, the loads bordered the surreal. Things such as atomic waste containers, submarines and missiles were frequently seen on a Lionel Lines flatcar!

Click on any of the entries in the chart listed below. You'll be presented with detailed information on the specific item. Every listing contains specific product data with a brief history of the item and at least one photo. Whether doing some serious reseach on model trains or simply taking a stroll down memory lane, take your time as you absorb the pages that follow. Some of you will view the exact trains you had while growing up, some will recognize the trains your parents had, others will discover startling facts about the glory years of a company that has become a piece of Americana.