Brand New Softcover of the

2nd Printing - Authoritative Guide to Lionel's Postwar Operating Cars

We updated the first version (see description below) in 2024

Direct from the Publisher - Project Roar Publishing)

Read all the 5 star reviews on Amazon and my website.
This is an amazing book and you will not be disappointed!

"The most scholarly work I have ever read on the subject of postwar Lionel trains."

Joseph Lechner, Winter 2005 issue of TCA's e-Train

"I haven't read a book as interesting and as informative as this one since Ron Hollander's All Aboard."

Bill Schmeelk, December 2005 issue of LCCA's The Lion Roars

"Any Lionel operator and especially collectors will really enjoy the detail and information this book provides."

Chris Matuszak - Lionel Operating Train Society Switcher

"I doubt you will find another more comprehensive and extensively documented book on the subject."

John Niehaus - Plasticville Collectors Association The Villager


We're excited to announce the second printing of the Authoritative Guide to Lionel's Postwar Operating Cars released in June 2024, which includes:

  • The addition of a variation for the Lionel no. 3530 Operating Generator Car
  • Additional packets and instruction sheets
  • Additions and formatting updates to the sections on boxes and trucks & couplers
  • Enhancements to photos visual annotations
  • New printing that provides crisper images and text
  • New Smythe sewn biding to allow the book to lay flatter than the first edition and provide additional sturdiness

Based on 1,000’s of authentic internal postwar Lionel documents as well as the expert observations of two leading postwar historians, Joseph P. Algozzini and Emanuel F. Piazza, this volume provides the most complete and authoritative guide to Lionel’s operating cars.

 
It is the first volume to include both price and rarity for COMPLETE component boxed items, including:

  • All known and authenticated operating car variations
  • All peripherals that came with the operating car
  • Original Boxes
  • Instruction Sheets
  • Insert & liners
  • Packed Envelopes


It also includes:

  • An introduction by Roger Carp covering the history of Lionel’s operating cars
  • Rarity based on actual production numbers
  • Definitions of operating car suffixes
  • Comprehensive appendices on boxes, trucks and couplers and box car “Types”


This is the first time this level of detail straight from postwar Lionel has been compiled.  This refreshing and new research will increase any collector or operators expertise on this subject.


The soft cover edition is perfect bound with an attractive and durable "glossy" cover.  This volume was manufactured to provide a timeless reference.

Soft Cover, 160 Pages, 8½" x 11", Full Color, 325+ Photos

The book is 2 pounds and will be shipped via USPS Media Mail.

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