Classic Toy Trains (Motorbooks Classic) [Paperback]

Gerry & Janet Souter (Author)

Book Description

Series: Motorbooks Classic | Publication Date: December 14, 2002

From Lionel's first printed pamphlet in 1902 to the full-color fantasies of the 1950s and beyond, Classic Toy Trains revisits the collectible toy trains of Carlisle & Finch, American Flyer, Ives, Hafner, Lionel and others. Filled with over 200 images of rare toy trains, accessories, layouts and catalog artwork, this nostalgic volume flashes you back to the fun-filled days of yesteryear and your care-free hours spent riding the rails.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Model Railway Express (UK), December 2007

“This is definitely a ‘must’ for the train collector with transatlantic interest.”

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks (December 14, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760313679
• ISBN-13: 978-0760313671
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,211,598 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Merchant seaman, guard & detective agency officer, artist, international photojournalist, film maker, video and television producer, director and writer, mark some of the career paths of author, Gerry Souter during a long life of world travel and adventures. Amazon lists 31 of 45 of his titles with mainstream publishing houses since 1997. His new fiction work evolves from his love of history, romance and bold characters drawn from his own experiences. His enjoyment of shooting sports, journalism and travel over past decades gives the ring of truth to his writing.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great overview of toy train history at an affordable price, November 6, 2011

By 

Robert Mathews "Train Guy Bob" (St Petersburg FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Classic Toy Trains (Motorbooks Classic) (Paperback)

The book is very well done, great photograohs and a very readable account of the various manufacturers. It's very interesting to see how some of the models and events happened more by chance and circumstance than by plan, as well as the rising and falling fortunes of these companies. The photography and descrtiptions are excellent, and the author injects a bit of humor and irony in key places. Definitely a must-have, affordable book for a model train buff.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Toy Train Book, November 22, 2009

By 

Mr. Kenley C. Vogt "kcventures" (Penfield, New York 14526) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Classic Toy Trains (Motorbooks Classic) (Paperback)

This is a good book for the beginning toy train collector - I wanted it so I could see some old Lionel trains Post War vintage. I bought a real odd engine at a yard sale it was an 0 27 (which is S scale)American Flyer Engine that ran on 3 rail Lionel 027 track - so I wanted to know more about American Flyer. The Flyer Lionel wars were very real in my house growing up - I had Lionel and my Brother had American Flyer. I never cared for Flyer for it didn't have the play value with the accessories that my Lionel had - my brother hated the three rail track which did not look real, but it worked so much better for wiring and control is simple in 3 rail where as 2 rail has issues with reverse loops. Any way this book does a great job with an overview of the truly classic toy trains. This book did not have a picture of my odd little Hudson locomotive by the way.