Review
The experts agree, Inside The Lionel Trains Fun Factory is a must read for every toy train and manufacturing enthusiast "The toy train hobby will long be in debt to Bob Osterhoff for the outstanding research he has conducted and the many insights he has shared about Lionel, its development as a business and its growth as a manufacturer. Everyone who loves electric trains will gain immensely from reading this superb study." Roger Carp, Senior Editor Classic Toy Trains magazine and author of The World's Greatest Toy Train Maker: Insiders Remember Lionel
"Phenomenal! This never-before-seen research makes vivid how a brash Joshua Lionel Cowen created the Fun Factory of the world. Consider this Volume 2 of All Aboard! that every collector needs as much as a 700E." Ron Hollander, author of All Aboard! The Story of Joshua Lionel Cowen & His Lionel Train Company
"Marvelous historical insight in what it takes to run a toy manufacturing company given all the challenges of wars, strikes, and corporate intrigue that Lionel's fun factories encountered over the years. Truly a masterful story of an American icon and a must read for history buffs." George J. Schmid, CEO Kiehl Engineering Co. (1972-2000)
"Bob Osterhoff, a meticulous and devoted researcher, has written the definitive book on Lionel factories. I strongly recommend the book for all students of Lionel history." Bruce C. Greenberg Ph.D., President Greenberg Publishing Company (1975-1991)
Lionel employees and executives from every era say Inside The Lionel Trains Fun Factory is the most accurate and enjoyable story of Lionel's many fun factories
"Bob Osterhoff has written an interesting and accurate history of the Lionel factories. I know, because I was there! Starting in 1917, as a young boy I spent many Sundays at Lionel's Newark shop with my father. During my Lionel career, I played a major role in planning and construction of the plant and in the installation of new processes and equipment to meet the growth in business. Bob has captured the excitement of that period." Tom Pagano, Assistant Superintendent Parts Production and Infrastructure Maintenance The Lionel Corporation (1935-1959)
"Growing up with a love for Lionel trains, it was my childhood dream come true to join The Lionel Corporation. This book recreates that dream with the most accurate and enjoyable portrayal of Lionel during my tenure at the company. Come see where childhood dreams were made." Bruce Parmett, Sales Manger The Lionel Corporation (1964-1966)
"This book finally tells the Lionel story the way it actually happened: the good, the bad and the ugly. I know because I was there for many years as an officer of the company." Robert Stein, Vice President The Lionel Corporation (1965-1982)
"Inside The Lionel Trains Fun Factory provides a wonderful journey into the history of a cherished brand accurately portrayed right up to present day." Michael Braga, Regional Sales Manager Lionel L.L.C. (1972-present)
--Reviews
About the Author
Robert Osterhoff, a retired executive of the Xerox Corporation, has conducted extensive international management consulting, specializing in the practices of business effectiveness, benchmarking and knowledge management. He served on the Board of Examiners of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and as Treasurer and Director of the Baldrige Foundation. A graduate of Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, Bob received a master's degree in business administration from Rochester Institute of Technology.
This is Bob's third book, having previously authored Greenberg's Guide to Lionel Paper and Collectibles and Greenberg's Guide to Lionel Prewar Parts & Instruction Sheets. Bob and his wife, Laura, have three married children and six grandchildren, and they live in the St. Louis area.
