Customer Reviews

Standard Catalog Of Lionel Trains, 1970-2000

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4 star:		(3)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is a huge disappointment. What a letdown after the first two volumes in this series. This third volume amounts to nothing more than a photo album. Beyond the item number and name of the item, there is virtually no text accompanying the photos. A value guide is also included for each item. There is not even a photo for some items, just the item number and name of item. While I recognize that this must have been a huge undertaking, it would have been better to break it down into several volumes and include more information. There is a Greenberg Guide covering the Kughn era from 1987 - 1995. A volume covering 1970 - 1986, and another covering 1995 - 2000 or 2005 that actually contains some information would have been much better. Save your money and use the Greenberg pocket price guides.

This book is not a comprehensive as the previous volumes in the series. However, the author explains that due to the sheer volume of material available on the subject, that a decision had to be made regarding the areas covered and also the way the material was presented. I lament the fact that other material, particularly accessories, has not been covered. That being said, the material covered (locomotives, passenger cars and freight cars) is very well done and comprehensive in its completeness. Mr Doyle is to be complemented on the subject matter that is presented and also in the way it is presented. One can only hope that the material that has been left out will someday appear in future volumes.

This is a follow-on catalog book to the 1945-1989 catalog book. While it is a useful reference for obtaining the latest average prices of rolling stock and locomotives, it is definately not on par with the first 1945-1989 book, which is a wealth of knowledge about the various Lionel cars and engines denoting the subtle differences about them. Some very useful history was also included, so that the interested hobbyist came away feeling he/she had learned something. This book is strictly a "telephone book" of cars and engines with an avereage price attached. While still useful, it is NOT a learning tool.

The nice thing is all the pictures...as with the other Doyles books , it is great to have the visuals...BUT , in this MODERN Lionel Version the Listed PRICES are so RIDICULOUSLY LOW , that anyone using this as a guide to ACTUAL market prices will think that every dealer is overpriced and while trying to find prices that Doyles says is the Value , will never actually buy any trains...nobody will sell at these prices , great old AMERICAN made trains and Doyles rates them as worth less and Cheaper than the new Chinese JUNK ???...WAY Misguided -this Guide

I have not read the book entirely but it remains a valuable reference tool for looking for certain models, their value and when they were built and placed on sale.

This guide covers many of the " modern era" Lionel Train items that were manufactured from 1970 to 2000. The guide is comprehensive and is an excellent value for collectors and operators who are interested in this period of toy train manufacturing. Over four hundred pages with great color photographs. The Value pricing in this volume appears to closely match current prices for the item(s) found at train meets, toy train auctions and on Ebay. If you collect Lionel Trains in this era then this volume will be a great addition to your library.