Newsletter

Howdy! We have something VERY limited to offer you, and we also have something to offer you at WHOLESALE COST. But first…

News
We just bought a postwar Lionel train collection, so you’ll see pieces of it for sale on our website and in our other web stores. We have THREE more in the works, so stay tuned.

And don’t forget, you can still shop with us at Ebay or Amazon by clicking on the link on our website's front page--each link takes you right to the respective store. Or, you can call us (leave a message if we do not answer), and we can help you the old fashioned way.

AND we are still buying trains AND fixing them.

And Now…the Trains…

Lionel has finally shipped the latest in the Heritage Series, the De Witt Clinton Set. It is selling out FAST. We are down to two left. The set is $629.95 plus FREE insured UPS shipping.

We are auctioning off a very scarce car: the Train Collectors Association BANQUET car from the 2006 Convention, the MTH San Antonio & Aransas Pass Woodside Reefer WITH WHITE LETTERS.

Under 75 produced convention banquet tables WHITE letters

This one was UNCATALOGUED and numbered 30-74379. This 19th Century 34 foot boxcar is lettered for the Texas shortline, the San Antonio and Aransas Pass. This car was available only at the 2006 Train Collector's Association San Antonio convention itself. At the banquet, you had to be the winner at your table of 10 people (one per table) to get the car. There was no other way to get the car. The banquet car had white lettering--there was also a fund raiser car available that had yellow letters. There were very few of these produced--under 75. AND there have been NO mass marketed SA&AP cars ever made in O gauge.

Often, banquet cars fetch $500, so don’t let this one get away from you. You may never have another chance at this car.

The auction ends Sunday night around 8 pm. Here is the link to bid (if the link does not work, just copy and paste it into your browser): http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200574550242&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Lionel 6-28297 SP Legacy GP-9 Southern Pacific #446 nr

Lionel GP-9 diesel engine, the MOST AFFORDABLE diesel released in the LEGACY series these days. This is a great engine and at this price, a super one for your Legacy system. It looks just as sharp, but it has all the bells and whistles of the best diesels these days. Plus, it can run on track as tight as 031.

This week’s special at wholesale is the best of both worlds: a Postwar Celebration type set, a replica of the #1623W set from the Golden Days of Lionel. However, this amazing set comes with LEGACY COMMAND and TRAINMASTER COMMAND CONTROL. It features that famous diesel the Northern Pacific GP-9 #2349.

POST WAR CELEBRATION SERIES 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SET: Note the power, speed, color, horn and splendid detailing on this LEGACY-equipped GP-9 diesel! Then check the action of the swiveling fireman and rotating light on the fireman-ladder car…the fish “swimming” around the illuminated aquarium car! Think of the fun you can have with the removable freight! Here’s “the most” in O27” diesel freights…a complete outfit that will stay new for years!

Retail on this set is $749.95. You can get the LAST one we have in stock for only $599.95 plus $20 insured UPS shipping.

ALSO: Walthers 2011 HO Catalog on sale for $13.99 plus free shipping! Great reference for all hobby scales.

PIKO - New York Central 120V Freight Train Complete Starter Set

Retail $399.95; Lone Star: $299.95 and free shipping

This is a GREAT LGB-Aristocraft-USA TRAINS compatible item from PIKO trains featuring a New York Central steam engine and some freight cars. It also comes with a high quality transformer and a complete circle of track. Best of all, it is brand new in the box. As you can see, the set comes with a steam engine, a white two bay hopper and a red caboose.

Piko makes trains in Germany and has a wonderful reputation among those fortunate enough to play with their stuff. Here in the United States, they are imported and distributed by Silvergate. These models are done in weather-resistant plastic. All of the Piko cars feature plastic wheels and truck-mounted hook-and loop couplers, painting and prototypical yet colorful lettering. Piko has long been known for producing structures, both kit and built-up. To power the train, Piko has included a solid throttle system. All in all, a nice addition to the empire OR a great high quality start.

Lionel 28449 UP Track Mobile. Command Control! 1/48 Scale. $299.95, free shipping.

And of course, we STILL have all the amazing train essentials and goodies you remember. If you are looking for something in particular, give us a ring or email.

That’s ALL for now. We’ll keep you updated on what’s going on and what our latest goodies are. Of course, don’t forget the ebay and Amazon store links at www.lonestartrains.com.

Christmas 2008: We missed you at the store! Don't let the Polar Express leave the station without YOU in 2009!

We have made some exciting changes to the in-store layout. Come on in and see the new action. And keep coming in because there will be many more changes coming over the summer.

On Tuesday, July 12, 2005, the railroading community lost a very important person. Joe had friends everywhere--especially in the railroading world. Joe Covert was a very important part of the atmosphere at Lone Star Trains. He was always ready to help us with any historical railroad information, and was very quick to inform us of any local railroad happenings. In addition, he often allowed us to play with trains from his own collection in the shop. Many of the trains you have seen over the years on Lone Star layouts were Joe's.

Joe started his career with the Illinois Central. After a short stint there, he later joined the Missouri Pacific which was later taken over by Union Pacific. In the 1970's, he was instrumental in many projects at the Texas Transportation Museum, some of which he did single-handedly. He was an avid railroad memorabilia collector and historian. He especially loved railroad china. Last year, health reasons forced him to retire from UP.

Joe was a fixture in our shop and our daily lives. He was knowledgeable, generous, big-hearted, and most of all, a good friend who enjoyed bringing little bits of sunshine to our daily lives. We will miss him intensely.

George Super Coop Cooper passed away on Monday, November 17, 2003 around noon. In addition to his legendary radio career, Super Coop was the first co-worker at Lone Star Trains and was instrumental in LST's early success. All of us here at the train store will miss his mentoring, kind manner, and friendship very much. Click here to read his obituary.

Woai-tv channel 4 featured Lone Star Trains and Collectibles on its Friday July 18th telecast. Popular weatherman Maclovio Perez came out with Renee the camaraman and did 4 live spots direct from Lone Star Trains.

One spot showed the layout and was used as a teaser during the Regis and Kelly show. Another longer spot featured Maclovio and Lisa Kinsner at the Thomas tables playing and talking Thomas. Another spot featured Mac in the middle of the layout. The longest spot had Mac and Clay Kinsner discussing and showing collectible toys and the different gauges of trains. At the end, Clay presented Mac with a TCA 2006 Convention button which he wore home!

Union Pacific's Latest Heritage

On Wednesday, Union Pacific will unveil its newest Heritage diesel, for the BOY SCOUTS of AMERICA. The engine is rumoured to be a General Electric and has been shipped to Houston's Amtrak Station for a Wednesday unveiling.

LIONEL LICENSES M.T.H. FOR TINPLATE

New York City, NY, Dec. 31, 2008 -- Lionel Electric Trains announced today that it has entered into a multi-year licensing agreement with M.T.H. Electric Trains, in which the Columbia, MD, model train maker will create a new line of tinplate Lionel Standard and O gauge products. The license will also include tinplate Standard and O gauge offerings for American Flyer, which has been part of Lionel since its acquisition in 1967.

Using its extensive collection of tinplate tooling, M.T.H. plans to issue new versions of Lionel and American Flyer classic tinplate trains and accessories that were originally released between 1900 and 1942. These products will be packaged in all-new boxes with iconic Lionel and American Flyer advertising images and logos from the prewar tinplate era. Promotion of new tinplate Lionel and American Flyer products will begin in early 2009, with full-color catalogs. A Web site, dedicated to the new product line, will also offer product videos, sound clips and other information not available in print catalogs.

“I’m very pleased that M.T.H. and Lionel will be working together on this new Lionel and American Flyer tinplate line,” said Jerry Calabrese, Lionel CEO. Calabrese went on to say, “In times as difficult and challenging as these, I hope it’s reassuring to all model train fans that both our companies will be joining forces to write a productive new chapter in our hobby’s history. There is no better way to express our mutual belief and commitment to the future of model railroading than for Lionel and M.T.H. to collaborate on something as imaginative and exciting as these new Tinplate products.

“This collaboration builds on what we’ve accomplished with our Tinplate Traditions line over the past three decades,” noted M.T.H. President Mike Wolf. “It is no secret to those who know me that Lionel’s history has inspired me since my youth.” Wolf went on to say, “By working together, our two companies will be able to offer products that even more faithfully evoke the beauty and artistry of the toys that Lionel and American Flyer turned out in the prewar years, as well as make those trains available to a wider audience.

Wolf added, “Putting aside the differences our firms have had over the years, Jerry and I have always recognized how much synergy exists between Lionel and M.T.H. Together we sat down and worked out this agreement with the express goal of expanding on both firms’ longstanding commitments to grow our hobby.”

Based in New York City, Lionel has been making model trains and accessories since 1900. It is one of the world's leading model train companies, and among the most widely recognized brands in America.

Based in Columbia, Maryland, M.T.H. Electric Trains is a seasoned model train manufacturer with a long history of innovation. In little more than a quarter century, M.T.H. has created an appealing multi-gauge product line.

Lionel has fully emerged from Bankruptcy. Current President Jerry Calabrese touts the fact that it has been tough, but it has rejuvenated the company and its resolve noting the record sales over the last three years and new technology such as the Legacy System. The legal troubles are over.