Outstanding !! I started my collection of Lionel trains when I was 7years old. I'm 72 now and have some really cool old Lionel's. Dating back to the 1920's.
Love it. Over the years I have seen some great collections and everyone collected differently and has pieces special to them. That is what makes our hobby great. Hopefully this channel reaches some of the new generation of collectors. Appreciate your love of these awesome trains and the support. Enjoy. Brian
Now this was a layout for selling trains. Three different trains running at once plus one of those levels changing elevation and two tracks entering tunnels.. Add in your stub end tracks for small motorized units. And plenty of accessories all around the layout. Great showcase for how superb Super O track looks as well. Lots and lots of action to catch the attention of people.
No doubt, you got tons of action with this display and awesome accessories as well. Would have helped sell tons of track, trains and accessories! One of the best dealer displays out there! Thanks. Brian
That is the allure of the original dealer layouts. Simple, yet with lots of action. Highlighting a ton of accessories in a small space and making it easy for dealers to run trains in their stores!. Wow. Thanks, Brian
Yes, Super "O" was introduced in 1957 and was available until mid-60's. Love the detail and look compared to typical "O" gauge track. Great layout. Thanks for the comment!. and check out some of the other episodes. Brian.
I was 6 when that layout was conceived. Possibly a year earlier I received my first train set. A Marx 0 gauge, one engine, tender, boxcar, gondola and red caboose. I was able to find these on eBay so I have them once again. Great video. I loved every minute of it.
Thanks, I am glad you liked it. It's been fun filming and sharing these with everyone. Hope it brings back some great train memories or inspires a few to build a layout again. Brian
That was amazing Brian! By doing what you’re doing you are guaranteeing that these layouts will survive at least in video form on RUclips for the rest of the world to see and enjoy. Thank you for sharing and posting your amazing videos! Please thank everyone who helps make your videos possible. 🤩👍 Frank
It's my pleasure, getting to run the play with this layout was awesome and I love sharing them with you guys. Getting a little better at editing as well! Brian.
My pleasure, having fun with this project as well. Love the trains, especially the oddball stuff! Glad you like what I am doing and thank you for the support!. Thanks. Brian
I love Lionel Post War Trains when i retired we purchased a house with a large garage the upstairs of the garage is huge i built a large layout in the top of my garage i play with the trains every day i don't care for the newer Lionel Trains Thank You for posting this video Brian may you always be healthy My dad RIP always said to me you don't need money if you are healthy you are wealthy i will be looking for your videos
Thanks for the comment and appreciate the sentiment. I do have a passion for postwar Lionel Trains and love the way they look and run. I admire the fact that you built and enjoyed the layout you have. My goal is to share my passion and inform fellow collectors of some of the oddball and rare trains Lionel made as well. I wish for good health and a clear mind for all my friends and fellow train enthusiasts as well. Thank you. Brian
Great video! I do not know if anything that could have kept Lionel in business. America grew up. The jet age came in.The streamliners retired. HO took up less space,loaded with detail, cheaper. In 1959, I went in high school. Thank God my father packed up my post war collection , in orig. boxes.Did not see it till 2010. Building my new and improved layout with the help of Menards and E-bay.Thank you for the inspiration!
You are so right, the pressures even back in 1959 on "O" gauge Lionel was high and times were changing. There has been a nice resurgence of model train operation and the postwar trains have a great feel still. Love that you have your old trains, glad to see you running them and enjoying the experience. Appreciate the comment. More to come, please feel free to subscribe and follow me. Thanks, Brian.
This layout is what we as children in that era saw in our minds while looking at those iconic Lionel catalog images. No matter what, these were toys and they are now very interesting toys from an American era that no longer exists. The sounds, the smell and the movements are all hypnotic and magical.
I agree, these original layouts are magical and I would have loved to see it in person back in the day. Glad you enjoyed it. Goal of this channel is to share interesting postwar Lionel trains. Thanks. Brian.
This is the most in depth review of any dealer display layout I’ve seen! I would love to recreate one of these in the future or any of them that have the 175 rocket platform since I have one. Great work, Brian!
Good news it that the 175 was used on a few other dealer displays, so you have options. This is a great layout with lots of action. It would be a good one to recreate for sure. See the instruction sheet for the layout design to help. Glad you liked it. Brian.
My pleasure, love filming and getting to run Lionel trains on such a cool layout. More to come in the future, feel free to Like and Subscribe. Thanks for the comment. Brian.
Sears in Natchez, Mississippi had one. I was seven and it was amazing to this young boy. Of course, the nice Sears salesman gave me that Lionel catalog that I have to this day. That layout was larger than life itself. I wonder how many Sears stores also had that layout. It is my understanding that many Sears stores sold the items attached to the layout after Christmas.
Wow, would have loved seeing one of these live back in 1959! Yes, most stores would have sold the whole display or parted it out at the end of the season. That is why the survival rate of all dealer displays is low!. Thanks, Brian.
Yeah, Love this layout! So much action. Seeing original equipment on original layouts is special and have had so much fun doing these videos. Appreciate the comment. Check out the D165 from 1956 as well. Thanks. Brian.
Great Question, based on 1958 production records they would have produced around 50 (guessing) of these layout. Maybe as many as 70 depending on orders. Not many! This one is fantastic. Thank you. Brian.
@@BriansTrainRoom. Not so sure Lionel maintained records for the National Department Store orders as those were commercial accounts. Sears had them in their Stores. Western Auto the same. Others as well. There were far more than 70 Sears stores in the 50s. Just an observation is all.
True, I am basing the number on some of the production records from the Year before and the number for the 1958 8x8 was 40 ordered. @@solutions2exist556
The ones that sold recently were around the same year, but were the 5x9 layouts. This one is an 8x8. Those are super cool as well. Thanks. Brian@@hmsjr0154
THANK YOU!!!! My objective for 2024 is to set up my trains in a more permanent layout. I have two 4x8 pieces of plywood. Thank you for providing the template from this D-265 layout! I will certainly use that as the genesis for where I go! This is awesome!!!
Thanks, the D-265 is a great one for that amount of table space you have. It has tons of action and a mountain! Good luck and enjoy running those trains. Brian.
What an outstanding video! For you to own an original piece of Lionel history is truly amazing! It’s both iconic and historical. You’ve got me as a new subscriber! This was excellent! Tom
My Pleasure, it is so much fun filming these pieces and sharing the with fellow train buffs and collectors. Got some great stuff coming and some awesome collections I am getting to film this year. Thanks for the note and support. Brian.
As a kid (up into my pre-teens) I had an old 0-27 Lionel set that included a figure-8, a trestle loop and a larger squared loop all fitting onto a 4x8 sheet of plywood. My only complaints at the time were that you couldn't reverse the train (unless you were VERY lucky with the push-terminal on the power suppy) and you had to consistently run the train too fast... it simply wouldn't run slowly. This video reminded me of that.
Thanks, yes the display is a great one!. At the screen is the fabric from the early 60's with Images of Lionel Trains on them. Sometimes you can find some at a large train show. Neat stuff. Enjoy!. Brian
Awesome and thanks. Having fun with this channel, all about POSTWAR LIONEL trains covering anything I can show that is Rare, unusual or oddball. The dealer layouts are my favorite because of the action for sure!. Enjoy. Brian
When I was a kid I'd hook up my 765 Berkshire with a 2333 Santa Fe F3 diesel, set the E switches for forward motion, and they'd pull anything. Great fun. I still have that stuff, by the way.
Thank you. Having fun with these videos and it was a super cool display to film. Working on some great episodes now and hope to get them out soon. Appreciate the comment. Brian
Totally agree, the super O track just makes these dealer layouts POP. So much fun to film and share with everyone. Glad you enjoyed it, check out some of the other episodes and shorts on the channel, cool stuff!. Thanks. Brian
Amazing! It's a shame Lionel's marketing folks were a bit out of touch with reality. I mean two steam engines proximal to a rocket launcher?! Nevertheless, what a beauty. Congratulations and Happy New Year Brian!
Now you’re talking my language. Have liked super ‘o’ since childhood. It is nicely integrated here. It has a certain timbre as the steel wheels go over the rails dampened by brown polypropylene 😊. It needs some slight super elevation to keep everything on track at speed on those 036 curves.
I always thought Super O Track was one of the best things Lionel ever did! I just wish they would have made it in wider radii. In 1959 I was getting into more O scale equipment. I lived however, kept the trains and eventually 072 and Fast Track came along!
For sure, my layout at the house is Super O and I love it. But, wish they had larger radius as well. There are a few people out there that will "Bend" super O and modify it enough to make it, but I have not used it. Brian
Great, really enjoyed filming and running this layout. Check out some of the other videos. Have another dealer display, the D 165 from 1956 as well. Appreciate the comment and the support. Thanks. Brian.
The most definitive review of the D-265 to date. Well done. Love the original Lionel curtain fabric as well. Amazing they got that big display into that dormer. At one point, someone was blowing on a toy whistle from their box of Fruit Loops. You, Brian? 😃
Thanks, work really hard to capture the feel of the layouts. Love the Super O track as well. Fabric is period correct! Trying some new shot angles and techniques as well. Still learning how to edit! Yes, the whistle is added, not by me. Don't love that part, but just didn't have any good sound for that part!. Thanks. Brian.
The middle track looks smaller than in later years but I love the way it looks or in the case of this layout doesn't look because you can't really see it it's
Your eyes are not deceiving you, the center rail is smaller and thinner. This Layout is built with Super O track. The track was the top of the line track made by Lionel starting in 1957 and replaced Standard "O" gauge track for a few years. The realistic track ties and the thinner center rail added realism to the model trains. Have a Super O track episode in the works. Thanks for the comment. Brian
Yeah, the running trains in that movie are really cool, I think it did show a prewar set. I believe there is an article in Classic toy trains about the movie and the trains used????. Thanks. Brian
Great vidio, like the look of that layout, track looks alot like gar graves track or is that something lionel made back when.Thanks for the morning coffee...
Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed it. The track is original Super "O" track. It was introduced by Lionel in 1957 and was available until the mid-60's. It had great detail and looks great. It had its issues, the switches were finicky and only came in 36 inch diameter curves. My personal layout is a Super O layout. Brian.
Only in radius , but fast track does offer many radius curves The construction of fast track is cheap compared to super O.. The road bed is good for carpet layouts though.. Super O wide radius would be good for layout building.. But wonder if the cost would be so high . Atlas would still be cheaper? And Atlas is outrageous higher priced than both gargraves and fast track..
Yes, the big department stores had special sets ready to run from both Lionel and American flyer. There are some great Sears only sets that I may highlight in the future. Love the old trains, glad you enjoyed it!. Brian
A spectacular layout! Many interesting camera angles , too. Definitely very well filmed. Thank you, Brian. Do you have any information about those backdrop curtains with the train illustrations? They look great!
HI John, Thank, always trying to show these awesome displays in as much detail as possible and working on getting better and better shots. The fabric was produced back in Late 50's to early 60's. I don't think it was officially licensed by Lionel but does depict Lionel trains from 1958. The fabric shows up on E-bay and shows. It makes a great backdrop for filming around layouts to help keep focus on the trains. Thanks. Brian.
@@BriansTrainRoom My mom made bedroom curtains from that material. Still have it somewhere - a bit faded. Why isn't the radar antenna rotating.? Also can't see the 140 banjo signal working. Otherwise a great video!
Yes, still working on my filming of these dealer layouts, didn't show the 175 in action as well. Thanks for the feedback and will get more accessories working for my next one. And the fabric is so cool!. Brian@@burlingtonbill1
Yeah, how many trains have fallen off the table on a sharp curve at the end of a steep decline! Got to tell you though, these do hug the rails! Fun to fun this one! Thanks, Brian.
Need to give it a good cleaning a lot of noise from the pair of F series and it can be slowed down to a more realistic speed I have some post war and 50s stuff with a bit of TLC they will run forever
Yeah, noticed that during filming. Working on filming techniques and getting that speed just right. Don't have to highball it all the time!!!. Great layout with lots of action. More great Lionel trains coming to this channel, feel free to like and Subscribe. Thanks. Brian.
So, the layout was cleaned and some of the tracks replaced with NOS super O track. But is original. The super O track has a thin copper rail that blends into the ties. Great look and was introduced in 1957 until about 1962. Wish they kept with it, looks so much better than regular O. Thanks, Brian
For sure you could. Super was very popular and Lionel produced a lot of it. Buy the best you can find and go for it!. Love to see it. The 175's are out there. That is what so great about postwar trains, they are out there and easy to work on if needed. Enjoy. Brian,.
Very true, should have slowed it down. Sometimes the trolleys are either on or off as far as speed. You also need to have a little speed up to make it reverse properly. Thanks. B
Yeah I guess if it was longer than one section that would help. But usually what happens at the end of the train it will bob up and down when one car is left of the insulated section. I did not see yours doing that which made me think you have electronics on it.
Great Engine. The Virginia FM first was available in 1955 in Black and Yellow color scheme. It changes to a Blue and Yellow scheme shortly after. Both number 2331. Then the number was updated to 2322 when re-released in the 60's. B
No doubt, these ware not cheap, but if the dealer sold more trains, it would have generated more profit. Also, at the end of the season, they could sell off the layout or components to recoup their investment. That's what makes finding an original display so tough. Check out some of My other episodes on Postwar Lionel trains. Thank you, Brian
Yes, it did help the dealer sell more trains and then was able to sell off the layout to pay for it. Time is money, so buying that layout would have helped someone have a layout who could not have built one themselves. Smart marketing for sure. Trains were expensive, but well-build and will last a lifetime if properly stored and used.
Agree fast track is good for children set up. But has real conductivity issues Always had to wire thru the switches to avoid power drops.. But if running at 18 volts, not at noticeable. A re issue of super O in wide radius might not sell much ..but is beautiful.. And some might use it.
This is an original dealer produced layout from 1959. It was designed to show off the top of the line track available then..... Super O track. Thanks,Brian
Yeah, dealer displays are known for being a little sparse on scenery. You do get a mountain with this one at least. Thank for the comment, check out the other episodes for more Postwar Lionel trains. Brian
Good question, there are no direct records, but I am estimating that they made around 50 of these larger layouts for dealers. They were not sold directly to consumers typically. Brian
No, the track in original to the Layout. It was from 1959 and Lionel was producing Super "O" track. A more realistic version of the "O" gauge tubular track from before. LOOKS GREAT! Thanks. Brian
It was made my Lionel. It is called Super O track and it was available starting in 1957 and was produced until about the mid-60's. It has nice details and the trains look great on them. It was top of the line back then. Thanks. Brian
01/04/25: For that kind of money back then, I suspect that what they offered if installed would tend to lose the interest of the kids after a short time. Perhaps if the three tracks were connected, the layout would offer more of a challange.
True, there are some dealer layouts that have switches and more complicated track patterns. But, the goal was to highlight accessories and simple operation for the dealer. Cool that it's almost 70 years old and still in operation. Thanks Brian
Hi, the great thing about this channel is that I have had the opportunity to visit and film some awesome Postwar Lionel trains and share them with everyone (Great stuff on the way!). Because of that I do have to maintain some level of privacy with them as well. Some collectors or very open about their collections and others are much more private. I will disclose names on occasion when I have permission. Thank you for the question. Brian.
Maybe Lionel's best "display layout" ever. Whenever I see Super-O track, I think of the D-265, the 1957 Catalog layout (on its back cover) and the last amazing Lionel Showroom Layout with its multitude of long, elevated Super-O track runs. Oh, and this: ruclips.net/video/1FSCmzjVxNo/видео.html
Why is there only a 5 car train on the elevated track when it was supposed to show the power of the engines!? 🤔 Shouldn't it be a 10 or more car train transversing the rails?
Depends on the train and the goals of the dealer. If it was to show the Magnetraction, then yes a longer train would be needed. If it's just to show off the trains, then it doesn't matter. It's such a great layout with lots of action. Would have loved to see it in action back in the day to see what the dealers did as well!. Brian
If going the other way, the General would not be able to push the consist into the sidings….. also, the instruction manual shows that the train should run left to right. Great video!!! 👍🏼
Super O is a far more quality track than the cheap rails of fast track Better electrical connection..much quieter running. Can be rebent to 072 curves.. but not easy Lionel today should make a run of 072 and reg curves.and reg straight and 27 in straight sections.. Bet it would sell.... One could use Atlas switches. Or Ross, gargraves.
Yeah, I love Super O track and do wish they had made a wider radius during the postwar years. I have seen people re-bend the curves, love that. I get why they went to fast track, it is better for small hands and was certainly cheaper than re-issuing super O. Great layout as well. Thanks. Brian
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Outstanding !! I started my collection of Lionel trains when I was 7years old. I'm 72 now and have some really cool old Lionel's. Dating back to the 1920's.
Love it. Over the years I have seen some great collections and everyone collected differently and has pieces special to them. That is what makes our hobby great. Hopefully this channel reaches some of the new generation of collectors. Appreciate your love of these awesome trains and the support. Enjoy. Brian
Very nice display. The design packs a lot into a small space. The super o track is very realistic even for today’s high railers.
Agree, you get a lot of action in just 8x8!. Love the Super "O", my favorite for sure! Thanks. Brian
As a kid in the 1950’s this would have been the greatest gift!!!!!!!!!
Love Super ‘O’.
No Doubt, image waking up on Christmas morning to that!!! Wow. Yes, I too love the Super "O". Thanks, Brian
Now this was a layout for selling trains. Three different trains running at once plus one of those levels changing elevation and two tracks entering tunnels.. Add in your stub end tracks for small motorized units. And plenty of accessories all around the layout. Great showcase for how superb Super O track looks as well. Lots and lots of action to catch the attention of people.
No doubt, you got tons of action with this display and awesome accessories as well. Would have helped sell tons of track, trains and accessories! One of the best dealer displays out there! Thanks. Brian
Unrealistic but oddly satisfying. I can see myself many years in the past or a few in the future playing with this.
That is the allure of the original dealer layouts. Simple, yet with lots of action. Highlighting a ton of accessories in a small space and making it easy for dealers to run trains in their stores!. Wow. Thanks, Brian
Wow! $4000 dollars in todays money. This 1959 display is fabulous. Thank you for sharing this Sir. Have a blessed day.
Thanks, yes! Lots of money even back then! Such a cool display! Brian
You are right that poor dog is running a hundred miles an hour around the fire hydrant! Too funny along with the confused man buying a paper!!😅
Good point, I think that dog has got to be dizzy by now. The guy has issues as well. Still a great accessory. B
Wow! I didn’t know they had that type of track in ‘59-I thought up until recently they only made tubular track. Thanks for posting this!!
Yes, Super "O" was introduced in 1957 and was available until mid-60's. Love the detail and look compared to typical "O" gauge track. Great layout. Thanks for the comment!. and check out some of the other episodes. Brian.
@@BriansTrainRoom I will keep an eye out for more episodes. . . . . . .Jim
Even With The Lights Off It’s Awsome.
Love that shot, turned out great. B
I was 6 when that layout was conceived. Possibly a year earlier I received my first train set. A Marx 0 gauge, one engine, tender, boxcar, gondola and red caboose. I was able to find these on eBay so I have them once again. Great video. I loved every minute of it.
Thanks, I am glad you liked it. It's been fun filming and sharing these with everyone. Hope it brings back some great train memories or inspires a few to build a layout again. Brian
That was amazing Brian! By doing what you’re doing you are guaranteeing that these layouts will survive at least in video form on RUclips for the rest of the world to see and enjoy. Thank you for sharing and posting your amazing videos! Please thank everyone who helps make your videos possible. 🤩👍 Frank
It's my pleasure, getting to run the play with this layout was awesome and I love sharing them with you guys. Getting a little better at editing as well! Brian.
Great job thanks to the contribution to this wonderful Hobby Thanks😂 for activating my tinnitus! ❤🎉😅😊
My pleasure, having fun with this project as well. Love the trains, especially the oddball stuff! Glad you like what I am doing and thank you for the support!. Thanks. Brian
That Would Have Blown Many Minds Back In the Day And Today Even Today.
Running this layout was like being a kid back in 1954 and having the dealer let me take the controls. So much fun!. Thanks Brian
Awesome video of a spectacular dealer display layout! Thanx for uploading!!
Thanks for the comment, really have fun with all these videos and highlighting interesting Postwar Lionel. Glad you liked it!. Brian.
I was born in 1958 and this would have made a great Christmas present but 350.00 was not something my mom had....Great layout, looks exciting!
Really is, amazing how a nearly 70 year old layout is still operating like the day it was made. Brian
Awesome! The Super-O looks super cool!
Agree, Love the Super O track and really makes this layout POP! Thank you!. Brian
I love Lionel Post War Trains when i retired we purchased a house with a large garage the upstairs of the garage is huge i built a large layout in the top of my garage i play with the trains every day i don't care for the newer Lionel Trains Thank You for posting this video Brian may you always be healthy My dad RIP always said to me you don't need money if you are healthy you are wealthy i will be looking for your videos
Thanks for the comment and appreciate the sentiment. I do have a passion for postwar Lionel Trains and love the way they look and run. I admire the fact that you built and enjoyed the layout you have. My goal is to share my passion and inform fellow collectors of some of the oddball and rare trains Lionel made as well. I wish for good health and a clear mind for all my friends and fellow train enthusiasts as well. Thank you. Brian
Great video! I do not know if anything that could have kept Lionel in business. America grew up. The jet age came in.The streamliners retired. HO took up less space,loaded with detail, cheaper. In 1959, I went in high school. Thank God my father packed up my post war collection , in orig. boxes.Did not see it till 2010. Building my new and improved layout with the help of Menards and E-bay.Thank you for the inspiration!
You are so right, the pressures even back in 1959 on "O" gauge Lionel was high and times were changing. There has been a nice resurgence of model train operation and the postwar trains have a great feel still. Love that you have your old trains, glad to see you running them and enjoying the experience. Appreciate the comment. More to come, please feel free to subscribe and follow me. Thanks, Brian.
This layout is what we as children in that era saw in our minds while looking at those iconic Lionel catalog images. No matter what, these were toys and they are now very interesting toys from an American era that no longer exists. The sounds, the smell and the movements are all hypnotic and magical.
I agree, these original layouts are magical and I would have loved to see it in person back in the day. Glad you enjoyed it. Goal of this channel is to share interesting postwar Lionel trains. Thanks. Brian.
Now that's a real collection item !
Yeah, these are so cool to run and operate with lots of action!. Love the feel and sounds of Vintage Lionel. Thanks, Brian.
This is the most in depth review of any dealer display layout I’ve seen! I would love to recreate one of these in the future or any of them that have the 175 rocket platform since I have one. Great work,
Brian!
Good news it that the 175 was used on a few other dealer displays, so you have options. This is a great layout with lots of action. It would be a good one to recreate for sure. See the instruction sheet for the layout design to help. Glad you liked it. Brian.
Very cool. Thanks for documenting this display.
My pleasure, great display with lots of action. Fun to run and film. Thanks. Brian
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this layout! Great job on preserving the layout and the video! Pure fun. Pure nostalgia.
My pleasure, love filming and getting to run Lionel trains on such a cool layout. More to come in the future, feel free to Like and Subscribe. Thanks for the comment. Brian.
@@BriansTrainRoom
Subscribed and liked. Since I just discovered your channel I will be catching up on all your videos.
Thanks, hope you like what I am doing with this channel. B@@RailpaxScott
Thank You for the run and sharing!
My pleasure, love the original layouts, such great action!. Thanks. Brian.
Sears in Natchez, Mississippi had one. I was seven and it was amazing to this young boy. Of course, the nice Sears salesman gave me that Lionel catalog that I have to this day. That layout was larger than life itself. I wonder how many Sears stores also had that layout. It is my understanding that many Sears stores sold the items attached to the layout after Christmas.
Wow, would have loved seeing one of these live back in 1959! Yes, most stores would have sold the whole display or parted it out at the end of the season. That is why the survival rate of all dealer displays is low!. Thanks, Brian.
Oh my god!!! That is impressive!!!!
Yeah, Love this layout! So much action. Seeing original equipment on original layouts is special and have had so much fun doing these videos. Appreciate the comment. Check out the D165 from 1956 as well. Thanks. Brian.
Very entertaining and fun to watch. Thanks for posting this.
My pleasure, fun to film as well. Love the original dealer layouts running period correct trains. Glad you liked. Thanks. Brian.
I wonder how many of these displays lionel built. This one is complete and it is in good working order. Thanks for sharing this .
Great Question, based on 1958 production records they would have produced around 50 (guessing) of these layout. Maybe as many as 70 depending on orders. Not many! This one is fantastic. Thank you. Brian.
@@BriansTrainRoom. Not so sure Lionel maintained records for the National Department Store orders as those were commercial accounts. Sears had them in their Stores. Western Auto the same. Others as well. There were far more than 70 Sears stores in the 50s. Just an observation is all.
True, I am basing the number on some of the production records from the Year before and the number for the 1958 8x8 was 40 ordered. @@solutions2exist556
One of these just recently sold at stouts auction in 2023. They had a few other dealer displays and operating accessories that sold individually.
The ones that sold recently were around the same year, but were the 5x9 layouts. This one is an 8x8. Those are super cool as well. Thanks. Brian@@hmsjr0154
THANK YOU!!!!
My objective for 2024 is to set up my trains in a more permanent layout. I have two 4x8 pieces of plywood. Thank you for providing the template from this D-265 layout! I will certainly use that as the genesis for where I go! This is awesome!!!
Thanks, the D-265 is a great one for that amount of table space you have. It has tons of action and a mountain! Good luck and enjoy running those trains. Brian.
I love Lionel postwar trains and layouts. Great editing. Please turn the power down on the Lionel News Stand before the little dog explodes. Subbed.
Thank you. Still learning on the editing side. Have sone great stuff in the works. Appreciate the comments and support. Brian
What an outstanding video! For you to own an original piece of Lionel history is truly amazing! It’s both iconic and historical. You’ve got me as a new subscriber! This was excellent! Tom
My Pleasure, it is so much fun filming these pieces and sharing the with fellow train buffs and collectors. Got some great stuff coming and some awesome collections I am getting to film this year. Thanks for the note and support. Brian.
This is so unbelievably cool. They really don't make em like they used to
Great layout that is nearly 70 years old. Yes, they don't make them like this anymore. B
As a kid (up into my pre-teens) I had an old 0-27 Lionel set that included a figure-8, a trestle loop and a larger squared loop all fitting onto a 4x8 sheet of plywood. My only complaints at the time were that you couldn't reverse the train (unless you were VERY lucky with the push-terminal on the power suppy) and you had to consistently run the train too fast... it simply wouldn't run slowly. This video reminded me of that.
Yeah, I had all three running at same time an kept adjusting the speed, sometimes too slow and sometimes too fast!. B
Cool Display Layout! I like the Screen by the Layout too!
Thanks, yes the display is a great one!. At the screen is the fabric from the early 60's with Images of Lionel Trains on them. Sometimes you can find some at a large train show. Neat stuff. Enjoy!. Brian
Fantastic layout... just perfect!!!
You are so right, it is fantastic. Tons of action and accessories. Love the super O track as well. Appreciate the comment!. Brian
Fantastic
Thank you. Loads of fun to film and a fantastic display. Super "O" track is my favorite as well! Brian
Awesome layout, every kids dream! 😎👍
Thanks, love the Super O track and has tons of action. More great Postwar Lionel train coming in future episodes. Appreciate the comment. Brian.
Seeing this as a kid my head would have exploded!
Yeah, I would have loved to see this live in 1959 at my local Lionel dealer. Wow!. Thanks. Brian
I just came across this video ... Subscribed!!! 👍
Awesome and thanks. Having fun with this channel, all about POSTWAR LIONEL trains covering anything I can show that is Rare, unusual or oddball. The dealer layouts are my favorite because of the action for sure!. Enjoy. Brian
@@BriansTrainRoom I am HO point to point .... But any scale train goes for me!!! 😁
Love the Super O track!
Agree, it looks and sounds great!. This was a fun Layout to film and play with. Thanks. Brian.
When I was a kid I'd hook up my 765 Berkshire with a 2333 Santa Fe F3 diesel, set the E switches for forward motion, and they'd pull anything. Great fun. I still have that stuff, by the way.
Love it, I am sure it would pull a ton of cars!. Glad you still enjoying those trains. Thanks, Brian
Strange how the silliest things, like trains chasing heir tails, meant so much back then.
Not wrong, something is special about it. Especially on a vintage 50's layout. Thanks, Brian
Very cool
I agree, this is a just a fantastic layout and nearly 70 years old! Brian
Nice job with layout. Like the night time scene
Thank you. Really working on getting these videos right, that layout was a fun one and so cool. Brian
Great work Brian.
Thank you. Having fun with these videos and it was a super cool display to film. Working on some great episodes now and hope to get them out soon. Appreciate the comment. Brian
That was Fun. Props.
Thanks, great layout will lots of action. Fun to film and run! Brian
Beautiful layout and video. (I still think Super-O was their best track.)
Totally agree, the super O track just makes these dealer layouts POP. So much fun to film and share with everyone. Glad you enjoyed it, check out some of the other episodes and shorts on the channel, cool stuff!. Thanks. Brian
Nice video, keep 'em coming.
Will do. Having fun sharing my love of Postwar Lionel trains. Thanks for the comment and support. Brian.
The dog is spinning around that hydrant so fast, that its red blood cells and plasma would be separating. 😊Always appreciate postwar!
That is one overcaffeinated dog for sure! The 128 is a great accessory!
O think a speed control or voltage regulator would be usefull 😀
Amazing! It's a shame Lionel's marketing folks were a bit out of touch with reality. I mean two steam engines proximal to a rocket launcher?! Nevertheless, what a beauty. Congratulations and Happy New Year Brian!
Yeah, they had some great Updated Diesels and awesome space and military out in 1959. Thanks.Brian
The dog on the fireplug.. O-guage!
Yep, got to love that accessory!. Goes with any gauge, O and S. Large dog! B
Wow!
I agree, such a cool display with tons of action. Love the Super "O" track as well!. Brian
Now you’re talking my language. Have liked super ‘o’ since childhood. It is nicely integrated here. It has a certain timbre as the steel wheels go over the rails dampened by brown polypropylene 😊. It needs some slight super elevation to keep everything on track at speed on those 036 curves.
I also love Super "O" track, love the look at sound as well. Had so much fun filming and running this layout. Glad you liked it. Thanks. Brian.
I always thought Super O Track was one of the best things Lionel ever did! I just wish they would have made it in wider radii. In 1959 I was getting into more O scale equipment. I lived however, kept the trains and eventually 072 and Fast Track came along!
For sure, my layout at the house is Super O and I love it. But, wish they had larger radius as well. There are a few people out there that will "Bend" super O and modify it enough to make it, but I have not used it. Brian
I would like a demo of how they rebend it!
@@trainman5603 So would I, I will try and track down who does it and see what I can come up with. B
I loved it!!!
Great, really enjoyed filming and running this layout. Check out some of the other videos. Have another dealer display, the D 165 from 1956 as well. Appreciate the comment and the support. Thanks. Brian.
Magnificent!
Thanks, Love the original layouts and Postwar Lionel trains on them. Brian
The most definitive review of the D-265 to date. Well done. Love the original Lionel curtain fabric as well. Amazing they got that big display into that dormer. At one point, someone was blowing on a toy whistle from their box of Fruit Loops. You, Brian? 😃
Thanks, work really hard to capture the feel of the layouts. Love the Super O track as well. Fabric is period correct! Trying some new shot angles and techniques as well. Still learning how to edit! Yes, the whistle is added, not by me. Don't love that part, but just didn't have any good sound for that part!. Thanks. Brian.
The middle track looks smaller than in later years but I love the way it looks or in the case of this layout doesn't look because you can't really see it it's
Your eyes are not deceiving you, the center rail is smaller and thinner. This Layout is built with Super O track. The track was the top of the line track made by Lionel starting in 1957 and replaced Standard "O" gauge track for a few years. The realistic track ties and the thinner center rail added realism to the model trains. Have a Super O track episode in the works. Thanks for the comment. Brian
Reminds me of the store scene from Christmas Story…put Few other toys and a Red Ryder display nearby and you’ve got it …
Yeah, the running trains in that movie are really cool, I think it did show a prewar set. I believe there is an article in Classic toy trains about the movie and the trains used????. Thanks. Brian
Great vidio, like the look of that layout, track looks alot like gar graves track or is that something lionel made back when.Thanks for the morning coffee...
Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed it. The track is original Super "O" track. It was introduced by Lionel in 1957 and was available until the mid-60's. It had great detail and looks great. It had its issues, the switches were finicky and only came in 36 inch diameter curves. My personal layout is a Super O layout. Brian.
The hobo union approves of this video.....❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊
Thanks, loads of fun to film and share! Thanks Brian
Cool!
Great display, glad you liked it! Brian
Super 'O' track was a precursor of today's FasTrak.
Yeah, the detail and the build in track ties for sure. Best available in 1959!. Thanks, Brian
Only in radius , but fast track does offer many radius curves
The construction of fast track is cheap compared to super O..
The road bed is good for carpet layouts though..
Super O wide radius would be good for layout building..
But wonder if the cost would be so high . Atlas would still be cheaper?
And Atlas is outrageous higher priced than both gargraves and fast track..
i remember the sears catalog or pennies catalog had full sets already built ready for you to buy
Yes, the big department stores had special sets ready to run from both Lionel and American flyer. There are some great Sears only sets that I may highlight in the future. Love the old trains, glad you enjoyed it!. Brian
bent figure 8 typically with the 8's top oval smaller than it's bottom and 2 small loops inside the larger bottom oval.
Amazing how much action they could fit on such a small space on these layouts. Just awesome. Thanks, Brian
This layout was a grand prize. For a contest for Coco Puffs cereal. In I think 1960 or 1959 I think, you might want to look into that!!!
You are so right and I missed that. Still learning. Found a photo of the back of the cereal box and it sure is the D265. Thank you. Brian
A spectacular layout!
Many interesting camera angles , too. Definitely very well filmed. Thank you, Brian.
Do you have any information about those backdrop curtains with the train illustrations? They look great!
HI John, Thank, always trying to show these awesome displays in as much detail as possible and working on getting better and better shots. The fabric was produced back in Late 50's to early 60's. I don't think it was officially licensed by Lionel but does depict Lionel trains from 1958. The fabric shows up on E-bay and shows. It makes a great backdrop for filming around layouts to help keep focus on the trains. Thanks. Brian.
@@BriansTrainRoom My mom made bedroom curtains from that material. Still have it somewhere - a bit faded. Why isn't the radar antenna rotating.? Also can't see the 140 banjo signal working. Otherwise a great video!
Yes, still working on my filming of these dealer layouts, didn't show the 175 in action as well. Thanks for the feedback and will get more accessories working for my next one. And the fabric is so cool!. Brian@@burlingtonbill1
Wooha!,that's a very heavy Locomotive right there! on a steep sharp curve please use extreme caution!,9:07
Yeah, how many trains have fallen off the table on a sharp curve at the end of a steep decline! Got to tell you though, these do hug the rails! Fun to fun this one! Thanks, Brian.
Need to give it a good cleaning a lot of noise from the pair of F series and it can be slowed down to a more realistic speed I have some post war and 50s stuff with a bit of TLC they will run forever
Yeah, noticed that during filming. Working on filming techniques and getting that speed just right. Don't have to highball it all the time!!!. Great layout with lots of action. More great Lionel trains coming to this channel, feel free to like and Subscribe. Thanks. Brian.
that's FULLY reconditioned RIGHT.. I like how the 3rd rail is colored to blend into the ties.. why don't they still do that
So, the layout was cleaned and some of the tracks replaced with NOS super O track. But is original. The super O track has a thin copper rail that blends into the ties. Great look and was introduced in 1957 until about 1962. Wish they kept with it, looks so much better than regular O. Thanks, Brian
@@BriansTrainRoom yes...
This Would Rival Tyco’s Best Layout.
Yes, these are impressive layouts and helped sell trains for sure!. B
I wonder if you could find enough super O track now to build that display, not to mention the rocket launcher.
For sure you could. Super was very popular and Lionel produced a lot of it. Buy the best you can find and go for it!. Love to see it. The 175's are out there. That is what so great about postwar trains, they are out there and easy to work on if needed. Enjoy. Brian,.
I think you can slow that trolly down some! It's hitting the bumpers kinda hard! 😮
Very true, should have slowed it down. Sometimes the trolleys are either on or off as far as speed. You also need to have a little speed up to make it reverse properly. Thanks. B
What do you have connected to those signals to keep them from bobbing up and down as the cars pass? No way is that just an insulated section.
I do believe it is just an insulated section, but more than 2 sections of track. That is the key to keeping a consistent connection. Thanks. Brian
Yeah I guess if it was longer than one section that would help. But usually what happens at the end of the train it will bob up and down when one car is left of the insulated section. I did not see yours doing that which made me think you have electronics on it.
Hey Brian, when did the long Virginian engine come out?
Great Engine. The Virginia FM first was available in 1955 in Black and Yellow color scheme. It changes to a Blue and Yellow scheme shortly after. Both number 2331. Then the number was updated to 2322 when re-released in the 60's. B
I was gonna say $350 in 1959 was quite a sum of money
No doubt, these ware not cheap, but if the dealer sold more trains, it would have generated more profit. Also, at the end of the season, they could sell off the layout or components to recoup their investment. That's what makes finding an original display so tough. Check out some of My other episodes on Postwar Lionel trains. Thank you, Brian
It's just what it is, a layout to sell Lionel trains in the window of your favorite toy store. Then charge one month's salary of a working man for it.
Yes, it did help the dealer sell more trains and then was able to sell off the layout to pay for it. Time is money, so buying that layout would have helped someone have a layout who could not have built one themselves. Smart marketing for sure. Trains were expensive, but well-build and will last a lifetime if properly stored and used.
What brand track was that? I thought Lionel only had tubular track in the 50s.
Super O track was used. Was the best track available and was very realistic. Made between 1957 and 1962
Agree fast track is good for children set up.
But has real conductivity issues
Always had to wire thru the switches to avoid power drops..
But if running at 18 volts, not at noticeable.
A re issue of super O in wide radius might not sell much ..but is beautiful..
And some might use it.
Agree, fast track has it's faults. I don't think Super O would sell well, just to a few collectors and operators! B
Dad graduated high school in 1959.
Great year for trains!. Thanks. Brian
Rocket launcher? I guess why not. ;)
Yes, it did have a 175 Rocket launcher. Will show one in action on my next dealer display episode that has one. Thanks. Brian
Is there a Bill of Materials for this layout? I'd love to get it.
Working on it. Shoot me an E-mail at Brianstrainroom@gmail.com. B
Ah yes, the mysterious hand on the go lever, just like cousin IT, on the Addams family!
Yes, with great power comes great responsibility. Good catch. No fireballs for explosions this episode. Thanks for watching. Brian.
Why didn’t you use the original tubular track?
This is an original dealer produced layout from 1959. It was designed to show off the top of the line track available then..... Super O track. Thanks,Brian
all it needs is some green landscaping and trees.
Yeah, dealer displays are known for being a little sparse on scenery. You do get a mountain with this one at least. Thank for the comment, check out the other episodes for more Postwar Lionel trains. Brian
I Would Lime To Know How Many Of those were Sold.
Good question, there are no direct records, but I am estimating that they made around 50 of these larger layouts for dealers. They were not sold directly to consumers typically. Brian
The track isn't tubular - was it replaced?
No, the track in original to the Layout. It was from 1959 and Lionel was producing Super "O" track. A more realistic version of the "O" gauge tubular track from before. LOOKS GREAT! Thanks. Brian
What kind of track is that, Lionel?
It was made my Lionel. It is called Super O track and it was available starting in 1957 and was produced until about the mid-60's. It has nice details and the trains look great on them. It was top of the line back then. Thanks. Brian
lucky i caught that!,9:07
How do you get off the tram.
The trolley just bumps back and forth! I suppose you just jump! :}
01/04/25: For that kind of money back then, I suspect that what they offered if installed would tend to lose the interest of the kids after a short time. Perhaps if the three tracks were connected, the layout would offer more of a challange.
True, there are some dealer layouts that have switches and more complicated track patterns. But, the goal was to highlight accessories and simple operation for the dealer. Cool that it's almost 70 years old and still in operation. Thanks Brian
Who owns this layout?
Hi, the great thing about this channel is that I have had the opportunity to visit and film some awesome Postwar Lionel trains and share them with everyone (Great stuff on the way!). Because of that I do have to maintain some level of privacy with them as well. Some collectors or very open about their collections and others are much more private. I will disclose names on occasion when I have permission. Thank you for the question. Brian.
Anybody else notice on a ZW when the throttle is open and the Lionel logo is upside down, it looks like a 7? When I was a kid, I thought it WAS a 7😊
All about perspective, if you were lucky enough to have a ZW as a kid, 7 was a lucky number for sure!. Love it. Thanks. Brian
your correct it's NOT A L... ditto Lexus.... it's a chevron...
Maybe Lionel's best "display layout" ever. Whenever I see Super-O track, I think of the D-265, the 1957 Catalog layout (on its back cover) and the last amazing Lionel Showroom Layout with its multitude of long, elevated Super-O track runs. Oh, and this: ruclips.net/video/1FSCmzjVxNo/видео.html
Yes, I love these Super O displays and the action is awesome. So cool to see trains running in movies and TV episodes, always neat!. Thanks. Brian.
Why is there only a 5 car train on the elevated track when it was supposed to show the power of the engines!? 🤔 Shouldn't it be a 10 or more car train transversing the rails?
Depends on the train and the goals of the dealer. If it was to show the Magnetraction, then yes a longer train would be needed. If it's just to show off the trains, then it doesn't matter. It's such a great layout with lots of action. Would have loved to see it in action back in the day to see what the dealers did as well!. Brian
The track with the General would have worked out better if it went the other way. Crossing gate sensor.
Yeah, always trying to get different shots and running the trains a number of ways. I'll keep working on it for sure. Thanks for the note. Brian.
If going the other way, the General would not be able to push the consist into the sidings….. also, the instruction manual shows that the train should run left to right. Great video!!! 👍🏼
@@NICKONICKOLOKAKOS Then the crossing gate sensor needs moved... Was my point...
@@rennethjarrett4580 not on an original dealer layout….. stay well
Super O is a far more quality track than the cheap rails of fast track
Better electrical connection..much quieter running.
Can be rebent to 072 curves.. but not easy
Lionel today should make a run of 072 and reg curves.and reg straight and 27 in straight sections..
Bet it would sell....
One could use Atlas switches. Or Ross, gargraves.
Yeah, I love Super O track and do wish they had made a wider radius during the postwar years. I have seen people re-bend the curves, love that. I get why they went to fast track, it is better for small hands and was certainly cheaper than re-issuing super O. Great layout as well. Thanks. Brian
far out
Well said, love the vintage Dealer layouts, they packed a lot of action!. Thanks, Brian
Interesting but so noisy 😕
Yep, Running all the trains at one time is noisy, but so visually satisfying! Thank you. Brian