the boy's parents had already bought him an electric train. So in 1950, 5-year-old Dickie Christianson got a "gently used" 1949 set for Christmas. I didn't know the story behind my Lionel set ...

"But since it's Christmas, I'm heavy on the gingerbread this time of year." A Lionel Thomas the Tank Engine train set enters a tunnel at TrainLand. It's one of the many brands Lionel licenses.

But where there's a floor, he says, there's a place to run Lionel trains. JACK MARTINEK: I bring them out Christmas time. Fourth of July, I set up. Halloween, I set up. St. Patrick's Day ...

Recognizing their appeal to children, Lionel began marketing its electric ... to feel the magic of the season, assembling a train set around the Christmas tree became a staple in some households ...

In addition to their regular items, Lionel makes "Christmas sets, Christmas engines, Christmas cars, Christmas accessories," he explained. "You can do just a layout of Christmas items. And it's ...

A Lionel toy train around the Christmas tree continues to be a fixture of holiday tradition in some families. The iconic American company is about to roll into its 125th anniversary. KUOW is ...