Lionel trains that were manufactured between the years 1901 and 1941 are called Pre-war Lionel trains. The onset of World War II had its effect even in toy making industry and hence, the production of Lionel trains was stopped during this period but the new batch of toy trains was revived after the war came to an end in 1945.
But the world war could not take away the charm of the Lionel trains and they came out with more colors and accessories that were made to perfection. Other prewar toys may be incomplete and primitive but not Lionel trains and this was their specialty.
The prewar trains were in no way inferior to the present models. The tender is made of metal and has a whistle, the engine is made of nickel plates with operating headlights and there are many accessories like lamp posts, stop control station and station platforms.
It is very rare to find prewar Lionel trains as they are very good collectibles. It is believed that prewar Lionel trains depict a lot about the American heritage and history and internet has valuable information about the wonderful world of toy trains.
If an ardent collector of toy trains wants to find prewar Lionel trains, there are members of the train collectors association whom they can have touch with and can find rare models of trains. They can meet together and gather and share information, regarding the rare collection of toy trains and tips on maintain and restoring prewar Lionel trains, without spending too much.