Similar to those in pre-war catalogs, Lionel produced a range of outfits in 1946 among which there were 23 sets. Since there was a broad spectrum, the prices were also varied from twenty five dollars to eighty five dollars.
The year 1946 saw many new designs, including the o gauge which was produced by installing a 2-8-4 mechanism in a boiler, based on the prewar 226 E . To the lower end of the line was a streamlined 2-6-4 with the catalog number of 221. New freight cars were also introduced.
Die cast frames were used in the new model of Lionel trains. They also rode on a pair of six wheel trucks. Next came the merchandise cars which included plastic bodies mounted on steel frames. Initially, many cars that were reworked from pre-war designs were produced, but as years passed by, increasing number of new products were produced in more expensive outfits.
In 1945, smoke was introduced in the Lionel model trains and another spectacular feature was the electronic control. These outfit boxes were simple, corrugated cartons with pasted on labels for easy identification.
The highlight of Lionel model trains is their constant up gradation in quality and innovative ideas in various models which make them the clear choice for people all around the world. Every child in each household from the turn of the last century had a toy train and as a result, old model Lionel trains are now widely available in antique stores.