I find Pre and Post War print toy train ads interesting:
*They reflect the evolution of product lines through the years.
*Some depict prototype photos.
*I've learned about product produced by companies I never heard of.
*Christmas advertisements abound - many suggesting ways to hint to Mom & Dad about the gift that you would like.
*Sometimes there are a monthly series of ads from the same manufacturer.
*HISTORY! Ads advising about wartime production stoppages, anticipation about what to expect after the war is over, and announcements that production is back.
*Comparisons with competitor's products.
*Train store ads that reveal prices that I wish could be repeated today.
The lead photo is an IVES Trains ad from 1923 - Is this what gave Lionel the idea of a father sharing the hobby with his son?
A Lionel ad from 1923:
An American Flyer add from 1924:
A series of 1932 Lionel ads:
A couple 1936 Lionel ads:
A couple 1937 Lionel ads:
Ever hear of Megow Equipment? An ad from 1940:
An interesting Strombecker Christmas ad from 1940:
A couple 1940 Lionel ads:
A 1941 Lionel ad:
A 1944 tease from Varney:
A 1945 Mantua teaser ad:
1945 Lionel teaser ads:
A 1946 teaser from Lionel:
A 1952 Athearn ad:
A 1946 Merry Christmas ad from Hobby-Land:
A 1948 Welcome Back Lionel ad from 1948:
Can't forget about Colber - an ad from 1952:
Several ads from the 1950's:
While somewhat off topic, I'm including the following Lionel/Fundimensions/MPC ads - they were found in old Popular Mechanics magazines:
1977
1978
1984
I hope that you enjoyed this trip down memory lane!