Fox Lake Historical Society Meeting-- Part 2: Model Trains, Quaker Oats?

American Flyer used "wide gauge."  Then there came an "HO Gauge."

During World War II, the government eliminated model trains and toys as materials were needed for the war effort.  No toys were made.  Lionel made compasses for destroyers, cruisers and battleships.

After the war came "S" Gauge.

Now model trains are high-electronics.  At one point Mr. Howe mention model car "trucks."  The question arose, what are train trucks.  Those are the wheel assembly of the cars.

The Marx Company sold their train-making operations to the Quaker Oats Company.  Marx also made toys, which was why Quaker bought it.

In 1967 Lionel bought American Flyer.

John Menard, of Menard's Home Improvement stores was a huge model train buff and would spent thousands of dollars at a hot on his hobby.

--DaTrainDaTrain