he accessories that were made during the post-war years are among the most prized possessions of collectors today. Competition was fierce during these years and nowhere did the true genius of Lionel’s design staff shine more than in this area.

The three rail system that Lionel used gave them an advantage in development of these accessories. They could with minimal electrical wiring, among other choices, cause crossing lights to flash, block signals to change color when occupied by a train, and allow these trains stop automatically in front of stations.

Initially, many of the pre-war accessories were adapted to work with in the post-war era by changing the couplers on the cars. These early accessories were of all metal construction and they dumped logs and coal into line side bins. Later accessories would have busy workers loading and unloading miniature cargoes of all types, from logs to barrels and coal, to ice cubes and many others.

Lionel would create many specialized cars to work with these accessories and these are listed in the Operating Cars section. By the late 1950’s these cars entered the "Space Age" and the accessories that accompanied these cars shot missiles and rockets into targets of choice. The cars that worked with these accessories are listed in the Military & Space Cars section.

The accessories are listed in numerical order by Lionel’s production number which is shown on the accessory.

Readers who need more information are respectfully urged to seek outside sources.