LIONEL'S FIRST FACTORY

From New York to New Haven to New Jersey, Lionel's manufacturing migration mirrored its growth and success. It was in its Irvington, New Jersey plant that Lionel began the production of 0 gauge trains and introduced many of its most famous innovations, such as the steam locomotive whistle invented by Charles Giaimo. At a site clever ly selected by Mario Caruso, the plant ultimately grew into 15 acres of fun and innovation before train production stopped around 1942.

Like the ZW, the Hudson steam locomotive, and the Manhattan Showroom layout, the Lrvington plant will forever be an icon of Lionel's proud past. While we now make trains in Chesteffield, Michigan, our 100th birthday celebration wouldn't be complete without a tribute to our New Jersey roots.

Designed by Mike Fulmer, the Lionel Lrvington factory has true-to-life oversized windows that open to decorated "pop-ups", giving the piece depth and detail. Crafted of handsome lithographed tin plate, the factory is even lighted for dramatic realism. Whether you mount it on your layout or just display in your den or office, the Lionel Irvington factory will surely be the source of much notice and admiration.

HELLGATE BRIDGE

In 1928, the Lionel Corporation created one of the best loved accessories in the model railroading hobby. Today, an original version is a collector's dream.

Lionel's Heligate Bridge was a faithful replica of the arched bridge spanning New York's East River built in 1917. Properly known as the East River Arch Bridge, the Hellgate Bridge acquired its nickname because of the dangerous, swirling currents it passes over.

For the first time since the original design was available, Lionel re-introduces the Hellgate Bridge, created with tin plate and brass detail. Both the original and the re-issue of Lionel's Hellgate Bridge are usable on even simple Lionel layouts. Trains can pass through the bridge at ground level without having to approach it on elevated track.

Approaching 100 years of model railroading history and celebrating some of the most coveted items in the line, Lionel unveils the new Hellgate Bridge, enhanced so that you may now allow two 0 gauge trains to pass through the bridge at the same time, or run one down the middle of the bridge!