Introduced in 1929 as the Transcontinental Limited, the standard gauge "State Cars" were arguably the best tinplate passenger cars ever built in the United States. European manufacturers of the same era were the only producers of comparably detailed cars. Selling for as much as one hundred dollars in the heart of the Great Depression, the original State Sets were valued possessions for anyone lucky enough to own one.
Each State Car featured a hinged roof, lighted interior, multiple layered window treatments, rotating seats, lavatories, and even working toilet lids! State Cars measured over 21 inches long, stood 7 inches high, weighed almost 6 pounds each, and were trimmed in brass. Our Lionel Corporation Tinplate State Cars reproduce the full glory of these most magnificent of tinplate passenger cars, at a fraction what it would cost to obtain the originals - if you can find them.
Debuting in 2000, the Solarium Car sports several dining areas and a kitchen--complete with stove and refrigerator. One end of the car features wide, solarium-type windows, offering easy viewing of the unique car interior.
