Over one century ago, Joshua Lionel Cowen created his very first electric train: a simple open wooded box on wheels, its sides stained red and printed with Electric Express in gold lettering. The electric toy was intended for the storefront window of Cowen’s hardware store where, loaded with goods, the train would advertise his merchandise. As it turned out, consumers wanted the train even more than its contents, and Joshua Lionel Cowen unveiled a new business that changed the toy industry forever. Today, Lionel continues to manufacture high quality products making it the country’s leading manufacturer of O-gauge model trains and one of the most recognized brand names of all time. In fact, now more than ever, the Lionel dream lives on as the company continues to rekindle old traditions while inventing future technologies for children to enjoy for years to come.