• Lionel Operating Train Society

    “There is great pleasure in operating Lionel® and Lionel® compatible toy trains and accessories!”

    LEARN ABOUT US
  • BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

    Experience the many benefits of a LOTS membership!

    VIEW MEMBER BENEFITS
  • ANNUAL CONVENTION

    Akron, Ohio
    July 6-12, 2025

    GET CONVENTION INFO

Welcome to the
Lionel Operating Train Society (LOTS)

The members of LOTS are united by their love of operating and collecting Lionel toy trains.

Members have a variety of interests within the hobby. Among the various interests, most are involved with scenery, electronics, operations, lighting, accessories and repairing motors.

The most important and common denominator for all is having fun!

Join LOTS Today!

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Exciting Conventions!

  • “We plan great conventions, so you can plan on having a GREAT TIME!”
sherwin williams tank car

Limited Edition Lionel Collector Cars

  • Unique & creative cars in a variety of styles!

The SWITCHER Magazine

  • Six issues per year, no paid advertising!

Club Owned “Kid Friendly” Modular Layout

  • Visit us at a train show near you

Track Changes

  • Buy, Sell or Trade your trains with other club members.

Informative Website with a Members Only Section

  • The LOTS website is the online hub where you can renew your membership, login to view past Switcher articles, view Track Changes and more!

Membership Roster

  • List of all dues current members of LOTS.

Lionel LLC Catalogs

  • LOTS Members receive Lionel Catalogs by mail, direct from Lionel.

Annual Convention Information

LOTS 47th Annual Convention, Buffalo-Niagara”All Scales” Model Train Show

Amherst, New York – July 5-11, 2026

Hotel Information –

Buffalo Marriott Niagara, 1340 Millersport Hwy, Amherst, NY 14221

$159.00 + tax/per night.

You must register by June 8, 2026 to receive the discounted rate.

Registration and Group Tour Information –

All Group Tours depart and return to the Buffalo Marriott Niagara, 1340 Millersport Hwy, Amherst, NY 14221

Link to view the 2026 Group Tours and Schedule – Will be posted as soon as it’s available.

Link to register online – Coming Soon!

Buffalo-Niagara “All Scales” Model Train Show

Buffalo Marriott Niagara, 1340 Millersport Hwy, Amherst, NY 14221

July 11, 2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

$8.00 per person. Under 12 is FREE! Free Parking!

Train Show Features:

Train Layouts & Displays –

Buying & Selling Trains & Related Items

Train Drag Races – 11:00 am – Loaner engines available. Visit the drag race area to register for the race. Prizes are awarded to the top two winners in 4 age brackets.

Vendors wanting to sell trains or train-related items – Registration begins in January. Limited number of tables are available.

Modular layout individuals or groups:

If you are an individual or group with a modular layout and would like to be an Exhibitor at the Rubber City Model Train Show – please Please call Javen: 316-two-5-three-5918 or email or email him – lotstrainshow (at) gmail.com for more information and to receive a form to submit with the details of your modular layout or exhibit.  All gauges and scaales will be considered.

Limited Edition Lionel Collector Cars

The following LOTS cars are available for purchase now! Some will ship 3-7 business days after your order is processed others are available on a “pre-order” basis.

Click the picture of the car you want to purchase for more details and ordering instructions.

Lionel/LOTS Soap Box Derby Boxcar
sherwin williams tank car
LOTS - MTH Cylindrical Hopper Car
Lionel-LOTS CPKC Sunflower Oil Tank Car

LOTS LATEST NEWS

LOTS Articles, Tips, and Reviews

Lionel/LOTS Soap Box Derby Boxcar
sherwin williams tank car
LOTS - MTH Cylindrical Hopper Car
Lionel-LOTS CPKC Sunflower Oil Tank Car