• 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

    Knoxville, Tennessee
    July 9-16, 2023

    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!”

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 plans great Conventions so you can plan on having a great time!

The Mountains are Calling – Next Stop:  Knoxville, TN – July 9 – 16, 2023

It’s time to make your summer vacation plans! This year’s LOTS convention takes us to Knoxville, Tennessee – Home of the Vols! From July 9-16, 2023, you’ll enjoy six days of tours in or near the third largest city in Tennessee. Knoxville is located in the Great Appalachian Valley, known locally as the Tennessee Valley, about halfway between the Great Smoky Mountains to the east, and the Cumberland Plateau to the west, and is within a days drive of more than half the entire membership in LOTS! Bring your friends and family with you! LOTS Members are some of the friendliest conventioneers on the planet, and always have a great time together!  Not a member?? Join today!

Our headquarters hotel is the Hilton – Knoxville Airport (McGhee Tyson – TYS) The hotel is just off US-129, connected to McGhee Tyson Airport via a covered walkway. A free shuttle is available within a five-mile radius. They have a wonderful indoor pool and fitness center. Our group rate is $135.00. Parking and WiFi are free.  Reservations at the hotel are now open. Please call 865.970.4300 to register. Our group code is LOTS.

CLICK HERE for more details and information.

CLICK HERE to register for tours.

Knoxville Airport Toy Train Auction –

July 14, 2023 – Viewing: 5:30 Bidding: 6:00 pm

CLICK HERE to register for the Toy Train Auction

Toy Train auction

Future Conventions are scheduled for –

Lawrence, Kansas – July 21-28, 2024

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.

LOTS LATEST NEWS

LOTS Articles, Tips, and Reviews