Watch The Golden Age of Toy Trains

The Golden Age of Toy Trains is a nostalgic journey back in time through the world of toy trains. Starring two passionate collectors and historians, Clarke Dunham and Lou Palumbo, the show explores the era from the 1920s to the 1960s when toy trains were at the height of their popularity.

Through interviews with fellow collectors, rare footage, and visits to impressive train layouts, Dunham and Palumbo share their enthusiasm and knowledge about the toy trains that captured the imagination of generations of children and adults alike.

The show begins by examining the evolution of toy trains from simple wooden models to the complex, electric trains beloved by collectors today. Dunham and Palumbo explore the different types of toy trains, from clockwork and wind-up models to the more advanced electric trains that featured smoke, sound, and lights.

The duo also looks at the many different makers of toy trains throughout the golden age, including Lionel, American Flyer, and Marx. They discuss how each company had its own style and signature elements that set them apart from one another, and how collectors today can identify different trains by their unique features.

One of the highlights of The Golden Age of Toy Trains is a visit to the Train Collector's Association National Convention, where Dunham and Palumbo meet up with fellow enthusiasts to share stories, showcase their collections, and admire the vast array of trains on display. These conventions are a testament to the enduring popularity of toy trains, and the passion that collectors have for preserving and showcasing this important piece of American history.

Throughout the show, Dunham and Palumbo offer tips for beginners who are interested in collecting toy trains. They suggest starting small, focusing on a particular era or type of train, and building a network of fellow collectors who can offer advice and support.

The Golden Age of Toy Trains is not just a show about collecting, however. It is a celebration of American nostalgia and the enduring appeal of childhood playtime. For Dunham and Palumbo, toy trains represent a simpler time when kids could use their imaginations to create entire worlds on their living room floors.

Overall, The Golden Age of Toy Trains offers a fascinating look at a bygone era, and the beloved toys that captured the hearts of millions of Americans. Through the enthusiasm and expertise of Clarke Dunham and Lou Palumbo, viewers can experience the joy of toy trains all over again.

The Golden Age of Toy Trains is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between October 11, 2012 and on Janson Media