Winfield, IL – June 10, 2025 – Just in time for Father’s Day, Project Roar Publishing announces the release of Lights, Camera, Lionel Trains! A Photo History of an American Icon, a visually rich coffee-table book celebrating the enduring legacy of Lionel electric trains. Written by award-winning author and model train historian Roger Carp, the 224-page hardcover volume offers a captivating journey through more than a century of American toy train history.
Carp, a seasoned editor and historian with decades of experience chronicling model railroading, brings together 100 photo essays that explore the cultural significance of Lionel trains. From their prominent placement under Christmas trees to their appearances in department store window displays, Lionel trains became deeply rooted in the Americana, as symbols of innovation, joy, and shared family tradition.
“Lionel trains were about more than movement on a track,” says Carp. “They were about memories, moments shared on living room floors, the sparkle of a holiday morning, the joy of building something magical together. They were, and still are, an essential part of our cultural DNA.”
The book showcases more than 220 full-color and black-and-white archival photographs, many of them rare or previously unpublished, from private collections and archives. The collection spans generations, capturing everything from the golden age of postwar toy manufacturing to the hobby’s Hollywood connections.
Lights, Camera, Lionel Trains! dives into the appearances of Lionel sets in popular culture, including scenes in The Godfather, A Christmas Story, I Love Lucy, and Leave It to Beaver. The book also features rarely seen photos of celebrities such as James Cagney, Joe DiMaggio, and Lucille Ball enjoying their Lionel sets, alongside nostalgic images of everyday families captivated by the magic of miniature railroads.
Through detailed photo essays and accompanying commentary, readers get to revisit the height of Lionel trains’ influence during America’s post-war boom, revealing how these model trains became emblems of childhood wonder and adult craftsmanship.
Designed for both collectors and newcomers to the hobby, the book is available in two editions: a standard edition and a limited edition autographed by Roger Carp and the publisher.
Perfect for Father’s Day, Lights, Camera, Lionel Trains! offers a nostalgic journey through American history that’s sure to resonate with dads, grandfathers, and collectors alike.
The book is available for purchase through Amazon and the publisher’s website https://projectroar.com/.
About Roger Carp
Roger Carp is a Lionel trains expert and senior editor at Classic Toy Trains magazine. He has written over 20 books on Lionel’s history and legacy and holds a Ph.D. in American history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
About Project Roar Publishing
Founded in 2001, Project Roar Publishing is a publisher dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of American toy trains through authoritative books and archival resources. Known for high-quality publications and historical accuracy, Project Roar serves collectors, hobbyists, and historians with a passion for American railroading heritage.
Socials: @projectroar
Media ContactCompany Name: Project Roar PublishingContact Person: Jared KuritzEmail: Send EmailPhone: (760) 550-9850Country: United StatesWebsite: https://projectroar.com/
