Lionel Headquarters & Warehouse Tour! 2023 LCCA Convention

We are here at the Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) 2023 Convention in Concord, NC and heading to the Lionel HQ & Warehouse Tour! Four Words: Once in a Lifetime! This tour was absolutely incredible! The staff was so professional and made all the guests feel welcomed! We hope you enjoy this Tour of the Lionel HQ & Warehouse!
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[@dadnyfur]

Back in 72 or was it 73? I worked for Lionel when they were on 23 mile rd, in Mt Clemens Michigan. Midnight shift, injection molding plant. It was in November one night, that my manager Ed, told me that someone had left the warehouse door unlocked, just down the road. He instructed me to go there, enter the unlocked door, lock it, then to raise the overhead door, hit the close button, then run out, leaving the place secured. So, I went there (I grew up with and loved Lionel trains) and went into the warehouse. I had the whole place to myself, no one else around. I looked at all of the tall racks and shelves loaded with train sets to be shipped out, it was amazing, I thought to myself, This is Lionel Heaven! So, I did what was asked of me, locked the door and ran out of the overhead after hitting the close button, securing the place. That experience left me with a wonderful memory.

[@chuckhunter328]

Glad to have you, and that you enjoyed our little slice of heaven.

[@will2926]

Sir it was incredible! I'm glad we had our conversation about being a team and that what you guys have there! What a great team! The entire tour from start to finish was super informative and now I have a great perspective of what happens at Lionel. Happy railroading 🦁🚂!

[@binksterb]

Great tour. Thanks for taking us along.

[@TaybrinaAdventuresGeocaching]

Great video! Thanks for stopping by the building!

[@will2926]

Thank you!! I enjoy your content as well! We are going to have to meet up and go geocaching!! Happy railroading!!

[@MrAdamJoel]

Awesome vid.

[@will2926]

Thank you! Happy Railroading 🚂!

[@jogbutchtrain1]

Will glad that you were able to make the trip and share the tour. " Butch"

[@will2926]

Hey Butch! Thank you I'm so happy you watched the video! Happy railroading 🦁🚂!

[@davidadam6997]

That was a great tour. I would like to take that tour someday. I am an American Flyer person, but I appreciate Lionel. I know Lionel now owns AF, so I wish there would have been some mention of it even if it's only a small part of the company. The only time I heard AF mentioned was in the test track room.

[@will2926]

This was a great tour indeed!!! I think Lionel will continue produce American Flyer products in the future. I'm not sure why over these recent years why there hasn't been a push to S Scale. However, the scale is a very big part of Lionel. Hopefully we will see more in future years!!

[@mikesamericanflyertrains]

Thanks for taking us along on the tour. Very interesting and informative. Great job !

[@will2926]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the tour! I wanted everyone to be able to share this moment! Lionel did a fantastic job and it was very informative!

[@richardbrizzolara2077]

I just subscribed…thx for an excellent tour…no need to go now…you did a great job

[@will2926]

Thank you Richard! The LCCA Convention in Concord was my first one and probably will be the best one! Im so happy you loved the video! Check out some of my other videos on the channel! Happy Railroading 🚂!

[@michaelsheedy]

Brought back memories of Lionel when it was in Chesterfield Twsp., MI. Attended the LCCA when it came to Dearborn. The new digs are impressive.

[@jamesholm3107]

I worked in shipping when Lionel was in Chesterfield Twp. in the late 90's.

[@northpennvalleysteamrailroad]

This is gonna be good!

[@Sams_Trains]

I love that Russian decapod! So cool you got to see it up close before the production release is out

[@jamesf791]

I have to agree. When Dave Olsen said that he said they went to IRM to get the sounds of 1630 just made my knees buckle. If you are from Chicago or Chicagoland area you kinda need to get that one lol.

[@dianepatrick5377]

There is a 2-10-0 decapod in Winder ga. that belonged to the Gainesville midland railroad.

[@jamesf791]

@@dianepatrick5377 you are correct there is one in Winder, GA. But I'm talking about an actual running 2-10-0 decapod that is fully restored. You can only find that at the Illinois Railway Museum

[@hamiltonwalker8760]

Thanks for the tour. Great fun 😊

[@will2926]

Absolutely! This tour was incredible and I wanted everyone to be able to see Lionel! Happy Railroading!!

[@MS3DALE]

The last time I was in that building was probably 15 years ago, it was Action Performance, it was nothing but NASCAR die-cast and collectibles!

[@RichardsCasinoMagicSlots]

What a wonderful video!

[@will2926]

Thank you so much! I hope you enjoyed it! We are planning to go again this year to Omaha!🚂🦁

[@ckelley5614]

Very nice, really enjoyed the tour. Thanks!

[@will2926]

Thank you very much! I'm so glad Lionel allowed filming and was so professional! This was a great opportunity for our hobby and I wanted to share that with everyone!! Happy railroading 🦁🚂!

[@therosejewelrailroad489]

I did a brief tour of the facility in Michigan in about 2005. I picked up a locomotive on the way out at the visitors store. Still have it. But the facility in Michigan doesn’t compare to this facility. Very impressive. Thank you for making and sharing this video.

[@ferrark1]

Thanks for the Tour Great work

[@will2926]

Thank you! BOLO for an extended tour of the Nashville store coming later this week! Happy Railroading!

[@gacj2010]

This is beautiful... thanks man...

[@will2926]

Absolutely!!! I wanted to make sure everyone could see the tour!!! Lionel was very professional and it was awesome they allowed us to take photos and video!! Happy Railroading!!!

[@railchief74]

That display board in the main lobby is actually for a 783 from 1984

[@Gilstrains]

👍👌✌Lionel!

[@will2926]

The absolute best train company!! Gotta love Lionel Trains! Happy Railroading 🚂 🦁!!!

[@StMaartenIslandBoy]

Great content.. thanks

[@will2926]

Thank you glad you enjoyed! Happy railroading 🦁🚂!

[@jaimelopezaraiza175]

Wow wow my favorite place on earth chu chu place .

[@will2926]

Me too! My face reaction as we drove into the parking lot says it all!

[@RaysTrains]

Such an amazing video will thank you. I was pausing in the service department to see if I could spot my Conrail sw-1 but I couldn’t lol darn

[@will2926]

Thank you!! Stay tuned for more upcoming videos from the convention!! I was thinking of going slower on the repairs but didn't want to catch addresses in the video. I bet Lionel is taking care of your locomotive professionally! Happy Railroading!!

[@normstrains]

Good vid! Got a glimpse of the I1 Dec at 11:17 😮

[@will2926]

Nice catch Norm! From just that short clip it looks like there is a lot of nice brass parts on that locomotive! I'll be honest knowing me I was all eyes on that 2900 class!

[@pearsooo6972]

Wow now that's a dream come.true

[@will2926]

It really was!! I'm so happy I was able to attend! Happy Railroading!!

[@pearsooo6972]

@@will2926 happy railroading

[@Jokers_Trains]

Nice video, funny to see how many of my same engines they have on their shelfs.

[@will2926]

Thank you! Happy Railroading!!!

[@MUEagle2002]

Will, thanks for this video. I was scheduled to attend LCCA at Concord and was going to do this tour but I had to cancel in mid-July. I didn't have enough leave from work. So i had to cancel. I still plan on going to York and seeing family in San Francisco. But it bummed as a Lionel guy. I have the 1630 on order through my local DC area hobby shop. I also have the SP E8/9 in Bloodynose. Did you see those samples on the tour? Any word on the Legacy Berkshires? I have the Chicago & Northwestern on order through my LHS. Did Lionel say why they stopped making the 15" aluminum passenger cars? It would be cool if Lionel did a MPC Vintage Celebration series. I grew up on that stuff in the 1980s and 1990s in high school and college. Again thanks for the video. Come to York!

[@johnwilson9828]

Steve Davis rules (Great Lakes), he is still a model paint master, a great video presentation. Thanks.

[@will2926]

Yes he is! I want to learn a lot from him! That part of the tour was super informative! Thank you! Happy railroading 🦁🚂!

[@swordkirbyfilms7747]

I normally go to the warehouse in November when almost of their stock is on sale for a weekend. I do not know exactly when that is this year though.

[@dblclutch]

ron🚛--back in the 70's i used to make deliveries to Lionel in Mt. Clemens , Mich. and pickups to. interesting tour

[@toddsholtis4470]

Great vlog! Loved the tour. I just wish that Lionel would bring back some production to America/Canada/Mexico, like opening a small injection molding and assembly shop - and outfit it with automation and other modern manufacturing/assembly techniques so that maybe it could be competitive. You will never get close to the economies of scale or low hourly wage that China has, but some items could be brought back. I just don't like it when an iconic American brand gives up and just becomes a big warehouse with R& D and administrative departments.

[@will2926]

Thank you! This tour was truly a treat for all train enthusiasts! Lionel still does produce some rolling stock in the Concord Facility. Maybe they will produce locomotives in the future in the USA. Happy Railroading 🚂!

[@toddsholtis4470]

@@will2926 well Ii would say they do small assembly and/or decorating, but to do full manufacturing and assembly would be the key!

[@sneakerjockCA]

Will 🥰😍

[@will2926]

Hello! Welcome to the channel!! Happy Railroading 🚂🦁!!

[@sammyvh11]

I hope thats what heaven is like

[@will2926]

Trains will definitely be in my heaven! Be blessed and Happy Railroading!!

[@bhigdaddymark]

SUPERB video and tour! BRAVO to both you Will and Lionel indeed! My first time on your channel and because this was so well done, I'm subscribing. As a born and raised New Yorker and former NYCTA (New York City Transit Authority) employee back in 1983, I have a deep love for the subway system there as that was my introduction to railroading therefore I only own three Lionel sets: the tremendous Lionel NYCTA R30 subway set with automatic opening and closing doors and that feature alone makes the three sets of NYCTA subway models that Lionel produced the finest O-scale subway models ever produced. They first released the R27, then the R30 and sadly the final subway model the R16. I'm still upset that they stopped there not offering anymore subway models. I also have two sets of the Metro-North railroad M7 and one set thus far of the LIRR M7 set to which they stopped producing those two NYC area railroad models, another disappointment. Recently after finding my LIRR M7 set on eBay and needing parts, since the set is I believe more than 10 years old and parts weren't available from Lionel anymore, Lionel was nice enough to put me in touch with an authorised service centre that specialises in older hard to locate parts and I greatly appreciate that. This terrific video has for me shed a new light on Lionel of greater respect. Your enthusiasm is infectious! Thanks and all of the best to you as I'm looking forward to enjoying the content on your channel.

[@will2926]

Welcome to the channel!!! I'm so happy you enjoyed the video! This tour was absolutely incredible!! I'm finishing up this "series" of LCCA Convention videos with the Banquet! Overall, the convention was probably one of the best train experiences of my life! Touring the Lionel HQ was a once in a lifetime event! The staff was so professional and the products coming from Lionel are the best! Thank you & Happy Railroading 🦁🚂!!

[@alleghenycityproductions]

cool tour i'm a little jealous i'm waiting on the lionchief santa fe autorack set and i hope Cori did the crew talk on that set. i kinda have a crush on Cori and i hope she did the graffiti set dialog too as i plan on buying the graffiti set next year

[@will2926]

Thank you! One of the reasons why I did this video was to include everyone in our hobby on the tour! Lionel staff was incredible to talk with and they are such a great team! That would be cool if Cori is the voice! Happy railroading 🦁🚂!

[@CYBERJEKYLANTERN]

Iron station NC just got a new train shop called BERKSHIRE STATION in case you are interested he has everything from N-Scale to Lionel

[@will2926]

I'll have to take a look! If there is one thing I love to do is go to the train store!! Happy railroading 🦁🚂!

[@davidwayneprins]

I didn't realize Lionel HQ had moved from Mount Clemens, Michigan.

[@georgewoodget271]

I'm 60 yrs old, and just got back into the hobby after 43 yrs. I also noticed that none of the folks on tour were in their 20's 30's 40's or even first 50's I feel pricing on some of the products is over top for some young people. I also feel they are so into their Computer I phones and tablets. That a set is something out side of their generational understanding. They just can't relate to be honest.

[@will2926]

I noticed that as well. I think the hobby is in a time of change. Overall a lot of younger people are getting into the hobby. Lionel and other companies are making the products enjoyable for young kids and also expanding on different licensing. I agree sometimes the prices are high, however, with everything else nowadays inflation is everywhere. Happy Railroading 🚂!!

[@dizguy89]

What an awesome tour!! Thanks for taking us along with you!! If only we could all have an office that looked like Howard’s, hahahaa

[@will2926]

It was truly a once in a lifetime event! Funny story my last position I had a similar office where I had lots or toys and trains inside. Everyone really liked seeing them and sometimes I got gifts and I would display them! Happy railroading!!

[@dizguy89]

@@will2926 that’s so awesome!! You were worried that someone would take it?

[@stanleybaker8707]

Does Lionel have a catalog you can order 🤔.

[@will2926]

So at most Lionel authorized dealers and hobby stores they should have copies of the Lionel Catalog usually for free! The catalogs are fantastic!! Happy Railroading!!!

[@steelman86]

As the old saying goes, "the difference between men and boys is the price of their toys"!,!,

[@will2926]

That is a true statement! One of my favorite quotes from Postwar Lionel advertising is, "Lionel trains make boys feel like a man and men to feel more like a boy". Trains truly bring out the kid in us all! Happy Railroading!!

[@marknewman3360]

I took the tour when they were still located in Michigan

[@will2926]

Wow how was it!?! Any similarities or differences?? Thank you & Happy Railroading 🦁🚂!!

[@marknewman3360]

@@will2926 it was very short. Mostly a video and a small layout room

[@miguelalarcon2754]

what was the train of the year he was talking about?

[@will2926]

Steve and Ryan were talking about the locomotive that is/was available on the Lionelstore.com. Every year Lionel chooses to represent the "Locomotive of the Year" and they design the paint scheme with the awesome Lionel colors. This year is going to be the NYC DREYFUSS! Happy railroading 🦁🚂!

[@stevejones1318]

Pity they only keep stock going back ten years... my Lionel engine is 74 yrs old.

[@will2926]

If you help getting parts message me on IG and I'll get you in contact with Parts with Character. They specialize in Postwar and Prewar parts! Happy Railroading 🦁🚂

[@VirginianRailway]

Will they sell me defective engines at a discount price? I’d like to work on one, need a project to stay sane for awhile

[@will2926]

Hello! I have seen the Concord Retail Store sometimes hosts a warehouse sale and sell locomotives, rolling stock etc at discounted prices. Some of them have some defects. I've bought some incredible stuff during those sales. Hope this helps! Happy Railroading 🚂!

[@jonathanfrank4473]

Anyone own and operate the R30 subway cars? Do they operate reliably?

[@will2926]

So I don't have these cars but I can do some research and message back to you soon! Happy Railroading 🚂!!

[@jamesellis4664]

Can anyone tell me if they still make any products in the U.S.A? Or is it all China now.

[@will2926]

Yes! They still make plenty of products here in the USA!!! Not all of the products come from China. Some are from Vietnam too! Happy Railroading!!!

[@MMID303]

Where's Neil Young? Lol

[@will2926]

Right!? Neil Young is/was a pioneer in our great hobby. He and Richard Kughn did such great things for Lionel!! Happy Railroading 🚂!!

[@jonathanfrank4473]

Already have most of what I "need " but I won't buy amy more China-built stuff if I can avoid it.

[@will2926]

So most of the items from Lionel does come from China. However, some come from other places depending on the item. Overall I'm super pleased with Lionel and will be a customer forever! In the situations when something happens either in shipping or at the store during pickup, Lionel will 100% take care of its customers. Happy Railroading 🚂 !!

[@jafo766]

Ya gotta love this $tuff !

[@will2926]

Absolutely!! We 100% love this hobby! Best hobby ever! Happy Railroading!!!

[@Umbreon144]

Where is this

[@will2926]

The Lionel HQ is located in Concord, North Carolina. Happy Railroading!!!

[@MrAsmith1583]

Too bad they dont show any footage of the plant in China during the tour. I can only imagine whats going through those older gentlemans heads whenever China is mentioned knowing that their once beloved toys are no longer Made in USA.

[@will2926]

So, some Lionel products are still made in the USA. Overall, times have definitely change but one thing has remained the same. Lionel Trains is still amazing and truly make me feel like a kid at heart. Thank you & Happy Railroading 🦁🚂!!

[@marblox9300]

Long Outdated - real train tracks only have 2 rails.

[@sed6]

First impression, I'm really sad not to see any young people in that tour group. Where are the 40 year olds with their 10-year old kids? Those people are the future of the hobby not these...

[@will2926]

Overall, the convention had a large mix or ages in my opinion. I think some contributing factors could have been schooling or getting off work. I can say for myself I had to ask off to attend the convention. I do think there are a lot of younger generation people that love this hobby! Recently I attended a weekly gathering of the local train club, and I was truly amazed to see how many people attended! Most were in HO scale but a great mix of N Scalers all the way to G Scale. Another great thing I saw at the train show was seeing vendors give gifts to the younger generation kids and seeing all the reactions was amazing!! We are all in this hobby together! Thank you & Happy Railroading 🦁🚂!!

[@michaeltetzlaff4068]

Awesome video.Can you imagine having a job there?

[@will2926]

Thank you! I can only imagine!!! What an incredible place to work. Getting paid to play with trains, what more could you ask for!?! Happy Railroading!!!