Lionel trains, MTH trains, K-Line, other toy trains at Trainz.com > Trains

O Gauge is defined as 1:48 (0.25 inches to the foot) and the prewar era represents the time period from 1901 to 1942. It is termed O gauge, instead of O Scale because of the 3rd track rail, and for the trains not generally made to scale, but more approximately to scale. In the United States, manufacturers such as Ives, American Flyer, and Lionel ruled the O gauge toy train rails. Their earlier O gauge trains were made for their budget lines, marketing larger scales (Standard Gauge or Wide Gauge) as their premium trains. The Great Depression wiped out demand for the expensive larger gauge trains, and by 1932, O scale was the standard, almost by default.

On occasion, Trainz stocks rare and valuable collections of O-Prewar trains and accessories from Lionel, American Flyer, Ives, and other classic manufacturers. To browse our O-Scale Prewar items, please click a category link below.

If you don't see what you're looking for here in our store, please check our eBay auctions for O-Scale Prewar items.