By Judy Shields
Los Angeles, California (The Hollywood Times) 04/19/2025
Project Roar Publishing announces the release of Lights, Camera, Lionel Trains! A Photo History of an American Icon by Roger Carp, timed to Lionel Trains’ 125th anniversary. This visually rich volume unveils how Lionel became a cornerstone of 20th-century American culture through never-before-seen photographs and incisive commentary.
Roger Carp, senior editor at Classic Toy Trains magazine and a Lionel historian, shares: “This book isn’t just about trains—it’s about the dreams they sparked and the generations they united. Lionel’s tracks ran through living rooms, courtrooms, and movie sets, weaving themselves into America’s story.”
Trailer of the Unboxing 𝙇𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨, 𝘾𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙖, 𝙇𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙡 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨! 𝘼 𝙋𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙤 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙄𝙘𝙤𝙣 with Author Roger Carp.
Key Highlights:
• Exclusive Visual Archive: 100 new photo essays spanning Lionel’s 125-year history, featuring Hollywood icons, historical figures, and everyday families.
• Cultural Time Capsule: Explores Lionel’s role in postwar family life, Hollywood films, legal history, and charity work.
• Perfect Nostalgia Gift: Combines American history and emotional resonance for Father’s Day or holiday gifting.
The Hollywood Times had the opportunity to speak with Roger all about his awesome new hardbound book. Enjoy our conversation:
Don’t forget to order a few copies of Roger Carp’s new book and give one to the Father in your life, or your son, grandson and or special person. Maybe even a Lionel Train starter set to go along with the book. Birthday, Father’s day, anniversary and of course Christmas, what an amazing gift this book will be. There is so much history in this book about trains, celebrities, historical folks and events, plus the most important thing, photos of Lionel Trains with every turn of the pages. My grandson is 6 years now and I believe after reading Roger’s book and looking through all the photos I will be buying my grandson a train set for Christmas this year. Santa will be busy this year delivering Lionel train sets or even a Lego train set or two for the beginning set.
Roger told me that he thought it might be a good idea to start a younger child with a BRIO set, which I had to look it up and they look awesome with great color too.
He also mentioned to get a Lego set as the next age category, which my grandson and son love Legos and you can build a whole city for the train set.
Then of course there is the Lionel electric train sets too:
Inside the Book:
- Lionel’s impact on postwar American family life and consumer culture.
• How Lionel trains appeared in classic Hollywood films and celebrity homes.
• The surprising role of Lionel trains in courtrooms and charity events.
John Schmid, publisher at Project Roar Publishing, adds: “Roger’s work captures the essence of why Lionel has endured for 125 years. It’s a must-have for train enthusiasts and anyone interested in American pop culture.”
Availability:
Lights, Camera, Lionel Trains! (224 pages, 220+ photos) is available:
• Hardcover: $49.95 (ISBN: 978-1-933600-07-9)
• Limited Autographed Edition: $99.95 (ISBN: 978-1-933600-08-6)
• Purchase through Project Roar Publishing (PO Box 95, Winfield, IL
60190; www.projectroar.com; 630-653-ROAR (7627), Amazon, Trains.com, Baker & Taylor, and hobby retailers.
About the Author:
Roger Carp, Ph.D., is a historian and senior editor at Classic Toy Trains. With over 20 books on Lionel, including award-winning titles, Carp is a leading authority on toy train legacy.
About Project Roar Publishing:
Founded by father-son duo John and George Schmid, Project Roar Publishing specializes in meticulously researched books on Lionel trains, preserving and sharing a unique slice of Americana
