Jeff Ludden

At the turn of the 20th century, a young inventor named Joshua Lionel Cowan came up with the idea of powering a model train with electricity. Lionel Train's CEO Howard Hitchcock says electricity in homes was a recent phenomenon, so this was an exciting new technology.

At the turn of the 20th century, a young inventor named Joshua Lionel Cowan came up with the idea of powering a model train with electricity. Lionel Train's CEO Howard Hitchcock says electricity in homes was a recent phenomenon, so this was an exciting new technology.

And Lionel Trains has continued to embrace innovation. Lionel is putting out several products to celebrate its 125th anniversary, including a whole new Star Wars-themed series of trains. For NPR News, I'm Jeff London in New York.

And Lionel Trains has continued to embrace innovation. Lionel is putting out several products to celebrate its 125th anniversary, including a whole new Star Wars-themed series of trains. For NPR News, I'm Jeff London in New York.