On January 20th, 2020, the Lionel 2020 “Big Book” Catalog released. You might be wondering, “What should I buy from this?” This review will answer your questions. Now, let’s get started.

When you pick up a catalog, the first thing you see is the cover highlighting Lionel’s 120th anniversary this year. The people at Lionel did an amazing job on the cover.

The table of contents is so long, hinting at the fact that Lionel has many products. On the next page, there is a write-up on Lionel turning 120 this year. On the next two pages, it shows a Lionel timeline, which says “Lionel Magic Through The Decades.” When you turn the page, you see the Lionel Limited, a special set created for Lionel turning 120. It comes with a few sets of passenger cars.

Also featured is the Lionel 120th Deluxe Lionchief Plus 2.0 F3 set. Next, there is a special Lionchief set, billboards, an Angela Trotta Thomas boxcar, a girder bridge, and a milk car.

On page 12, it says you are entering O Scale, and lists the features. Then, the VisionLine GS series is introduced. Next, it shows the Brass Hybrid GS-1. The price is $2199.99. You might be thinking “Wow, that’s expensive.” But you need to take into account that this is a top-of-the-line model, which is packed with new, advanced features, including reciprocating cylinder steam.

Next comes the VisionLine GS-2. Flip the page, and you will see the Lark set. I think this set looks very good. On the next page, there is the GS-3. They also feature the Golden State set with a fantasy scheme on the locomotive, which is a GS-3. When I saw this, something caught my eye. On the bottom right, it says “Matching E7 Locomotive Sets Coming In Volume II Catalog.”

The Vision GS-4, including 4449, and the American Freedom Train version of 4449 is pictured. An American Freedom Train T1 and some cars are also shown.

The Chessie System GS-4, an auxiliary water tender, and some passenger cars are shown. Lastly, there is the Southern Pacific Vision Stock Express set, the GS-5 with passenger cars, and on ththe Western Pacific/Southern Pacific GS-6.

Well, that’s the end of Part 1. Stay tuned for Part 2, which is releasing soon.