I noticed on eBay that you can buy it either packaged in the white Department 56 packaging or in the typical Orange Lionel packaging. Was this just a cross promotion and the buildings are identical? Or are there differences? Just wondering which one to get.
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Towdog,
Dept 56 actually made 2 different Lionel train shop buildings. One was their regular production that you could buy at any Dept 56 retailer. The other one was a special run made for Allied Model Trains in California and could only be purchased from them. If I remember correctly, the difference between the two buildings were the Lionel catalog cover illustrations that decorated the exterior of the buildings-they were from different
years. I think the building address number on the front was also different and reflected the year of the catalog on each particular building. I can't exactly remember the catalog years involved. Also I'm not sure about the different packaging used. I'm sure other members might have some more information.
Nick
Nick:
Excellent comments that depict the production of the two releases. The packaging is different between the two.
The station was part of a collaboration between Lionel and Allied trains that involved a freight train, Heritage Village Box car, Snow Village Box Car, Holly Brothers tanker, Real Plastic Snow hopper car, gondolas car, caboose, and A Department 56 Baby Hudson.
Towdog,
Here is an update on the information that I gave you. Some of it was correct but some was "close but no cigar". I actually have both of these buildings but they have been packed away for awhile, so I dug them out for a closer look.
The Lionel train Shop packaged in the familiar orange and cream Lionel box was the limited edition version made for Allied Model trains in California. There were 5000 made and were available only in 1998, after which it was retired. The year 1946 which is on the top front of the building is the year Allied opened for business. The number 4411 on the blue awning over the entry door on the front of the building is the actual street number at which Allied Trains was located.
The Lionel Train Shop packaged in the regular white Dept 56 box was the regular production version that could be purchased an any Dept 56 retailer. I don't have a production number that were made, but it was produced from 1998-2000 after which
it was retired. I suspect that there were many more than 5000 produced. This version also had the year 1946 on the top front of the building. On the blue awning over the front entry door however, this version was lettered "Tims Train Center".
I was correct about the exterior building decorations. Both versions are different from each other in the Lionel catalog cover illustrations on the sides of the buildings. In addition, the front display windows have different advertising decorations as well. I still don't know what years the catalog covers depict-someone with much more postwar knowledge then me will probable be able to help with that.
Nick
I remember a topic a while ago about the Department 56 Lionel Train Shop and I saved the info. Here is some info originally posted by forum member ogaugeguy:
Those of you who have this building might not know that in 1998 Dept.56 produced the very first of these buildings. It was a limited run EXCLUSIVELY for Allied Model Trains in Culver City, CA. Only 5,000 of these special pieces were produced, and they were all sold out even before they were delivered from the factory! Prices skyrocketed, and at shows in 1998 and 1999, these rare pieces changed hands for $300.00 to $500.00. The differences between the limited run and the regular production run of the Lionel Electric Train Shop which was produced the following year are:
the Dept. 56 stock number is different.
Makes a great centerpiece for a scene of "All Things Christmas" 
Jim
Jim, that is a fabulous scene. It was nice to say hello to you at York.
Jim,
The setting is great and i like the locomotive......
Thanks, Brian and Trainbug.
Brian, good seeing you also at York. Wish we had a chance to visit a little longer - maybe next time.
Jim
Thanks all for the very helpful comments. It would be nice to get the one without the Christmas wreath for use on an all-year layout. I am going to have to take a closer look at both to make my decision. Boy the prices sure have come down since its release.
Makes a great centerpiece for a scene of "All Things Christmas"
Jim
Jim,
I have never met you but I saw and saved this picture on my computer when I was first getting into the hobby back in 2009. They capture the beauty and thrill of this hobby like few other pictures can. Thanks again for the great image. You are truly one of the true masters of not only scenery but photography in this hobby.
Thank you for the kind words, towdog.
Every once in a while things all seem to come together!
Jim
Lionel Electric Train Shop Allied Models 1998 02202
Originally posted by Machinist:
The Lionel train Shop packaged in the familiar orange and cream Lionel box was the limited edition version made for
Allied Model trains in California. There were 5000 made and were available only in 1998,
after which it was retired. The year 1946 which is on the top front of the building is the year
Allied opened for business. The number 4411 on the blue awning over the entry door on the front of the building is
the actual street number at which Allied Trains was located.
Btw, if anybody wants to buy one, I have one for sale. It works and I will accept a reasonable offer!
I love the Dept 56 Train Shop, may just move it from the Christmaslayout to the everyday layout.
It was one of the first Dept 56 building I bought. It is fun to see both versions and how people have used it.
TURTLE 2 posted:It was one of the first Dept 56 building I bought. It is fun to see both versions and how people have used it.
Agreed it's great to see how they are used !
The Lionel shop from Allied Models has no Christmas decorations on it so it can be used on a train layout year round without looking like Holiday building you would use under a Christmas tree in a village ! Both are a very nice addition to any layout !
This is mine from Allied Models on my Christmas layout with all Dept 56 Snow Village buildings
Love the Dept 56 Lionel train shop would love to find one within my price range. Or I might just have to build a Lionel shop model myself.
Originally posted by Khayden93:
Love the Dept 56 Lionel train shop would love to find one within my price range.
Sending e-mail!
My recollection from past discussions of this building is that most folks thought the regular production version was a bit nicer in appearance than the Allied Models limited edition. I remember seeing photos of both of them from all sides, and I agreed with that assessment (I have the regular production version).
The regular version has the wreath as well as the two trees out front, which dress it up a lot. I also think the window decorations are better looking on the regular version. If the OP is concerned about the wreath in a year-round display, the wreath could be removed, and put back on during the holiday season.
Khayden93 posted:Love the Dept 56 Lionel train shop would love to find one within my price range. Or I might just have to build a Lionel shop model myself.
Check the big auction site. These things always spike around the holidays (as you would expect). However, you also see sellers who will let them go for decent discounts as they know people are out there shopping and they want to move them.
I bought one around Christmas 3-4 years ago and found it at a reasonable price.
Great looking building.
prrhorseshoecurve posted:Originally posted by Khayden93:
Love the Dept 56 Lionel train shop would love to find one within my price range.Sending e-mail!
Okay great thanks
Grampstrains posted:There is a great article about Dept. 56 and Lionel trains in the New issue of the LCCA "The Lion Roars" magazine.
This is it
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